Including over 130 works, this exhibition was a “song of praise” to the nation, offering insight into American history and culture, and celebrating the spirit of independence and ingenuity that has marked American folk art from colonial days to the present. Within a chronological framework, thematic groupings allowed an examination of artists’ diverse responses to cultural priorities and influences, including politics, patriotism, religion and community.
A variety of media were offered in this exhibition, including beautiful, well-crafted functional objects, textiles, paintings and sculpture. Highlights included folk paintings by Grandma Moses, Horace Pippin and Ralph Fasanello, as well as Southern artists Howard Finster, Bill Traylor and Bessie Harvey. American Anthem:
Masterworks from the American Folk Art Museum was organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York.
American Anthem was sponsored by Altria Group, Inc.
