NATIONAL TRENDS

Dreaming East– The Indelible Trend in the Arts on the East Coast                                      

As time moves onto the third quarter of 2025, echoes of the American arts continue to be the subject from concert halls to museums in America and even abroad. Gearing up for the 250^th Anniversary, the arts scene continues to offer Americana from many angles to reflect the continuous diversity and history of the United States. A great way to bring this ambiance into public library programming is to be aware of the unique offerings that currently are in the atmosphere. Connecting to major arts events like the surrealism exhibit in Philadelphia, Porgy and Bess in Houston, and the National Gallery exhibit in Charlotte this fall allows libraries to offer timely and relevant programming. These national trends provide a rich source for local inspiration, from hosting discussions on the subconscious inspired by surrealism, to  workshops on American history and music tied to Porgy and Bess, or art classes emulating the styles of artists featured in the Charlotte exhibit. By aligning with these cultural moments, libraries can transform into dynamic community hubs, attracting new audiences and providing accessible, enriching experiences that reflect and celebrate the broader artistic conversation.

CHARLOTTE, NC

“Degas, O’Keefe and Thomas travel to the Queen City…”

"As part of the “Across the Nation” initiative, works by Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alma Thomas will be on display, offering a unique lens into the American experience through art. These iconic pieces explore themes of beauty, movement, and abstraction, providing a compelling dialogue on the nation’s cultural legacy. The Mint Museum is honored to be one of 10 institutions throughout the United States selected to participate in the unprecedented program." -mintmuseum.org

Exhibition:

Masterpieces from the National Gallery of Art

April 2, 2025 - March 22, 2027

Mint Museum

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“Experience the unreal at the PMA's Surrealism at 100 exhibition opening in November.”

"The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) presents Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100, a major exhibition celebrating the centenary of the Surrealist movement, on view from November 8, 2025, to February 16, 2026. As the final stop in an ambitious tour organized with the Centre Pompidou in Paris—and the sole venue for this exhibition in the United States—the PMA will tell the story of Surrealist art, spotlighting the makers who sought out new expressive forms to expand the reach of the creative imagination." -philamuseum.org

Exhibition:

Dreamworld– Surrealism at 100

November 8, 2025–February 16, 2026 

Philadelphia Museum of Art

MIAMI, FL

“Technology, landscape and feminism collide to make an intriguing show…”

“Miriam Schapiro: 1967–1972” features a concise selection of Schapiro’s monumental paintings, examining a crucial period of development in the work of the legendary feminist artist. The works on view from this time see Schapiro’s hard-edge geometric abstraction evolve into her gendered, anthropomorphic “central core imagery” and lay the groundwork for her explorations of collage and craft within the Pattern and Decoration movement."    -icamiami.org

Exhibition:

Miriam Schapiro:

1967–1972

April 17- October 26, 2025

Institute of

Contemporary Art Miami

PHILADELPHIA, PA

“A major orchestra captures American stories through classical music…”

"The Philadelphia Orchestra’s story began in 1900, when a group of visionary musicians and civic leaders came together with a dream: to share the power of music with their city.
From those first concerts in the Academy of Music to groundbreaking moments that changed the course of orchestral history, the Orchestra has always been defined by bold ideas, a pioneering spirit, and a love of music that transcends borders. Today, under the leadership of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, that same spirit lives on as the Orchestra celebrates 125 years of inspiring audiences around the world. We invite you to explore some of the milestones that shaped the Orchestra’s journey, and discover how our history continues to guide the music we make today." -philorch.org

Concerts:

Philadelphia Orchestra: 125th Anniversary

Season

September 25, 2025–May 16, 2026

Marian Anderson Hall

HOUSTON, TX

“A great American composer creates a famous folk opera from black life in South Carolina…”

"It’s been 50 years since HGO first presented the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, restoring the “folk opera” to its creators’ full original vision in a landmark production that earned HGO both a Tony and a Grammy. Now, audiences have the chance to again experience the cherished American classic that set HGO on its path as a trailblazer, presented in an acclaimed production from director Francesca Zambello." 

-houstongrandopera.org

Opera:

The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess

Oct. 24 - Nov. 15, 2025

Houston Grand Opera