WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Clark Art Institute's First Sunday Free program continues on Sunday, April 3, offering free admission to the galleries and special exhibitions from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., along with a series of activities. 

 

April's theme is "Photography." 

 

There will be a pop-up installation of early photography in the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper from 11 a.m. to1 p.m. There will be art-making in the Clark Center's lower lobby from 1 to4 p.m. Participants can bring along a camera (or phone camera) and head outdoors to join a guided hike from 2:30 to 4 p.m. to learn best practices for photographing nature.

 

Visitors can also see the Clark's current special exhibition, "As They Saw It: Artists Witnessing War," which examines the role artists played in documenting the events and experiences of war over four centuries (1520-1920). 

 

"As They Saw It" showcases a selection from the Clark's holdings: both pro- and anti-Napoleonic imagery (including Francisco de Goya's "The Disasters of War"); Civil War photographs and wood engravings; and multiple perspectives on World War I. Also featured are images of Black Americans in military service, whose contributions have often been underrepresented in the historical record. "As They Saw It" is on view through May 30, 2022. 

 

Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families receive daily free admission to the Clark through the run of the exhibition.

 

Also on view is a year-long installation of contemporary works by artist Tomm El-Saieh. The exhibition, "Tomm El-Saieh: Imaginary City," is the latest offering in the Clark's on-going presentation of contemporary art in public spaces and is on view in multiple locations in the Clark Center and Manton Research Center. 

 

Additionally, the Clark's full permanent collection is on view, featuring an array of works by artists including John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Berthe Morisot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. A recent acquisition, Tea Service of Famous Women (Cabaret des femmes célèbres) (1811-12) has recently been installed and is now on view in the Clark's galleries. The tea service painted by Marie-Victoire Jaquotot portrays sixteen women from different periods in European history celebrating the importance of women within governance, literature, and international relations of the time.

 

The Clark's grounds, which are always open free of charge, provide miles of walking trails traversing meadows and woodlands in a setting of profound natural beauty.

 

While admission to the galleries is free to all visitors on April 3, advance registration is strongly recommended. All visitors age 5 and up must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at entry and must wear facemasks indoors. Visit clarkart.edu to register and for details on current health and safety protocols.