In this gallery, yes, we are looking at the birth of abstract American art, which is so exciting.
— Nathalie Ferrier, Gallery Director/Curator, Higgins Art Gallery, Cape Cod Community College
Experience the Birth of American Abstract Art
A unique loan from a personal collection connects the dots between abstract art, Provincetown, and museum studies students
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26 March 2026 – BARNSTABLE, MA – The Higgins Gallery at the Cape Cod Community College knits a collaboration between art history and museum students to capture a pivotal moment in art history with a show featuring the work of one of the pioneering abstract expressionist painters ,George McNeil.
What is the show?
The exhibit features works from pioneering American abstract artist George McNeil.
Who is George McNeil?
McNeil was one of the founding members of the American Abstract Artist group. His work appears in collections at well known musems such as MoMa and the Smithsonean – but he spent his summers from 1948 through the early 1960s in Provincetown’s art colony.
His daughter Helen maintains a Cape Cod residence today – and it was through that Cape Cod connection that she agreed to loan work to the Higgins Gallery … where Ferrier’s museum studies students designed and hung the show.
What other events are happening?
The gallery has added two events bringing insight into abstractionist art history along with a Cape Cod overlay. On April 7 at 2 pm, McNeil’s daughter Helen will be leading a personal tour at the gallery and on April 14, the gallery hosts Christine McCarthy, CEO of the Provincetown Art Association and Museum in an accessible-to-all webinar.
For more information:
- April 14 webinar registration link:
https://capecod.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_941SPQVLR3Kc2MLgHzwbzg#/registration
- Higgins Art Gallery information:
https://www.capecod.edu/higgins/
