Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

Art is in the eye of the beholder. In the galleries of the folk art museum, you'll discover an amazing variety of paintings, sculptures, and other objects created by talented, self-trained artists and craftsmen. In fact, it's one of the largest collections of American folk art.

Exhibits

A Congressional Curriculum - 1:30 pm Hennage Auditorium
What should a congressman study to become the best statesman possible? Join freshman congressman, James Madison, as he compiles a list of some of the greatest works of political theory and learn the valuable lessons they hold for an enlightened citizenry. (45 minutes)

Constitution Day Event - 6 pm on the Lawn of the Art Museums
Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution with a free event, "To Support and Defend," on the lawn in front of the Art Museums. Through music and the spoken word, the framework of our nation's government and the cherished founding document will be honored on its 235th anniversary. The program features a combined ensemble of members of the USAF Heritage of America Band, the USA Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Band, the USN Fleet Forces Band, and Marine Corps musicians from The Navy School of Music, playing works by eminent American composers. In addition, the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will perform. The program will feature Colonial Williamsburg interpreters Ron Carnegie as George Washington and Bryan Austin as James Madison. You may wish to bring a lawn chair. (75 minutes)

Navajo Weavings: Adapting Tradition - Featuring a display of Navajo weavings never exhibited here before, this small exhibition will highlight six pieces on loan from the collection of American folk art enthusiasts Pat and Rex Lucke.

Art of the Quilter - The quilts in this exhibition illustrate the multicultural nature of American society, including the Anglo-American, African-American, German, Amish, and Mennonite communities.
The Art of Edward Hicks - This exhibition explores Hicks’ life and art through objects from the Foundation’s remarkable collection, home to the largest body of his works in the world.

Sidewalks to Rooftops: Outdoor Folk Art - This exhibit examines signboards, storefront figures, weather vanes, marine carvings, whirligigs, carousel animals, and other pieces originally intended for use outdoors.
Down on the Farm - This popular exhibition follows the story of Prince, a carved wooden dog, as he sets out on a journey to find his cousin. Rhyming label text tells of his adventures as he travels through the countryside.

Other exhibitions include American Folk Pottery: Art and Tradition - German Toys in America - American Ship Paintings - From Forge and Furnace: A Celebration of Early American Iron

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.