This season the Addison Gallery presents America in the Making to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and If You Want to Understand America...a site-specific mural installation created by renowned artist Peter Halley.
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The Addison is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
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Celebrate with us!
Opening Reception next Saturday, September 26, 4:00–6:00 pm
Free and open to the public
Enjoy drinks, light refreshments, great company, and great art!
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AMERICA IN THE MAKING
Filling the entire building and including many of the museum’s “greatest hits” from the 18th century to the present, this exhibition, installed chronologically, reveals the extraordinary caliber of the Addison’s collection and offers insight into the ways art has not only reflected but also shaped, reinforced, and challenged an American society and culture that is forever “in the making.”
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IF YOU WANT TO UNDERSTAND AMERICA...
For this site-specific installation, renowned artist Peter Halley (PA '71) invited faculty and community members to submit quotations from writers, artists, and cultural figures responding to a central question: “What is America?” Halley selected and synthesized these diverse viewpoints into a vibrant, optically dynamic work. The resulting mural invites viewers to reflect on the myriad ways America is experienced, understood, and imagined.
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| FALL OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, September 26, 4:00–6:00 pm
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Join us in celebrating our new exhibition America in the Making! Enjoy great company, light refreshments, and the best of American art. Free and open to the public.
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DROP-IN PLEIN AIR PAINTING SESSION
Saturday, October 24, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
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Paint outdoors with the Addison and Artists of Andover. Participants should bring their own easel, canvas, and paints, though a limited number of each will be available on site. Painters of all abilities are welcome, and master artists from Artists of Andover will offer help in a variety of mediums. In case of inclement weather, the program will move indoors to sketch from landscapes in the galleries. The event is free; registration is required.
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AMERICA IN THE MAKING TOURS
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Explore the Addison’s collection from the 18th century to the present with a four-part series.
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| America in the Making Tour: Part 1
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Tuesday, October 27, 3:00 pm
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Join Addison curators for an exhibition overview tour that will briefly touch on each time period represented. Space is limited, registration is required. [registration opens September 29]
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America in the Making Tour: Part 2
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Wednesday, November 18, 3:00 pm
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Curator Gordon Wilkins will delve into masterworks in the collection from the 18th century through early 20th century. Space is limited, registration is required. [registration opens October 21]
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Parts 3 and 4 of this series will be announced soon!
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Your Addison Membership
Thanks to your support, the Addison is able to offer free admission and programs to all. As a valued Addison member, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and special access to events as our heartfelt thanks.
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Friends, families, and Andover alumni can support the Addison in many ways. However you choose to give—at whatever level—your generosity is truly appreciated. Every gift counts. Become a member today!
Thank you for your support!
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Click here to learn more about Addison gift membership and giving level benefits.
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Images:
cover image, photo by Julia Featheringill; Edward Hopper, Manhattan Bridge Loop, 1928. Oil on canvas, 35 x 60 inches. Gift of Stephen C. Clark, Esq., 1932.17; Peter Halley (PA '71), If you want to understand America. . . (detail), 2026. Digitally printed mural installation, Gift of the artist; opening reception Spring 2026, photo by Susan Golden; Robert Jordan, Sketch for Andover Campus, 1992. Oil on paper, 10 1/2 x 16 1/4 inches. Gift of the artist, 1993.5; William N. Copley, Model for American Flag, 1961. Oil on canvas, 25 x 32 1/2 inches. The Doctors Robert N. Mayer and Debra E. Weese-Mayer Family Collection; Maria Oakey Dewing, A Bed of Poppies (detail), 1909. Oil on canvas, 25 1/8 x 30 1/8 inches. Gift of anonymous donor, 1931.2; a class explores the spring 2026 exhibition Little Boxes, photo by Gil Talbot.
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Exhibition credits: America in the Making is generously supported by the Sidney R. Knafel Fund and the Bernard and Louise Palitz Exhibitions Fund. Additional support is provided by Jana Paley (PA ’81); If you want to understand America... is generously supported by the Edward E. Elson Artist-in-Residence Fund.
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