If you’re driving from Boston westward—say, toward Ithaca like I was—take a detour to New Salem, Massachusetts. Nestled in the vibrant fall foliage of a classic New England town, the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art (NSMA) is a treat for anyone who loves realist art.
The NSMA sits on 2 acres, surrounded by a vegetable and rose garden and a serene pond. The three-story 19th-century building was once part of the New Salem Academy. In 2023, Laura and Vincent Barletta purchased it, turning their passion for art into a public treasure. Their journey as collectors began 20 years ago when they fell in love with Michael Klein’s painting “Leaving Home” in a New York gallery. Two decades later, Klein, a leading artist in the revival of representational painting in America, was enlisted to curate and direct the museum and its academy. Their mission is to create a stronghold for contemporary realist art.
The museum, housed on the first two floors, showcases a collection of contemporary realist masterpieces, primarily from living artists, such as Jeffrey T. Larson, Jordan Sokol, Jeremy Lipking, Colleen Barry, Michael Klein, Kate Lehman, Oliver Czarnetta, Daniel Sprick and more. It also features historical gems by John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth, connecting the past and present. The Barlettas’ commitment to sharing their private collection with the public sets NSMA apart. Many artworks, once acquired by private collectors, end up hidden in storage. By opening their collection, the Barlettas ensure these works remain vibrant and accessible.
The museum represent the Barlettas’, especially Laura’s taste in art, but it also embodies Michael Klein’s curatorial vision. Like his paintings, the display is a thoughtful and gentle invitation to experience truth and beauty. It is intimate but not small. Strolling from one gallery to another, you enjoy a natural flow of richness in substance and dynamic cohesion. The value of the art and the quality of the setting are in perfect harmony.
The collection is rotated and expanded regularly. I watched YouTube walkthroughs of past exhibitions, and the displays were different from what I saw, making NSMA a destination worth multiple trips.
The third floor houses the NSMA Academy, a hub for aspiring artists. It offers workshops and classes led by professionals like Rachel Li for painting and Stephen Saxenian for sculpting. The academy fosters creativity and skill development, creating a space for artists to grow and connect. NSMA also hosts an annual International Painting Competition with a sizable award, welcoming all subject matters in representational art. You can view the 2025 finalists on their website or watch a video review by artist David Kassan.
Following a tip from NSMA’s website, I visited the nearby New Salem General Store, a charming spot that’s part convenience shop, post office, and bakery. I grabbed a couple of freshly baked energy cookies and a hot apple cider, then picnicked in NSMA’s back garden. The view of the pond, paired with the treats, was unforgettable, a perfect complement to the museum visit.
Michael Klein once said, “Painting is a luxury that brings joy to our lives; it allows us time to sit in front of nature and be awed by the beauty that exists.” (“Art, God, and Beauty”, Realism Today) NSMA is the perfect manifestation of that. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique stop, NSMA delivers inspiration and beauty.
ZHI SU 