Symbols of Freedom: A Fresh Look at America’s Icons

The Midwest Museum of American Art is showing a new show that asks what the United States means today. The exhibit, still on view until July 31, looks at pictures and signs that people have used for two hundred fifty years. It starts with the flag, Uncle Sam, and other familiar marks that people think of when they hear “America. ” The pieces in the room talk about pride, protest and how we remember history. They show that symbols can make us feel together or push us to talk about problems. By changing how the Stars and Stripes are shown, the artists want visitors to think: “What did this sign mean in the past? What could it mean now? ”The show is timely because the country is about to celebrate its 250th birthday. The organizers want people to ask if the pictures that once brought everyone together still work when society changes. If you want to see it, the museum is open from 11 a. m. to 5 p. m. , Tuesday through Saturday. Members can come in for free. People who live in Elkhart County pay ten dollars, and kids under twelve pay eight dollars; toddlers are free. Visitors from other places pay fifteen dollars, with the same child pricing and toddlers still free. To learn more, call 574‑293‑6660 or go to midwestmuseum. org.