American Art to 1960

Our American Art to 1960 collection contains works that help us better understand some of America’s most consequential eras and the evolution of American Art. Throughout this collection, we can see works reconciling with the growing pains of not only the burgeoning American Art world, but also the physical transformation and expansion of the American landscape. With the modernization of American comes new themes for artists to explore, including the arenas of jazz and mass media culture that can be seen throughout the collection, and hints at the art to come in the next decades.

American Paintings & Sculpture since 1960

We proudly house an extensive collection of American Paintings and Sculptures, a treasure trove of art history and visual culture produced since 1960. This collection offers a vibrant tapestry of diversity and subgenres, from abstraction and Pop Art to portraiture and landscape painting, showcasing the evolution and breadth of contemporary art. As we continue to expand this collection in the future, we are committed to creating a modern collection that captivates all and embraces the changing nature of contemporary art.

Photography

With photography increasingly integral to our daily lives, our growing permanent collection of photographs places the world of fine art photography at the forefront. Our collection includes renowned names from throughout the history of photography — including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Herman Leonard, Yousef Karsh, Ansel Adams, and Graciela Iturbide — as well as other artists working in varied photographic media and processes from photogravure to digital collage.

Drawings and Prints

Works on paper — defined as drawings, etchings, lithographs, silkscreens, bound books, and more — entail one of the largest collections of the Museum. Our Drawing and Prints collection includes works by some of the most recognizable names from throughout the history of art. In our galleries, you will see works by Andy Warhol, Faith Ringgold, Damien Hirst, Lorna Simpson, among many others. These works are often in dialogue with one another throughout our exhibitions, adding various perspectives and contexts.

Images of the artwork are jointly owned by the artist (managed by ARS) and Graphicstudio. Reproduction of any kind including electronic media must be expressly approved by Graphicstudio.

Global Art

Global Art has become synonymous with The AGB in the eyes of our community. Our Global Art collection strives to reimagine the boundaries between traditional and modern works that cross not only physical borders but also the borders between time and continents. Accordingly, this collection includes any works made outside the United States, including our strong holdings in African and Oceanic art, Asian art, Art of the Ancient Americas, and even European modern art.

One of our most popular global collections, on permanent display, is Spirits: African and Oceanic Art, housed in the Linda Rich Gallery. This gallery has become a favorite among educators across Polk County Schools. With the expanded Museum’s new “Art of The World” Gallery, we will continue to show dynamic perspectives on art from around the globe to better educate — and bring us all together.

Decorative Art & Design

Our decorative art and design collection houses many objects that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. These pieces span many cultures, are created in many styles, and range from kimonos to silverware.

On June 1, 2017, The AGB affiliated with Florida Southern College. As part of the affiliation, The AGB agreed to house and care for a portion of the FSC Collection comprised mainly of newly-acquired works focused on the human figure in American art (the FSC Figurative American Art Collection). The FSC Collection consists of gifts arranged initially by J. William Meek, III and Barbara Hanson Meek, and includes paintings, sculpture, and works on paper.

Robert Remsen Vickrey (1926-2011), ‘Parthenon Procession,’ 2010, Egg tempera on gesso panel, Gift of Scott, Nicole, and Carri Vickrey, made possible by Harmon-Meek Gallery, FSC Permanent Collection FP.2017.19.5.