Special Statement

A Special Statement From The Director

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January 7, 2021

Dear friends:

I woke up this morning grateful for these words by poet W.H. Auden.

“There must always be two kinds of art: escape-art, for man needs escape as he needs food and deep sleep, and parable-art, that art which shall teach man to unlearn hatred and learn love.”

I imagined this to be a poetic expression of the museum’s mission to “excite, engage and serve diverse communities within the Tri-State area through our collections, exhibitions and educational programs. We connect generations of people to their cultural heritage and exceptional art.”

Simply put, we are here for you.

We have been here for generations (147 years to be exact). Because of this community’s generosity, we will be here for generations to come.

Every day, the museum staff and volunteers strive to inspire you with a safe place for conversation and contemplation. Our dream is to nurture the creative leaders of tomorrow by creating connections to the wisdom of artists past and the eloquence of artists today.  In turn, these connections help us learn more about our shared history and suggest visions for a better tomorrow.

The museum’s spaces are for you to share your voice and to listen to the passions of others. Whether you stroll inside the galleries or sculpt snow in Washington Park, we invite you reflect if that’s what you need or escape if that’s what you need.

I look forward to welcoming you to the museum soon. Let us know how we can be here for you.

Be safe. Be well.

Gratefully,

Gary Stoppelman
Executive Director