The Academy Art Museum will host its Annual Spring Celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 6 p.m. This year’s theme, Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Night, ties into the museum’s recent exhibit, Rauschenberg 100: New Connections, honoring the artist’s ability to transform everyday materials into works of art. Inspired by this legacy, the evening reflects Rauschenberg’s spirit of experimentation, collaboration, and creative reinvention.
“This event reflects the energy and momentum happening across the Museum,” said Charlotte Potter Kasic, Executive Director of the Academy Art Museum. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate not only the arts, but the community that makes this work possible.”
As the Museum’s signature fundraising event, the Spring Celebration brings together artists, collectors, patrons, and community members in support of the Academy’s mission to expand access to the arts, nurture creativity, and serve as a vibrant cultural resource for the Eastern Shore.
Set in a Rauschenberg-inspired atmosphere, the evening will be anchored by keynote remarks from Museum trustee Daniel Weiss — former President and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and current Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Weiss, author of Why the Museum Matters, will speak to the essential role museums and philanthropy play in sustaining vibrant communities. Guests will also take a sneak peek of what lies ahead for the museum. New this year is an After Party inspired by Rauschenberg’s love of taco parties and community. The late-night experience will feature a taco truck sponsored by Arrae, desserts, libations, and music — a nod to the artist’s collaborative spirit. Proceeds from the event support the Museum’s exhibitions, education programs, and community initiatives, helping to sustain free admission and expand access to the arts across the Eastern Shore.
The 2026 Spring Gala is chaired by Debbie and Mike Potter. Tickets and additional event details are available at: https://academyartmuseum.org/education/adult/spring-event/
About the Academy Art Museum Founded in 1958, the Academy Art Museum is the Eastern Shore’s leading cultural institution, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It combines the dynamism of an ambitious contemporary art museum with the intimacy of a community space. With five working studios, a 24,000 sq. ft. facility, and innovative programs including a robust artist-in-residence initiative and major commissions for its soaring atrium, the Museum is a destination for artists, scholars, collectors, and families alike. For more information, visit academyartmuseum.org. Press Contact: Janelle Burchfield | communications@academyartmuseum.org | 202-525-9593