Pierre Henri Matisse, Circle of Love (detail), 2012, Cut paper, Courtesy of the artist.

Like his renowned grandfather Henri before him, Pierre Henri Matisse made art — and creativity — his life’s passion. The French-born Pierre moved to Florida in the 1960s, and, before his passing in July at 91 years old, he was excited to bring his adventurous and innovative work to the Polk Museum for the first time. Now, we honor him with an even more timely retrospective exhibition. Ever the experimental artist, Pierre never settled on one style alone, although his unique voice and whimsical nature shine forth in each and every piece he created. Especially in his use of paper cuts as a medium of choice, visitors will see how Pierre and his art were inspired deeply by his grandfather and his legacy, and this exhibition puts a spotlight on the artist’s narrative works and series. One half of a two-site set of Pierre Henri Matisse exhibitions, this original Polk Museum show coincides with an exhibition of the artist’s work in wide-ranging media at the nearby Melvin and Burks Galleries on the Florida Southern College campus. Get ready to discover the joy-filled freedom and love that was Pierre Henri Matisse this Fall.