Feature image: Keith Haring: Subway Drawings, Rahr-West Art Museum. Photo: Artdose magazine.
By Frank Juárez
When I heard that a Keith Haring exhibition was coming to the Rahr-West Art Museum, I thought, “Keith Haring in Manitowoc?” I never imagined that a show like this would come to a city known as “Wisconsin’s Maritime Capital,” or put those two together. I was, of course, curious and anxious to learn how this exhibition came to be. I reached out to the museum’s Executive Director, Greg Vadney.
In 2021, the museum renovated its east lawn, seeking a permanent sculpture. Gallerist Alex Trimper was recommended to Vadney to inquire about available sculptures. Although no sculptures were acquired, a conversation began about whether the museum would be interested in exhibiting Keith Haring’s work. The conversation spanned from 2021 to 2023, which led to loaning the museum 32 subway drawings, 7 lithographs, and a subway sign from Trimper Gallery, as well as from other collectors in 2025. Before being exhibited at the museum, they were shown at Kanopi in White Plains, NY (2025), Art Miami with DeBuck Gallery (2025), and the Armory in New York (2025).
I have heard about Haring’s subway drawings but have never seen them in person. With my camera in hand, I was ready to dive in, study these works, and enjoy this unique experience of being surrounded by the works of Keith Haring. As I walked from one drawing to the next, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It is one thing to see a drawing or a couple of drawings in an exhibition, but to see 32 of them is such a joy. I recognized some of his iconic pictograms, such as the robot, radiant baby, and T.V., but there are a handful that I was seeing for the first time. Haring was known as an artist who believed in community engagement through the power of art. Although most of his work was created in public spaces, he wanted to make his work accessible to anyone and everyone. This resulted in merchandising it via stickers, buttons, posters, and t-shirts. There is a collection of ephemera from his Pop Shop around the corner of the gallery.
An exhibition of this stature is typically viewed at larger institutions that have more resources, funding, space, and curatorial staff. It was fascinating to hear the story behind this exhibition, which oftentimes isn’t something that is shared publicly. The fact that this exhibition is currently on view at the Rahr-West Art Museum is truly remarkable. Since its opening, attendance has grown, bringing an estimated 3,500 visitors to the museum, with a majority being from outside of Manitowoc.
There is no need to take a flight to New York. Instead, take a drive to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Otherwise, the next time you’ll see this collection will be in Europe.
Keith Haring: Subway Drawings exhibition closes February 15, 2026. The Rahr-West Art Museum is located at 610 N. Eighth Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220.
About Alex Trimper
Alex Trimper, President / Founder of Trimper Gallery, was born in Mexico City, lived in Brazil, and then moved to Westport, Connecticut. It was during this time that he was first introduced to the art world by his mother. He regularly attended local gallery openings, museum exhibitions, loved going to Art Expo in NYC, and purchased his first painting by Stevan Dohanos at 10 years old, which he still owns today.
Trimper spent his last two years of high school at TASIS England and lived with his father in London. It was his father’s passion for history, the ancient world, and the trips they took together that reinforced Alex’s love of art throughout human history.
After graduating, Trimper moved back to America, got his bachelor’s in marketing management and business administration, and moved back to Connecticut, where he opened his first physical gallery space in Greenwich, CT, called Isabella Garrucho Fine Art / IG Fine Art with his mother.
On January 1st, 2023, the Trimper Gallery officially opened its doors, offering clients an ever-evolving selection of artwork from multiple genres, across all mediums, price points, and time periods.
Trimper has worked his whole life in sales and has worked in a variety of very different industries, including investment banking, tech, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, event production, and telecommunications. With decades of experience under his belt, Trimper developed a totally unique multi-dimensional approach to connecting and working with the gallery’s clients.
The launch of the Trimper Gallery marks a major new chapter and a turning point in Alex Trimper’s life, where his lifelong passion for art and his love of sales come together in a space uniquely his own.
Closing Event
Alex Trimper will speak about the work, what Haring meant to him, and why he decided to collect.
February 15th, 2026
2 pm
FREE
I was happy to find this article — thanks big time!