Letter from the Director – Winter
Dear Members and Friends,
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the core values that drive decision making at the Wiregrass Museum of Art. We’re dedicated to providing our community with exceptional experiences and believe in the transformative power of art. Our permanent collection, a diverse exhibition schedule, and digital access to unique works of art each drive inspiration found at the museum and serve as a springboard for the many educational experiences provided at WMA.
A group of students taking in “Frank Stella: Prints from the Permanent Collection”
As we begin a new year, I’m also thinking about how we will ensure that the work we do continues to enhance the everyday lives of our community members, elevating WMA as a cultural anchor in our region. We will continue to curate dynamic exhibitions and public programs, raising the voice of the artist; lifelong learning will remain a core principle of our mission; and we will continue to be driven by the idea that access to the arts should be enjoyed by all.
We’ll also launch new projects and initiatives in 2020 that expand our reach across the region including the launch of a free, digital app for visitors, an expansion of our artist residency program, and public programming that bridges art and social impact.
This quarter, alongside recurring programming, we will open exhibitions with two Wiregrass- area artists, which feature new work. Jenny Fine will launch her exhibition Synchronized Swimmers, an immersive, multimedia installation that will feature performers from our local community as underwater fish and sea life. After its WMA debut, the exhibition will travel across the U.S. for a couple of years. We will also be opening Telling on Myself – Recent works by Beverly West Leach, which includes personal narratives through found-object assemblages, each dealing with complex ideas through personal memory. With a range of public programs planned to support these exhibitions, there are many entry points for you to engage with exhibiting artists and to experience the museum through events and programs.
Artist Jenny Fine in her Enterprise, Ala. studio
Creative expression is central to how we plan, teach, and provide accessible space to our neighbors. Our staff and board are committed to increasing our impact across the region, and I thank them sincerely for their efforts. I also thank each of you for your continued partnership in ensuring that our museum makes a difference in the Wiregrass for generations to come.
I hope to see you soon, and often!
