Opening Fall 2026

The simple, direct connection between the hand and paper is an irreplaceable, vital human skill. 

Often dismissed as a childhood pastime or a niche skill for visual artists, the fundamental act of mark-making is one of the most versatile cognitive tools available to humans. Far beyond creating a picture, drawing is an immersive experience of the mind and body that allows us to visualize thoughts, enhance memory, and process emotions. 

The practice of working directly from a three-dimensional, living, or present subject is an indispensable pillar of artistic development. In an increasingly digital and automated world, the act of drawing bridges the gap between perception and understanding. It forces us to slow down, observe, and interact with intention. Whether it is sketching the figure (as seen on the gallery walls here) or working en plein air (in the outdoors), drawing from life engages with the tactile, spatial, and dynamic qualities of the real world.

Featured artists:
Alexander Archipenko, Milton Avery, Edgar Britton, Arthur Bowen Davies, Lois Dodd, Harold Gregor, Karl Kasten, Dave M. Lynas, George Morrison, Abbott Lawrence Pattison, Philip Pearlstein, Pablo Picasso, Eric Pilhofer, Jo Lutz Rollins, Judith Roode, Steve Salek, Harold Tovish, and Florence M. Zlowe 

Throughout the run of the exhibition, museum-approved drawing materials will be available for visitors to use in the gallery. A schedule of live-model, drop-in drawing sessions will be made available in the Fall.