Farm to Frame

Exhibitions

Gerrit V. Sinclair (American, 1890–1955), Wash in the Wind (detail), 1945.

Egg and oil tempera on Masonite panel. 18 × 24 in. (45.72 × 60.96 cm). Layton Art Collection, Inc., Purchase L432. Photo by John R. Glembin

Overview

  • December 6, 2024–September 28, 2025

  • The Godfrey American Art Wing, Level 2, Gallery K230

  • Free for Members

  • Included with admission

Wisconsin’s identity is deeply intertwined with its agricultural roots. From rolling dairy farms to expansive crop fields, the state’s pastoral beauty has long inspired artists. The paintings and prints featured in Farm to Frame depict scenes of crop production specific to Wisconsin and give insight into the daily life of a farmer. Some works present romanticized views of the trade, while others showcase the harsh realities of rural life. Together, these works reflect agriculture’s vital role in shaping Wisconsin’s economy, culture, and artistic production.

This exhibition is drawn from the Layton Art Collection at the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Museum’s collection.

Farm to Frame is a Layton Art Collection Focus Exhibition. The steward of the collection Frederick Layton started and one of Milwaukee’s founding public art collections, the Layton Art Collection, Inc., is proud to partner with the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Selected artworks

Robert Von Neumann Sr. (American, b. Germany, 1888–1976), Apple Harvest in the Kickapoo Valley, ca. 1943.

Oil on board. 25 1/4 × 37 1/4 in. (64.14 × 94.62 cm). Gift of Gimbel Bros., Milwaukee, M1959.45

Charles Winstanley Thwaites (American, 1904–2002), Corn, 1948.

Oil on Masonite panel. 24 × 32 1/8 in. (60.96 × 81.6 cm). Gift of Gimbel Bros., Milwaukee, M1959.51. Photo by John R. Glembin

George Raab (American, 1866–1943), Crab Apples and Basket, ca. 1920s.

Oil on cardboard panel. 9 3/8 × 11 7/8 in. (23.81 × 30.16 cm). Layton Art Collection, Inc., Gift of Miss Lilian Sabin L426. Photo by John R. Glembin

Possibly Woodruff (American, active 20th century), Cheese Factory, ca. 1930s.

Oil on canvas. 30 × 45 in. (76.2 × 114.3 cm). Layton Art Collection, Inc. L446. Photo by John R. Glembin

Gerrit V. Sinclair (American, 1890–1955), Wash in the Wind, 1945.

Egg and oil tempera on Masonite panel. 18 × 24 in. (45.72 × 60.96 cm). Layton Art Collection, Inc., Purchase L432. Photo by John R. Glembin

Frank Utpatel (American, 1905–1980), Wisconsin Hills, ca. 1937.

Wood engraving. Block: 6 7/16 × 8 13/16 in. (16.35 × 22.38 cm); sheet: 10 9/16 × 14 9/16 in. (26.83 × 36.99 cm). Courtesy of the Fine Arts Collection, U.S. General Services Administration WPA, Federal Art Project, 1935-1943, M1942.46. Photo by John R. Glembin. Image courtesy of Fine Arts Collection, U.S. General Services Administration

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Supporting sponsor

  • Layton Art Collection, Inc.