Modern masters: American impressionism to abstract expressionism brings together two very innovative artistic movements, explores these artist's evolution side by side, and includes pieces of Newport and New York City history. Curated from private collections throughout the US and right here in Newport, this exhibition features important works by Post-War Abstract Expressionist artists, including longtime Newport, R.I. Resident John Stephan (1906-1995), who had a home and studio on Ledge Road, alongside notable mid-century masters: Norman Bluhm, Wolf Kahn, James Brooks, Michael Corrine West, Albert Kotin, Michael Goldberg, Theodoros Stamos, Norman Carton, Knox Martin and Teruko Yokoi.

The exhibition also features many notable American Impressionist artists: many having painted New England's land and seascapes over 100 years ago. These artists include: Sears Gallagher, Allen Butler Talcott, Henry Ward Ranger, Bruce Crane, Wilson Irvine, Frank Vincent DuMond, Roger Dennis, Charles Ebert, Lawrence Mazzanovich and William Robinson.

Contemporary artists on view include local sustainable furniture maker, Jeff Soderbergh; Newport, R.I. modernist, George Vranesh (1926-2014), who had a solo exhibition at the Newport Art Museum in 1971; and wood sculptures by Clark Derbes and David Wein.