Reflections on Gordon Parks showcases the creative responses of middle and high school students at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Waterbury inspired by the powerful photography and storytelling of Gordon Parks. Through their own photography and writings, students reflect on the themes of identity, resilience, and belonging explored in Parks’ work. This collaborative exhibition invites the community to engage with the students’ perspectives while honoring Parks’ legacy of capturing the human experience. This exhibition will be opening in the Monteiro Family Community Gallery.

Homeward to the Prairie I Come, an exceptional exhibition celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of Gordon Parks (1912–2006), one of America’s most influential photographers, filmmakers, poets, and composers. This exhibition will showcase Parks’ diverse and groundbreaking contributions to art and culture, offering a deeper understanding of his vast creative range beyond his celebrated work in documentary photography. This major exhibition, organized with the generous support of the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art and the Art Bridges Foundation, highlights the profound impact of Parks’ work. Visitors will experience a wide range of his powerful photographic images, many of which became iconic during his tenure as the first Black staff photographer for Life magazine. Parks’ work, known for its persistent exploration of racial injustice, poverty, and urban life, is paired with lesser-known poetic writings that reveal the full depth of his creativity and ability to articulate the human experience in both visual and literary forms. On view through March 30, 2025.

The Mattatuck Museum’s annual MIXMASTER is an exhibition that seeks to discover and recognize the talents of the Museum’s artists members working in New England and the Tri-state region. Initiated to support and recognize contemporary art, MIXMASTER provides an opportunity for established and emerging artists to debut their most recent work, done in the last three years. Through this exhibition, artists gain the visibility and recognition they deserve, while art enthusiasts have the chance to experience a wide array of fresh, innovative pieces. The exhibition not only highlights the vibrant art scene in these regions but also fosters a sense of community and appreciation for contemporary artistic expressions. MIXMASTER is open to all Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont resident artists 18 years and over. A record-breaking 153 artists applied to be part of the Mixmaster 2025 Juried Member Exhibition and 353 pieces were submitted in total. Submissions closed on Monday, November 18, 2024. The exhibition will be open to the public between January 12, 2025 and February 6, 2025. Submissions will be judged this year by Kalia Brooks, Ph.D., Director of Programs and Exhibitions at NXTHVN.

The reception and opening celebration for our new exhibitions will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Opening remarks will take place at 1 pm

The Museum will offer a reduced admission rate of $5 for the day.

Mattatuck Museum
144 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702

Free parking is available in the lots behind the museum located on Park Place.

https://www.mattmuseum.org/calendar/opening-ceremony-january/