SUMMER OPENING RECEPTION: AN EXQUISITE EYE—INTRODUCING THE ASO O. TAVITIAN COLLECTION 
June 12, 6–9 pm 
Clark Center 

All are invited to our summer opening for An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection. Celebrate the transformative gift received in October 2024 from the foundation of the late collector, philanthropist, and connoisseur Aso O. Tavitian. Enjoy light refreshments and be among the first to view the new exhibition, showcasing exceptional works by Jan van Eyck, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Peter Paul Rubens, Jean-Antoine Watteau, Jacques-Louis David, and more, from one of the twenty-first century’s most significant private European art collections. 

Free. Advance registration encouraged. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0570. 

OPENING LECTURE: AN EXQUISITE EYE—INTRODUCING THE ASO O. TAVITIAN COLLECTION
June 13, 11 am 
Manton Research Center auditorium 

In this opening lecture, exhibition curators Esther Bell and Lara Yeager-Crasselt present An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection. Exploring Aso O. Tavitian's remarkable legacy as a collector in the twenty-first century, as well as the collection's extraordinary depth and breadth, the exhibition highlights the pivotal intersections of early modern European artistic traditions. In a moment marked by tremendous historical changes, early modern artists produced works of great creativity and complexity. 

Free. Accessible seats available. Call 413 458 0570 with any questions.

EXHIBITION TOUR: AN EXQUISITE EYE
Twice Daily, July 1–August 31 (Except July 12—Community Day), 10:15 am and 3:45 pm
Meet in the Clark Center lower lobby

How can a single collection capture the evolution of European art? Join a Clark educator to explore the exhibition An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection, featuring some of the world’s finest examples of European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. Beyond the technical mastery of these works, this tour examines how the Tavitian collection also reflects a profound interest in the human experience.

Free with gallery admission. Pick up a ticket at the Clark Center admissions desk, available on a first-come, first-served basis. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0570.

SCULPTURE PORTRAITS: WEEKLY DROP-IN ART-MAKING
Thursdays, July 2–August 20, 1–4 pm
Fernández Terrace

Get inspired by the stunning glazed terracotta Portrait of a Youth by Andrea della Robbia and a variety of other sculpted portraits in our special exhibition, An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection. Then, come outside by the reflecting pool and create your own relief portrait!

Free. All materials provided. Severe weather moves the activity indoors to the Michael Conforti Pavilion. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0570.

Family programs are generously supported by Allen & Company.

COMMUNITY DAY: EYE ON ART!
July 12, 11 am–4 pm

Come one, come all, and join the spectacular festivities at our annual Community Day! Head into the galleries for free, then bring the artwork to life through hands-on activities, live performances, and special food vendors—all inspired by our summer exhibitions. Don your own ruff based on the fun frills in An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection; play with tools used for nautical navigation featured in CoastLines: American Prints and Drawings; and enjoy a taste of Italy, home of artist Giorgio Griffa. Keep an (exquisite) eye on this webpage as the full day of programming is announced. From jugglers to live lute music and caricature artists, there is so much more in store!

Free and open to all. Refreshments available for purchase. Held rain or shine. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0570.

Family programs are generously supported by Allen & Company.

AN EXQUISITE EYE: WHAT MAKES A PORTRAIT?
July 18, 2 pm
Manton Research Center auditorium

When do we see a painted face as a record of a real person versus a fantasy or a fiction? In this talk, art historian Susan Tallman draws on the Tavitian collection to explore one of art's persistent enigmas—the boundary between portrait and invention. From Lucas Cranach's ambiguous heroine to Wallerant Vaillant's enigmatic self-portrait to Élisabeth Louise Vigée-Lebrun's self-presentation in revolutionary disguise, Tallman’s talk takes up a question that runs from Mesopotamia to the age of AI. This talk is presented in conjunction with the exhibition An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection.

Free. Accessible seats available. Call 413 458 0570 with any questions.

WORKS ON PAPER HIGHLIGHTS TALKS: TAVITIAN DRAWINGS PREVIEW
August 12, 19 & 26, 1 pm
Manton Study Center for Works on Paper

This summer, in tandem with the exhibition An Exquisite Eye: Introducing the Aso O. Tavitian Collection, get a first look at the thirty-nine drawings included in the Aso O. Tavitian gift of art. The Manton Study Center for Works on Paper houses the Clark's collection of more than 6,800 prints, drawings, and photographs. On three successive Wednesdays in August, members of the curatorial team will present special previews of the drawings from the Aso O. Tavitian gift.

August 12: Tavitian Drawings Preview, Seventeenth Century

Seventeenth-century highlights include head studies by Abraham Bloemaert (Dutch, 1566–1651), Jusepe de Ribera (Spanish, 1591–1652), and Salvator Rosa (Italian, 1615–1673), as well as two full-color scenes on vellum by Giovanna Garzoni (Italian, 1600–1670), one of the most famous woman artists of her time, who worked for the Medici court in Florence.

August 19: Tavitian Drawings Preview, Eighteenth Century

Take a close look at the eighteenth-century drawings from the Tavitian gift, ranging from battle scenes by Charles Parrocel (French, 1688–1752) to a pair of red-chalk portraits by Jean-Baptiste Greuze (French, 1725–1805) and a rare figure study on blue paper by Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727–1788).

August 26: Tavitian Drawings Preview, Nineteenth Century

The final Tavitian drawings preview features nineteenth-century drawings demonstrating the wide-ranging collecting taste of Aso O. Tavitian. Representations of women by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (German, 1805–1873) and Giovanni Boldini (Italian, 1842–1931) are joined by a group of eight drawings made by a young Camille Pissarro (French, 1830–1903) in Caracas, Venezuela.

Free. Capacity is limited—space is first-come, first-served. For accessibility questions, call 413 458 0570.