Dear Friend,

With the new year underway, I write to share an update on exciting plans ahead at the American Folk Art Museum. After Morris Hirshfield Rediscovered comes to a conclusion this weekend, we will embark on efforts to reimagine our space at 2 Lincoln Square.

The redesigned Audrey B. Heckler Gallery—named for a beloved Trustee and longtime supporter of the Museum’s exhibition program—will become the starting point for major shows that will continue into the Atrium, the North Gallery, and the Karin and Jonathan Fielding Gallery.

Meanwhile, in the Daniel Cowin Gallery, we will inaugurate a series of thematic exhibitions featuring works drawn from the Museum’s collection. There is no better space to celebrate our collection than one named in honor of Daniel Cowin, whose legacy of generosity has been continued and advanced by our peerless Trustee, Joyce Cowin.

The above pursuits are enthusiastically funded by individuals and organizations. None more so than the Henry Luce Foundation, which is supporting the new exhibition program in the Cowin Gallery.

Ushering in this next chapter requires us to close for a few weeks. We will reopen the Museum in phases, beginning with the Shop in late-February. On March 17th, I invite you to be our guest at the public opening of What That Quilt Knows About Me and Material Witness: Folk and Self-Taught Artists at Work.

During our temporary closure, we will host virtual programs, share content about our collection, and provide other opportunities to connect with the Museum. As we plan and build for the future, please join me and others in strengthening New York City’s only museum dedicated to folk and self-taught artists.

See you soon!

Jason T. Busch
Becky and Bob Alexander
Director & CEO