American impressionist art museum to open in Westerly

WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island’s arts scene will grow this fall with a museum dedicated entirely to American Impressionism set to open in Westerly next month.

The Westerly Museum of American Impressionism (WMAI) will showcase approximately 150 paintings collected over more than four decades by longtime Rhode Island residents and philanthropists Dr. Thomas and Cynthia Sculco.

The couple started their collection after developing a passion for the style through a shared love of New England’s landscapes and coastal beauty, according to WMAI.

Located on Watch Hill Road overlooking the Pawcatuck River, the museum spans 20,000 square feet for the exhibition, study and preservation of American Impressionist art from the 1880s to the 1920s.

WMAI’s 11 curated galleries feature works from renowned artists such as Childe Hassam, John Singer Sargent, Jane Peterson, Lilla Cabot Perry and Edmund C. Tarbell, as well as pieces from “lesser known talents who merit greater recognition.”

Childe Hassam, Mouth of the Connecticut River , 1906. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism — Childe Hassam, Mouth of the Connecticut River, 1906. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. (Courtesy: WMAI)

Jane Peterson, Wancing Water, Gloucester, MA , date unknown. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. — Jane Peterson, Wancing Water, Gloucester, MA, date
unknown. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. (Courtesy: WMAI)

The museum will walk visitors through the origins of Impressionism in Europe—particularly France—and its evolution into a distinctive American art form, highlighting portraits, landscapes, still lifes and scenes of everyday life.

Working alongside the Sculcos, inaugural director Catherine Shotick helped guide the project from its early planning stages to opening day by playing a primary role in the curation and narrative of the galleries.

“This museum not only showcases extraordinary works of art, but also shares the stories of the artists and communities that shaped American Impressionism,” Shotick said. “We cannot wait for visitors to step inside and experience it for themselves.”

Exterior shot of Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. (Courtesy: WMAI)

Interior shot of Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. (Courtesy: WMAI)

According to WMAI, its mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and celebrate American Impressionist art. Beyond the galleries, the museum also plans to serve as a community anchor through an annual lecture series, partnerships with schools and institutions, and an internship program for college students.

“To our knowledge, this may be the only museum in the country dedicated entirely to American Impressionism,” Dr. Thomas Sculco said. “Cynthia and I are honored to bring this cultural addition to Westerly and to not only share these extraordinary works with the community, but to educate all ages about their artistic heritage.”

Starting Oct. 9, WMAI will be open to the public Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets and memberships will be available online in mid-September.

Gifford Beal, Garden Party, 1914. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism (Courtesy: WMAI)
Louise Upton Brumback, Good Harbor Beach, 1915. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism (Courtesy: WMAI)
Edward Dufner, In the Spring, c. 1915. Oil on canvas laid down on board. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism (Courtesy: WMAI)
William Glackens, Chrysanthemums, c. 1925. Oil on canvas. Collection of the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism (Courtesy: WMAI)