Read more about AVAM's unforgettable past exhibitions, including our most recent: ALL THINGS ROUND: Galaxies, Eyeballs & Karma, featuring the exuberant works of 70+ inspired, intuitive artists in a celebration of the circular and voluptuous nature of life.
Did you know AVAM Members get FREE museum admission for the entire year, plus discount on our fabulous workshops & classes, exclusive FREE admission to our annual exhibition Preview Party, big discounts at our museum shop Sideshow & restaurant Mr. Rain's Funhouse & so much more!
Vanessa German, Shine, 2012 Mixed media & found objects
From scripture to fairy tale, cartoons to cyberbullying, the raw power of stories to inspire and enchant, spread lies or to inform, simply has no equal. THE ART OF STORYTELLING: Lies, Enchantment, Humor & Truth is the American Visionary Art Museum's brand-new, supremely original exhibition featuring embroidery, diorama, sculpture, film, graffiti, and PostSecret confession—promoting all manner of acute 'visual listening' and delight for the whole family.
The museum's 18th, yearlong, thematic exhibition explores the impact of story via visual narratives created by 30+ visionary artists, including the intuitive creations of Béatrice Coron, Mars Tokyo, Esther Krinitz, Larry Yust, Debbie and Mike Schramer, Chris Roberts-Antieau, P. Nosa, Judy Tallwing, and many more! This must-see exhibition underscores the role all museums and media play as public storytellers, as well as their inescapable influence on what we think, believe, and ultimately understand of stories.
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This summer, the American Visionary Art Museum presents FRANK BRUNO: A Life Devoted to THE END—a hot hellfire and damnation exhibition featuring 14 masterworks created over the last five decades by visionary true believer Frank Bruno, with mind-blowing attention to detail. An apocalyptic painter and fierce social critic, Frank Bruno's work and thinking have been fueled by his study of Messianic and end of the world books and preaching. "I see danger—awake! It's terrible, it's horrible, and it's almost here! This is why my spirit was sent to earth. This is the job God has given me. This is the job I must do, so my hands will be free of your blood." –Frank Bruno
A free, outdoor art celebration, in conjunction with Maryland's "Star Spangled 200" National Bicentennial, to be created upon the public pavement running alongside AVAM's historic Federal Hill location. A Very Visionary Star-Spangled Sidewalk will depict our nation's beloved National Anthem in an engaging, family-fun and informative format that playfully welcomes both visitor feet and wheelchairs into an up-close and personal viewing experience!
AVAM's Permanent Collection Gallery features rotating selections from our permanent collection of over 4,000 visionary works from all over the world. Some favorites include: Lusitania by Wayne Kusy, 1994; Applewood Figure, Anonymous, 1950; and Untitled (Seven Panels) by James Franklin Snodgrass, c.1990-94.
NEW! "Baltimore Beasties" by visionary animal aura painter Brian Dowdall, with "The Flatulence Post" - a non odorous triumph of 'pull my finger' technology by "Shiny Happy Things" mirror artist extraordinaire, Bob Benson. Located together in AVAM's Basement Gallery, Zanvyl Krieger Main Building—ideal for family joy!
AVAM's large sculpture environment features 2 floors of Visionary works like our famous Kinetic Sculpture vehicles, ArtCars, Cabaret Mechanical Theater, Painted Screens, DeVon Smith's Robot Family and more!
The Tall Sculpture Barn features a life-size, interactive chess set of sculpted metal angels and the 1300 square-feet of painted panels called The Seven Days of Creation by visionary William Thomas Thompson. Free to visit during museum hours.
