The Newport Art Museum will open "THE COURT: Art in Play" on September 24, an exhibition featuring works by seven artists who also compete in court tennis, the historic precursor to modern tennis. Organized by artist and court tennis champion Frederika Adam, the show runs through April 2026 at the Historic Griswold House and includes animation, book art, painting, photography, and memorabilia. Items from the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s permanent collection are displayed alongside the artists’ works.
The exhibition matters because it bridges contemporary art with Newport’s deep tennis history, dating to the 1880 U.S. Nationals at the Newport Casino. By highlighting court tennis—a rare sport with only 11 active courts in the U.S.—the show offers a unique lens on the sport’s visual and cultural heritage. It also strengthens the museum’s role as a community hub, with a companion exhibition "Sport!" planned for fall.