American Fellows

The American Fellows is the Whitney’s exclusive patron group designed for enthusiasts and connoisseurs of American art from 1900-1960s. Members participate in an exciting exploration of early to mid-20th century American painting and sculpture and have the opportunity to meet with renowned art historians, critics, curators, and collectors who share the same interest. Founded in 1999, the group is led by Barbara Haskell, a curator at the Whitney since 1975 and acclaimed for organizing such landmark exhibitions as The American Century: Art & Culture, 1900–1950 in 1999, Oscar Bluemner: A Passion for Color in 2005, Georgia O’Keeffe: Abstraction in 2009, Lyonel Feininger: At the Edge of the World in 2011, Robert Indiana: Beyond Love in 2013, Stuart Davis: In Full Swing in 2016, and most recently Grant Wood: American Gothic and Other Fables in 2018. Each season, Ms. Haskell shares her considerable access and expertise relating to early 20th century American Modernists, as well as Abstract Expressionists and Pop artists to create unparalleled programs, including intimate panel discussions, connoisseur workshops, and tours highlighting the Whitney’s early-twentieth-century holdings. In addition to receiving these unique privileges, membership will help support the Whitney’s mission to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art and special projects focused on the first half of the twentieth century.

Participation begins with an annual gift of $13,500, of which $290 is non-deductible.

For further information please email patron_groups@whitney.org or call (212) 671-5326.

RECENT EVENTS INCLUDE:

  • Opening Reception for the exhibition Grant Wood: American Gothic and Other Fables
  • Studio visit with artist Alex Katz
  • Connoisseur Workshop on Richard Diebenkorn with Katy Rothkopf, Senior Curator at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the artist’s daughter
  • American Fellows Spring Weekend, featuring exclusive private collection visits, curator-led tours of museum exhibitions and private gallery visits
whitney gallery with people looking at artwork
whitney gallery with people looking at artwork

Photograph by Matt Carasella