WMA acquires new works through The Museum Project

Above: Barry Anderson, Alabama #17-7, 1987. Inkjet print. Gift of the artist as part of The Museum Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Melissa Rea
Director of Advancement, WMA
334.794.3871
mrea@wiregrassmuseum.org

Dothan, AL – December 1, 2022 – The Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) has recently acquired new works of art in collaboration with The Museum Project, an artist-founded initiative which offers donations of photographic images to museums.

The Museum Project, founded by Executive Director Robert von Sternberg, with photographer Darryl Curran serving as the Administrative Advisor and Selections Consultant, established a distinguished group of preeminent American, late career artists who wished to express their gratitude for the institutional support of, and commitment to, photography as an art form. In order to specifically demonstrate their appreciation, they offered donations from a diverse selection of photographic images from artists to institutions across the globe. The offered print inventory of approximately 400-450 individual images reflects a multitude of contemporary perspectives and a rich assortment of styles, concepts, and photographic materials.

Since the project’s origination in October 2012, The Museum Project has to date donated in
excess of 6,757 photographs to 230 institutional permanent collections of fine art in 49
states, Washington, DC, Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg,
and Switzerland. Participating institutions include the Library of Congress, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Seattle Art Museum, as well as Alabama art museums, like the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Mobile Museum of Art, Huntsville Museum of Art, and Abroms-Engel Institute for the Arts.

Robert von Sternberg, Iao Valley, Maui, 1971. Inkjet print. Gift of the artist as part of The Museum Project

Sheila Pinkel, Untitled #5 (from Lens Scans series), 2011. Inkjet print. Gift of the artist as part of The Museum Project

A total of 19 works from five artists have been donated to WMA’s permanent collection, including photographs by Barry Anderson, Darryl Curran, Robert Fichter, Robert von Sternberg, and Sheila Pinkel. Select works will be on view in the upcoming exhibition, Thirty-Five: Selections from the Permanent Collection, a presentation of thirty-five works from the museum’s permanent collection which span the WMA’s history of collecting, and which marks the occasion of WMA’s 35th anniversary year. Thirty-Five will be on view January 20 – February 18, 2023.

“WMA is grateful to The Museum Project’s collaborators and artists for this significant donation of photographs, which will be enjoyed by residents of and visitors to the Wiregrass for generations to come. The acquisition of 19 photographs will add to the museum’s collection and our ability to provide additional storytelling which contributes to unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences for the public.” said Dana-Marie Lemmer, WMA’s executive director and curator.

WMA’s permanent collection is the foundation of the museum’s mission and inspires year-round public programming. WMA is committed to telling diverse stories, highlighting the art and artists of our time, including excellent examples from artists across the nation, and most especially from Alabama and the Southeast.

For more information about WMA’s annual arts programming, visit wiregrassmuseum.org, or call 334-794-3871.

About the Wiregrass Museum of Art

Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its inception in 1987, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

WMA’s galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free.