Help us support a powerful exhibitions program that will enhance the artistic future of Newport

Rooted in Newport’s rich artistic legacy and propelled by a forward-looking exhibition program, the Newport Art Museum embraces innovative exhibitions that reflect the creative practices and evolving perspectives of our time. Recent exhibitions such as Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Ocean Front, 50 Years Later, Voices of the Future: Aquidneck Land Trust Art and Writing Student Competition, Sean Landers: Lost at Sea, and Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color, drawing from and expanding upon our permanent collection, demonstrating our commitment to bold interpretation and thoughtful storytelling.

Together, these exhibitions affirm the Museum’s ongoing commitment to connecting Newport’s artistic past with the most compelling voices of today.

The Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Society will sustain and expand this momentum, ensuring the Museum can continue to present ambitious, relevant, and community-responsive exhibitions. Support will directly fuel the development and presentation of our forthcoming 2026 exhibitions, including major projects such as Sheila Isham: Between Worlds.

Grounded in Newport and focused on the future, this fund strengthens our ability to celebrate artists, engage the community, and spark thoughtful conversations through art.

Your support as a Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Society Sponsor will make it possible for the Museum to:

• Fund the curation and presentation of 2026 Exhibitions.
• Help us borrow from major institutions and rediscover our permanent collection
• Create an immersive visitor experience

As an Exhibition Sponsor:

• Your name will be listed at the museum & online as part of this special group of Patrons on all exhibitions at the museum in 2026.
• Your name will appear as part of this special group of Patrons in our Summer Art Party Program.
• Access to VIP Behind the Scenes Exhibition Openings and Events.
• You will automatically receive a Museum membership.

There are two levels of support:

• $5,000 which entitles you to all of the above.
• $10,000 which entitles you to all of the above plus the ability to host a special event for a group of up to 20 people at an exhibition of your choosing.

For More Information Contact: Susan Hanley, Director of Advancement, Newport Art Museum (631) 599-1950 | shanley@newportartmuseum.org

Download Sponsorship Information:  Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney Society

Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney was an American sculptor and one of the most influential arts patrons of the early 20th century. As an artist, she trained in Paris with Henrik Anderson and Auguste Rodin, where she continued to refine her craft. As a patron she used her position and resources to lift up American artists at a time when they were often overshadowed by European movements. Her belief in their talents led to the founding of the Whitney Studio in 1907 in New York City, which later grew into the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Dividing her time between New York and Newport, Whitney became deeply engaged in the Art Association of Newport (AAN – now the Newport Art Museum). Maud Howe Elliott is widely recognized as the founder of the AAN and of the group’s 141 charter members, 91 were women. The Art Association of Newport purchased the Griswold House in 1915, and after joining as an artist member in 1917, Whitney worked closely with Elliott on the Council of the Art Association at the new headquarters.

Whitney’s impact was felt immediately, as she brought the exhibition “Modern Paintings by American and Foreign Artists” from the Whitney Studio to Newport – “Mrs. Whitney’s exhibition was unique in several respects. She utilized the whole of the lower story, the hall, staircase and landing and the grounds as well. The exhibition was of a two-fold character, showing Mrs. Whitney as an artist by the full and interesting exhibit of her own sculpture, and as a collector by a large number of paintings from her private collection…All the expenses of this unique and beautiful exhibition were borne by Mrs. Whitney.”

Whitney would remain a top donor, driving the campaign to construct the Cushing Gallery. The Memorial Building would honor her colleague, Howard Gardiner Cushing, and serve as a fire-proof gallery better equipped to store the AAN’s growing collection. Her own career as an artist became more serious around this time, as she received commissions for various national monuments throughout the country.

Whitney’s legacy continues to resonate deeply within the American artistic community, where her advocacy, mentorship, and unwavering belief in creative expression helped shape generations of emerging artists. Through her generous support of the AAN, now the Newport Art Museum, she strengthened this historic institution, ensuring that art would remain accessible and central to community life. Her contributions made a lasting imprint, enriching American art and broadening Newport’s artistic heritage.