‘Florida in the Frame’ at the Harn Museum of Art illustrates the Sunshine State’s allure for American artists 

Press release from the Harn Museum of Art

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is presenting an original exhibition, Florida in the Frame: A Century of Artists’ Reflections on the Sunshine State, drawing from The Florida Art Collection, a gift from Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers. The exhibition investigates how these diverse images evoke and respond to the state’s natural resources, its history, and the popular culture of its recent past. Florida in the Frame will be on view from April 10 to July 26, 2026.

“We are very thankful to Sam and Robbie Vickers for giving their magnificent collection of 1200 works of art illustrating the beauty and rich history of Florida to the Harn Museum,” said Dr. Lee Anne Chesterfield, Harn Museum of Art Director. “The Harn has been honored to exhibit multiple themes from the vast collection representing artists from around the world who came to Florida to capture the beautiful Sunshine State.”

The objects on view, spanning c. 1850 to 1950, include paintings, works on paper, and a small group of sculptures and textiles representing more than 65 artists. The artists include prominent figures in American art such as Martin Johnson Heade, Winslow Homer, Thomas Moran, John Singer Sargent, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Ralston Crawford, and N.C. Wyeth, as well as artists who are less well known nationally, such as Albert Backus, Stevan Dohanos, Jane Peterson, Laura Woodward, and Florida Highwaymen painters Johnny Daniels and Harold Newton.

Florida in the Frame is organized along three broad themes: “Visualizing Florida,” “Expanding Cities,” and “Florida Destinations.” “Visualizing Florida” presents a wide range of perspectives and engagement with Florida as the subject. Examples include portraits, scenes of agricultural life, and views of coastlines, waterways, and architectural landmarks. “Expanding Cities” focuses on depictions of the built environment in cities such as St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami and addresses the impact of these developments on the cultural landscape of Florida cities. “Florida Destinations” addresses the state’s transformation to a major vacation destination, from its remoteness in the 19th century to the tourism boom in the 20th century.

“Florida in the Frame will resonate with local and regional audiences, offering an opportunity for visitors to see a diverse selection of works revealing a wide range of artistic responses to familiar, scenic destinations,” said Dulce Román, Exhibition Curator and Chief Curator and Curator of Modern Art at the Harn.

A selection of books, postcards, and brochures on loan from UF’s George A. Smathers Libraries will complement the themes addressed in the exhibition. A Reading Room adjacent to the exhibition will feature University of Florida student research on specific works of art and topics in the exhibition, reference books on the artists, and Conversation Cards, encouraging visitors to reflect upon and discuss their own lives and experiences in connection with the art on view.

This exhibition is made possible by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County with additional support from the Harn Annual Fund.

For more information, visit www.harn.ufl.edu/floridaintheframe. Admission is free.