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Concord Museum Exhibition: A Perpetual Invitation: 150 Years of Art at the Concord Free Public Library

June 23, 2023

On view now at the Concord Museum! In honor of the Concord Free Public Library’s 150th Anniversary, the Concord Museum, the Concord Free Public Library, and the Concord Free Public Library Corporation’s William Munroe Special Collections have collaborated on a special exhibition featuring the Library’s art collection. Featured objects include paintings by Washington Allston, N.C. Wyeth, May Alcott Nieriker, Charles Hovey Pepper, Alicia Keyes, and Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, among other artists, as well as sculptures depicting noted Concord authors such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott.

When establishing the Library in 1873, founder William Munroe envisioned a combined library and art gallery, with the goal of creating a public space where Concord residents could experience art and culture. Munroe aimed to offer artists, donors, and visitors a “perpetual invitation” to explore and expand the Library’s art collection.

The original architectural plans for the Main Library included an art museum annex but the space was never built. This exhibition is a unique opportunity for the public to view the Library’s collection in a single gallery space.

The exhibition also highlights Concord’s artist communities, local art collectors, the history of institutions promoting public access to works of art, and the stories of specific artists, including May Alcott Nieriker, Alicia Keyes, Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, and others who have lived and worked in Concord.

Runs until 9-4-23

Details

Date:
June 23, 2023
Event Categories:
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Website:
https://concordmuseum.org/events/a-perpetual-invitation/

Organizer

Concord Museum
Phone
978-369-9763
View Organizer Website