Through paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other media, this installation offers a glimpse into the people, places, and processes behind the creation of art. Bringing together a range of perspectives, it highlights how artists have represented themselves and others in the act of making, revealing moments of concentration, experimentation, and transformation within the studio environment.

Artists’ portrayals of dynamic studios are presented alongside examples of preparatory works, such as sketches and studies, which illuminate the steps that precede a finished piece. These materials provide insight into the evolving nature of artistic practice, showing how ideas take shape over time and how experimentation, revision, and intuition play a role in the creative process.

On view during the Norton’s 85th anniversary and drawn from the Collection, the installation invites visitors to make connections across the Museum’s holdings while also reflecting on its history. At the same time, it positions the Museum as an active space for artistic exchange—a place where artists learn, teach, create, and find inspiration, and where audiences can engage more deeply with the stories behind the works on display.