William King Museum of Art facts for kids
The William King Museum of Art (WKMA) is a cool place to explore art and history in Abingdon, Virginia. It's located in an old school building that was built way back in 1913.
At the William King Museum of Art, you can see all kinds of art, from local artists to pieces from around the world. They have both modern art and older, historic works. The museum also has special studios where artists work, a garden filled with sculptures, and a program called VanGogh Educational Outreach.
The museum is connected with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. It's also part of important groups like the American Alliance of Museums, the Virginia Association of Museums, and the Southeastern Museums Conference.
Contents
What Can You See at WKMA?
Exploring Art and History
The William King Museum of Art is a place where you can discover many different types of art. They show art from the local area and from other parts of the world. This includes both new art and art from the past.
The Betsy K. White Research Archive
WKMA has a special collection called the Betsy K. White Cultural Heritage Research Archive. This archive is like a giant scrapbook of information about handmade items from Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. Since 1994, experts have documented and photographed over 200 objects made before 1940. These items include furniture, fabrics, pottery, metalwork, musical instruments, and other crafts. The goal is to keep a record of how this region contributed to American art and culture.
Outdoor Sculpture Garden
Outside the museum, you can walk around and see a collection of sculptures. These are part of the museum's permanent collection. Every two years, the museum holds a competition for outdoor sculptures. In August 2016, three new sculptures were added as part of this "Out in the Open" competition.
Educational Programs for Students
The museum offers several fun and educational programs for students of different ages.
VanGogh Outreach Program
The VanGogh Outreach program is for second-grade students in public schools. It teaches them about visual arts by looking at the art and culture of China, Egypt, and Native American Indians.
Heritage Express Program
The Heritage Express program is designed for fourth-grade students studying Virginia history. It helps them learn about the rich cultural past of the region where the museum is located.
Tour Plus Activities
The Tour Plus program offers hands-on art activities and a museum tour. These are made just for students from pre-kindergarten all the way up to 12th grade. Each tour focuses on a specific topic.
Art and Digital Labs
The museum has an Art Lab and a Digital Lab. These labs are equipped for painting, drawing, printmaking, and working with clay. There's also a darkroom for photography and special labs for digital art and 3D design.
