Rauschenberg 100: New Connections Now Open at the Academy Art Museum

The Academy Art Museum (AAM) proudly announces the opening of Rauschenberg 100: New Connections, a landmark exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of Robert Rauschenberg’s birth. Presented with generous funding from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, the exhibition places Easton on the global stage as one of the premier U.S. sites participating in the international centennial.
Rauschenberg 100: New Connections is on view through May 3, 2026, with free admission. Focusing on the artist’s first trip to China in 1982, the milestone exhibition includes major works from the Academy Art Museum’s permanent collection and highlights Rauschenberg’s global vision, collaborative spirit, and deep personal ties to the Eastern Shore.
At the heart of the exhibition is Chinese Summerhall (1983), Rauschenberg’s monumental 100-foot color photographic panorama. Rarely displayed due to its size and fragility, the work has not been shown publicly for more than 40 years. It was produced in collaboration with Graphicstudio, the innovative print workshop founded at the University of South Florida by Donald Saff.
“Telling the story of Chinese Summerhall at the Academy is a unique occasion to honor an acclaimed artist in a way that is at once historical and immediate, global and local,” said exhibition curator Lee Glazer. “It shows how Bob’s approach to artmaking catalyzed not only new and daring creative production, but also fostered new connections with so many individuals and communities.”
Rauschenberg’s surprising and meaningful connection to Maryland runs through Saff, who has lived and worked on the Eastern Shore since 1991. Their decades-long collaboration — including the groundbreaking 1982 journey to China — anchors the exhibition’s narrative and underscores Rauschenberg’s belief in art as a tool for cross-cultural dialogue. This week, Easton steps onto a global stage, joining international institutions commemorating the artist’s centenary.
The exhibition also debuts 100 Foot Photo, a short documentary film by filmmaker Matt Kresling that chronicles the making of Chinese Summerhall, featuring commentary from Saff and other collaborators.
Accompanying Public Programs Announced
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Academy Art Museum has announced a robust slate of public programs inspired by Rauschenberg’s legacy of experimentation, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary practice. These programs include lectures, performances, workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to deepen engagement with the exhibition and its themes.
Lectures & Performances – free with preregistration
Thomas Moore Performance: White Paintings and Silent Music — John Cage and Robert Rauschenberg in the 1950s
Pianist Thomas Moore explores the radical creative exchange between John Cage and Robert Rauschenberg, featuring works linked to Rauschenberg’s White Paintings.
Friday, January 16, 2026 | 6pm
Christopher Rauschenberg Lecture: Robert Rauschenberg’s Photographic Legacy in Context
A conversation with Christopher Rauschenberg examining his father’s contributions to photography, including Chinese Summerhall.
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 6pm
Donald Saff Lecture: Robert Rauschenberg in China and the Overseas Cultural Interchange
Saff reflects on decades of collaboration with Rauschenberg and the creation of Chinese Summerhall, offering insights into the artist’s belief in art as a force for diplomacy and social change.
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 6pm
Exhibition-Inspired Workshops
Workshops connected to the exhibition include:
● China Ink Painting on Xuan Paper
Inspired by Rauschenberg and Saff’s visits to the world’s oldest paper mill in Jingxian, this workshop introduces traditional China ink painting techniques on Xuan paper.
● Combines in Design: A Mixed Media Workshop
A hands-on workshop exploring mixed media approaches inspired by Rauschenberg’s iconic Combines and experimental methods.
Classes and workshops are available for registration at academyartmuseum.org.