Letter from the Director – Winter

Dear Friends and Members,

Like me, I’m sure many of you are glad to see a new year. 2020 was a challenge for many of us personally, and we experienced our own trials at WMA. Through temporary closure, adjusted hours, new operational models, and the innovation of technology, we prioritized the people of this community and created new opportunities for connection and engagement. We still supported artists and created powerful interactions with art. And while this quarter is met with continued disruptions, we remain committed to serving the public in the best ways possible.

When you visit the museum this quarter, you’ll learn more about our organization through exhibitions of our diverse permanent collections. Ranging from the early twentieth century to the present, work in the museum’s collection is the foundation of our exhibitions and public programming schedule. We interpret and expand on themes and ideas from our collection to bring unique and innovative experiences to you throughout the year, which provides a comprehensive platform for artists working in the Southeast.

You can also expect that the museum will continue offering virtual programs for the community. This includes virtual tours and field trips for Dothan City Schools, as well as professional development opportunities for area teachers via online platforms. And we’ll continue hosting artists in person and online. Our virtual visiting artist series has seen participants from New York, California, Texas, and Kentucky, among a broad representation from Alabama. These programs allow a deeper understanding of the art on exhibition at WMA, connect audiences directly to artists, and provide a built in archive for future generations that may want to revisit today’s activities. In that spirit, we will be showing a selection of work from the artists working out of the Sloss Metal Arts program at Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, Alabama. Handcrafted cast iron work will provide a look into a highly skilled art form being practiced right here in Alabama.

We’ll also be launching a reimagined Out of the (Art)Box program for middle and high school age students as part of our Youth Art Month celebration. Art has the power to transform communities, and WMA is challenging a group of students to do just that. They will be paired with professional artists, experienced in social practice, and will be encouraged to tackle a challenge they see in our community or world. I hope you’ll encourage them to imagine and experiment as they work together to change the world! To learn more about this program, click here.

You can also expect that the museum will continue offering virtual programs for the community. This includes virtual tours and field trips for Dothan City Schools, as well as professional development opportunities for area teachers via online platforms.

And we’ll continue hosting artists in person and online. Our virtual Visiting Artist Series has seen participants from New York, California, Texas, and Kentucky, among a broad representation from Alabama. These programs allow a deeper understanding of the art on exhibition at WMA, connect audiences directly to artists, and provide a built in archive for future generations that may want to revisit today’s activities.

As we continue to move through uncertain times, we are so grateful for each of you who have continued to support us during this time. Whether making a donation, visiting the museum, joining an online class, or sharing your experience of WMA with your friends, we couldn’t do this without you. You can count on WMA’s staff and board to continue working through disruptions with an eye on the future, and an eye on our community.

All the best,

Dana