The exhibition is part of Sheldon Statewide, an annual program through which works from the museum’s collection travel to venues throughout Nebraska. Drawn from Sheldon’s collection, The Artist as Muse explores the role of the artist as both creator and subject. Each work depicts an artist, thus doubling the artistic presence and inspiring questions about personal relationships and creative processes.

The exhibition features paintings, photographs, and prints by artists including Robert Arneson, Milton Avery, Alexander Brook, Jim Dine, Christopher Felver, Robert Haiko, David Hockney, Dwight Kirsch, George Benjamin Luks, Arnold Newman, Betye Saar, Andy Warhol, and Weegee. It also features portraits of artists including Peggy Bacon, Robert Henri, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Man Ray, Andy Warhol, and more.

Sheldon Statewide is supported by the Douglas County Visitors Bureau, Fred & Eve Simon Charitable Foundation, Farmers Mutual Insurance of Nebraska, Rhonda Seacrest, Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and Sheldon Art Association.