The Cleveland Museum of Art begins it's Comprehensive Restoration of the Gardens. See details below.

 The Cleveland Museum Historial Fine Art Gardens will be worth the trip to experience when finished. Details below!

The Cleveland Museum of Art Begins Comprehensive Restoration of Historical Fine Arts Garden Multiyear initiative launches the first phase of the CMA Landscape Master Plan, preserving one of Cleveland’s most iconic public spaces while improving accessibility, sustainability, and visitor experience for generations to come. Rendering courtesy of STIMSON

— The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) today announced the beginning of the first phase of a multiyear restoration of its historical Fine Arts Garden, one of Cleveland’s most celebrated public landscapes. On August 24, the museum begins implementation of an important phase of the CMA Landscape Master Plan, an ambitious initiative to preserve, restore, and renew the museum’s iconic Fine Arts Garden, enhancing accessibility, ecological sustainability, and the visitor experience. The work marks the first major investment in the museum’s historical landscape in nearly a century and represents an important milestone in the CMA’s long-term commitment to preserving one of Northeast Ohio’s most treasured outdoor civic spaces. The campus was designed by renowned architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. and opened in 1928. The gardens, promenades, terraces, and Wade Lagoon have long welcomed visitors while serving as one of Cleveland’s most photographed landmarks. Each spring, thousands gather beneath the cherry blossoms surrounding Wade Lagoon, a seasonal tradition that has become woven into the cultural life of the region. “For nearly a century, the CMA’s Fine Arts Garden has been a place where people experience art, nature, architecture, and community together,” said William M. Griswold, the CMA’s Sarah S. and Alexander M. Cutler Director. “This work ensures that one of Cleveland’s most beloved public landscapes remains beautiful, welcoming, and accessible for generations to come, while honoring the vision that first inspired its creation.” Rendering courtesy of STIMSON “The Fine Arts Garden has long been woven into the fabric of Cleveland,” said Virginia Barbato, chair of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Board of Trustees. “For nearly a century, it has been a place where people have celebrated milestones, admired the changing seasons, and found moments of beauty and connection. Restoring this remarkable landscape is an investment in our community and one of its most treasured public spaces.” The first phase of the Landscape Master Plan is planned to be completed in two sequential scopes of work. Scope A begins August 24, following project planning, permitting, and initial fundraising, and is expected to conclude in Summer 2027. Scope B begins following completion of the first scope. Phase I of the Landscape Master Plan represents an investment of approximately $24 million. Thanks to significant early philanthropic contributions—including the chair’s challenge initiated by Ellen Stirn Mavec, and transformational gifts from the Eric and Jane Nord Family Fund, Gertrude Kalnow Chisholm and Homer D. W. Chisholm, the Horace Kelley Art Foundation, the State of Ohio, and other generous supporters—the museum has secured more than $21 million toward Phase I of the construction project. In addition, early donor support established multiple endowment funds that provide for the long-term care and maintenance of the Fine Arts Garden. This early momentum has allowed construction to begin sooner than anticipated while ensuring the landscape can be thoughtfully maintained for generations to come. The museum continues to seek philanthropic support to complete Phase I and advance future phases of the Landscape Master Plan. The support of the Horace Kelley Art Foundation is especially meaningful, reflecting the enduring legacy of one of the CMA’s founders, Horace Kelley, whose visionary bequest helped to establish the CMA and began a tradition of civic philanthropy that continues to shape the museum and its future. Restoring the Historical Landscape The Landscape Master Plan was developed in collaboration with nationally recognized landscape architecture firm Sasaki and serves as the museum’s long-term framework for renewing the Fine Arts Garden. The CMA partnered with STIMSON, another nationally recognized landscape architecture firm, to develop detailed rehabilitation plans and technical drawings for construction. Rather than simply reimagining the landscape, the plan seeks to restore its historical elements while introducing improvements that make the grounds more welcoming, environmentally resilient, and accessible to all visitors. The work beginning this summer encompasses the first two of five planned scopes. Rendering courtesy of STIMSON Scope A: Zodiac Garden, Mall, and East and West Ovals The first scope focuses on the rehabilitation of the museum’s historical Zodiac Garden along with the Mall and new east and west Ovals, flanking the mall area on the museum’s south campus. This work includes: Construction of new ADA-accessible walkways Creation of new east and west Ovals Rehabilitation of the historical marble and sandstone paving throughout the Zodiac Garden, Mall, and east and west Ovals Restoration of Chester Beach’s Fountain of the Waters Installation of new lawns, trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and irrigation Improvements to stormwater management and drainage New site lighting New security and information technology infrastructure Rendering courtesy of STIMSON Scope B: Museum Terraces and Historical South Facade The second scope focuses on restoring the museum’s south terraces and rehabilitating the exterior of the museum’s original 1916 building, which includes: Construction of a fully accessible east terrace Conservation and rehabilitation of the 1916 marble facade Restoration of the marble steps and sandstone paving on the south terraces New landscape plantings and irrigation Stormwater improvements Architectural lighting that highlights the museum’s historical facade New security and IT infrastructure Together, these projects represent the first step toward the comprehensive renewal of the museum’s historical landscape while preserving its defining architectural and horticultural character. Fountain of the Waters 1928. Chester A. Beach (American, 1881–1956). Marble. Conserving the Fountain of the Waters A centerpiece of the work beginning this fall is the conservation and rehabilitation of Chester Beach’s Fountain of the Waters, the beloved 1928 sculpture located at the center of the Zodiac Garden. Installed in 1928, the fountain features two seated allegorical figures representing the rivers that feed the Great Lakes, accompanied by two children symbolizing the flowers of the riverbanks. Decades of exposure to Cleveland’s weather have resulted in cracking, discoloration, and water infiltration that now require comprehensive conservation. Beginning August 24, the Zodiac Garden is temporarily closed to allow conservators to carefully remove the fountain for treatment. During this period, the museum also will conserve the 12 zodiac sculptures surrounding the fountain while restoring the surrounding stonework, paving, and landscape, improving lighting, and replanting gardens. Following conservation, Fountain of the Waters will return to its historical setting with improved structural stability and preserved artistic and historical integrity.   Looking Ahead The Landscape Master Plan continues over several years through additional phases that will include restoration of the historical promenades and sandstone staircases surrounding Wade Lagoon, rehabilitation of Harrison Dillard Trail, reconstruction of Wade Lagoon’s sandstone retaining walls, expanded accessible pathways throughout the campus, new outdoor dining amenities, and significant new landscape planting designed to improve ecological health while reinforcing the original design intent of the Olmsted Brothers firm. The complete Landscape Master Plan is expected to represent an investment of more than $40 million that is implemented over several years as funding is secured. While Phase I is well underway, the Cleveland Museum of Art continues fundraising to support future phases. Visitor Access During Construction Throughout construction, the museum’s galleries, Ingalls Library and Museum Archives, Gartner Auditorium, dining facilities, public spaces, and parking garage will continue normal operations, and exhibitions and public programs will proceed as scheduled. Beginning August 24, protective fencing surrounds the Zodiac Garden, Mall, and east and west Ovals, while Wade Lagoon, the Nord Family Greenway, the museum’s south steps, and Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker remain accessible. Chalk Festival, typically held each September in the Fine Arts Garden, is not taking place during the first phase of restoration and is expected to return in September 2027. Families looking for a chalk-inspired experience are invited to attend the Chalk Party (Fiesta de Tiza) on Sunday, September 6, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Community Arts Center, on Cleveland’s near west side. The museum does not anticipate any disruptions to the region's annual spring cherry blossom season surrounding Wade Lagoon. ### About the Cleveland Museum of Art The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 68,000 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship, and performing arts, and is a leader in digital innovation. One of the leading encyclopedic art museums in the United States, the CMA is recognized for its award-winning open access program—which provides free digital access to images and information about works in the museum’s collection—and free of charge to all. The museum is located in the University Circle neighborhood with two satellite locations on Cleveland’s west side: the Community Arts Center and Transformer Station.   The museum is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and made possible in part by the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. For more information about the museum and its holdings, programs, and events, call 888-CMA-0033 or visit cma.org. \n\n\n\n\n

The National Cowboy Museum exhibition open to the public Nov. 7-29, 2026~ Small Works, Great Wonders. See details below.

Tickets for the viwing and sale on Nov. 7th. details below. 

 

Need info? Kerrie Booher, Communications Director

kbooher@thecowboy.org

405-838-1867

Small Works, Great Wonders Art Sale, Presented by Fowler Automotive, Returns to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Nov. 13

Featuring small-scale works by more than 135 artists, the annual sale offers collectors access to emerging and established Western artists across a wide range of styles and price points 

OKLAHOMA CITY, August 6, 2026 – The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum will host its annual Small Works, Great Wonders art sale, presented by Fowler Automotive, on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, featuring small-scale works by more than 135 contemporary Western artists.

Featuring a fusion of traditional and contemporary paintings and sculpture, this one-night-only event offers new and seasoned collectors a unique opportunity to acquire fine works at accessible price points. The exhibition opens to the public Saturday, Nov. 7, and all unsold works will remain on view and available for purchase through Sunday, Nov. 29.

The 2026 exhibition will include 17 first-time participants, with the confirmed artist roster spanning 24 states, Ontario, British Columbia and France. Sixteen participating artists also exhibit in the Museum’s prestigious Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale held each June.  

“Each year, there is a genuine sense of discovery as the artwork arrives and the exhibition begins to take shape,” said Marla Cook, Manager of Sales Shows. “Seeing the works in person — experiencing their scale, texture, color and craftsmanship — is always exciting, especially with so many new voices joining familiar favorites. The result is a remarkably diverse snapshot of Western art today, with artists approaching the West through different subjects, styles and perspectives.”

She continued, “That sense of discovery, combined with the excitement of collectors and artists coming together on sale night, makes Small Works, Great Wonders one of the Museum’s most anticipated events.”

Seventeen artists will make their Small Works, Great Wonders debut in 2026: Amery Bohling, Patricia Ridge Bradley, J. Fontecchio, Bobby Goldsmith, Angie Haskell, Andrew Higdon, David Kassan, Rebekah Knight, Ann Larsen, Diana McClaran, Chris Morel, Tony Pro, John Serediuk, Martha Spurlock, Cathryne Trachok, Michele Usibelli and Nathaneal Volckening.

That infusion of new talent is balanced by artists whose careers and connections to the Museum continue to grow. Returning artists Rachel Brownlee and Tyler Crow have been invited to participate in the 2027 Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale, marking an important next step in their careers. At the same time, Merlin Little Thunder, the exhibition’s longest-participating artist, returns for his 21st year, reflecting the enduring relationships that have helped shape Small Works, Great Wonders.

The exhibition will also continue one of its most meaningful traditions with the presentation of the Cynthia Post Memorial Directors’ Choice Award. Selected by a committee of Museum board members, the award recognizes an outstanding work of art while honoring Cynthia Post, the Museum’s former assistant director of development. Post played an instrumental role in creating Small Works, Great Wonders and was admired for the courage and dedication she demonstrated throughout her battle with cancer.

During the Nov. 13 sale, guests can meet many of the participating artists, enjoy cocktails and refreshments and shop the trunk shows at Persimmon Hill. The evening’s fast-paced, fixed-price draw gives successful buyers the opportunity to take their artwork home at the conclusion of the event.

A proxy purchase service is available for collectors unable to attend in person. Proxy ballots must be submitted by 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. For more information or to arrange a proxy purchase, visit swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org/bid-by-proxy.

Reservations are requested by Oct. 30, 2026. Tickets are $75, or $65 for Museum members. To register or learn more, visit swgw.nationalcowboymuseum.org.

2026 Sponsors

Small Works, Great Wonders is presented by Fowler Automotive.

 

Major sponsors are Rick and Debe Hauschild, Lew and Jennifer McGinnis, Leslie Rainbolt, M.D., and Darryl and Kathryn Smette.

 

Supporting sponsors are Jim and Cathy Blevins and American Abstract Company of McClain County, Inc.; Leslie Apgar; Tim and Kim Lindsey; and Cathy and Mike Stieb.

 

Associate sponsors are Peter and Ginny Carl; Mike and Karen Goodman; Warren and Stephanie Henry; Gary and Debra Kinslow; Steve and Linda Slawson; and Scott and Suzanne Spradling.

About the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is the nation’s premier institution dedicated to the history, art and culture of the American West. Founded in 1955, the Museum houses an internationally renowned collection of more than 28,000 Western and Native American artworks and artifacts, including the world’s most extensive collections of American rodeo photography, barbed wire, saddlery and early rodeo trophies.

Through its exhibitions, programs and scholarship, the Museum preserves and interprets the continuing story of the West, illuminating the people, traditions and ideas that continue to shape American culture. With more than 10 million visitors from around the world, it stands as a leading authority on the enduring legacy of the American West.

A recent RegionTrack study found the Museum will generate $313 million in economic impact for Oklahoma this decade, including $170 million in direct benefits through 2028 and $143 million in spillover effects, underscoring its role as both a cultural landmark and an economic driver. For more information, visit thecowboy.org.

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COL Gallery exhibition of Lynne Dexler & Vivian Springford through August 29, 2026. See details below.

on view Lynne Drexler & Vivian Springford THROUGH August 29

COL Gallery is pleased to present Lynne Drexler & Vivian Springford on view through August 29th.

VIEW EXHIBITION

Vivian Springford, 1913–2003 Vivian Springford's Expansionist Series emerged after a trip to Guadeloupe where she witnessed a volcanic eruption. Rather than depict the volcano itself, she sought to mirror its generative energy, allowing diluted acrylic to pool, bloom, and radiate across her surfaces.

VSF849, 1984  INQUIRE

VSF800, 1972–1976 inquire Horse Head Nebula, 1976 inquire

Lynne Drexler, 1928–1999 The works on view by Lynne Drexler include early gouaches from 1959 and 1960, alongside later oil paintings that demonstrate the full intensity of her mature vision. Shadowed Memories (1976) and Contained Energy (1979) reveal her sustained engagement with classical music and opera which remained central sources of inspiration throughout her life.

Contained energy, 1979  inquire shadowed memories, 1976 inquire

Drexler and Springford were united not by a shared style but by a shared seriousness and a commitment to painting as a practice of discovery, pursued across lifetimes and largely on their own terms.

Untitled, 1960  inquire

COL Gallery 887 Beach Street San francisco, ca www.colgallery.com