Summer gallery & museum shows: 'Creative Africa,' Woodmere Annual, and more

Here are a few outstanding museum and gallery shows you should not miss this summer.

Creative Africa (Through Sept. 25, Philadelphia Museum of Art)
This big show is simply a revelation - the visionary work of artists throughout Africa, from contemporary photography, fashion, and architecture to centuries-old sculpture. Also programs, artist talks, family festivals, and community conversations. (215-763-8100, philamuseum.org)

Daylight Harmony: Larry Francis (Through June 30, Gross McCleaf Gallery)
A master of daily images and still lifes - and possibly the best chronicler of the Philadelphia streetscape around. (215-665-8138, grossmccleaf.com)

Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection (June 28-Sept. 5, Philadelphia Museum of Art)
One of the nation's leading collections of contemporary art, this spans a diverse array of some of the most prominent artists in the nation and the world, from 1950 to the present. Some names represented: Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Brice Marden, Louise Bourgeois, Anselm Kiefer, and Cy Twombly. (215-763-8100, philamuseum.org)

Happiness, Liberty, Life? (June 30-Sept. 18, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts)
Timed to a particular convention taking place in our midst, this show looks at humor, protest, and portraiture in U.S. art and politics from the 18th century to today. Look for the giant cardboard figures of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin. (215-972-7600, pafa.org)

The Woodmere Annual: 75th Juried Exhibition, The Condition of Place (Through Aug. 28, Woodmere Art Museum)
Annual exhibition highlights contemporary work in a wide variety of media by artists living within 50 miles of the museum. The theme is how artists consider "the condition of place." (215-247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org)

jt@phillynews.com
215-854-4406

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