Reinstallation of the John and Ethel MacKinnon gallery of European art (August 8, 2015–ongoing)
The JSMA has reinstalled its gallery of European art to feature a new selection of works arranged both chronologically and thematically. The gallery, named for donors John and Ethel MacKinnon, was last renovated in 2012 to celebrate the gift of the Roy and Jeanne Neville collection of European paintings and prints to the JSMA. New interpretive labels feature research conducted by student interns and members of the curatorial staff on the history and meaning of these works. Works on view include visitor favorites, such as The Last Audience of the Hapsburgs (1918), by Artur von Ferraris (Hungarian, 1856–1936), and Ballet Dancers (1912), a vibrant double-sided painting of two cabaret dancers by Max Pechstein (German, 1881–1955), last on view in 2013. One wall is reserved for rotations of light-sensitive materials, such as prints and photography, from the collection, as well as selections from the museum’s Masterworks on Loan program. The JSMA is grateful to the generosity of John and Ethel MacKinnon and Roy and Jeanne Neville for their support of the growing collection of European art.
Highlights from the Margo Grant Walsh Collection of Silver and Metalwork (August 8, 2015–ongoing)
The John and Ethel MacKinnon gallery now includes a new space dedicated to decorative arts. The space features the collection of silver and metalwork given to the JSMA by alumna Margo Grant Walsh. New casework displays highlights from the collection, including silver made in Chicago, Mexican silver jewelry, and a diverse collection of silver serving utensils. With the motto “Great design has no borders,” Ms. Walsh has created a collection that surveys the breadth and depth of decorative arts in Europe, the Americas, and around the world. The JSMA is pleased to be one of a number of recipients of works from this collection; other museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Portland Art Museum, and the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco. The JSMA is grateful to Margo Grant Walsh for her support of the museum’s growing collection of decorative arts.
