Although Black Mountain College only lasted from 1933 to 1956 and enrolled fewer students than most graduating high school classes, it left an indelible mark on the avant-garde art world. This exhibit comprises works by the college's former faculty and student body, including a combine painting by Robert Rauschenburg, work by leading Bauhaus figure Josef Albers and the abstract expressionism of Elaine de Kooning, wife of former Black Mountain professor Willem and a great artist in her own right.

The Smithsonian-curated exhibit focuses on athletes who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, including racism, sexism and physical limitations. Artifacts on display include Gertrude Ederle's swim goggles, a shirt worn by Roger Bannister and Kristi Yamaguchi's skating costume. The exhibit also features a special section highlighting hometown heroes, such as recently deceased Phillies' reliever Tug McGraw and 76er/ladies' man Wilt Chamberlain.

Former Philadelphian Elizabeth Leister's video installation has three components. The first is a large video screen outlining people's evanescent effects on their environment (ex: footprints in the snow). The second performance-oriented element is a Webcast from Leister's studio in Los Angeles, where she traces her body on large sheets of paper. The final projection shows an animated drawing of Leister's body moving through different spaces.