Cheng-Harrell Open Nights Debut on Friday, June 17
New York (May 23, 2022) —The Frick Collection announces the return of its free public evenings with the launch of a new seasonal series, Cheng-Harrell Open Nights. These community events will be held quarterly over the next twelve months. Program-filled, the evenings are designed by the Frick’s Education Department to offer audiences yet another exciting way to experience Frick Madison, the acclaimed temporary home of the museum and library during the renovation of the institution’s historic buildings. In celebration of Pride Month, the series kicks off on Friday, June 17, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Various offerings that night include a panel discussion relating to the Frick’s current project Living Histories: Queer Views and Old Masters. Comments Ian Wardropper, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director, “We look forward to welcoming the public to enjoy Frick Madison through this series of thematic evenings. Through a range of content, these free events will offer unique experiences for a wide audience. We thank Trustee Dr. Tai-Heng Cheng and his husband Cole Harrell for their support and enthusiasm for the series.”
The June evening will feature a variety of programming including
- Gallery talks with ASL interpretation
- Live music performances
- Library presentations and introduction to resources in the Reading Room
- Sketching in the outdoor patio
- Xavier F. Salomon, the Frick’s Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator, will moderate a conversation with writer and cultural critic Roxane Gay and contemporary artists Jenna Gribbon, Doron Langberg, and Salman Toor, whose work has been shown at the Frick as part of its Living Histories (This program will be live-streamed with CART captioning.)
- All Frick Madison galleries will be open, displaying highlights of the museum’s permanent collection. Western European works on view date from the Renaissance through early twentieth century and include canvases by Bellini, Bronzino, Fragonard, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Renoir, Titian, Turner, Vermeer, and more. They are organized chronologically by region, in a presentation that differs from that of the historic Frick mansion, allowing for new insights and unexpected juxtapositions.
- The final installation of the Living Histories project will be on view, juxtaposing a monumental drawing by Toyin Ojih Odutola with works by Rembrandt. Also on view will be a special exhibition of porcelain disks created at the Sèvres Manufactory by contemporary artist Giuseppe Penone.
Future Cheng-Harrell Open Nights will include after-hours museum and reading room access, gallery talks, library resources, sketching, and live music.
ABOUT THE FRICK COLLECTION AND FRICK MADISON
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, The Frick Collection is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Reference Library, founded by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations. The library is currently celebrating its centennial.
The Frick’s historic buildings are closed for renovation. Honoring the Frick’s architectural legacy, the plan designed by Selldorf Architects will provide unprecedented access to the 1914 residence, while preserving the intimate visitor experience and beloved galleries. The plan will create new spaces for the display of art, conservation, education, and programs, while improving amenities and overall accessibility.
During the renovation, the museum and library collections remain accessible five blocks north at Frick Madison, the Marcel Breuer–designed building that was once the home of the Whitney Museum of American Art. There audiences may enjoy a substantial gathering of highlights from the Frick, reframed in a setting that inspires fresh perspectives. In a departure from the Frick’s customary presentation style, works are organized at Frick Madison chronologically and by region, allowing for unexpected juxtapositions and new insights about treasured paintings and sculptures by Bellini, Bronzino, Clodion, Gainsborough, Goya, Holbein, Houdon, Ingres, Piero della Francesca, Rembrandt, Titian, Turner, Velázquez, Vermeer, and many others. The installation also spotlights the Frick’s impressive holdings of decorative arts and sculpture, as well as rarely seen works.