Art of Our Time
May 4 – August 4, 2024
In honor of the Randolph-Macon Woman’s College Class of 1974 Reunion, Art of Our Time is primarily a selection of work from the College’s permanent collection, displayed at their request. Recognizing the lifelong impact of being surrounded by art that both reflects contemporary society and represents the past, these classmates remember objects that played a meaningful role in their abundant life at the College and beyond.
In the Maier’s Thoresen Gallery, we have curated an exhibition of these choices, along with related works chosen by Maier staff.
Some requests were for work currently installed on main campus. Many suggestions were for works already on view in our permanent collection galleries. We decided not to move these objects into Thoresen Gallery for Art of Our Time, but all selections in the museum have been identified and are included on the catalog checklist.
The exhibition catalog features selected artwork from Thoresen gallery, along with commentary by several members of the Class of 1974. For the suggested works already on view in our permanent collection galleries, quotes and narratives from the Class of 1974 are linked from QR codes installed near labels (also linked below).
Art of Our Time demonstrates the impact of art on the lives of our students. We hope this exhibition not only brings back cherished memories for the Class of 1974 but will also spark new conversations and connections for all visitors.
Martha Kjeseth Johnson, director, Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College
Class of 1974 Commentary:
Thomas Hart Benton, Preparing the Bill
Mary Cassatt, Sketch of Mother and Daughter Looking at Baby
Frederick Childe Hassam, Early Evening After Snowfall
Edward Hopper, Mrs. Scott’s House
Georgia O’Keeffe, Yellow Cactus
Maurice Prendergast, The Idlers
John Sloan, Sun and Wind on Roof
Louise Jordan Smith, Self Portrait
Gilbert Stuart, Portrait of Mrs. Polly Hooper