Cameron Art Museum facts for kids
Main entrance
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| Former name | St. John’s Museum of Art |
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| Established | 1962 |
| Location | 3201 South 17th Street Wilmington, North Carolina |
| Type | Art museum |
| Architect | Charles Gwathmey |
The Cameron Art Museum is an exciting art museum located in Wilmington, North Carolina. It first opened its doors in 1962. Back then, it was called the St. John's Museum of Art. It was located in an old building from 1804.
After 40 successful years, the museum needed more space. So, in 2001, it moved to a new, bigger location. At this time, its name changed to the Cameron Art Museum. The new building has three main areas for art shows. It also has a hall for talks and events. Plus, there's space for art outside, a clay studio, and a special center for learning about art.
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How the Museum Got Its Name
The museum is named after Louise Wells Cameron. She was a volunteer at the original museum for 35 years! Her husband, Bruce B. Cameron, also helped by serving on the museum's board.
In 1999, a foundation started by Bruce B. Cameron gave $4,000,000 to help build the new museum. The Cameron children also donated the land where the museum now stands. Because of their amazing support, the museum's leaders decided to name the new building after Louise Wells Cameron.
Discover Amazing Art Exhibitions
The Cameron Art Museum always has new and interesting art shows. These shows feature art from different times and places. You can see works by artists from all over the world, from across the country, and from right there in Wilmington.
The museum also has a permanent collection. This means they own many artworks that are always part of their collection. These pieces cover many different types of art.
A Historic Civil War Site
The land where the Cameron Art Museum is located has a very important history. It was the site of a Civil War battle called the Battle of Forks Road. This battle happened on February 20, 1865.
When the Confederate side lost this battle, it was a big turning point. It meant the Union army took control of the Cape Fear Port. This cut off supplies to the Confederate army further north. This loss helped lead to the end of the Civil War.
You can still see parts of the old Confederate defenses, called revetments, on the museum grounds. Every year, the museum remembers the soldiers who fought there. They hold a re-enactment of the battle. There are also talks, workshops, and demonstrations of old cannons.
Honoring Heroes: The "Boundless" Monument
In 2018, the Cameron Art Museum received a special grant. This money helped them create a public monument. The monument honors the United States Colored Troops (USCT). These brave soldiers fought for the Union in the Battle of Forks Road.
A talented artist named Stephen Hayes designed the monument. He called it "Boundless." It shows 11 life-size bronze statues of marching soldiers. One soldier carries a flag, and another plays a drum. People who re-enact Civil War battles and even descendants of the soldiers from the battle helped by posing for the monument's hands and faces. The "Boundless" monument was finished and dedicated in November 2021.
Learn and Create at the Museum School
The Museum School at the Cameron Art Museum offers many art classes. These classes are for both kids and adults. You can take beginner classes or more advanced ones.
Students at the Museum School get special access to the museum. They can explore the art shows with a teacher. They can also see some artworks from the museum's permanent collection that are not usually on display. The school also has a large art library with over 2000 books and publications. This school also helps local artists by giving them teaching jobs.
