When the world shut down in 2020, we wanted to ensure that our regular guests had access to art supplies so that they could create at home. We pulled together as a team to create and distribute thousands of art kits during the summers of 2020 and 2021, complete with instructions and supplies necessary to complete various art projects. We continued this practice throughout 2021 en lieu of our in person First Saturday Family Day. The kits were a big hit—so much so that people were asking for them even after we reintroduced our face to face programming. That prompted us to move forward with an idea that I had a couple of years earlier: free little art supplies libraries.

I love the free little libraries that were popping up in neighborhoods across the country. The concept is simple: take a book, leave a book, and get everyone excited about reading! I wondered: could this same concept be applied to art? How could we get art supplies in the hands of those who want to create but may not have access to materials? Could we create a little library for art supplies? After some brainstorming and planning we found that we could…so we did!

With the help of our teen council, WMA Teens, and some dedicated volunteers, our little idea became a big reality. The Wiregrass Museum of Art is pleased to introduce Free Little Art Supplies Libraries! Take a supply, leave a supply if you wish, and make art! We currently have three little libraries in Dothan: one at Westgate Park near the entrance to the aquatics center, one outside of the Andrew Belle Community Center, and one at WMA in our Education Gallery. We want to extend our thanks to City of Dothan Leisure Services for installing the boxes at the sites, the Dothan Eagle for donating the boxes, and the Wiregrass Foundation whose generous funding made this project possible.

Now we need your help. Please help us spread the word! Encourage your students to visit one of our art supply libraries and take a supply. And encourage your friends to donate supplies. Cleaning out your craft closet? Spread the love and leave a supply or two in one of our three libraries! And if you or one of your students create a masterpiece using supplies from the library, be sure to post a picture and tag the museum. We LOVE to see what you create!