Muskegon, Museum of Art

In Appreciation: The Legacy of Friends of Art

August 19 through October 10, 2010

Tunis Ponsen (American b. Netherlands, 1891-1968)
Yacht Club Pier
Oil on canvas
1931
Muskegon Museum of Art, 1931.1
Gift of the Friends of Art

Paul Howard Manship
Flight of Europa
Bronze sculpture with onyx base
1928
Muskegon Museum of Art, 1944.1
Gift of the Friends of Art

 

As the Muskegon Museum of Art’s 2012 Centennial approaches, a group of exhibitions comprised of works from its permanent collection will recognize and honor organizations and individuals whose beneficence has enhanced the institution in significant ways. In Appreciation: The Legacy of Friends of Art showcases gifts of artwork given by Friends of Art, a non-profit organization associated with the Museum since 1921. The exhibition can be viewed in the MMA’s Cooper Gallery August 19 through October 17, 2010.

Friends of Art has actively contributed to the permanent collection, adding more than 60 paintings, sculpture, prints, glass, photographs, books, and works on paper carrying their name. In Appreciation highlights a selection of their most significant gifts, including artwork by Tunis Ponsen, James Richmond Barthé, Paul Manship, Severin Roesen, John James Audubon, and Ansel Adams. Artwork acquired from the late 1920s to today will be shown.

Friends of Art was incorporated in 1921 as a non-profit organization associated with the MMA (then named the Hackley Art Gallery) and was an outgrowth of a weekly morning art class conducted at the MMA prior to 1917. Since 1923, Friends of Art has extended a welcome to all who wish to participate in their Wednesday-morning, and occasional evening, programs “to promote the study of art and to support the Muskegon Museum of Art.”  Over the years, annual membership dues have supported gifts of artwork and art education materials to the Museum, and a monetary award for the annual Regional Exhibition. Friends of Art continues to thrive today, providing a series of educational art programs, both at the Museum and offsite, from September through May each year. Programs include lectures by guest speakers, tours, and visits to other museums. For membership and program information, call 231.720.2571.


RELATED PROGRAM    

Wednesday, October 6, 10:30 am
Friends of Art Program
This special presentation by Frances Fisher highlights the Friends of Art legacy at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Mrs. Fisher is an MMA volunteer docent emeritus and long-time member of the Museum and Friends of Art. Open to the public. Free admission.