by Olivia McCrillis
BANGOR, ME– The University of Maine Museum of Art (UMMA) located on Harlow Street in downtown Bangor has been a hotspot for artistic eyes since opening in 1946. Today, UMMA is operated by a small staff that does their hardest to keep the museum up and running. Kathryn Jovanelli, manager of the donation sector at the museum, runs many different programs that help keep the museum not only running, but up to date.
“The Museum of Art offers a rotating cycle of 12 exhibitions per year that UMaine students, as well as students from other area colleges and schools, can take advantage of.” Jovanelli shared of their participation with students who come to visit the museum. UMMA is often visited by schools around the Bangor area, they give the students an opportunity to work there and learn about customer service, as well as a chance to dip their toes into the world of art.
The Museum of Art’s current exhibition opened up on January 15 and features artists such as Richard Whitten, Sudiolo, Jon Davis, and Dan Dowd. This exhibition is set to run until April 30th and involves many different aspects of art, giving each artist their own unique opportunity. Most of the work that is featured at the museum is there for about four months, but they also carry a permanent collection. Their permanent collection is an assortment of artwork that they’ve collected over the years, which they have available to show whenever they please, as opposed to some of their other exhibitions that move from place to place.
In addition to their dedication to showing artwork of all different personas, the museum also offers classes, art workshops, and art camp opportunities. If money is a concern for some, Deighan Wealth Advisors were generous enough to donate to the museum, resulting in free admission for 2016 and 2017.
They are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For the summer of 2016 The Museum of Art is featuring artists Alisa Henriquez and Thomas Berding, as well as an assortment of pieces from the permanent collection. The museum also has an annual membership program which helps support their exhibition and education programs. Membership benefits include invitations to the Museum Member’s Preview Receptions which give members the opportunity to meet the featured artists and see the shows before they open to the public.
For more information about The University of Maine Museum of Art, visit umma.umaine.edu.