A Summer of Art, History, and Community at the Elmhurst Art Museum

By Elmhurst Magazine StaffPhotos courtesy of Elmhurst Art Museum

Salvador Dali, The Path to Wisdom (The Banker) from the “Retrospective Suite,” Vol. 2, Gift from the Estate of Frederick R. Sauerbier

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This summer, the Elmhurst Art Museum invites visitors to experience not one, but two compelling exhibitions that celebrate the stories behind the art and the communities that shape them. On view through August 17, Legacies: Selections from the Elmhurst Art Museum Permanent Collection offers a rare look into the museum’s evolving identity through the generous gifts of collectors, families, and artists. Featuring works by icons like Salvador Dalí and Mies van der Rohe, alongside celebrated talents like Kay Rosen and Michiko Itatani, the exhibition reflects decades of artistic connections that form the heart of the Museum’s collection.

Led by Executive Director and Chief Curator Allison Peters Quinn and the museum’s curatorial team, Legacies explores more than just aesthetics—it reveals the relationships and values embedded in each donated piece. “With Legacies, we are telling the story of the Elmhurst Art Museum by way of individuals who chose to put their artwork in our care so that it could bring joy to others,” Peters Quinn explains. “What does a collection say about the collector? We hope to broaden the conversation around why we collect and what those choices reveal.”

The exhibition features micro-installations of paintings, prints, sculptures, and design objects drawn from over a dozen collections from owners, including the Broidy Family, Cleve Carney, and artist Suellen Rocca. These groupings highlight the deeply personal nature of collecting and the wide-reaching impact of sharing art with the public.

Bernard Williams, Black Tractor

Complementing Legacies is CROSSINGS, a solo exhibition by Chicago-based artist Bernard Williams, which unfolds both inside the museum and across Wilder Park. Known for his public murals and thought-provoking sculptures, Williams uses CROSSINGS to explore the intersections of mobility, aspiration, and Black achievement in American history. Through monumental works like a stylized race car honoring Wendell Scott, the first Black man to win a NASCAR premier league event, and a striking Black Tractor sculpture in homage to African American farmers—including his own uncle—Williams unearths untold stories and inspires reflection.

Hideyo Okamura, Untitled, a gift in honor of Jean Cameron by her son

Together, Legacies and CROSSINGS offer a powerful summer season of reflection, recognition, and celebration. Visitors are encouraged to explore both exhibitions and engage in the museum’s dynamic programming, from talks and tours to family-friendly events that bring these stories to life.

For details and updates, visit ElmhurstArtMuseum.org.