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.
All events subject to change. The galleries are open till 8:00 pm.
Food from Yapa Empanadas & drinks from Haymaker are available for purchase. Attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy outdoors on the museum grounds.
Member perks at Blanton All Day:
Free admission
Free popsicles from Mom & Pops All Natural Frozen Pops for the first 200 members
Create vibrant multi-media collage magnets inspired by the rich artistic traditions of countries that shaped tango.
10:30 am and 11:30 am
Look and Listen Storytime
Michener Gallery Building
Our most popular program for young visitors! Read along to a picture book paired with a work of art. This month’s book is Miss Leoparda by Natalia Shaloshvili, paired with the painting Orpheus Charming the Beasts by Sinibaldo Scorza.
Inspiring curiosity in ages 4–8 years old. Presented with support from community partner Alienated Majesty Books.
11 am – 3 pm
“Plein Air” Drawing
Moody Patio
Connect with nature while drawing or watercoloring outdoors.
11 am-2 pm and 3–6 pm
Bubble Rodeo by Central Texas Face Painting
Moody Patio
Interactive play bubble stations, with performances from the “Bubble Wranglers.”
1 pm
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.
2 pm
Curator’s Choice
Michener Gallery Building
Join curator Hannah Klemm for a gallery talk about Contemporary Project artist Tammy Nguyen’s paintings featured in The Horror! The Horror! Nguyen’s vibrantly colored and dense compositions draw their imagery from history, literature, science, myth, and the natural world, visualizing stories of power and human achievement.
3 pm
Art with an Expert – Marin, Sheeler, Hartley: Three Masters of Modernism in the Butt Collection.
Auditorium, Check-In Building
Hear from Carol Troyen Lohe, Curator Emeritus of American Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, at our next Art with an Expert talk. She’ll take a deep dive into some of the most intriguing paintings in our exhibition American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection, exploring works by John Marin, Charles Sheeler, and Marsden Hartley — three major figures of early 20th-century American art.
Art With an Expert is organized by the Blanton Museum of Art. Support for this program at the Blanton is provided by the Carolyn Harris Hynson Centennial Endowment.
Various Times
Dance Lessons by Esquina Tango and Live Music by Hora Once Tango Project
Michener Gallery Building
Learn to dance Argentine tango with instructors from Esquina Tango! Then practice with live music by Hora Once.
Dance Lessons with Esquina Tango: 4 pm & 6 pm
Live Music by Hora Once Tango Project: 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Hear from Carol Troyen Lohe, Curator Emeritus of American Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, at our next Art with an Expert talk. She’ll take a deep dive into some of the most intriguing paintings in our exhibition American Modernism from the Charles Butt Collection, exploring works by John Marin, Charles Sheeler, and Marsden Hartley — three major figures of early 20th-century American art.
Art With an Expert is organized by the Blanton Museum of Art. Support for this program at the Blanton is provided by the Carolyn Harris Hynson Centennial Endowment.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
Carol Troyen, Curator Emeritus of American Paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is an independent scholar. While at the MFA, she organized exhibitions on American watercolors, Edward Hopper, and the paintings of Charles Sheeler, among others. She has contributed to numerous exhibition catalogues, including John Singleton Copley in America, Thomas Eakins, George Bellows, and The Art of American Still Life. She is the principal author of John Marin from the Collection of Charles Butt.
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.
