The highly anticipated Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA is here. Witness the evolution of a leading voice in contemporary portraiture.

BY ARTCENTRON NEWS

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND– Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the highly anticipated exhibition, Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA, prepares to open its doors. Art enthusiasts, museumgoers, and cultural commentators are anxiously anticipating the promised reinterpretation of this show, which has been the center of a major art controversy.  This major cultural event at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) promises to be a powerful showcase of one of the most influential artists of our time.

A Monumental Moment for Contemporary Portraiture

Amy Sherald is best known for her iconic portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama. She has become a leading voice in contemporary American art. Her signature style—featuring grayscale skin tones, vibrant backdrops, and poised, thoughtful figures—has redefined how portraiture can speak to identity, history, and beauty.

The exhibition, Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA, will offer an unprecedented look at Sherald’s artistic journey. Featuring approximately 40 portraits created from 2007 to the present, the show reflects her evolution as an artist and the depth of her vision. Each portrait captures moments of stillness, grace, and strength. It invites viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with the subjects’ humanity. This mid-career survey, which premiered at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and also traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art, now comes to Baltimore—a city with which Sherald has deep ties.

Ticket Prices Announced—Accessibility is Key

Adding to the excitement, the BMA has announced specific ticket pricing for the art exhibition. The museum is committed to accessibility, with general admission tickets priced at $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for students. In a significant move toward community access, BMA members and individuals 17 and under get in for free. So also does the public on Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and on opening day, November 2.

Timed-entry tickets will help manage crowd flow and ensure a comfortable viewing experience for all visitors. With the popularity of Amy Sherald’s work, advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged to secure preferred time slots. Tickets are now available on the museum’s website.

More Than an Exhibition: A Full Cultural Experience

The BMA is enhancing the exhibition experience with a robust lineup of related programming. Visitors can look forward to:

• Artist talks and curator-led discussions.
• Guided tours focused on Sherald’s technique and themes.
• Community days with free admission and live performances.
• Interactive workshops for families and students.
• A curated selection of exhibition merchandise and the official catalogue in the BMA Shop.

These programs aim to deepen public engagement with the themes in Sherald’s work. There is a particular focus on representation, Black identity, and the emotional resonance of portraiture. Sherald will also be honored with an “Artist Who Inspires” award at the 2025 BMA Ball in November.

Why You Can’t Miss Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA

This is more than just an art show—Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA is a cultural milestone. It’s an opportunity to witness how contemporary portraiture can elevate everyday individuals into the realm of the sublime. Sherald’s paintings challenge and expand the canon of American art, inspiring and offering viewers a space to reflect and connect. This exhibition’s journey has been particularly notable, as Sherald famously pulled it from the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery over censorship concerns regarding her powerful portrait, “Trans Forming Liberty.”

Whether you’re a longtime admirer of Amy Sherald’s work or discovering her for the first time, this exhibition offers a rare and moving experience you won’t want to miss.

Plan Your Visit

• Exhibition: Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA
• Location: Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore, MD
• Dates: November 2, 2025 – April 5, 2026
• Tickets: Now available at artbma.org

Stay tuned to our blog for more coverage, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive interviews related to Amy Sherald: American Sublime at the BMA. Be sure to follow the BMA on social media for real-time updates and event announcements.

• Featured Image: Amy Sherald. A God Blessed Land (Empire of Dirt). 2022. Tymure Collection. © Amy Sherald. Photo by Joseph Hyde, courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth

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