Breaking the Frame

Celebrating Women in the MMFA Collection

February 14 through March 29, 2026

On view in the Wilson Gallery

Overview

Throughout art history, women artists have often been marginalized, their voices muted and their talents overlooked. This exhibition, curated from the MMFA Collection, is a vibrant celebration of women’s experiences, expressed through diverse artistic perspectives that speak to resilience, creativity, and vision. The works on view showcase women artists responding to their environments and confronting pressing contemporary issues, such as environmental challenges caused by human activity.

The exhibition also highlights how men are joining this celebration, creating works that honor and uplift the image and legacy of women. Their contributions add depth to the conversation, acknowledging that the recognition of women’s voices is a shared responsibility. Together, these perspectives form a dynamic dialogue about gender, creativity, and activism. Through prints, photography, and mixed media, the artists amplify narratives that demand attention and inspire change. This exhibition is a tribute to resilience, vision, and the transformative power of art.

Above: Louise Nevelson (American, 1899–1988), Goddess from the Great Beyond, about 1953–1955, etching and aquatint on paper, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 1995.2.1; Pinky/MM Bass (American, born 1936), Fran’s Scorpio, 2002, digital inkjet print with embroidery thread, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Association Purchase, 2007.11

Gallery

Organizer

Organized by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama.

Exhibition Sponsors

Annual support for exhibitions is made possible by the following sponsors and grantors:

Lead Sponsors and Grantors: Alabama State Council on the Arts, Art Bridges Foundation, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC, Mr. and Mrs. Barrie H. Harmon, Ill, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC, Lamar Advertising of Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. James K. Lowder, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, and Mrs. Helen Till

Sponsors: Mr. Owen Aronov, Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Runkle, Sabel Steel, The S. Adam Schloss Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Weil, III, Laurie J. Weil, D.V.M. and Dr. Tommy Wool, and Ms. Helen Crump Wells

Co-sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Sam Adams, Alabama Trucking Association, AmeriFirst Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Campbell II, CAPTRUST, Dr. Robert Combs, Crum Family Charitable Foundation, Mrs. Camille Elebash-Hill, Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc., Mrs. Ann Hubbert, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ives, Mr. and Mrs. L. Daniel Morris, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Mussafer, Dr. Alfred J. Newman, Jr., River Bank & Trust, Russell Construction of Alabama, Inc., Ms. Micki Beth Stiller, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Taylor, and Warren Averett, LLC.

Special thanks to the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

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