"A Shared Love: Treasures of American Painting (1878–1919) from the Carol and Terry Wall Collection"

"A Shared Love: Treasures of American Painting (1878–1919) from the Carol and Terry Wall Collection"

Montclair, NJ–[May 21, 2024]–The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) proudly announces the opening of its exhibition, A Shared Love: Treasures of American Painting (1878–1919) from the Carol and Terry Wall Collection, running until February 16, 2025. This exhibition, curated from the private collection of Carol and Terry Wall, offers a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore a comprehensive selection of American paintings by some of the most prominent painters from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, William Merritt Chase, and Mary Cassatt.

Inspired by a shared passion for art and a desire to contribute to the Museum, Terry Wall has generously agreed to lend these masterpieces of American art to the Montclair Art Museum. Carol and Terry Wall have meticulously assembled a collection that reflects their personal tastes and deep appreciation for American painting. This exhibition is a testament to the visionary generosity and leadership of longtime MAM trustee and Co-Chair, Carol Wall (1947–2022).

Gail Stavitsky, Chief Curator at the Montclair Art Museum, remarks, "The exhibition operates on multiple levels, reflecting the Walls' love for each other, their dedication to the Museum, and their discerning eye for art. It offers viewers a glimpse into the intimate connection between the collectors and the artworks, inviting them to experience the joy and beauty of American painting."

Ira Wagner, Executive Director of the Montclair Art Museum, emphasizes the significance of the exhibition within the institution's mission. "This exhibition aligns perfectly with our commitment to celebrating American art and fostering creativity within our community," says Wagner. "By offering visitors a curated selection of masterworks from this period, alongside a full range of historic and contemporary works across our galleries we aim to provide a transformative experience that sparks curiosity and appreciation for the arts."

Additionally, Wagner highlights the diverse range of artistic expression showcased in the exhibition, including "luminous landscapes to captivating portraits.  We hope that this diverse collection will inspire visitors to engage deeply with the art and consider its relevance in today's world."

Celebrating the creative spirit that flourished in American painting during the turn of the century, it is through a shared love of art between Carol and Terry Wall that these artists’ works will hang in the Montclair Art Museum's galleries for our community to admire.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Montclair Art Museum will host a series of related programming, including docent-led tours, panel discussions, and educational workshops.

Image
John Singer Sargent (1856 –1925). "Gondolier's Siesta," ca. 1902-03. Watercolor on paper. Carol Vance Wall Collection of American Art.
John Singer Sargent (1856 –1925). "Gondolier's Siesta," ca. 1902-03. Watercolor on paper. Carol Vance Wall Collection of American Art.

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William Merritt Chase (1849–1916). "Portrait of Miss L," ca. 1892. Oil on canvas. Carol Vance Wall Collection of American Art.
William Merritt Chase (1849–1916). "Portrait of Miss L," ca. 1892. Oil on canvas. Carol Vance Wall Collection of American Art.


About the Montclair Art Museum (MAM)

The Montclair Art Museum (MAM) boasts a renowned collection of American and Native American art that uniquely highlights art-making in the United States over the last 300 years. Works in MAM's Native American art collection span the period of ca. 1200 C.E. to the present day. The Vance Wall Art Education Center encompasses the Museum’s educational efforts, including award-winning Yard School of Art studio classes, lectures and talks, family events, tours, and the mobile MAM Art Truck. MAM exhibitions and programs serve a wide public of all ages, from families and seniors to artists, educators, and scholars.

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, The Vance Wall Foundation, and Museum members.