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Hofstra University Museum
  • Uncharted: American Abstraction in the Information Age | January 28-June 19, 2020 | Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
  • David Filderman Gallery | Other People’s Parties | August 13, 2019-March 13, 2020 | Joan and Donald Axinn Library Ninth Floor, South Campus

Children's Pleasures: American Celebrations of Childhood

Emily Lowe Gallery

February 2 - April 18, 2010


This exhibition focuses on the evolving depictions of American childhood pleasures and pastimes from the early 19th century to the present. The works of art reflect and mirror the shifts in American lifestyles, societal mores, family paradigms, and the importance of play over two centuries.   The exhibition will include approximately 50 works dating from 1836 to 2008, created by 41 artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, William Merritt Chase, Asher B. Durand, George Luks, Norman Rockwell, and Philemona Williamson in a variety of media (paintings, prints, and sculpture).  The exhibit themes highlight children experiencing the pleasures of family and friends, the world of make-believe, holiday celebrations, games and toys, outdoor play, music and dance, and childhood mischief.

Curated by Hofstra University Professor Donna R. Barnes, Ed.D.

Philemona Willianson, Yearning to Be
Philemona Williamson, Yearning to Be, 2006, Courtesy of June Kelly Gallery

The Hofstra University Museum will be closed for the Easter holiday from April 2 to 4, 2010.

Louisa Armbrust, Lounging Badminton

Louisa Armbrust, Lounging Badminton, 2005, Courtesy of the artist

Stan Brodsky, Adam and Noah

Stan Brodsky, Adam and Noah, 1971, OIl on linen, Courtesy of the artist


Related Programs*:

Opening Reception
Saturday, February 6, 2010
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Emily Lowe Gallery

Artist's Talk with Philemona Williamson
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Emily Lowe Gallery

Symposium: Child's Play, Children's Pleasures
March 19 - 20, 2010
For more information please contact the Hofstra Cultural Center at (516)463-5669 or click here.

An Insider's View with Stephanie Haboush Plunkett, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Norman Rockwell Musuem
Friday, April 9, 2010
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Emily Lowe Gallery

*Program fees may apply.  For more information or to register for Museum events please call (516) 463-5672 or click here.

Children Playing

Arthur Bowen Davies, Children Playing,
c. 1896, Courtesy of The Spanierman Gallery,
New York, NY

For more information on Children Playing, please visit The Spanierman Gallery's American Art blog by clicking here.

The Coquette

J.G. Brown, The Coquette, c. 1870s,
Courtesy of The Spanierman Gallery,
New York, NY

For more information on The Coquette, please visit The Spanierman Gallery's American Art blog by clicking here.


  • Uncharted: American Abstraction in the Information Age | January 28-June 19, 2020 | Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, South Campus
  • David Filderman Gallery | Other People’s Parties | August 13, 2019-March 13, 2020 | Joan and Donald Axinn Library Ninth Floor, South Campus