New England was at the forefront of the industrial revolution. It was also a prime location for the rise of the middle class and evolution of the American folk art movement.

These elements of 19th century American life are documented in a new exhibition Folk Art, Lovingly Collected, on view at the Worcester Art Museum July 15-Nov. 29.

It features more than 40 works from an important private collection, based in central Massachusetts that is recognized as one of the best of its kind in existence.