American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas is the first exhibition dedicated to the collection of businessman, philanthropist, and Texas native Charles Butt.
This exhibition presents over 80 rarely seen paintings and works on paper by icons of American modern art, including Edward Hopper, Ellsworth Kelly, Jacob Lawrence, Joan Mitchell, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alma Thomas. The featured works span from the late 19th century through the 1970s, and will be grouped in four thematic sections: Intimate Perspectives, The Language of the Sea, Land Progressions, and Geometric Utopias/Dystopias. The Blanton Museum of Art is one of four exclusive venues in Texas to host this exhibition.
Shared with the public for the first time, Butt’s collection reflects his vision of American creativity, as well as his civic dedication and commitment to education.
American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas is organized by the Amon Carter Museum of Art.
Our most popular program for young visitors! Read along to a picture book paired with a work of art. This month the theme is shapes and colors, and the book is The King of Circles by Shuntaro Tanikawa and Kiyoshi Awazua, paired with an artwork featured in major exhibition American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection: From Edward Hopper to Alma Thomas.
Inspiring curiosity in ages 4–8 years old. Presented with support from community partner Alienated Majesty Books.
1PM
Looking Together
Michener Gallery Building
Ever wondered how others interpret an artwork? Let’s explore a visitor-favorite in our collection together! We’ll use creative ways of looking to make connections and meaning. Recommended for all visitors 12 years & older.
3PM
Art with an Expert – The Making of an Icon: How Basquiat Became a Global Brand
Auditorium, Check-in Building
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ascent from a young artist navigating downtown New York in the early 1980s to joining the twin pantheons of fine art and popular culture is a remarkable chapter in contemporary culture. His meteoric rise was not driven by artistic talent alone. It required a network of dealers, collectors, and tastemakers who transformed his art into cultural currency. Drawing from his new book, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon, former President of the Americas at Christie’s and former McKinsey & Company partner Doug Woodham takes you behind the scenes to reveal how artistic legacy and market forces combined to create a global icon.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER Doug Woodham is Managing Partner of Art Fiduciary Advisors and the former President of the Americas at Christie’s. A Ph.D. economist and former McKinsey partner, he brings a rare combination of art-world experience and analytical rigor to the study of cultural icons. He is the author of Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon (Thames & Hudson, 2025) and Art Collecting Today (Allworth Press, 2017).
George Ault, Provincetown: Boat and Houses, 1922, Oil on board, Collection of Charles Butt
George Bellows, Evening Blue (Tending the Lobster Traps, Early Morning), 1916, Oil on panel, Collection of Charles Butt
John Marin, Weehawken Sequence, by 1916, Oil on canvas board, Collection of Charles Butt
Bill Traylor, Man in Red Shirt with Hat, Umbrella, and Lunchbox, 1939-1942, Poster paint and pencil on cardboard, Collection of Charles Butt
Marsden Hartley, New Mexico Recollections, No. 8, 1923, Oil on canvas, Collection of Charles Butt
Arthur G. Dove , Horses Plowing on a Hill, 1927, Pastel on paper, Collection of Charles Butt
Winslow Homer, Along the Road, Bahamas, 1885, Watercolor on paper, Collection of Charles Butt
John Marin, My Hell-Raising Sea, 1941, Oil on canvas, Collection of Charles Butt
Oscar Bluemner, In Scarlet and Black, 1932, Oil on panel, Collection of Charles Butt
Charles Sheeler, On a Shaker Theme, 1956, Oil on canvas, Collection of Charles Butt