The Nassau County Museum of Art reopened March 21 with four new exhibitions, following a six-week closure caused by a burst water main in its historic mansion.
The shows, presented in the Saltzman Fine Art Mansion, include “250 Years of Art on Long Island”; “Influence and Identity: Twentieth Century Portrait Photography from the Bank of America Collection”; “Profiles in Color: Paintings of Andres Valencia”; and “National Pastime: The Baseball Show.”
The museum closed Feb. 9 after sub-freezing temperatures caused a water main connected to the mansion’s fire sprinkler system to rupture, sending water into the lower level of the building.
Executive Director Beth Horn said no artwork was damaged and the mansion itself sustained no permanent structural damage. Repairs to the fire sprinkler system delayed the reopening, though heating, electrical, and water systems are fully operational.
“250 Years of Art on Long Island” celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the region’s artistic legacy, from Revolutionary-era portraiture to Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.
The exhibition features more than 120 works by 78 artists, including Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, William Merritt Chase, and contemporary artists Ross Bleckner, Louise Sloane, Donald Sultan, and 2026 Artist-in-Residence Glen Hansen.
“On Long Island’s East End, William Merritt Chase and Peconic School artists blended Impressionism and Realism as the nation entered the 20th century. After World War II, Long Island became a center for avant-garde abstraction, home to artists including Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning, and Elaine de Kooning, known as the Trailblazers of Abstract Expressionism. Long Island is also associated with designers Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan, who are featured in the exhibition,” said associate curator Alex C. Maccaro.
Chief curator Franklin Hill Perrell said, ““Today’s artists, following in their footsteps, may be found anywhere on Long Island, whether or not their intent is descriptive, portraying their physical surroundings, or transcending realism into other realms of interest. The creative energy of new artists has continued to grow unabated, lending our Island a surpassing richness of accomplishment in the visual arts.”
Influence and Identity examines how early- and mid-20th-century portrait photography shaped notions of celebrity and public identity. Loaned through the Bank of America Art in Our Communities® program, it features 83 works by 28 photographers, including Richard Avedon, Yousuf Karsh, Berenice Abbott, and Garry Winogrand.
“Museums like the Nassau County Museum of Art are such an important part of life here on Long Island, giving our neighbors a chance to connect with art from across generations,” said Marc Perez, president of Bank of America Long Island.
Influence and Identity: Twentieth Century Portrait Photography from the Bank of America Collection is the second exhibition loaned to the Nassau County Museum of Art through the Bank of America Art in our Communities® program. The program offers Bank of America’s art collection to communities through curated exhibitions that museums and nonprofit galleries may borrow at no cost. The public can enjoy new art installations at local museums while the museums themselves are able to generate vital revenue. Since launching this program in 2008, the bank has loaned exhibitions over 175 times to cultural institutions around the world.
Profiles in Color presents the first regional solo exhibition of 14-year-old painter Andres Valencia, whose Cubist-inspired portraits blend homage and innovation. Curated by Simon Watson in collaboration with the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, the show highlights Valencia’s expressive use of color and form.
Valencia began drawing and painting at age 5 after being inspired by art collected by his father. Teachers at his public school quickly recognized his talent, and his work soon drew attention from collectors and galleries.
His collectors include celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Sofía Vergara, soccer star Sergio Ramos, television host Michael Strahan and musicians including Karol G and V from BTS, who have commissioned portraits from the young artist.
National Pastime: The Baseball Show celebrates America’s love of the sport with artifacts, memorabilia, and baseball-themed artworks, including pieces by Elaine de Kooning and Glen Hansen. Curated from the personal collection of museum trustee Rick Friedman, the exhibition highlights New York teams such as the Mets, Yankees, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
Located on a 145-acre Gold Coast estate, the museum features a sculpture garden, formal gardens, and the Manes Art Education Center, which hosts year-round classes and an Artist-in-Residence program.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students and children ages 4–12. Docent-led tours of the exhibitions are offered daily at 2 p.m., and mansion tours are offered Saturdays at 1 p.m., free with admission.
