Drawing inspiration from Ada Limón’s poem “In Praise of Mystery,” a new exhibition at the Georgia Museum of Art will bring together poetry, astronomy, science and visual art. “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders,” on view January 24 – June 28, 2026, investigates humanity’s collective interest with the cosmos. The exhibition features historic, modern and contemporary art from the museum’s collection that underscores humanity’s timeless fascination with the sky and stars. Poems guide visitors through the exhibition and explore different facets of curiosity about the universe: wonder, science, mythology and more.
We all live under a shared sky. Regardless of personal backgrounds and origins, everyone has looked up and felt small in the vastness of the universe. “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” surveys artworks produced by early and modern civilizations that honored celestial beings as well as works that respond to scientific discovery and explore cosmological mystery.
The exhibition features artists such as Dorothy Hood, Mildred Thompson and Boramie Ann Sao, who explore abstract theories and scientific laws using rich colors and dynamic movement. Lamar Dodd and Robert McCall observe NASA space missions and attempt to capture their cultural significance. Photographers Arthur Tress and Mark Steinmetz compel audiences to consider the miracle of flight by offering views of the sky from multiple vantage points. John Biggers, Helen Lundeberg and Gene Davis venerate the Earth and sky, reminding viewers to take a moment and look up.
The featured poems and artworks in this exhibition offer multiple avenues for viewers to consider their own relationship with the world, the sky and outer space. “We, Too, Are Made of Wonders” encourages viewers to be curious, explore and perhaps find a sense of belonging in this vast universe.
Ciel Rodriguez, curatorial assistant in contemporary art at the museum and the curator of this exhibition, said “This thematic exhibition presented a wonderful opportunity to explore the permanent collection and take time to advance our research on a number of works that have never been on view at the museum before as well as a few recent acquisitions in contemporary art. The exhibition wanders through multiple perspectives of the sky, from space exploration and mythology to stargazing and scientific understanding. The act of wonder employed by these artists and writers further investigates the universe and our surroundings as a place for inspiration and contemplation.”
Related events include:
- The museum’s community open house on January 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with drop-in and scheduled activities all day (register for free):
- A Family Day from 10 a.m. to noon
- The Café Racer food truck from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Door prizes, drop-in art activities and a photo booth from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Mini astrology readings and intuitive poetry writing station with Ghost Apothecary from 2 to 7 p.m.
- And a conversation with contemporary artist Boramie Sao, whose work is in the exhibition, at 4 p.m.
- An opening reception on January 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. with sparkling beverages provided by the Lark Winespace and light bites ($15 register online / complimentary for Reciprocal-level members and above).
- A gallery talk by Dr. Cassandra Hall, University of Georgia assistant professor of computational astrophysics and observatory director, on February 5 at 5:15 p.m.
- Student Night: Starstruck on February 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Toddler Tuesday on February 10 at 10 a.m. (free registration required at gmoa-tours@uga.edu)
- An Artful Conversation on John Biggers’ print “Star Gazers” with Callan Steinmann, director of learning and engagement, on February 11 at 2 p.m.
- A Teen Studio program on February 12 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (free registration required online or gmoa-tours@uga.edu)
- A film series featuring “Hidden Figures” (February 12), “2001: A Space Odyssey” (April 16) and “Asteroid City” (June 11); all films screen at 7 p.m. in the museum’s M. Smith Griffith Auditorium
- A homeschool day on February 27 from 10 a.m. to noon
- Student Film Night: “Wall-E” on March 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., with crafts and snacks
- A curator’s talk by Rodriguez on April 29 at 2 p.m.
- A three-part printmaking workshop with Amanda Burk June 7, 14 and 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. ($15 for members at the Donating level and above / $25 for all others; register at the event listing on the museum’s website).
Family Day is sponsored by Heyward Allen Cadillac-GMC-Toyota. Student Night is presented with support from Anne & Bill Newton and Bill Parker. All programs are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.
Authored by:
Nabiha Rahman
