NEWSLETTER
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, opening March 29
Rochester, NY (March 3, 2026) — The Memorial Art Gallery is pleased to announce Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, opening Sunday, March 29, in the Docent Gallery. The exhibition follows the career of African American artist John Walter Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century, bringing together his work that spans several decades.
Rhoden worked in a style that was both innovative and ahead of his time, drawing inspiration from international travels, sensualism, and a breadth of visual influences. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Rhoden developed an early interest in sculpture and was encouraged by local artists and mentors to expand his talent. He went on to study art and establish a career in New York City before traveling and engaging in creative endeavors around the world. Featuring approximately forty sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone, this comprehensive exhibition reveals the remarkable scope of Rhoden’s artistic vision while highlighting his technical mastery.
Exhibition-related programming
A series of public programs will accompany Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. MAG members will be able to preview the exhibition at a special after-hours opening party on Saturday, March 28. Additional public programming includes Make a Connection!, a social, interactive evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 10. Tickets are $15, with a discounted rate of $5 for University of Rochester and MAG Members. More information about this program can be found here.
Experience the work of Rhoden
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the work of this significant American artist, underscoring Rhoden’s enduring artistic impact and illuminating his significant contributions to the field of twentieth-century sculpture. More information about the exhibition and admission tickets can be found here.
Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is organized by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and is made possible thanks to the following generous supporters. Lead support and artwork provided by the estate of Richanda Rhoden. Major support is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, William Penn Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art and donors to PAFA’s Special Exhibition Fund. Lead support for the Exhibition catalogue is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. The organization and digitization of the John Rhoden Archives at PAFA was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Generous support provided by Art Bridges.
This exhibition was curated by Dr. Brittany Webb, Evelyn and Will Kaplan Curator of Twentieth Century Art and the John Rhoden Collection
This exhibition was made possible with the help of Supporting Sponsors Dale and Joe Klein, and Associate Sponsors Anonymous donor and Walter B. D. Hickey, Jr, and the MAG Council.
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About the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery showcases art from antiquity to the present day, including the outdoor public Centennial Sculpture Park. In addition to its permanent collection, MAG offers a year-round schedule of special exhibitions, lectures, concerts, tours, after-hours social events, and family activities. Learn more at mag.rochester.edu
About Art Bridges Foundation
Art Bridges Foundation is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. Founded in 2017, Art Bridges creates and supports projects that share works of American art with communities across the United States and its territories. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 300 museums—impacting 25 million people nationwide—to provide financial and strategic support for exhibitions, collection loans, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local communities. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices. For more information, visit artbridgesfoundation.org.
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Photo 1: John W. Rhoden, detail of Generations, 1963, wood on metal base. Gift from The John Walter Rhoden and Richanda Phillips Rhoden Collection at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 2024.43