Letter from the Director – Winter

Dear Friends and Members,

January marks a new year at WMA, and we have created a number of programs to inspire you throughout the year. From new exhibitions, to classes and workshops for all ages, and extended hours with Third Thursday every month, there is always an opportunity to enjoy the museum. Remember, WMA is a place to be inspired, to learn, and to gather as a community.

2019 also marks the state’s bicentennial year, something we’ve been preparing for for several years. In honor of the Alabama Bicentennial we’ve highlighted works from our permanent collection by Alabama artists and hosted special exhibitions like Museum of Wonder and Alabama Reckoner. This year, the museum will focus on the idea that art is a powerful tool for storytelling.

Semiotic Compass, our 2019 exhibition in honor of the bicentennial, is a collaboration between Alabama artists and designers that hopes to encourage conversation among strangers, and it was the basis for our new website StoriesOfTheWiregrass.com. We are inviting you to visit this site to share your own story with the community by writing a story or memory, or submitting a photo, video, or audio file. These stories will be archived long after the bicentennial, allowing future generations an opportunity to learn from our present-day storytellers.

Many of our exhibitions this year will also feature opportunities to share personal stories and memories through programming. While our work takes us across the Southeast region, it is our local community that we are invested in, providing over 17 art programs each year for area residents, and their families and friends. If you’re interested in sharing a story with us (anything!) feel free to reach out for more information.

And, whether you want to lose yourself in the artwork in our galleries, engage in meaningful conversations during a public program, or enjoy a quiet moment in the garden, I hope a visit to the Wiregrass Museum of Art is part of your new year.

All the best,