Letter from the Director - Fall 2021

Fall is a wonderful time of year in Columbus and at the Museum, we look forward to offering more onsite programming. The safety of our visitors is our highest priority, and we want to ensure that your experience at The Columbus Museum is an enjoyable one. We have in-person programs and events for members, including the return of Signature Sunday and a new Young Art Patrons event, as well as programs for the community.

I am saddened to report that Thelma Robinson, who was President of the Museum’s Board of Trustees from 2006 until 2008, passed away in June. Thelma was a tremendous friend to the Museum, who contributed countless volunteer hours during her service on the Board, including chairing the Education, Governance, and Personnel Committees. A delightful person, we will miss her greatly.

In June 2020, Muscogee County citizens voted yes to supporting a five-year ESPLOST benefitting the Muscogee County School District. Among the projects included in the ESPLOST is renovation and new equipment for the Museum’s collections storage. The project will provide greater storage capacity for our expanding collections and a separate workspace for Museum staff and researchers to meet best practices. This major renovation is scheduled to begin in October and should conclude in early 2022. We are grateful to the Muscogee County School District and especially to our community for generously providing the support to make this renovation possible. Thank you!

While renovation occurs, the Museum will present a special exhibition on the third floor, It Came from Storage: Canvases, Curiosities, and Other Objects from the Museum Vault, where you can learn more about the interesting and unusual objects that are in storage and see familiar works that have been off view.

The coronavirus pandemic brought many changes in our lives, some temporary, others perhaps more permanent. Most of us spent more time in our homes than ever before and, if you are like me, you may now be assessing the past year and a half and putting it into perspective. The exhibition, The Meaning of Home, will explore the idea of home through photographs from the collection. We also are seeking digital submissions from the community to feature in the exhibition.

Steeplechase for the Arts returns on November 6 at Callaway Gardens, and I hope you will consider attending this event that supports six arts organizations in Columbus.

Please save the date of December 6 for the 32nd annual Master Circle Dinner, the Museum’s annual thank you to our Circle level members. We are delighted that Becky Miller will be chairing this year’s dinner and hope you will join us for this great tradition at the start of the holiday season.

I hope you have a wonderful fall and look forward to seeing you at the Museum!

The Columbus Museum brings American art and history to life for the communities of the Chattahoochee Valley.

The Columbus Museum: 1251 Wynnton Road Columbus, GA 31906 | 706.748.2562 | columbusmuseum.com

Museum Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sun. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Museum Shop Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Thurs. 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Sun. 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

On the Cover:

Joseph O’Sickey, Autumn Table Setting (detail), 1973, oil on canvas, Museum purchase, The Columbus Museum G.1984.35