Museums for America grant allows for the digitization of the museum’s American artworks, a special exhibition and educational programs
Baltimore—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has granted the Walters Art Museum $111,615 through a Museums for America grant to support American Visions: Engaging the Community with American Art. This 23-month project is designed to foster meaningful visitor experiences with the museum’s collection of American art, including artworks by Alfred Jacob Miller, Frederic Edwin Church and Asher B. Durand. By creating emotional and intellectual connections between audiences and art, the museum brings 18th- and 19th-century America to life. Since the Walters eliminated its admission fee in 2006, attendance has risen by 40% and participation in family programs has increased by 90%. The Walters has made it an institutional priority to respond to these growing audiences in new and thoughtful ways.
Asher Brown Durand, The Catskills, 1859, oil on canvas, Commissioned by William T. Walters, 1858, The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, (37.122)
The Museums for America program supports a robust schedule of activities from August 1, 2012–June 30, 2014. These include a special exhibition and catalogue on the American painter Richard Caton Woodville; programs for school, family and adult audiences; educational materials; and a companion student exhibition. The grant will allow over 600 American artworks to be digitized and made freely accessible online.
The Walters Art Museum
600 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-5185
(410) 547-9000, ext. 277
[email protected]
www.thewalters.org