Featuring over seventy significant works from the American Folk Art Museum’s collection, this exhibition offers insight into the diverse landscape of folk and self-taught art in the United States from the eighteenth century to the present day. Capturing thoughts and experiences, the dynamic artistic production on view functions as a witness to history, a carrier of cultural heritage, and a reflection of the world at large. The idea of art’s entanglement with our shared and complex past—and the ability of artists to speak to, counter, and nuance those histories—animates this vibrant installation. 

Four primary sections, organized under the titles “Founders, Travelers, Philosophers, and Seekers,” explore the roles, ideas, and firsthand testimonies of artists of various backgrounds and perspectives. A wide range of forms—from quilts, embroidery, and assemblages to pottery, paintings, and sculpture—reveals aspects of American identity, nationhood, and histories, and celebrates the multiplicity of insights art can offer on these questions. Through the interweaving of historical and contemporary works that speak to the beauty, complexity, and contradiction of this country, American Perspectives affirms that everyone has a story to tell. 

Each piece in the exhibition holds a unique and intimate viewpoint from a broad collection of artists. “The individual stories and ways that these works of art carry these stories forward is reflected beautifully in this show. Visitors have the opportunity to delve deeply—to go down a rabbit hole, so to speak—with each piece, and you can really fall in love with these objects and their makers,” says Ramey Mize, PMA’s Assistant Curator of American Art. “It’s an invitation to look closer and to look at things differently, to adopt a new perspective.” American Perspectives stages questions regarding U.S. identity, nationhood, and histories, creating space for a multiplicity of viewpoints on these issues and embracing the dynamism and diversity of American life. 

About Art Bridges: 

Art Bridges is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. The mission of Art Bridges is to expand access to American art in all regions across the United States. Since 2017, Art Bridges has been creating and supporting programs that bring outstanding works of American art out of storage and into communities. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 190 museums of all sizes and locations to provide financial and strategic support for exhibition development, loans from the Art Bridges collection, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. 

About the Portland Museum of Art:

With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special members events, Free School Tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Films, curator talks, and tours of the Winslow Homer Studio—it's all happening at the PMA.