The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is establishing a groundbreaking decennial exhibition series to spotlight the dynamic art scene within Connecticut. This initiative aims to provide a consistent platform for local contemporary artists, emphasizing fresh perspectives and recent creations. The inaugural exhibition promises a diverse selection of artists, bridging generational gaps and offering a comprehensive look at the state's artistic talent, while also positioning the Aldrich as a key institution in promoting regional art on a global stage.
This innovative exhibition model sets the Aldrich apart in the art world, as it deviates from the more common biennial or triennial formats seen elsewhere. By committing to a ten-year cycle, the museum is creating a unique opportunity for in-depth exploration and sustained engagement with the evolving landscape of contemporary art in Connecticut. This long-term vision not only celebrates the artists who choose to live and work outside major urban art centers but also reinforces the museum's dedication to its local community and its broader mission to champion living artists.
The Inaugural "Aldrich Decennial": Showcasing Connecticut's Artistic Talent
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, situated in Ridgefield, Connecticut, is set to introduce a significant recurring exhibition series known as the “Aldrich Decennial.” This ambitious program, slated to occur every ten years, will focus exclusively on artists residing and creating work within Connecticut. The first installment of this landmark series, titled “I am what is around me,” is scheduled to open on June 27, 2026, and will remain on display until January 10, 2027. This initiative underscores the museum’s commitment as the sole institution in the state dedicated entirely to contemporary art, aiming to highlight the rich and diverse artistic talent flourishing in the region. The selection process for this exhibition was rigorous, with chief curator Amy Smith-Stewart and publications manager Caitlin Monachino conducting over 100 studio visits to identify participating artists. The chosen works must also have been created within the last decade, ensuring a contemporary focus, and featured artists must not have previously exhibited in Connecticut, fostering new exposure.
The curatorial team meticulously narrowed down their extensive research to select a diverse group of 40 artists, featuring both established and emerging talents. Among the notable participants are internationally recognized figures such as Dominic Chambers, Tammy Nguyen, Em Rooney, Aki Sasamoto, and Julia Wachtel. The exhibition will span a wide age range, including artists like Lucy Sallick, born in 1937, and Remy Sosa, born in 1995, highlighting generational dialogues and artistic evolution. “I am what is around me” will utilize the entirety of the Aldrich’s campus, encompassing its 8,000 square feet of gallery space and its recently revamped three-acre grounds, which include a dedicated sculpture garden. This extensive presentation aims to explore the varied artistic expressions of artists who have chosen to cultivate their practices beyond traditional art hubs. The exhibition will also be accompanied by a comprehensive catalog, further documenting and disseminating the narratives and works of these regional artists, thereby strengthening Connecticut’s presence in the broader contemporary art discourse.
A Unique Exhibition Model and its Impact on Regional Art
The Aldrich Decennial represents an unconventional approach within the global art exhibition landscape due to its ten-year cycle. While many major international exhibitions, such as biennials (every two years) and triennials (every three years), are more frequent, the decennial model offers a distinct rhythm for engagement and reflection. One of the few precedents for such a long-term model is Sculpture Projects Münster in Germany, which also operates on a ten-year basis. This extended timeframe allows for a more considered and profound assessment of artistic developments within the region, providing a comprehensive snapshot of Connecticut’s contemporary art scene at significant intervals. This pacing also offers artists ample time for creation and development, ensuring that the work presented is mature and impactful. Executive director Cybele Maylone emphasized the museum’s enduring interest in local artists over its 60-year history, stating that this inaugural series proudly spotlights the immense talent within their "small but mighty state."
Chief curator Amy Smith-Stewart further elaborated on the vision behind the Decennial, noting Connecticut’s historical significance as a home for visionary artists and daring ideas, including luminaries like Anni and Josef Albers, Louise Bourgeois, and Jasper Johns. This historical context provides a rich backdrop for the contemporary artists who now call the state home. The Decennial aims to highlight how these artists’ works are deeply rooted in the museum’s community while simultaneously resonating far beyond its geographical boundaries. By presenting a recurring survey of regional talent, the Aldrich Museum not only celebrates its local artistic community but also actively contributes to their recognition on a national and international scale. This long-term commitment to showcasing Connecticut-based artists through a decennial format is poised to foster sustained artistic growth and dialogue, making the Aldrich a pivotal institution for the promotion and understanding of contemporary art from the region.