Phase 2 now on view!

Inspired by the special exhibition The Outwin: American Portraiture Today, This Is Us showcases local portraiture and highlights the rich artistic talent of our region. Drawn from a relatively small geographic area, the works on view – produced in a range of media including painting, printmaking, drawing and sculpture – represent diverse methods and viewpoints. Created within the last two years, many submissions respond to current events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for social justice. In a year marked by social distancing, the exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to “meet” their neighbors, and to gather in celebration of the power of human connection and the joy of creativity.

Images of all portraits submitted to the Museums’ open call are displayed digitally in the Community Gallery. Select outstanding examples will be displayed physically in two phases with exhibitions on view from October 24, 2020–January 10, 2021 and February 6–May 2, 2021. In both displays, visitors are invited to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award from those works on view.

Images from left to right:
Stray, 2019, oil and spray paint on canvas by Danielle Klebes (born 1989) of North Adams, Massachusetts. Collection of the artist.
Cogeneration, 2020, pigment print of a cyanotype by Madge Evers (born 1961) of Haydenville, Massachusetts. Collection of the artist.
Self-portrait with T-Rex, 2020, graphite pencil by Frederick Burns (born 1960) of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Collection of the artist.