Shattered Glass: The Women Who Elevated American Art is an original exhibition by CMA showcasing American female artists from the past 250 years who made a lasting impact on the art world. Traditional art history has successfully relegated many women into obscurity by rendering their contributions as “less than” those of their male counterparts. The artists in the exhibit have fought for their right to create art alongside male contemporaries and while doing so, revolutionized the field. This exhibit shines a light on these remarkable artists and their enormous contributions.

CMA has worked with museums and private collections nationwide, and drawn from its own Collection, to assemble more than 100 major works and inspiring stories from women artists, several from Ohio – never before experienced in one place. From Georgia O’Keeffe to Dorothea Lange to Judy Chicago, Shattered Glass is reclaiming the narrative of these exceptional women and setting the stage for the next generation of American female artists.

Click here for details about the exhibition, Shattered Glass.

Shattered Glass is the signature exhibition celebrating the Canton Museum of Art’s 90^th Anniversary and America 250-Ohio Under-Told Stories

Partners Amplifying the Powerful Themes of Shattered Glass …

Be sure to check out our arts and culture partners before, during, and after the Shattered Glass exhibition. Each is presenting exhibitions, programs, and events with related Shattered Glass themes, in partnership with the Canton Museum of Art:

Related Exhibit & Speaker Event: The Eras Exhibit – 250 Years of First Ladies' Progress and Power. In celebration of America 250, this exhibit showcases the many contributions of First Ladies, who have overcome obstacles to advance the causes of women, education, poverty, and more. In February 2026, the Museum will host a Shattered Glass-themed Third Thursday Night Out with the Canton Museum of Art, featuring a special guest speaker who will discuss barrier-breaking First Ladies.

• Exhibit on View Now through April 2027
• Third Thursday Night Out with the First Ladies – February 19, 2026

New Ballet: Canton Ballet, now in its 60th Anniversary Season, is creating a new ballet featuring the major themes of the Shattered Glass exhibition. Choreographed by internationally renowned dancer and choreographer Zarina Stahnke, this piece will premiere November 22, 2025, alongside CMA’s Art Inspires Gala and Shattered Glass preview.

• November 22, 2025 (ticketed event at the Canton Museum of Art)

Related Exhibit: At the Massillon Museum, Play Like a Girl will document Massillon's – and Stark County's – first female flag football team through photographs and oral histories collected during the inaugural season in Spring 2025. Massillon Museum will be the storyteller of this historic moment in high school football history.

• Opening February 2026

Related Exhibit & Speaker Event: The McKinley Museum will present The Woman Behind the Lens: Frances Benjamin Johnston and the American Presidency, an exhibition of the female pioneer of photography and unofficial White House photographer during William McKinley’s presidency, who Shattered Glass of her own in the male-dominated field. A special “Women at Work” program from Director Kim Kenney and CMA Curator Christy Davis will explore the jobs and careers women have held within the context of American history.

• Exhibition Opening February 2026
• Curator Talk: "Women Who Work" — Date TBD, Canton Museum of Art (Free)

An Evening with Marlee Matlin : Speaking of Books Author Series

Stark Library presents Marlee Matlin as part of the Dr. Audrey Lavin Speaking of Books Author Series.

Marlee Matlin received worldwide critical acclaim for her film debut in Children of a Lesser God for which she received the Academy Award for Best Actress. In addition to her film, TV, and stage work, Marlee has also penned three novels for children, as well as her New York Times best-selling autobiography, I’ll Scream Later. Marlee’s journey is an inspiration to everyone, regardless of the barriers they face. 

• November 6, 2025 | 6:30 pm | Canton Palace Theatre 
• Tickets available Thursday, October 16 at 10 am

Shattered Glass is Sponsored By: