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 seven thematic sections: Breaking Form: Cubism and Its Legacy, Urban Encounters, Intimate Perspectives, Precisionism, The Language of the Sea, Land Progressions, and Edges of Abstraction. 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 American Art. The Blanton’s presentation is managed by Carter E. Foster, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections, Blanton Museum of Art.
Always free for Blanton Members. Not yet a member? Join today!
More information coming soon! All events and times subject to change. The galleries are open till 8:00 pm.
Food & drink are available for purchase by Yapa Empanadas and Haymaker Bar, and attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy outdoors on the museum grounds.
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 the artwork Summer at Its Best by Alma Thomas, 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.
Various
Additional Activities
Various Locations
10am–8pm Temporary Tattoo Station – Get your tat on! Attendees can partake in temporary tattoos out on the Moody Patio.
10am–8pm Face Painting Station with Central Texas Face Painting
11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm Sound Bath Meditation with ATX Yoga Girl – Join Cynthia Aguillón Bernard, Founder of ATX Yoga Girl for an interactive Sound Bath and guided rainbow meditation designed especially for children and their families to enjoy. Using the magical sounds created by singing bowls, chimes, and the hand drum, kids will be invited to play egg shakers and use colorful scarves encouraging imagination, art and connection through sound and vibration. Laughter, curiosity, and natural movement are all part of the experience.
2PM
Curator’s Choice tour
Register at Check-in Building to confirm
Join the Blanton’s Chief Curator Carter E. Foster for a special tour of Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin. The only building ever designed by the artist brings together multiple artistic elements for viewers to experience color, form, and light, and the harmonious beauty they create together.
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.
Followed by a Book Signing in our Museum Store (books available for purchase).
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).
Experience 80+ rarely seen masterpieces from iconic American artists—on view for the first time in Texas. From sweeping landscapes to bold portraits and urban encounters—experience American Modernism at its best. Through close looking and conversation, we will make meaningful connections to the works of art on display. Learn more about the show on the “American Modernism” exhibition page.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Our tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. Please check-in with our Visitor Services Desk to secure your place.
Contempla más de 80 obras maestras raramente exhibidas de icónicos artistas americanos, expuestas por primera vez en Texas. Desde amplios paisajes hasta atrevidos retratos y escenas urbanas, vive el Modernismo Americano en su máxima expresión. Más información sobre El Modernismo Americanoen la página web dedicada.
Se ruega llegar al menos 15 minutos antes del comienzo de la visita. Nuestras visitas guiadas tienen capacidad para un máximo de 25 personas por orden de llegada. Por favor, regístrese en nuestro mostrador de servicios al visitante para asegurar su plaza.
Experience 80+ rarely seen masterpieces from iconic American artists—on view for the first time in Texas. From sweeping landscapes to bold portraits and urban encounters—experience American Modernism at its best. Through close looking and conversation, we will make meaningful connections to the works of art on display. Learn more about the show on the “American Modernism” exhibition page.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Our tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. Please check-in with our Visitor Services Desk to secure your place.
Experience 80+ rarely seen masterpieces from iconic American artists—on view for the first time in Texas. From sweeping landscapes to bold portraits and urban encounters—experience American Modernism at its best. Through close looking and conversation, we will make meaningful connections to the works of art on display. Learn more about the show on the “American Modernism” exhibition page.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Our tours can accommodate a maximum of 25 people on a first come, first serve basis. Please check-in with our Visitor Services Desk to secure your place.
