The circus’ association with showmanship, surrealism, melancholy, and alienation stirred a generation of artists. In partnership with David Barnett Gallery, Jewish Museum Milwaukee explores the long-time fascination of artists with the circus by highlighting art from the David Barnett Gallery collection, ranging from the satirical use of a circus performer in 19th-century Europe to a contemporary Milwaukee artist’s exploration of the fear sometimes associated with clowns.

Help us celebrate the life of the circus with a wine reception followed by a lecture from David Barnett (Director of David Barnett Gallery) and Rachel Kreiter (Associate Director of David Barnett Gallery) to explore Chagall’s impact in art history through the lens of Le Cirque as well as the artistic and cultural environment from which these circus-themed artworks emerged.

Pop-Up Circus Gallery will include works by Honore Daumier, Claude Weisbuch, Milwaukee’s own Della Wells and more. The artworks will be on display at Jewish Museum Milwaukee from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, September 1.

Museum Members $5 | Non-members $8