John Frederick Kensett (American, 1816-72). Singing Beach & Eagle Rock, Magnolia, Massachusetts, 1864, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen PhD Foundation.
The Asheville Art Museum announces "American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection" is on exhibit."American Made"is on view from Oct. 17, to Feb. 20, 2025, and features over 80 paintings and sculptures. Though many objects in the exhibition have been on view at other museums, ranging from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this exhibition showcases the best of the DeMell Jacobsen Collection brought together in one location.
"American Made"provides an in-depth look at the evolution of American creativity from the Colonial era to the early 20th century. The highlights include portraits by masters like Benjamin West, Thomas Sully, and Sarah Miriam Peale. There are sweeping landscapes by Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, and Jasper Francis Cropsey, and still lifes by Severin Roesen, Charles Ethan Porter, and Adelaide Coburn Palmer. The exhibition also features captivating genre scenes and the work of American artists who traveled to Europe, such as Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Childe Hassam.
“This exhibition is a celebration of great American artists and their diverse contributions to the nation’s artistic history,” said Pamela L. Myers, Executive Director of the Asheville Art Museum. “We are honored to host 'American Made'here in Asheville, giving our community and visitors the unique opportunity to engage with these exceptional works of art."
The exhibition also includes an interactive element with talking portraits that come to life through QR codes. By scanning the codes, visitors can hear each subject share a personal story and provide insights into their portrait, encouraging a deeper exploration of the artwork. This feature adds an educational dimension, particularly for young visitors and students, making the exhibition more engaging and informative.
On opening night, Oct. 17, Diane DeMell Jacobson gives a public talk about the collection and shares the inspiring story behind her decisions to make it accessible to the public. The talk offers visitors a unique opportunity to hear directly from the collector about her passion for American Art and her vision of sharing this collection with museums and their audiences.
"American Made"is a special ticketed exhibition that costs $10 formuseum members and general admission, plus $10 for non-members. For more information, visitashevilleartmuseum.org.
American Madewas curated by Todd Herman, PhD, President and CEO of The Mint Museum; Kevin Sharp, Director of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens; and Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, Senior Curator of American Art at The Mint Museum.
This exhibition has been made possible through the generous major support of Julia Calkins Peterson and James Peterson, with additional support provided by Brunk Auctions.
