{"id":6798,"date":"2025-10-15T13:56:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T18:56:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mam.org\/info\/pressroom\/?p=6798"},"modified":"2026-04-23T11:04:45","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T16:04:45","slug":"generosity-takes-center-stage-in-major-fall-exhibition-at-the-milwaukee-art-museum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mam.org\/info\/pressroom\/2025\/10\/generosity-takes-center-stage-in-major-fall-exhibition-at-the-milwaukee-art-museum\/","title":{"rendered":"Generosity Takes Center Stage in Major Fall Exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Museum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking Forward: New Gifts of Art<\/em> highlights new and promised gifts of art that help the Museum build a stronger collection for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Jonas Wood (American, b. 1977), Kiki with Leopard in My Studio<\/em>, 2020. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 65 \u00d7 65 in. (165.1 \u00d7 165.1 cm). Milwaukee Art Museum, Promised gift of Christine A. Symchych and James P. McNulty, PG2021.3 \u00a9 Gagosian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

MILWAUKEE, WI<\/strong>\u2014October 10, 2025\u2014This fall, the Milwaukee Art Museum will debut Looking Forward: New Gifts of Art<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, a special exhibition celebrating the generosity that is shaping the future of one of Milwaukee\u2019s most beloved cultural institutions. Opening November 7, 2025<\/strong>, the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of Mrs. Harry Lynde \u201cPeg\u201d Bradley\u2019s transformational gift of modern art\u2014an act of civic pride that forever changed the Museum\u2019s identity\u2014and honors a new generation of donors who are continuing that legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Museum is excited to unveil a selection of recent and promised gifts of art from over 500 works that have been donated outright or promised by supporters as part of a strategic initiative to strengthen the collection. Highlights include Kiki with Leopard in My Studio<\/em> (2020) by Jonas Wood<\/strong> and Bruise Painting \u201cYoung Americans\u201d<\/em> (2021) by Rashid Johnson<\/strong> which build on the Museum\u2019s growing focus on contemporary painting by leading artists today. Another key addition is Mountains, Santa Fe<\/em> (1920) by John Sloan<\/strong>, a significant addition to the institution\u2019s cornerstone holdings of the Ashcan School and The Eight. The gifts of art vary across collecting areas, medium, and subject matter, supporting the Museum\u2019s curatorial priorities to expand representation and bring new voices and narratives into the galleries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Milwaukee Art Museum\u2019s legacy has been profoundly shaped by the generosity of collectors who have donated extraordinary works of art for the benefit of the public. Many were inspired by Peg Bradley\u2014a visionary patron who collected with a clear purpose: to share the power of art with future generations,\u201d said Kim Sajet, Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director.<\/strong> \u201cArt is a gift of imagination\u2014it challenges us to see the world through new perspectives and inspires lifelong learning about ourselves and others. These collectors, through their passion and generosity, have made an enduring impact on our cultural landscape\u2014and their gifts are a lasting legacy to the city of Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the paintings mentioned above, the exhibition includes remarkable works of art that underscore the impact of this initiative. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n