How might an artist’s work reflect the American experience? How can “Americanness” reveal itself through artwork, especially in the presence of diverse American identities? Hyphen American explores this question during the United States’ celebration of the two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of its founding by showcasing how identity is presented and interrogated in visual art.  

Each of us carries so-called hyphenated identities—simultaneous ties to nationality, gender, race, ethnicity, and class. This is also known as “intersectionality,” a term referring to the way individuals are shaped by multiple identities, and how these contexts overlap and interact with one another to create the unique combinations of traits and experiences that define us. 

The artworks in Hyphen American look at how artists present themselves and others, depictions of histories and struggles, and the formation of communities and rituals. While parallel themes emerge, the works on view communicate the kind of “Americanness” that does not strive for unity or assimilation.

This presentation of Sheldon Statewide was adapted from Hyphen American: Intersections of Identity, presented at Sheldon Museum of Art in the spring of 2026, and organized by Christian Wurst, associate curator for exhibitions. 

Exhibition Dates: 

Chadron State College, Chadron 
August 28–September 28, 2026 

Prairie Arts Center, North Platte 
October 1–November 1, 2026 

Museum of the High Plains, McCook 
November 4–December 2, 2026 

Grand Island Public Library, Grand Island 
January 6–February 3, 2027 

Cornerstone Bank, York 
February 5–March 3, 2027 

Beatrice Public Library, Beatrice 
March 5–March 31, 2027 

Stalder Gallery, Falls City Library and Arts Center, Falls City 
April 2–May 5, 2027 

Gallery 92 West, Fremont 
May 7–June 2, 2027 

Exhibition support provided by Rhonda Seacrest, Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Sheldon Art Association members.