During the Spring and Summer of 2026, as time permited, my husband and I read aloud the book, “The Wyeths,” edited letters of N.C. Wyeth by Betsy James Wyeth, his daughter in law and wife of Andrew Wyeth. I read this book 40 years ago, due to my love of the Wyeth family talent and I wished for an understanding of their relationships. At that time, the letters, insights, and family traditions were so moving, I was compelled to name our new baby daughter “Betsy” so as never to forget the dedicated person who took the time to create this volume. My husband of 45 years was recently equally affected by the mind and life of a working artist. The description of the day to day activities as a full time artist and full time parent and how N.C. Wyeth balanced both were intriguing to him.
To my delight, “By Design, The Worlds of Betsy James Wyeth” exhibitions opened the Summer of 2026. What a way to celebrate America 250 by acknowledging this profound woman. The following images are taken from the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the central core of the Wyeth family. Two other institutions in Maine, the treasured vacation destination of the Wyeth Family, are in tandem with this celebration - Colby College Museum of Art and the Farnsworth Museum of Art. Colby College exhibition runs to November 2 and Farnsworth to December 31. Brandywine will run until January 10, 2027. There is a hard cover catalog that accompanies the exhibitions filled with essays revealing Betsy’s influence within the family.
Snow Hill by Andrew Wyeth
Adam by Andrew Wyeth
The Nation Makers by Howard Pyle, teacher of N.C. Wyeth
The immigrants by Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle, sister in law of Howard Pyle
Detail of Coverlet from the painting, “Arnold Tells His Wife the Discovery of his Treason” by Howard Pyle.
Island Funeral by N.C. Wyeth
The work and expression of N.C. Wyeth is captivating.
Andy with Fire engine by N.C. Wyeth
Andy Warhol by Jamie Wyeth