The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Connecticut has announced the 40 participating artists for its first-ever Aldrich Decennial, a survey exhibition titled "I am what is around me." Opening June 7 and running through January 10, 2027, the show focuses on artists living and working in Connecticut who have never had a solo museum exhibition in the state. Notable participants include painter Dominic Chambers, multimedia artist Arghavan Khosravi, and novelist-poet Renee Gladman. The exhibition draws its title from a 1917 poem by Wallace Stevens, a longtime Connecticut resident.
This decennial marks a significant milestone for the Aldrich, which has never before mounted a comprehensive survey of Connecticut-based artists despite the state's rich art history—home to figures like Alexander Calder and Sol LeWitt. By spotlighting emerging and mid-career artists who are deeply rooted in the local community yet resonate globally, the museum reinforces its commitment to regional talent and positions itself as a platform for voices that have been overlooked by major institutions. The exhibition could serve as a model for other museums seeking to highlight underrepresented artistic ecosystems.