In 1930, a group of local artists and art lovers came together with a creative idea; create a space to showcase world-class art. From regional artist to global favorites, their mission is still alive today at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Among the Museum’s collections are historical objects, archeological artifacts and art. It is also here that many rare and treasured pieces of art are preserved. This diverse collection gives all us of a chance to share the beauty and creativity of the the artist.

The Museum opened in the Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park in September of 1988, featuring its collection of American paintings, sculpture and works on paper, with the addition of forty-one historical American paintings given by Blount Incorporated. Blount Cultural Park is also home to the annual Alabama Shakespeare Festival. One of our favorite exhibits is the interactive gallery, ARTWORKS, that teaches art students and patrons about art through interactive exhibits. The beauty of art is that it is unique for each person, and learning more about techniques and what inspired these artists only enhances the experience. Among the education programs are tours for school students, workshops, outreach programs, puppet shows, films, lectures and the ARTWORKS participatory learning gallery.

During our visit we gathered for a celebration with a large group of friends for a beautiful evening along the lake. It is the perfect location for gathering such as ours as well as weddings and receptions! With the sun setting behind us on the patio it was as if someone had created the scene just for us. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts also has a 240-seat state-of-the-art auditorium, a fine arts library of more than 5,000 volumes, storage and preparation areas with a sophisticated climate-controlled system, a gift shop and a café.

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts also displays many amazing temporary works and site-specific creations like the work of North Carolina sculptor Patrick Dougherty’s creations. We were amazed by the stick-work sculptures outside the main entrance, which resembled large bird houses. Each of Patrick Dougherty’s creations are unique to the location, allowing him to embrace the uniqueness of the space. The sticks used to create these beautiful works of art were collected locally by volunteers, adding a special touch to the piece!

The wonderful thing about the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is that the admission to the Museum is free at all times, and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is open to the public 310 days per year. It is closed only on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, but it leaves plenty of dates to plan a wonderful event. This also offers art lovers and students the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts collections or events year-round!

For more information on the current exhibits and upcoming events at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts call 334.240.4333 or visit www.mmfa.org.

To view Patrick Dougherty’s creations visit www.stickwork.net.

To plan you memorable trip to Montgomery visit these links

Montgomery Area Visitor Center call (334) 262-00l3

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce call (334) 834-5200 or visit www.montgomerychamber.com

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitor Bureau call (334) 26l-ll00 or (800) 240-9452, and go online to www.visitingmontgomery.com.