Final Weeks to See Charles Burchfield Watercolor Exhibition at Munson

There’s still time to experience one of Munson’s standout summer exhibitions. “Watercolor Stories: Art of Charles E. Burchfield” is now in its final weeks at the Munson Museum of Art in downtown Utica and will close Sunday, September 13.

The exhibition brings together 24 vibrant and expressive watercolors from Munson’s collection, along with rarely seen related artwork and archival materials from the Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo. The works offer a look into Burchfield’s imaginative interpretation of the natural world, transforming familiar landscapes into scenes filled with movement, emotion and a sense of mystery.

Much of Munson’s significant Burchfield collection came through benefactor Edward Wales Root, who developed a close relationship with the celebrated American painter. Beginning in 1929, Burchfield and Root maintained a 25-year exchange centered on their shared interests in art, music and nature. That relationship, and Burchfield’s artistic evolution, are explored throughout the exhibition.

Because works on paper are particularly sensitive to light, Burchfield’s watercolors are displayed only periodically, making the exhibition a relatively rare opportunity to see them together.

“Munson is fortunate to own such a remarkable collection of Burchfield’s provocative watercolors,” said Stephen Harrison, Munson Director and Chief Curator. “These works are rarely shown in order to prevent them from fading. As a result, they are as vibrant and mesmerizing as the day they were painted.”

The exhibition is accompanied by “Poetic Passages: Charles E. Burchfield and Edward W. Root in Art and Letters,” a publication developed by Munson in collaboration with the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The book explores Burchfield’s work alongside his correspondence with Edward and Grace Root and is available through the Munson Museum Shop.

Admission to Watercolor Stories is $8 for the general public and free for Munson Members. Students are $5, while children 12 and under, military personnel, SNAP participants and NARM members are admitted free. Guided docent tours are offered at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for $5 for the general public and free for Munson Members and children 12 and under.

Watercolor Stories: Art of Charles E. Burchfield
Through September 13, 2026
Munson Museum of Art | 310 Genesee St., Utica

Learn more about Watercolor Stories
Exhibition information and tickets

 

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