"The artists are thinking about the idea of America," says Bill Valerio, Director and CEO of Woodmere. "What was it in the past? How has it changed coming up to today? What do we see as the future of this nation?"
There are works on view by Jerry Pinkney.
"We were inspired by Jerry's concept of the 'arc of promise,'" says Valerio.
The late Philadelphia-born artist grew up in Germantown.
"As a Black man, he looked to the past of America's history and felt and saw the pain, but being an optimistic person, and a positive-spirited person, in everything he did and touched, he always looked to the future with a sense of hope and promise," he says. "And we felt that the 'arc of promise' idea expressed that beautiful concept of what America is."
There are 116 works of art on view.
"And it's Woodmere's exploration of the 250th anniversary of the nation," he says.
Germantown artist Tom Judd's work depicts Mt. Rushmore in the process of being built.
A variety of mediums tell the story of the people, places, things and ideas that both shaped and define America.
There's ceramic art, prints and works on paper, and illustration arts that Valerio says depicts "the midnight ride of Paul Revere." Paintings and sculpture are also on view, such as America by Hiram Powers.
"And we thought, wow! How amazing would that be with Henry Bermudez's portrait?" says Valerio. "He calls it Miss America."
One of the galleries has many landscapes and still life from the 19th century.
Philadelphia artists, both living and deceased are featured, from Barbara Bullock to Peter Paone.
"I want this to be an exhibition that inspires people. I want people to see the great variety that makes America beautiful," he says.
"Arc of Promise" is on view through January 10, 2027, at Woodmere's Smith Hall.
Woodmere
"Arc of Promise" | Tickets at Woodmere
Charles Knox Smith Hall
9201 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118