SALISBURY — The wait is nearly over as the Waterworks Visual Arts Center prepares for the yearlong exhibition of paintings and sculptures from the private collection of the late New York philanthropists Julian and Josie Robertson.

“Never Before Seen…Modern Masterpieces” will include 40 works by 28 leading European modernists, including such greats as Kandinsky, Monet, Picasso and de Kooning. Spanning more than a century of art history, the exhibition will introduce viewers to several pivotal movements from French Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism. 

Julian and Josie Robertson began collecting art in the 1980s, after Julian founded the hedge fund Tiger Management. His success with Tiger not only enabled the couple to build their collection, but also to become two of the nation’s top philanthropists. Together, the Robertsons supported a wide range of causes, including medical science, education, the environment and the arts, as well organizations combating poverty. 

Although many of these initiatives were national or even global in scale, the Robertsons never forgot Salisbury, the town where Julian was born and raised. It was here that he learned the importance of community from his parents, Blanche and Julian Robertson, both of whom were active members of the town’s church and civic life. Blanche was also instrumental in the establishment of Waterworks as a regionally recognized organization in the late 1970s.

“Salisbury was a wonderful place to grow up,” said Julian, who attended Frank B. John School and Boyden High School (now Salisbury High), in an interview before his passing. In 1997, Julian and Josie Robertson established the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation to support local causes in memory of Julian’s parents. Since its creation, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to over 150 agencies and organizations addressing adult and family issues, education, community health concerns, performing and visual arts, tutoring and childcare, history and preservation, capital improvement, and youth activities. 

The exhibition is the latest reflection of the Robertsons’ dedication to this special town.

“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.” 

This exhibition celebrates the Robertsons by joining two of their greatest passions, art and philanthropy. To honor the couple’s legacy and commitment to education, Waterworks Visual Arts Center and the Robertson Foundation have partnered to ensure that every child in Rowan County — some 19,000 students — will visit the show. 

The exhibition, opening to the public Sept. 17, will coincide with the 65th anniversary of Waterworks Visual Arts Center.

“How befitting and exciting to celebrate this milestone with such an extraordinary exhibition of modern and contemporary works of 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 generous support of its members, corporate sponsors, private foundations, the City of Salisbury, Rowan County and the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. 

In order to prepare for the new exhibit, the galleries will be closed to the public from Sept. 5 through Sept. 16. Waterworks’ new hours will begin on Sept. 17. 

Gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 

Self-guided tours are welcome during gallery hours, reservations encouraged. Groups may arrange a guided tour of the exhibitions by calling 704-636-1882 or emailing greeter@waterworks.org at least four weeks before requested tour. For more information, go to www.waterworks.org.

Due to the nature of these pieces, no photography is allowed in the galleries.