Collectors have gifted singular, landmark works of art specifically to this special exhibition, which celebrates the Blanton’s community coming together to further build and elevate the museum’s collection. These generous individuals—UT alumni, Austinites, and other national and international supporters—believe that a great university and a great city deserve a great art collection. Together, these gifts reflect the joy of collecting, the power of giving, and the lasting impact of art. Art on view in Shaping the Future will range from historic to contemporary work, including paintings, sculpture, photography, and prints and drawings. Confirmed artists include Ellsworth Kelly, Roberto Matta, Diego Rivera, John Singer Sargent, Ming Smith, and Carrie Mae Weems. Every artwork in Shaping the Future tells two stories—the artist’s and the collector’s.
Shaping the Future will extend upstairs into the Paper Vault, where the Blanton will showcase a selection of works on paper that collectors have donated to this special exhibition. The groupings featured will range from European “old master” prints, to Japanese prints, to contemporary drawings and photography. Works on paper are a strength of the Blanton, and frequently used for teaching, so this offers an opportunity to highlight this important area of the collection as part of Shaping the Future.
The 2027 Blanton Gala (Saturday, March 6, 2027) will serve as the opening, marking a major moment in the Blanton’s history.
Organized by Carter Foster, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections, Blanton Museum of Art
![Diego Rivera, Pico con naranja [Pico with Orange], 1925, oil on canvas, 26 3/4 x 22 in., © 2024 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York](https://blantonmuseum.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2024/11/4-5.png)
Diego Rivera, Pico con naranja [Pico with Orange], 1925, oil on canvas, 26 3/4 x 22 in., Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Long, Austin, Texas, 2019 (photo: © 2025 Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, CDMX / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York)
Ellsworth Kelly, Green Blue Black, 1963, acrylic on canvas, 97 × 144 in., Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Jack Shear and Ellsworth Kelly Studio, 2022, © The Ellsworth Kelly Foundation
Roberto Matta, Composition, 1950s, oil on canvas, 35 13/16 x 4, Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Promised gift of Judy S. and Charles W. Tate (photo: © 2025 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris)
John Singer Sargent, The Countess of Essex, 1906–07, oil on canvas, 49 1/2 x 36 1/4 in., Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Promised gift of Kathryn Ketelsen
Credit
The Blanton’s curatorial team will continue to consider significant gifts of art for possible inclusion in the exhibition. To express interest in participating and learn more, please contact transforming@blantonmuseum.org.