Spotlight: American Art Masters Come Together in Sweeping, Collaborative Exhibition in West Palm Beach

Staged at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, the show brings together some of the biggest names of American art.

Installation view of "Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters" (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

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Right now at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (ANSG) in West Palm Beach, a dynamic exhibition titled “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters,” is in full bloom. Created in partnership with Heather James Fine Art, the show at ANSG features a breadth of artists who are all members of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios (HAHS) program—which the ANSG joined in 2019. In part highlighting the program, which is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “Discovering Creativity” offers a singular opportunity to experience the work of some of the most important American artists of the past century.

Speaking of the collaboration, Board Chairwoman for the ANSG, France Fisher, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering once again with Heather James Fine Art—building on the success of last winter’s exhibition. This exhibition is especially meaningful as the gardens is a HAHS member and we look forward to showcasing Ann Norton’s work alongside American art masters. We welcome the community to visit this exhibition and experience these rich artist legacies.”

Including works by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, Elaine De Kooning, and Rockwell Kent, the exhibition employs both curatorial and chronological arrangements and themes to highlight the innovation and achievement of American artists. Set within the context of Ann Norton’s home and studio, the presentation taps into the myriad inspirations and influences that the American landscape—across continental geographies—and culture provided. It also allows the work of each artist to dialogue with one another, providing a fresh perspective for even the most seasoned art-goers.

A highlight of the show is a work by social realist painter Grant Wood, Portrait of Nan (1931), featuring the artist’s sister, who was also used as a model for his iconic painting American Gothic (1930). Wood’s portraits are exceedingly rare, Portrait of Nan was kept by the artist in his own home, and today is one of the last major works by the artist in a private collection.

On the importance of “Discovering Creativity,” Heather James Fine Art Acquisitions Specialist Breck Kling said, “Art has the power to bridge gaps and bring people together. Through this unique collaboration with ANSG and HAHS, we’re bringing some of the very best artists from American history to the doorstep of our cherished Florida arts community.”

For both new and returning visitors to the ANSG, as well as American art enthusiasts alike, this West Palm Beach exhibition is not to be missed, offering a rare opportunity to be immersed in a collection of some of the finest artworks of the 20th century.

See inside the exhibition below.

Installation view of "Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters" (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of "Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters" (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of "Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters" (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of "Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters" (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

Installation view of “Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” (2024), at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach. Courtesy of Heather James Fine Art.

“Discovering Creativity: American Art Masters” is on view at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, West Palm Beach, through March 17, 2024.