Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Adult Education Summer Classes

Parents have been busy signing their children up for our summer art classes at the museum, but don't forget to sign yourself up for something fun, too! Starting on June 2, local teacher and artist Sharon Howard will offer a four-day adult oil painting class. Participants will learn how to paint a landscape in oil. She will teach another four-day class the last two weeks in July in which participants will again work in oils, this time creating a still-life. We are also offering an adult ceramic class in June, taught by Byron Myrick, JCJC instructor and member of the Mississippi Craftman's Guild. The class begins on June 9 and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8:30 for three weeks. Mr. Myrick will teach participants how to create hand-built vessels with interesting textures. Don't miss your chance to work with this acclaimed Mississippi artist. Come on by the museum and spend your summer with us!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Free Family Art and Homeschool Friday
















This Friday will be the last Home School Friday until August. We're winding down the school year and getting ready to gear up for the summer here at LRMA. For those who are looking for something to entertain the kids this summer, don't forget about our Free Family Art Wednesdays in the museum Annex. You can stop by any time between 1 PM and 4 PM, beginning on June 3 to create a free make and take art activity. The last Free Family Art will be on July 1. Hope to see you there!

Friday, May 08, 2009

Guest Blogger: Angie King

Looking Forward to the Summer at LRMA


With just two weeks of school left, children and parents around Jones County are looking forward to summer and the opportunities it brings. At the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, we have plenty of activities for adults and children to enjoy this summer. The official LRMA kickoff to summer will take place on Friday, June 5, when we will host Blues Bash on the front lawn. A ticket to this evening event includes a barbeque dinner from the Smokehouse of Laurel, free soda, and hours of great music and dancing on the front lawn. This year’s entertainment will be Don McMinn and Nighttrain. Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. Call the museum at (601) 649-6374 to reserve your ticket, and be sure to pick up a t-shirt as well.

In June, we have a full schedule of classes for all ages. Every Wednesday in June, and continuing through July 1, the education staff will offer a Free Family Art activity for children in the museum Annex from 1-4 P.M. This is a great opportunity to just walk in and make a free art activity to take home with you. For children who are entering kindergarten through sixth grade, we offer a four-day pottery camp where kids can learn how to create ceramic art pieces and throw on the pottery wheel. Adults can also explore clay with notable local artist and JCJC instructor Byron Myrick in a course that runs for six evenings throughout the month. Also for adults, we are offering a four-day landscape oil painting course taught by local artist and South Jones High School art teacher, Sharon Howard.

The month of July has more in store for art lovers. Students from middle school to college can sign up for a fun five week oil painting class with artist and Southern Miss professor David Wilkinson. Participants will learn basic oil painting and mixed media techniques. Younger children, from kindergarten to sixth grade, will love this year’s “Under the Sea” Art Camp. This four-day camp will feature numerous projects, including painting and collage. At the end of the month, Sharon Howard will offer another adult oil painting class, this time to learn how to paint a still life. This class is designed for the beginner, or to expand a student’s knowledge learned during the first oil painting course.

All summer long the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art has something to offer for people of all ages. If you are staying in town this summer, we have a class for you, or you can stop by just to enjoy the art. To find out times and costs for art classes, please call the museum at (601) 649-6374 or look on our website at www.lrma.org.


Angie King is Education Outreach Coordinator at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.

Guest Blogger: Allyn Boone

An outstanding permanent collection, nationally significant exhibitions, and an award-winning education program have made the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art one of the best mid-sized museums in America. And, unlike many museums in the country, LRMA provides broad access to its artwork and programs through a generous policy of open admission and free activities.

The Museum’s founders felt that LRMA should be a gift to the community, and they wanted to ensure that no one would be turned away because of cost. Since opening in 1923, LRMA has never charged an admission fee, and most of its programs and activities are open to the public at no charge.

This practice is possible in part because of the generosity of LRMA members. Membership levels range from $15 for a Student membership to $2,500 for Laureate members. Each category offers specific benefits, and there is a membership category to fit every budget.

LRMA members receive personal invitations to exhibition openings, studio classes, trips, lectures, concerts, and other activities offered by LRMA. Some membership categories receive discounts on trips, education classes, and Museum Shop purchases, while others receive complimentary tickets to the annual LRMA Gala.

All members receive a subscription to the LRMA newsletter, which is an excellent source of information about the Museum and its collection, exhibitions, and programs. Additionally, members have the satisfaction of knowing that their contributions enable LRMA to introduce thousands of children each year to the transformative power of the visual arts.

A new program called Adopt-a-Bus allows LRMA members to help school groups visit the Museum. In conjunction with their membership donation, members can make an additional contribution which is used to provide transportation stipends for schools bringing students to the Museum for tours and activities. The LRMA Adopt-a-Bus fund ensures that school children are able to visit LRMA despite rising transportation costs.

Membership is the cornerstone of LRMA support. From caring for the collections to presenting masterworks by legendary artists to creating learning opportunities for children and families, membership allows LRMA to achieve the level of excellence for which the Museum is known throughout the country. We consider our members to be our partners, and we invite you to join with us for an exciting year of top-quality collections, exhibitions, and education programs.

For more information about LRMA membership, please call 601-649-6374 or visit the LRMA website at www.LRMA.org.


Allyn Boone is Director of Development at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art.