Tanja Gant, 01000001 01001110 01000001 (Ana), colored pencil on paper, 16 x 13 in.
Supporting Contemporary Art: Allied Artists of America Exhibition
From September 13, 2025, through January 11, 2026, the Reading Public Museum will be hosting the 112th Annual Exhibition: Allied Artists of America. Almost 100 works from contemporary artists across the nation will be featured throughout the American Gallery, the Irvin and Lois Cohen Modern and Contemporary Gallery, and the Works on Paper Gallery. Although this is the first year the exhibition will be held in Reading, Allied Artists of America has a well-established history supporting contemporary art and artists.
One of the nation’s oldest artists’ organizations, Allied Artists of America, held its inaugural exhibition in 1914. Gathered for the open exhibition, members and non-members presented an array of paintings and sculptural works at the Washington Irving High School in Irving Place, New York City. Since then, Allied Artists of America has used its Annual National Open Exhibition and awards, demonstrations, lectures, slide program, newsletters, and other activities to further the cause of contemporary American artists.[1]
With a multitude of media, themes, and perspectives, contemporary art acts as a reflection/commentary on modern-day society. Drawing inspiration from the globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world around them, contemporary artists give a voice to the growing cultural landscape of identities, values, and beliefs.[2] Not bound by traditional rules or expectations, the techniques and ideas of contemporary art are often very experimental and eclectic. Engagement with these pieces often requires viewers to go beyond aesthetics and the categorization of whether it’s “good” or “bad” art. Instead, viewers are encouraged to learn the history and influences behind the piece, challenge their perspectives, create conversations, and ruminate on what they’re feeling rather than seeing.[3]
Mitzura Salgian, Famille Rose, XI, egg tempera with impasto, 24 x 36 in.
There is much value to be found in contemporary art, whether it’s from the piece itself or the discussions it creates, which is why the support of contemporary artists is crucial. Each oil painting, sculpture, graphic, mixed media, watercolor, and pastel featured in the 112th Annual Exhibition: Allied Artists of America provides a unique perspective of the present day and art as we know it.
The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA. Admission per day is: $14 adults (18-64), $8 children/seniors/college students (w/ ID), $6 active military (w/ ID), and free to members and children three years old and under. Currently enrolled Reading School District students and up to five accompanying guests receive free regular Museum admission and free admission to public Neag Planetarium shows with proof of enrollment. The Museum is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit Online: www.readingpublicmuseum.org.
- Allied Artists of America, https://www.alliedartistsofamerica.org/about-allied
- Art21, “Contemporary Art in Context,” 2025, https://art21.org/for-educators/tools-for-teaching/getting-started-an-introduction-to-teaching-with-contemporary-art/contemporary-art-in-context/
- The Marshall Gallery, “The Beginner’s Guide to Contemporary Modern Art,” 2025, https://themarshallgallery.com/post/5028-the-beginners-guide-to-contemporary-modern-art
