Jerry Pinkney, the late renowned artist and Germantown native, provided the inspiration for the title of Woodmere’s newest exhibition, “Arc of Promise.” Pinkney’s concept is simultaneously an acknowledgment of the country’s painful histories (slavery, displacement, and injustice) and an affirmation of the nation’s capacity for renewal.

“Arc of Promise,” which is on view now through Jan. 10, 2027, explores how Philadelphia’s artists have envisioned America as an idea in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. Drawing largely from the museum’s permanent collection, the exhibit spans from the 1790s to the present and includes a wide range of pieces — from paintings and works on paper to sculptures and beaded art.

For William Valerio, director and chief executive officer of Woodmere, Pinkney’s vision is grounded in optimism.

“When you look back at history, there’s a lot of pain in the American experiment,” Valerio said. “For Jerry, who was an optimistic person… America has this idea of dialogue, interaction, and this republican idea and spirit. … Art itself can help America build its best future.”

As guests walk through the galleries of Woodmere’s Charles Knox Smith Hall to view “Arc of Promise,” not every curatorial decision is as readily apparent as with exhibits featuring only one artist. However, visitors are encouraged to make their own connections among pieces and find common themes. Just as the country’s history is imperfect, so is the task of putting together a show exploring that history.

“It’s all mashed up,” Valerio said. “Not everything makes total sense, but we want people to engage with the history and the way artists grapple with the history — the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Many of the artworks are presented in juxtaposition to others, offering contrasting views. For instance, Henry Bermudez’s “Miss America” is a focal piece depicting America as a woman wearing a red, white, and blue crown amid vines and jaguars. The themes of migration, mythology, and identity differ from Hiram Powers’ “America,” a marble bust portraying the country as a Greek goddess. Powers’ work highlights America’s freedom as a neoclassical sculpture that is the ideal of beauty.

Another section of the exhibit highlights some of the earliest works depicting free Black people as fully dimensional individuals and citizens. For example, Dox Thrash’s image of a banjo player — “Played Out, Intermission” — is in sharp contrast to the negative stereotype of a minstrel.

A handful of maps are presented in the exhibit, telling the story of how Philadelphia and the United States have evolved over time. One map was commissioned by the Philadelphia City Planning Commission in the 1930s to show how the city looked when the Lenape nation lived there. The map is “very flawed, and yet it’s so fascinating and full of information,” according to Valerio, who said the exhibit allowed Woodmere to present these imperfect pieces framed in context with other art that shows a fuller picture of America.

“Arc of Promise” also includes plenty of landscape paintings from artists who depict the country in various ways. While one painting might show America as a peaceable kingdom, a different piece might show a shipwreck symbolizing America’s struggles on a stormy sea.

One landscape painting is a celebrated work by Frederic Church called “Sunset in the Berkshire Hills (Massachusetts),” which was part of Woodmere founder Charles Knox Smith’s collection. Woodmere is participating in Church 200, a nationwide celebration of Church’s 200th birthday honoring his impact on American art.

According to Valerio, a lot of the paintings being shown for the first time had to be cleaned for the exhibition to remove a “layer of grime.” Through careful restoration, Woodmere’s conservators revealed new colors and aspects of the paintings.

“It’s almost like I’m meeting children that I’ve never met before,” Valerio said about the restored paintings.

“Arc of Promise” achieves its mission of placing art in dialogue and exploring how Philadelphia’s artists across generations have grappled with questions of national identity and freedom.

“I’m very happy with the show,” Valerio said. “It’s a very satisfying show to see.”

“Arc of Promise” is on view now through Jan. 10, 2027 at Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Ave.

Maggie Dougherty can be reached at Margaret@chestnuthilllocal.com.