The Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas, will present a new exhibition titled "America 250: Three Presidents - Lincoln, Grant, and Garfield" to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The show features three watercolor paintings by Taos artist Oscar E. Berninghaus, each depicting a formative moment from the early lives of Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and James Garfield, highlighting their humble beginnings and aspirations. The exhibition runs from May 16 to December 23, 2025, as part of the broader America 250 and SETX 250 celebrations across Southeast Texas.
This exhibition matters because it connects regional art history with national heritage, showcasing the work of a noted Taos Society artist in a local museum context. By focusing on the early lives of three U.S. presidents through watercolor paintings, the show offers an accessible, narrative-driven approach to history that aligns with the nationwide America 250 initiative. It also underscores the role of smaller museums like the Stark Museum in preserving and interpreting American art and history for community audiences.