Florida Atlantic University’s University Galleries opened a new exhibition titled “America 250: We Hold These Truths: We Walk These Grounds” at the Schmidt Art Gallery on its Boca Raton campus, marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. The show features work by six contemporary American artists—Carlos Betancourt, Daesha Harris, Doug Mills, John Hitchcock, Melissa Sclafani, and Yves Gabriel—and runs through March 29, 2026. The exhibition reinterprets familiar American symbols such as apple trees, wild horses, and presidential portraits, using objects and materials to explore themes of patriotism and American history.
The exhibition matters because it engages viewers in a reflective dialogue about American identity at a historic milestone, encouraging participation in the evolving story of what it means to be American. By featuring diverse contemporary perspectives and mediums—including sculpture, photography, and video—the show invites audiences to acknowledge historical contradictions and consider how America’s future will be shaped. It also highlights the role of university galleries in fostering community conversations around national heritage and civic responsibility.