Explore New Art

Freedom, Dignity, and the Long Arc: A Commemorative Exhibition for the 250th Anniversary of the United States

This exhibition brings together Norman Rockwell’s most enduring moral statements on American life — works that define not just who we have been, but who we aspire to be. At its heart are the celebrated Four Freedoms (1943) — Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, andFreedom from Fear — painted during the nation’s darkest wartime hours as a reminder of the ideals worth fighting for.

Alongside them hangs The Golden Rule (1961), Rockwell’s luminous gathering of the world’s peoples beneath the words “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” — a vision of universal humanity that transcends borders and creeds. The exhibition culminates with “The Problem We All Live With” (1964), Rockwell’s unflinching portrayal of six-year old Ruby Bridges escorted to William Frantz Elementary School.

Together, these works trace a living conversation across two decades: the freedoms proclaimed, the dignity demanded, and the child who walked toward both. As the United States marks 250 years, they ask us the same question Rockwell always asked — are we yet the country we promised to be?

Now showing through August 2, 2026

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)

Celebrating America’s 25th Anniversary

This exhibition explores over two centuries of American identity through the enduring imagery of flags and patriotic symbols such as the iconic figure of Uncle Sam. This exhibit brings together works that examine themes of nationalism, unity, protest, memory, and myth, reflecting on how symbols have shaped the American experience across generations. Through the artwork the exhibition reinterprets familiar emblems—the Stars and Stripes, political signage, and civic iconography—to question what America has represented in the past and what it may become in the future. Both celebratory and critical, the works invite viewers to consider the power of visual symbols to inspire pride, provoke debate, and define collective identity.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Symbols of Freedom asks a timely question: how do the images that once united America continue to speak in a changing cultural landscape?

Now showing through August 2, 2026.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 – SUNDAY, JULY 5

Immerse yourself in our vibrant exhibit celebrating the spirit of jazz, coinciding with the Elkhart Jazz Fest. This collection features dynamic artworks that capture the rhythm, emotion, and improvisational energy of jazz music, showcasing how visual art and sound intertwine to create a rich cultural experience.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Join us for ‘Folk Memories,’ an evocative exhibit by artist Emma Schrock, the “Grandma Mosses” of Northern Indiana, that weaves together nostalgia and storytelling through vibrant imagery. Each piece reflects the rich tapestry of personal and cultural heritage, inviting viewers to reconnect with their own memories and the timeless stories of our shared past.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Explore the groundbreaking contributions of Abstract Women Artists from the 1950s, featuring the dynamic works of Grace Hartigan, Joan Mitchell, and Helen Frankenthaler. This exhibit celebrates their innovative expressions and bold experimentation, highlighting the vital role these artists played in shaping the landscape of modern art.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 – MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Exploring the boundary between high art and popular kitsch, this collection highlights the mastery of line and color inherent to the Chicago Imagist circle. Through sketches, watercolors, and lithographs, the exhibit traces the group’s evolution from the ‘Hairy Who’ to an enduring legacy of surreal figuration.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10

Join Luke Gascho, Executive Director Emeritus of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College as we examine how early land surveys shaped our region, documenting the interactions between surveyors and Potawatomi communities. Through historical maps, records, and research methods, the presentation offers a deeper understanding of the landscape and the Indigenous presence that predated settlement boundaries.

Admission:

MMAA Members: Free
Elkhart County Residents: $10 per person, $8 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)
Non-Residents: $15 per person, $10 per child – 12 and under
(Children under 3 Free)

Noontime Talks are sponsored in part by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County.