2017 TEMPORARY EXHIBIT SCHEDULE

CHANGING THE FACE OF POWER: WOMEN OF THE U.S. SENATE - August 14 through September 25, 2017

“Changing the Face of Power” is an exhibition of photographs by Melina Mara, whom began photographing the thirteen women in the U.S. Senate in 2001, continuing as their number grew to fourteen in 2003. At a time when access to national politicians is increasingly controlled, Mara persuaded a majority of the senators to allow her to document the unprecedented role of women in the Senate, both behind the scenes and before microphones.

“Changing the Face of Power,” which opened at the Smithsonian Institution in 2003, includes informative text provided by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Veteran White House journalist Helen Thomas conducted interviews with ten of the senators, which have been distilled into two audio presentations. A photography-based video presentation portrays exhibition images with narration by Melina Mara.

"Changing the Face of Power"  is an exhibition by the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin, presented in partnership with Humanities Texas and made possible by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM III - March 11 through April 8, 2016

The Palmer Museum is currently seeking applications for this year's Mat-Su Valley high school juried art exhibition, Beyond the Classroom. 

Beyond the Classroom is open to all high school students, grades 9-12 that are enrolled in a high school program (public, home school or alternative).  Only one submission per student is allowed and art works can be comprised of any media, any size.  Applications are available using the button below or forms can be picked up at the Museum located in downtown Palmer at 723 S. Valley Way or at the Wasilla Museum located in downtown Wasilla at 323 N. Main Street.  The Museum will be accepting applications from now until March 8th.  Applications will be used to determine space requirements and other exhibit accommodations needed.  Due to space limitations, the Museum will only guarantee acceptance of the first 25 applications and then open it up to additional entries with space permitting.  Art work will be on display at the Museum March 11th through April 8th, with a special artist reception to be held during the Palmer Art Walk on Saturday, April 8th, from 2-6PM.  As part of the exhibit, representatives from Mat-Su College Art Department, Valley Arts Alliance, Valley Fine Arts Association, Palmer Arts Council and the Palmer Museum will be reviewing all submissions.  Artists will be given review sheets with comments and suggestions after the exhibit with a special participation gift provided by Blaine’s Art Supply in Anchorage.  Several prizes will be awarded including Best in Show, People's Choice and moreThe exhibit is designed to showcase our younger artists in the community while encouraging them to continue making art a part of their lives.

APRON STRINGS: TIES TO THE PAST - November 30, 2016 through March 2017

Although taken for granted by many social and art historians, the apron is the subject of a fascinating reevaluation in this popular ExhibitsUSA exhibition. Featuring 51 vintage and contemporary examples, Apron Strings: Ties to the Past reviews the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still viable today.

Featuring aprons dating from the 1900s to the present, the exhibition chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It also surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues traditionally available to women.

Today, artists continue using aprons to explore cultural myths and realities, as well as their individual experiences with American domesticity. Though not as widespread as they once were, aprons remain as functional and protective garments for men and women alike.

Apron Strings is organized into several thematic groups that address design, historical context, use, and cultural message. Accompanying text panels and labels provide general background for each theme. The exhibition serves as an excellent tool to bring together diverse parts of the community through shared experiences with and memories of a common, everyday textile. In addition to numerous educational programming opportunities, the exhibition also includes an on-site “try-on” collection for interaction and learning.

Apron Strings: Ties to the Past was curated by Joyce Cheney, an independent curator based in St. Louis, Missouri. It was adapted for travel by ExhibitsUSA, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance and is on tour at the Palmer Museum of History and Art courtesy of a grant provided by Conoco Phillips.