Dear Friends,

As we step into a new year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose rooted in what anchors every great public art gallery: the Permanent Collection. These works are the foundation of our institutional memory—preserving artistic legacy, deepening cultural understanding, and offering a lens through which we can reflect on who we are and how we see the world. A Permanent Collection is not static; it is a living resource that shapes conversations, inspires new ideas, and continues to connect generations of artists and audiences.

This month, we are proud to highlight The Portrayal of Presence, an exhibition that brings together selections from the AGN’s Permanent Collection alongside works by regional artists. The show examines how portraiture and the human figure express identity, emotion, and the essence of being. Through realism, abstraction, and conceptual approaches, the exhibition invites viewers to consider how artists capture the vitality—and vulnerability—of presence.

Alongside it, Narrative and Nourishment explores how stories, memory, and the act of sharing food shape our relationships with one another. This exhibition celebrates the ways artists use narrative traditions to reveal culture, connection, and community. Together, these two shows remind us that art not only records our stories but nourishes our understanding of ourselves and each other.

As we welcome 2026, we look forward to a year filled with creativity, curiosity, and meaningful encounters with art. May the months ahead bring you many moments of inspiration—moments that spark dialogue, reflection, and joy.
Wishing you a year rich with artful presence and plenty of nourishing art moments.
Warmest wishes,

Olinda Casimiro
Executive Director