Happening

WHAT’S AROUND TOWN

THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION ▲ Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle—June 26 to September 10 From 1954 to 1956, Jacob Lawrence painted a 30-panel series entitled “Struggle…From the History of the American People.” It depicts early decades of the republic through the words and actions of founding fathers as well as enslaved people, women and Native Americans. Assembled for the first time in 50-plus years, the panels—including We crossed the River at McKonkey’s Ferry... (above, left)—can now be seen through a 21stcentury lens. phillipscollection.org

AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM ▲ The Secret Life of Earth

Through September 5 Baltimore’s AVAM commemorates its 25th anniversary with a major exhibit that inspires delight in nature while exposing disruptions in the planet’s delicate ecosystems. Works by 32 artists are on display, including a poster created by Robert Hieronimus for the first Earth Day in 1972 (below, left). Insights provided by scientists, researchers and indigenous stewards of the land add knowledge, perspective—and hope—to the viewing experience. avam.org

GLENSTONE MUSEUM Faith Ringgold—Ongoing The April 8 opening of this international traveling exhibition marks the beginning of Glenstone’s phased reopening. On view in the Potomac, Maryland, museum’s Gallery, more than 70 works by this American artist and activist— from story quilts to political posters—depict the beauty and complexity of the African American experience. Glenstone’s Pavilions reopen May 6; scheduled visits are required. glenstone.org

VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse—

May 22 to September 6, 2021 This exhibit reveals how aesthetic traditions of the African American South have shaped visual art and musical expression over the past 100 years. More than 140 works are on display, from sculptures, paintings and drawings to photography and film. vmfa.museum NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS ▲ Highlights from the Collection June 1 to August 8 An assemblage of more than 150 thought-provoking works of art from the museum’s permanent collection includes recent acquisitions, rarely seen works and familiar favorites. One of the pieces on view is Cascade Crinoline (above, right) by Jiha Moon, a 2008 ink-and-acrylic work rendered on hanji paper. nmwa.org

HILLWOOD ESTATE, MUSEUM & GARDENS

▲ Roaring Twenties:

The Life and Style of Marjorie

Merriweather Post—June 12 to January 16, 2022 An icon of fashion and style, Marjorie Merriweather Post applied a discerning eye to her storied collections of apparel, exotic jewels, art and décor. This exhibit displays highlights from the Post Cereal heiress’s vast holdings, including a silk crepe costume (above) festooned with sequins and rhinestones. hillwoodmuseum.org ▲ Kristine Mays: Rich Soil June 26 to January 9, 2022 Twentynine life-sized wire sculptures by Kristine Mays will enliven Hillwood’s 13-acre gardens, appearing amid lush greenery like “spirits rising from the soil,” says the artist, reflecting on her work. “Both plants and human beings come and go, reverberating within the cycles of life.” hillwoodmuseum.org