The Farnsworth Art Museum is excited to announce a major new exhibition that tells the story of Maine in American art from the 19th century to today. Farnsworth Forward will offer visitors an entirely new gallery experience presenting seldom-seen works as well as select new contemporary art donations and acquisitions.

As the Farnsworth prepares for this major re-interpretation, the museum will be closed to the public for five weeks, from Wednesday, February 9 through Friday, March 11. The museum will reopen Saturday, March 12.

“The last two years have been very tough for so many art institutions throughout the world,” commented Farnsworth Director Christopher J. Brownawell. “The Farnsworth has weathered the pandemic exceptionally well by focusing on keeping our doors open and offering our community a safe, beautiful place to find inspiration.

The world has changed during the pandemic. Here at the Farnsworth, we’ve been focused on reflecting how to tell a richer, more diverse story of the contributions Maine’s artists have made and continue to make. We’re thrilled to offer our visitors something fresh, new and exciting.”

The exhibition Farnsworth Forward is organized by Interim Chief Curator Jane Bianco and Guest Curator Suzette McAvoy. Bianco, has been with the Farnsworth since 2007. Suzette McAvoy, the former director of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockland, has been engaged by the Farnsworth to expand the museum’s contemporary art program that will be launched in 2023 to coincide with the museum’s 75th anniversary. She is an independent curator, arts writer, and museum consultant with more than thirty-five years’ experience in the field of fine art and museums.

During the five-week closure, the Farnsworth will continue to run a full gamut of online public and studio programs, which primarily take place on Zoom. For more information regarding these upcoming programs visit the museum’s website at www.farnsworthmuseum.org