Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden

March 29–August 23, 2026

Docent Gallery

Discover the incredible work of African American artist John Rhoden (1916–2001), one of the most prolific sculptors of the twentieth century. His first retrospective exhibition, Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden, offers insights into his diverse creativity as well as his personal story.

MAG partnered with Garth Fagan Dance and Floating Home Films to explore the rhythmic qualities of Rhoden’s work. Choreographer PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance, created a series of short, original movements inspired by five sculptures in the exhibition. These performances are screened on walls next to the artworks that inspired them, inviting visitors to experience the sculpture through motion and gesture.

About the Artist

In his lifetime, John Walter Rhoden sculpted constantly. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he became intrigued by sculpture as a child and was encouraged by local artists and mentors to pursue his interests. He went on to follow his passion for art in college, New York City, and, eventually, destinations around the world.

With a sculptural sensibility shaped by his extensive world travels, sensualism, and a breadth of visual influences, Rhoden worked in a style that was ahead of his time. Featuring approximately forty sculptures in bronze, wood, and stone, this comprehensive exhibition illustrates the award-winning artist’s visual and technical mastery.

Feel the Music!

I can see beauty and feel beauty in things . . . there’s something about music that’s just hard to explain.

—John Rhoden

Music was a fixture in John Rhoden’s creative and personal life—his studio space was outfitted with a concert grand Steinway piano that Richanda, his wife, would play as he worked.

Inspired by Rhoden’s work, MAG curated a playlist of music in collaboration with our creative community team for the exhibition: Olivia Kim, sculptor; PJ Pennewell, Artistic Director of Garth Fagan Dance; Rob Tortorella, Founder of Endless Highway; and Caralie Fennessey, Operations Director of Endless Highway. The playlist also includes artists and music that inspired Rhoden himself, based on archival documentation.

Digital Guide

Explore the collaboration between MAG and Garth Fagan Dance, including videos and audio interviews with PJ Pennewell, in our free digital guide!

Field Guide

Find inspiration in the life, artistry, and sculpture of John Rhoden and visit the exhibition while it’s here at MAG! You can pick up a Community Exploration Field Guide at your local Monroe County library and discover more about the artist, his interests, and inspirations. With the activities as your guide, you’ll journey from your local library, into your neighborhood, to MAG’s front yard, and inside to explore the exhibition. Plus, you can enter to win a year-long family membership to MAG. 

Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is organized by Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden is made possible thanks to the following generous supporters.

Lead support and artwork provided by the estate of Richanda Rhoden. Major support is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art, William Penn Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art and donors to PAFA’s Special Exhibition Fund. Lead support for the Exhibition catalogue is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. The organization and digitization of the John Rhoden Archives at PAFA was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

Generous support provided by Art Bridges.

Exhibition Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors
Dale and Joe Klein

Associate Sponsors
Anonymous donor
Walter B. D. Hickey, Jr.

Contributing Sponsors
Sonya and Quincy Allen
George and Barbara Segel

Featured Image Credit

John W. Rhoden, Generations (detail), 1963. Wood on metal base. Gift from The John Walter Rhoden and Richanda Phillips Rhoden Collection at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 2024.43