THE SMOKING SECTION: GOTHAM CHELSEA UNVEILS FIRST ASHTRAY ART EXHIBITION FEATURING COMMISSIONED WORKS BY PREMIER ARTISTS

Gotham, the world's first cannabis concept store, has unveiled 'The Smoking Section,' its first commissioned art exhibition at Gotham Gallery in Chelsea, New York. Running from November 6, 2025, to January 5, 2026, the show features over 45 artists and designers—including Ridykeulous (Nicole Eisenman and A.L. Steiner), Daniel Gordon, Mika Tajima, Deborah Czeresko, and Peter Shire—who each created original ashtrays that range from functional to conceptual. Curated by Rachel Berks, Gotham's VP of Product Development & Partnerships, the exhibition explores the ashtray as both a ritual object and cultural symbol, linking cannabis culture to contemporary art.

Sasha Gordon Finds Beauty and Empathy in the Shadows of the Human Mind

Sasha Gordon, a rising young artist from New York's art scene, debuted her solo exhibition "Haze" at David Zwirner's 19th Street gallery in Chelsea. The show, which drew long lines and significant attention, features hyperrealistic paintings that explore identity, memory, and the subconscious through an Asian diasporic lens. Gordon, who rose to fame during the pandemic and is co-represented by David Zwirner and Matthew Brown (Zwirner's son-in-law), discusses her evolving technique and her shift away from explicitly autobiographical work toward more open-ended, timeless figures.

The Six Female Artists With Major Solo Shows This Fall

Six female artists—Karen Barbour, María Berrío, Ana Cláudia Almeida, Adebunmi Gbadebo, Sasha Gordon, and Olivia van Kuiken—are each opening major solo exhibitions in September. The article profiles their distinct practices, from Barbour's abstract dot-filled dreamscapes and Berrío's collaged visions to Gbadebo's sculptures using human hair and indigo dye. It includes first-person accounts from the artists about their creative processes, with exhibitions at venues such as Harkawik and Matthew Brown.

John Middleton's art collection to be featured in 2-museum show in Philadelphia for U.S.'s 250th anniversary

John Middleton, managing partner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and his family are lending over 120 paintings and furniture pieces from their private collection to a two-museum exhibition in Philadelphia titled "A Nation of Artists." The show is a collaboration between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, featuring more than 1,000 works to celebrate the U.S. semiquincentennial. Works by Edward Hopper, Charles Willson Peale, John Singer Sargent, and Horace Pippin will be included. The exhibition runs from April 2026 to September 2027.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Middleton Family Present a Landmark Exhibition of American Art Celebrating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) have announced a landmark collaboration with the Middleton Family Collection to present "A Nation of Artists," a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Opening from April 2026 to September 2027, the show will feature over 1,000 works across both venues, spanning three centuries of American art from Charles Willson Peale to Mickalene Thomas, with selections from the private Middleton Family Collection interwoven throughout.

The PHLCVB, the PMA, and Meg Saligman Announce Major Art Installations for 2026

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Middleton family have announced major art installations for 2026 to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. A dual-venue exhibition titled "A Nation of Artists" will open in April 2026 at the PMA and PAFA, featuring over 1,000 works of American art, including pieces from the private collection of Phillies majority owner John S. Middleton. Additionally, renowned muralist Meg Saligman will launch "Ministry of Awe," a six-story immersive art experience housed in a 19th-century bank.

Philadelphia Museum of Art has canceled The Philadelphia Show for 2026

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has canceled the Philadelphia Show for 2026, an annual antique, art, and design exhibition and fundraiser that has run since 1962. The museum confirmed the pause on Tuesday, citing the need to prioritize resources for its 150th anniversary and participation in the national America 250 commemoration in 2026. The 2025 edition featured over 40 dealers from Philadelphia, New York, London, France, Portugal, and across the U.S., showcasing decorative arts, antiques, fine arts, and jewelry. Exhibitors were informed in April that the 2026 dates were in jeopardy, and the museum has not committed to the show returning in 2027.

Artist and engineer Stern’s new exhibit examines intersection of art and technology

Artist and engineer Nathaniel Stern, in collaboration with poet Sasha Stiles, has opened a new exhibition titled "Generation to Generation: Conversing with Kindred Technologies" at the Kenilworth Square East Gallery in Milwaukee. The show features sculptures, prints, interactive pieces, and poetry created through a nuanced collaboration with artificial intelligence, aiming to explore the evolving dialogue between humans and their technological tools.

Passion and promise at this year’s Art & Design MFA Exhibit

The 2025 School of Art & Design Master of Fine Arts Exhibition at Krannert Art Museum in Champaign, Illinois, showcases the work of 12 graduating artists from the University of Illinois. The exhibition features a range of installations, including Harsh Milind Waichal's Halcyon Orthopedic Arm Cast, which uses sashiko embroidery patterns to reimagine medical casts, and Quinn Koeneman's comic-based exploration of neurodivergent aesthetics. The show runs through April 26, 2025, and includes works by Vicky Ma, Joseph Obanubi, and Anieya Cauthen.

Shigeo Toya, 1947–2026

Japanese sculptor Shigeo Toya died of pneumonia in Tokyo on April 15, 2026, at age 78. Known for his conceptual approach, Toya spent five decades redefining sculpture beyond Western frameworks, creating works such as *Bamboo Grove II* (1975), the *Woods* series (shown at the 1988 Venice Biennale), and the *Minimal Baroque* series. He was a professor emeritus at Musashino Art University and received Japan's Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun.

philadelphia museum of art rebrands philadelphia art museum 1234756332

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has rebranded itself as the Philadelphia Art Museum, a change announced on Wednesday. The museum worked with branding studio Gretel, known for clients like the Museum of Modern Art and Crystal Bridges Museum, to develop a new name, logo, custom typography, website, and visual identity. Director and CEO Sasha Suda stated the rebrand aims to place Philadelphia front and center and make the institution more collaborative and future-focused.

Featured Artists & Exhibitions

Relévant Galleries in Vail, Colorado, is hosting a series of artist meet-and-greet events and exhibitions throughout July 2025, featuring works by renowned photographer David Yarrow, jeweler Dan Telleen, and painter Sarah Winkler, among others. The gallery also highlights its other locations in Scottsdale, Park City, and Denver, while C. Anthony Gallery in Beaver Creek and Vail International Gallery present concurrent shows with artists like Britten and Sarah Winkler.

philadelphia museum of art chief of staff departs 1234772949

Two senior staff members at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chief of Staff Maggie Fairs and CFO Valerie McDuffie, are resigning. This follows the controversial firing of former director and CEO Sasha Suda in November, who later sued the museum for wrongful termination, and the recent resignation of the marketing chief who oversaw a short-lived and widely mocked rebranding of the institution.

judge rules philadelphia museum director suit arbitration 1234771733

A judge has ruled that the legal dispute between the Philadelphia Art Museum and its former director and CEO, Sasha Suda, must be resolved through private arbitration, not a public jury trial. Suda was dismissed in November, with the museum citing "for cause" but not providing specifics, and she subsequently sued, alleging the museum conducted a sham investigation and falsely accused her of misusing funds and theft.

philadelphia art museum executive rebrand resigns 1234770289

Paul Dien, the chief marketing officer behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art's controversial rebranding, has resigned effective February 1. Dien, who joined the museum in 2023, oversaw the institution's name change to "Philadelphia Art Museum" and a new visual identity that drew widespread public mockery on social media. The rebranding was intended to boost attendance, but faced backlash from locals and critics. Dien's departure follows the ouster of former director and CEO Sasha Suda in November, who has since filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the museum.

Students Selected for Autry Museum's Arts Exhibition

Twenty-seven students from South Pasadena High School have been selected to exhibit their work in the Autry Museum of the American West's "Visions of Humanity" student show, marking the largest number of SPHS students ever accepted into the exhibition. The display runs through May 31 at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park, featuring fourteen students in painting and drawing and thirteen in photography, taught by teachers Rouzanna Berberian and Aimee Levie-Hultman.

SPUSD Snapshot | 27 SPHS Artists Juried into Autry Museum Exhibition

Twenty-seven students from South Pasadena High School (SPHS) had their artwork selected for the "Visions of Humanity" student exhibition at the Autry Museum of the American West. The selected works span painting, drawing, and photography and will be on display at the museum from April 18 to May 31, 2026.

A Conversation with Milwaukee Art Museum’s New Director

Kim Sajet has been appointed as the new director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, bringing an international perspective shaped by her birth in Nigeria, upbringing in Australia, and Dutch citizenship. In an introductory interview, Sajet discusses her extensive leadership background—having previously run two museums in Australia—and how her personal history, including her relationship with her disabled brother, influenced her path toward art history and museum studies.

A new Romaeuropa Festival approaches. Here is what the 2026 edition of the review will be like

Si avvicina un nuovo Romaeuropa Festival. Ecco come sarà l’edizione 2026 della rassegna

The 41st edition of the Romaeuropa Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, scheduled to run from September 8 to November 15 across various venues in Rome. Under the artistic direction of Fabrizio Grifasi, the multidisciplinary festival will feature a robust program of contemporary dance, theater, and music. Highlights include the Italian premiere of Sofia Nappi’s 'Chora', a world premiere of Romeo Castellucci’s 'Faust', and a special celebration of the Rome-Paris twinning anniversary featuring choreographer Benjamin Millepied.

Courtney Love inspires Liza Jo Eilers New York exhibition

Liza Jo Eilers presents her first solo exhibition in New York, 'Starland Silver Sash', at Grimm gallery, running through 1st November. The show features paintings that splice together scenes from a Hole concert, including the work 'The trickle down effect (mint)', which explores the relationship between frontwoman Courtney Love and her fans. Other cultural icons such as Nina Simone and Gena Rowlands appear in split-screen paintings, reflecting Eilers' interest in pop culture's double bind regarding representations of women. The artist, who earned her MFA from the School of the Art Institute Chicago and works with hydrochromic and thermochromic inks, discusses themes of gender, performance, and societal beauty standards.

Artist Mashonda Tifrere Launches New Exhibitions

Mashonda Tifrere, an art collector, musician, and founder of two art-based nonprofits, has launched two new projects in San Diego. She created a mindfulness audio tour titled "Inscape: Art and Collection at the Stuart Collection" for the Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, guiding listeners through 22 site-specific artworks. She also curated a group exhibition called "Somewhere in Between" at Quint Gallery in La Jolla, featuring works by artists including Taylor Chapin, Megan Gabrielle, and Nathan Wong.

Monopol Gives Away 5 x 2 Tickets for Photo Exhibition at Museum Rietberg

Monopol verlost 5 × 2 Tickets für Foto-Ausstellung im Museum Rietberg

The Museum Rietberg in Zurich is presenting the exhibition "Fast ein Paradies" (Almost a Paradise), which critically examines colonial-era photography as an instrument of power. The show juxtaposes historical photographs with contemporary artworks that recontextualize this material, featuring artists like Sasha Huber, Sammy Baloji, Raphaël Barontini, and Andrea Chung, who intervene in the archival images to challenge colonial narratives and restore agency to the subjects.

anna weyant tiffany and co hardwear

Tiffany & Co. celebrated its Hardwear Collection with an event at its Landmark flagship on Fifth Avenue, featuring painter Anna Weyant as the new face of the campaign alongside actors Greta Lee and Mikey Madison. The gathering included guests such as Phoebe Gates, Laura Harrier, Chase Sui Wonders, artists Chase Hall and Sasha Gordon, and chef Daniel Boulud, with music by Ruby Aldridge and Ruinart champagne.

Philadelphia Museum of Art to experiment with pay-what-you-wish tickets on Friday nights

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is reinstating a pay-what-you-wish admission policy for Friday nights from April 2026 through Labor Day. This initiative, funded by the William Penn Foundation and board chair Ellen Caplan, coincides with the museum's 150th anniversary and the launch of "Nation of Artists," a massive collaborative exhibition with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts featuring over 1,000 works.

Naho Kawabe "Flos Filicis: Flower of the Fern" @ WAITINGROOM

川辺ナホ「Flos Filicis：羊歯の花」@ WAITINGROOM

The Tokyo gallery WAITINGROOM is hosting "Flos Filicis: Flower of the Fern," a solo exhibition by Naho Kawabe featuring new installations, photo collages, and drawings. The exhibition centers on the paradoxical concept of the "fern flower" to explore the relationship between fossil fuels, industrial infrastructure, and the myth of progress. Kawabe utilizes materials like charcoal and electrical components alongside research-based lithographs to examine the history of Japanese migrant coal miners in Germany and the broader ecological impact of energy consumption.

Kasashima Gallery Announces 2026 Exhibition Plan for Europe and Asia

Osaka-based Kasashima Gallery has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 exhibition schedule, which features a strategic expansion across Europe and Asia. The program includes a January showcase in Rome, a rare collection exhibition in Osaka in April, a summer tour through Western Europe, and a year-end retrospective in Japan, collectively featuring over 110 artists.

Legendary visual artist gets first solo exhibition at Emily Lowe Gallery at Hofstra University's Museum of Art

Legendary visual artist Jamel Shabazz, a retired New York City correction officer, has opened his first solo exhibition on Long Island at the Emily Lowe Gallery inside Hofstra University's Museum of Art in Hempstead. Titled "Love is the Message," the show features photographs spanning over five decades, capturing love and humanity in overlooked urban communities. Shabazz's work is also held in major institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, and the Smithsonian.

Grace Rosario Perkins: Circles, Spokes, Zigzags, Rivers

The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York is presenting "Grace Rosario Perkins: Circles, Spokes, Zigzags, Rivers," an exhibition of nine recent paintings and a large-scale sculpture by the Akimel O’odham/Diné artist (b. 1986, Santa Fe). The show runs from October 18, 2025, to February 8, 2026, and is organized by senior curator Adrienne Edwards and curatorial assistant Rose Pallone. Perkins’s densely layered works incorporate acrylic, spray paint, found materials, and textual fragments, drawing on petroglyphs, ancestral storytelling, and personal experience to explore themes of grief, love, and hope while resisting reductive representations of Indigenous identity.

Beyond the Needle: Chilean Artist Felipe Abel on Chiaroscuro, Symbolism, and the Evolution of Modern Tattooing

Chilean tattoo artist Felipe Abel (born Felipe Arriagada), who has a background in graphic design and a decade of experience in black-and-grey micro-realism, is preparing to join Noble Art Studio in Brooklyn. He is also developing a new series of oil paintings focused on mythology, theology, and esotericism, expected to debut in a formal exhibition around 2027. Abel, who has held guest spots in over 20 cities across 10 countries including studios like Sasha Tattooing in Paris and The White Whale in Milan, uses chiaroscuro and a recurring floating orb motif in his work, drawing influence from photographer Sebastião Salgado and painter Guillermo Lorca.

A look inside the ‘Dreamworld’ of surrealism at the Philadelphia Art Museum

The Philadelphia Art Museum opened 'Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100,' a traveling exhibition marking the centenary of surrealism, which originated in France in 1924. The show, curated by Matthew Affron, features about 180 works from the museum's own collection and loans from Europe and the Americas, including pieces by Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, Remedios Varo, and Joseph Cornell. The opening occurred the day after the museum's board abruptly fired CEO Sasha Suda, with interim director Louis Marchesano declining to comment on the termination and focusing on the exhibition instead.