WMA receives $12,000 grant from Alabama State Council on the Arts

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Sep 21 2017 5:22 PM

DOTHAN: The Wiregrass Museum of Art (WMA) is pleased to announce it has received grant funding in the amount of $12,000 from the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA). The money will be used to support the museum's mission of promoting dialogue between contemporary artists in Alabama and the community through exhibitions and related programming from October of 2017 through September of 2018.

WMA's exhibition schedule will feature a variety of mediums and themes, as well as partnerships with other organizations and a commitment to supporting the larger Alabama arts community.

"WMA is the visual arts hub of southeastern Alabama and provides high quality arts experiences for thousands of people each year,' said Elliot Knight, visual arts program manager for the Alabama State Council on the Arts. "ASCA is proud to support these efforts that directly benefit Alabama artists as well as many thousands of visitors and students who will attend the exhibitions and participate in related programming."

The grant award will support exhibitions including "Folktopia," a collection of work by 20 self-taught artists guest curated by Maria Weber; "Gravitation," featuring sculpture by Wiregrass native Jacob Phillips; an exhibition of photographs of George Washington Carver by P.H. Polk on loan from the Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at the University of Alabama; and "B18: Wiregrass Biennial," which showcases contemporary work from across the Southeast, exploring powerful topics and new media.

Exhibition-related programming during the year will include Art After Hours, a quarterly event to celebrate the opening of new exhibitions and allow informal conversation between museum visitors and exhibiting artists; interactive workshops with exhibiting artists; special performances; and artist lectures and discussions.

"We are fortunate to have received support this year for our 2017-18 exhibition program, which will invite working artists from across the state and region to WMA to exhibit their work as well as participate in public programming and hands-on workshops," said Dana-Marie Lemmer, the museum's director and curator. "We are committed to providing a platform for artists to experiment and push their practice to new places, and we are so appreciative of ASCA's support in sharing these unique stories with our community."

About the Alabama State Council on the Arts

The Mission of the Alabama State Council on the Arts is to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality for all Alabamians by providing support for the state's diverse and rich artistic resources.

The Alabama State Council on the Arts is the official state arts agency of Alabama. The staff of the Council, directed by Al Head, administers the grants programs and provides financial assistance in arts planning and programming. The Council receives its support through an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

About the Wiregrass Museum of Art

The 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 founding in 1988, 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. Because of the scarcity of art education in schools, the WMA Board of Trustees and staff have the responsibility to provide quality, accessible exhibitions and to reach out into the community through art education efforts. WMA fills crucial cultural needs in the Wiregrass area.

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