NEW YORK CITY – The New-York Historical Society will show “African American Masters: Highlights from the Smithsonian American Art Museum” through June 1.

No single style or approach can define African American art. The artists in “African American Masters” reveal a complex mingling of influences and experiences, including historical events, political issues, spirituality, music and folklore, as well as personal vision.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum began acquiring work by African American artists in the 1960s, some in-depth such as William H. Johnson and Alma Thomas. This exhibition is a sampling of these works – not a comprehensive survey of them – selected from approximately 2,000 artworks by African Americans now in the Smithsonian’s collection that give insight into the story of America in the Twentieth Century.

The New-York Historical Society, West 77th Street and Central Park, is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. For information, 212-873-3400.