The Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York, will present 'Gateways: African American Art from the Key Collection' from May 23 to August 17, 2026, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration and in alignment with America 250. The exhibition features over 75 works by 71 artists, spanning 150 years of African American art, including pieces by Elizabeth Catlett, Richard Mayhew, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Delita Martin, and Al Burts. The collection was assembled by Eric Key, an arts administrator, curator, and collector who began acquiring African American art in the early 1990s.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the crucial role of collectors like Eric Key in shaping the art historical canon and elevating historically underrepresented voices. By showcasing the breadth and diversity of Black artistic expression from the 1880s to today, 'Gateways' underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the African American experience within the broader American story. The show also reflects The Rockwell Museum's commitment to framing American narratives through diverse perspectives during its anniversary year.