How does an artist’s work reflect the American experience? And in what ways does “Americanness” reveal itself through art in the presence of heterogeneous “American” identities? As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, the exhibition and catalogue for Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity explore these questions by showcasing how identity is presented and interrogated in visual art. Through works in the museum’s collection, Hyphen American looks at artistic self-presentations, depictions of histories and struggles, as well as the formation of communities and rituals to communicate the kind of “Americanness” that does not strive for unity or assimilation. 

For the first time, Sheldon is presenting an exhibition and accompanying publication in four languages that represent the most commonly spoken languages in Lincoln, Nebraska: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic. 

Hyphen American is organized by Christian Wurst, associate curator for exhibitions. Throughout the run of the exhibition, Sheldon will host a series of public programs organized in collaboration with a committee of community members, whose contributions are also included in the exhibition catalogue. The committee members are:

Andrew Farias, Student, University of Nebraska College of Law; Youth 250

Melanie Griffin, Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries

Lisa Guill, Asian Community & Cultural Center

Margaret Jacobs, Center for Great Plains Studies

Wathina Porter, Lincoln Indian Center

Rebecca Reinhardt, Asian Community & Cultural Center

Jamie Reyes, Lincoln Commission on Human Rights

Traci Robinson, Archives & Special Collections, University of Nebraska–Lincoln Libraries

Lori Romano, Southeast Community College

Kelly Ross, ECHO Collective

Steve Smith, Civic Nebraska

Sheila Dorsey Vinton, Asian Community & Cultural Center

Exhibition and program support provided by Jennifer and Brian Cintani, Cooper Foundation, and Jon and Melanie Gross.

Annual support provided by Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Sheldon Art Association members.