A Collector’s Story & Preview Party
with Dr. Diane DeMell Jacobsen
for American Made:
Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection
Members $60 \ Non-members $100
Huntsville, Ala. – The Huntsville Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees and Mayor Tommy Battle invite you to an exclusive presentation and preview party of American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection with guest speaker Dr. Diane DeMell Jacobsen for The Collector’s Story on Thursday, March 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dr. Jacobsen is an accomplished individual whose remarkable achievements span various domains. From her successful career in business and executive management to her contributions in international affairs and advocacy for the arts, she has made a significant impact on society. Through her leadership of the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation, she continues to promote and preserve American art, creating opportunities for people to appreciate and engage with artistic masterpieces. Dr. Jacobsen’s dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to others, reflecting the profound impact that one individual can have on the world. Dr. Jacobsen will discuss how her collecting journey began and share some of her favorite acquisition stories.
“In this talk, I shall highlight the importance of American art and share my passion for educating the public about our nation’s rich cultural heritage,” said Dr. Jacobsen. “Acquiring, conserving, and appropriately framing art is an exciting, often challenging, and sometimes humorous adventure. I’m delighted to tell my stories at the Huntsville Museum of Art.”
American Made surveys two centuries of American creativity. The exhibition begins with colonial-era portraits by masters, such as Benjamin West, Thomas Sully, and Sarah Miriam Peale, and then moves on to highlight the development of mid-19th-century landscape painting. Viewers will discover works depicting the United States from coast to coast by artists, including Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand, Jasper Francis Copsey, and even a monumental arctic scene by William Bradford.
In addition to landscape paintings, the exhibition includes still lives and genre scenes — two other types of paintings that became popular in the 19th century. Charming and moralizing genre scenes, often packed with fascinating narrative detail, include masterpieces by Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau, Seymour Guy, and Daniel Huntington. The American experience in Europe is also represented, as many artists from this country traveled abroad to seek training and patronage in the decades leading up to the 20th century. Striking canvases by Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and their fellow overseas travelers, are included in the exhibition.
“American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection showcases exquisite masterpieces depicting the breadth of the American experience, It is my great pleasure to welcome Diane back to the Huntsville Museum of Art.” said Christopher J. Madkour, HMA’s Executive Director. “The Huntsville Museum of Art invites the public to embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of American artistry.”
American Made was curated by Todd Herman, PhD, President and CEO of The Mint Museum; Kevin Sharp, Director of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens; and Jonathan Stuhlman, PhD, Senior Curator of American Art at The Mint Museum with contributions by William Keyse Rudolph, PhD, Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
The national tour of American Made is made possible by Bonhams, Christie’s, Doyle, Heather James Fine Art, Schoelkopf Gallery, and Sotheby’s.
American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection is on display from March 22 – June 16. Enjoy a selection of fine wines and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres by Chef Narvell and music by members of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra. To purchase tickets to the presentation and preview party, visit hsvmuseum.org.
American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Champion Sponsor: The Jurenko Foundation
Lead Sponsor: Sally and Bob Arthur, Lyn and Gil Aust, and IronMountain Solutions
President’s Circle Sponsors: Sexton Family charitable Foundation, Thomas H. and Dr. Diane DeMell Jacobsen P.H.D. Foundation, Joyce Griffin, Betsy and Peter Lowe, Dianne and Calame Sammons
Artists’ Circle Sponsor: Kim and John Hartley
Media Sponsor: Alabama Media Group
Additional Support: Alabama State Council on the Arts & Huntsville Museum of Art Guild
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About the Huntsville Museum of Art
The Huntsville Museum of Art is a non-profit municipal corporation established by the City of Huntsville, Alabama, and governed by a city-appointed Museum Board. The Museum seeks to foster understanding of the visual arts and appreciation of artistic achievement. In addition to its galleries and exhibitions, the Museum offers art classes for children and adults along with special programs, lectures and musical presentations. Rental space is also available for weddings, meetings and other events.