The Maltz Museum is showcasing a new exhibition that celebrates the rich framework of families found in America.  The Museum’s “A Celebration of Family” exhibition combines two collections with interactive children’s activities, on view from now through September 1, 2024.  “Growing Up Jewish – Art & Storytelling” and “Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families” presents paintings, photographs, and interviews from families of all walks of life. 

An essential aspect of the Museum’s mission is to educate visitors on the lived experiences of Jewish and other minority populations to foster a more inclusive world for all.  This exhibition acts as a firsthand account that brings the stories of individuals and families to life.  In that sense, this exhibit honors the foundation of American life: the family.

Both exhibitions include interactive children’s activities designed by globally-recognized exhibit designer, Karen Katz.  Throughout the galleries, interactive components invite visitors on a creative journey.  Younger visitors can also immerse themselves in play activities connected with exhibition themes.

Growing Up Jewish – Art & Storytelling is an exhibition of contemporary paintings and personal narratives by artist Jacqueline Kott-Wolle exploring the key people, experiences, and community that shaped her distinctly North American brand of Jewish identity.  This powerful collection speaks to the resilience of newcomers who must navigate a painful past, contend with tradition, and summon optimism for the future.  Painted in a fresh palette of color, the exhibition traces the story of one North American Jewish family through five generations.

Kott-Wolle, who came of age in the late 20th century, draws upon decades of family photos for inspiration.  Growing Up Jewish includes playful images of Jewish holiday observances, moments at Hebrew school and summer camp, vacations, and milestone celebrations—all marked by the artist’s family through the years and paired with the artist’s narration.

Kott-Wolle’s Jewish identity was informed by her parents and grandparents following their arrival in Canada in 1949 after the Holocaust.  As a member of the “Second Generation,” the artist reflects on the enormity of starting over after surviving one of modern history’s darkest chapters.  The exhibit includes paintings of this colorful cast of characters as they rebuild their lives and flourish in North America’s vibrant Jewish communities. 

Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families is a traveling exhibit that includes over 20 photographs and interviews with families that have lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ+) members.  Through first-person accounts and positive images, this exhibit seeks to challenge and change damaging myths and stereotypes about LGBTQ people and their families.  The exhibition includes two versions of the narratives, one designed especially for younger children.

Love Makes a Family can help prevent bullying behaviors and discrimination.  By encouraging people of all ages to affirm and appreciate the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity, this traveling exhibit contributes to dismantling the destructive power of prejudice and intolerance. Love Makes a Family’s mission is to make the world safer for everyone.

For tickets visit www.maltzmuseum.org or call 216-593-0575.