SALISBURY — Waterworks Visual Arts Center has announced a yearlong exhibition of paintings and sculpture from the personal collection of the late New York philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson.  

The show will include more than 20 works by leading European modern artists, including Pierre Bonnard, André Derain, Paul Gauguin, Wassily Kandinsky, Fernand Léger, Claude Monet, Francis Picabia, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro and Paul Signac, as well as influential postwar painters Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline. Spanning more than 100 years of art history, the works will provide viewers with a vivid sense of key movements, from cubism to abstract expressionism. 

Julian Robertson (1932–2022) was born in Salisbury and he remained dedicated to the town throughout his life. His commitment took many forms, from his generous support for Rowan Helping Ministries and Catawba College, to the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation, which he established in honor of his parents to support local programs and  organizations within the community they loved.  

“Dad would be so proud for these artworks, his ‘painted children,’ to be exhibited at  Waterworks for the people of Salisbury to admire and ponder, and to inspire future  generations,” said Alexander Robertson, chairman of the board of the Robertson Foundation. “It is now up to all of us to make sure that everyone takes advantage of this amazing and unique opportunity.”  

Julian Robertson told the Salisbury Post in 2012 that “Salisbury was a wonderful place to grow up.” Robertson attended public schools in Salisbury from first through 10th grade. He would be especially happy, the family said, for local students to see these works. 

The exhibition, opening to the public Sept. 17 will coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Waterworks Visual Arts Center. The show will run from Sept. 17-Aug. 30, 2025.

“How fitting and exciting to be able to celebrate this milestone with an extraordinary exhibition of 19th and 20th century European modern art,” said executive director Anne Scott Clement. 

Waterworks Visual Arts Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Its programming is made possible by the support of its members, corporate sponsors, private foundations, the city of Salisbury, Rowan County and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.