CANADIAN — On this day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, The Citadelle Art Museum announces Human Resonance: Portraits with Presence, a major new exhibition opening February 14, 2026. At the center of the exhibition is the work of internationally celebrated painter David Kassan, whose portraits of Holocaust survivors give visual testimony to lives shaped by survival, memory, and resilience. Kassan’s work serves as a reminder that these stories remain personal, present, and essential to remember.

The Citadelle Art Museum invites the public to experience Human Resonance: Portraits with Presence, this is a exhibition of contemporary figurative art that examines identity, memory, and lived experience through deeply personal portraiture. The exhibition opens February 14, 2026 and remains on view through June 13, 2026.

Organized in partnership with Chelsie Nicole Contemporary, in collaboration with The Citadelle Art Museum, Human Resonance brings together work by seven nationally and internationally recognized artists whose careers span galleries, museums, and major exhibitions across the United States and abroad.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:

At the heart of the exhibition is the work of David Kassan, an internationally celebrated realist painter whose portraits of Holocaust survivors give visual testimony to stories that might otherwise be lost to time. Kassan’s portrayals are the result of extensive dialogue with his sitters, and his work has been exhibited in museum projects such as Facing Survival, which paired his paintings with survivor testimonies to connect audiences deeply with each individual’s history. His approach to portraiture blends technical mastery with profound empathy, resulting in imagery that speaks directly to the enduring spirit of his sitters.

Joining Kassan are six other accomplished artists whose work magnifies the emotional and psychological dimension of the human figure:

Chelsie Murfee, whose curatorial vision and artistic practice connect emerging and established figurative voices today. Murfee brings a unique contemporary perspective to the exhibition.

Annie Murphy‑Robinson, an American artist known for her striking charcoal drawings that evoke introspection and narrative nuance. Her large‑scale works embody memory, emotion, and the human condition with remarkable precision and depth. Murphy‑Robinson holds advanced degrees in studio art and has been featured in solo and group exhibitions nationwide.

Shana Levenson, a representational painter based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, whose figurative portraits focus on storytelling through gesture, detail, and presence. Levenson’s work has been shown in galleries across the United States and reflects a thoughtful commitment to capturing each subject’s story.

Barbara Hack, whose mixed‑media portraiture blends surface and structure to reveal the subtle tension between vulnerability and resilience.

Karen Offutt, a painter whose expressive approach to portraiture invites viewers to contemplate beauty, memory, and self‑reflection.

Tanja Gant, a hyperrealist artist whose meticulous technique and focused compositions bring quiet power and nuance to each subject.

Human Resonance speaks to the universal desire to see and be seen. These artists explore our shared and individual histories, the inner life of their subjects, and the quiet moments that shape who we are. Learn more on this exhibit here: https://thecitadelle.org/current-exhibition/

Opening Event: ART & LOVERS | Saturday, February 14 at 6:30 PM

The exhibition will debut during Art & Lovers, The Citadelle’s annual Valentine’s weekend tradition. This year’s event includes a seated dinner in the Abraham Gallery, prepared by Chef Ruthie Martinez of Black Fig Food, followed by a special artist presentation and first access to the Human Resonance exhibition.

Tickets are $75 per guest and include dinner, the artist talk, and a private viewing of the show. Seating is limited, and this event sells out each year. RSVP by February 10, or you can purchase tickets here: https://thecitadelle.org/events/art-and-lovers-unite/.

The public is invited to attend the opening weekend events, featuring artist presentations and a first look at this compelling exhibition. This exhibition is presented with full attribution to each participating artist in accordance with copyright law. Human Resonance is organized in partnership with Chelsie Nicole Contemporary, in collaboration with The Citadelle Art Museum.

Exhibition Dates: February 14 to June 13, 2026
Location: The Citadelle Art Museum, 520 Nelson Ave, Canadian, TX 79014
Admission: $10 adults | $8 seniors | Free for visitors under 18

About The Citadelle Art Museum:

Located in the Texas Panhandle, The Citadelle Art Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing a world-class collection of fine art while honoring the legacy of its founders, Dr. Malouf and Therese Abraham. The museum brings art to rural communities through in-house exhibitions and outreach programs like The Roadshow. To learn more visit https://thecitadelle.org/.