Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art facts for kids
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| Established | October 3, 2003 |
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| Location | Auburn, Alabama |
| Type | public |
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is an exciting art museum located at Auburn University in Alabama. It's a special place because it's the only university art museum in Alabama that has earned a top award called "accreditation." This means it meets very high standards for its art, programs, and how it's run.
The museum first opened its doors on October 3, 2003. Inside, you'll find six different rooms, called galleries, where art is displayed. The building is quite large, with plenty of space to explore. Besides the art galleries, there's also an auditorium for events, a cozy cafe, and a museum shop.
Outside, the museum has beautiful grounds covering about 7 acres. You can enjoy a lovely English-style garden, peaceful woodlands, and even see outdoor sculptures. There are also walking paths around a lake, perfect for a stroll.
Contents
Discovering Art at the Museum
What Kind of Art Can You See?
The museum has a main collection of art that stays there all the time. This collection mostly features art from the 1800s and 1900s by artists from the United States and Europe.
You can see famous American artworks by artists like Romare Bearden, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence. These are part of a special group of art called the Advancing American Art collection.
The museum also has a huge collection of 114 prints by a famous nature artist named John James Audubon. These prints show amazing drawings of birds and other animals.
Plus, there's a collection of European art with works by very well-known artists such as Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Special Art Shows and Events
Beyond its permanent collection, the Jule Collins Smith Museum often hosts special art shows. These shows feature artworks borrowed from other places, sometimes with great historical importance.
Some past special shows have included:
- Face to Face: Artists’ Self-Portraits – where artists drew themselves.
- Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough and the Golden Age of Painting in Europe – featuring old master paintings.
- Shared Vision: The Sondra Gilman and Celso Gonzalez-Falla Collection of Photography – showcasing amazing photographs.
Each year, the museum also holds a special exhibition called the 1072 Society Exhibition. This show features artworks that the museum is thinking about adding to its permanent collection.
Every two years, the museum hosts a competition called Out of the Box: A Juried Sculpture Exhibition. This event started in 2013 to celebrate the museum's tenth birthday. It's a great way to see new and exciting outdoor sculptures. The museum also works with Auburn University's art department for a special exhibition every three years.
Programs and Activities
A Little Lunch Music
The museum used to have a weekly event called "A Little Lunch Music." Every Thursday, performers would play music for a small audience during lunchtime. It was a nice way to enjoy music and art together.
The museum is also part of several programs that let members visit other museums for free or at a discount. These include the North American Reciprocal Museums program and the Southeastern Reciprocal Membership program.
