Dear Friends,
Happy birthday, America—and happy birthday to the American Folk Art Museum!
Last week, AFAM officially celebrated its 65th anniversary, having been founded on June 23, 1961. In the six and a half decades since, what started as a small gallery over a deli has grown to become the nation’s museum of folk and self-taught art, recognized from coast to coast.
And in just a few short days, the United States will begin commemorating its 250th anniversary. This year, I have had the unique privilege of participating in the Semiquincentennial as Guest Editor of the America 250 issue of The Magazine ANTIQUES, which publishes today. From the outset, I saw this as an opportunity not only to spotlight AFAM but also to celebrate the extraordinary work taking place in museums and cultural institutions across the United States as they mark this historic anniversary.
It seemed only fitting that the cover feature Flag Gate, AFAM’s first-ever acquisition. Created in 1876, likely to commemorate the nation’s centennial, this remarkable work has remained a cornerstone of our collection, which today encompasses more than 7,500 works from around the world. As we approach another major milestone in American history, Flag Gate reminds us of the enduring power of art to capture civic pride, collective memory, and shared aspirations.
Throughout the summer issue of ANTIQUES, readers will encounter a wide range of voices—from curators, art dealers, and cultural advocates—each offering perspectives on how museums, artists, and collectors are engaging with our nation’s past, present, and future.
Having contributed to ANTIQUES throughout my career, it has been a true honor to give back to this essential publication. I hope that this issue inspires reflection and conversation—and reminds us of the essential role that the arts play in shaping the next 250 years of our shared story.
To learn more about the Semiquincentennial issue, I invite you to read my Guest Editor’s letter and, perhaps, pick up a copy of the magazine. Complimentary copies will be available at the Museum throughout the summer.
Please read on for additional updates and highlights from a busy and rewarding spring at AFAM.
Celebrating 65 Years of Folk Art and Self-Taught Art
In May, we marked 65 years of AFAM with a Gala that also recognized an inspiring group of visionaries: contemporary artist vanessa german, Broadway icon and acclaimed quilter Harvey Fierstein, and AFAM Board of Trustees President Elizabeth V. Warren. The evening featured moving tributes to our honorees from remarkable presenters including award-winning actress and writer Mary-Louise Parker and curator, philanthropist, and founder of The Bunker Artspace, Beth Rudin DeWoody.
As we mark this milestone alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary, I am reminded of the community that sustains our work. Your support enables the Museum to present ambitious exhibitions, advance scholarship, care for our growing collection, and provide FREE admission and public programs for all.
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us for the Gala, as well as those who have recently supported our fiscal year-end campaign. Together, your generosity helps advance the Museum’s mission and ensures that folk and self-taught art remain accessible to all.
Please take a moment to enjoy this special performance by honoree vanessa german, whose powerful presence and artistry captivated the room.
Recognition for AFAM Exhibitions
Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists and Folk Nation: Crafting Patriotism in the United States continue to receive press attention from national and international outlets.
Following its opening, Self-Made was explored in a televised segment on NY1. The exhibition has received positive reviews from amNewYork and The Brooklyn Rail—and has also been named a must-see show by The New York Times, Artnet, and Hyperallergic.
Folk Nation has likewise received notable acclaim, including a strong review in the Financial Times, as well as features in Milieu Magazine and Antiques Trader. The exhibition has also been highlighted in national roundups marking the Semiquincentennial, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Art Newspaper, and Artsy, underscoring its resonance within the broader cultural conversation.
Partnerships in Action
This spring marked the 11th year of AFAM’s collaboration with LaGuardia Community College through our Museum Career Internship Program, a national model. Interns worked on Museum teams supporting projects across exhibitions, public programs, research, and institutional initiatives. Alongside this hands-on experience, they participated in professional development opportunities and visits to leading cultural institutions all over New York City, gaining valuable exposure to the broader museum field.
Last week, we welcomed artist Susan Janow, whose work is on view in Self-Made, for a public visit at the Museum and workshop exploring her artistic practice. The program was presented in partnership with Creative Growth Art Center, a pioneering Oakland-based organization supporting artists with developmental disabilities through studio-based practice and professional development.
We continue our partnership with designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla, who has generously loaned an inspiring quilt from her personal collection for display at the Museum. We invite you to see it during your visit to our current exhibitions.
We have also undertaken recent partnerships with America250, the official commission for the United States’ 250th anniversary, as well as New York City Tourism to help welcome visitors during the World Cup festivities.
Looking Ahead: Locating Girlhood
We are preparing for the opening of Locating Girlhood: Place and Identity in Early American “Schoolgirl” Art, a major loan exhibition at AFAM this fall. The exhibition will bring together remarkable works from across the U.S. and Canada and offers new perspectives on this important but often overlooked chapter in American art history. The accompanying publication is already available for pre-order from our Museum Shop.
Thank you for taking the time to read this update and for your continued support of the American Folk Art Museum. I wish you a wonderful summer.
With gratitude~
Jason
Jason T. Busch
Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO