Norton's exhibits include 'Artists at Work' and 'Polaroids from the Collections'

The Norton Museum of Art, located at 1450 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. [Photo by Jillian Cain]

The Norton Museum of Art unveils two exhibitions drawn from its permanent collection, Artists at Work and 60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection, which offer a distinct lens on the creative process.

On view through June 21, Artists at Work brings together paintings, sculptures and works that highlight the individuals behind the art. While audiences may recognize an artist’s name or style, their physical presence and working methods are often less familiar.

As Curatorial Research Associate Sarah Bass explains, “Portraits of artists in the act of artmaking show the tools, bodily postures and facial expressions that characterize an artist.”

By pairing preliminary studies with finished works, the exhibition reveals how artistic ideas take shape over time. This emphasis on process reflects the Norton’s longstanding role as a place where creativity thrives.

A standout piece in the exhibition is Fountain of Youth (1941) by Wheeler Williams, originally commissioned by founder Ralph Norton for the Museum’s courtyard. After years of exposure to Florida’s climate, the limestone sculpture was removed in 2018 and underwent conservation beginning in 2023. “This installation marks the first time Fountain of Youth is on view since being conserved,” Bass says. “The accompanying plaster study provides insight into the making of the finished limestone sculpture, and together they illuminate a piece of the Norton’s history.”

Some works also connect to pieces displayed elsewhere in the Museum. For example, a photograph of Georges Braque in his studio offers added context for his paintings on view in the Baum Gallery, including The Mantelpiece (1927) and Still Life with Guitar I (Red Tablecloth) (1936).

Opened March 7 and running through August 16, 60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection examines the immediacy of instant photography through works created between 1971 and 2025. The exhibition traces how artists have embraced Polaroids for their ability to produce singular images within moments, fostering both spontaneity and experimentation.

Featured artists include Marina Abramović, Dawoud Bey, Andy Warhol, and William Wegman, among others.

The exhibition also considers the renewed interest in analog photography. “This exhibition is timely, thanks to a resurgence of interest in instant photography as younger generations continue to embrace analog technologies,” said Lauren Richman, Ph.D., the Norton’s Senior Curator of Photography. “This process has maintained its cultural appeal well into the 21st century.”

Instant photography’s appeal lies in its immediacy, the image develops before the viewer’s eyes, effectively turning each photograph into its own darkroom. Since its introduction, artists have used Polaroid film to experiment freely, embracing its unpredictability and tactile qualities.

Polaroid technology has also expanded into large-format photography. These oversized works combine the speed of instant film with a striking physical presence. The origins of this innovation trace back to Edwin Land, whose 1948 Land Camera introduced instant photography as both a practical tool and an artistic medium.

Large-format Polaroid cameras are exceptionally rare—only six were ever produced to create images measuring 20 by 24 inches, and just five remain today, with even fewer still operational.

Artists at Work is support from the Diane Belfer Endowment for Sculpture and 60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection is only available with major funding provided by the William and Sarah Ross Soter Photography Fund.

As Florida’s largest art museum, the Norton Museum of Art houses an extensive collection spanning American, European, Contemporary, and Asian art, as well as photography.