See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection

February 7-June 28, 2026

See It Now brings together bold, thought-provoking works from the collection of long-time Museum trustee Ann Schaffer and her husband, Mel Schaffer. For more than fifty years, the Schaffers have collected contemporary art with an adventurous spirit—following what moved them, challenged them, or sparked curiosity, rather than market trends.

See it Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection

Preview the Exhibition

Julie Herrernan (b. 1956). Study for Self Portrait with Roses, 2001. Oil on canvas. Courtesy of Ann and Mel Schaffer.

Alex Gardner (b. 1987). Forgot My Wallet, 2017. Acrylic on linen. Courtesy of Ann and Mel Schaffer.

Nan Goldin (b. 1953). Jimmy Paulette and Misty in a taxi NYC 1991, 1991. From the series The Other Side.

Their collection includes a wide range of artists and approaches, from inventive installations and unexpected materials to intimate portraits and conceptual works. Across these differences runs a shared thread: each piece reflects a personal story or perspective on what it means to be human. Some works are playful, others unsettling, but all encourage us to look closely and engage with the complexity of our world.

As dedicated supporters of emerging and established artists, the Schaffers have built a collection shaped by empathy, risk-taking, and a deep interest in diverse voices. Now, visitors are invited to experience these works firsthand—to see it now.

^{Banner Image:}

^{Detail of Portrait of Ann Schapps Schaffer and Mel Schaffer in their dining room, 2024, photograph by Christ Mottalini.}

^{See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection}^{is organized by Ian Berry, Dayton Director, with Rachel Seligman, Malloy Curator, and Jack McLaughlin, Skidmore College class of 2025.}

^{The exhibition is supported by the Friends of the Tang.}
^{Generous support at MAM provided by Room & Board, the Lyn and Glenn Reiter Endowed Special Exhibition Fund, Heather and Vincent Benjamin, Susan V. Bershad Charitable Fund, Susan E. Cole, Lynn Glasser, The Helwig Family, Christine James and Nick De Toustain, Joanne and Fred Langbein, Lana Masor, Lisa and Matthew Russman, Brian Saltzman and Alma Schneider, Ann and Mel Schaffer, Cheryl and Marc Slutzky, and Margo and Frank Walter}

^{All MAM programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Museum members.}

Logos for New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Discovery Jersey Arts

See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection

See It Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection

See it Now: Contemporary Art from the Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection

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