Morris Museum of Art

Morris Museum of Art, located in Augusta, Georgia, is the oldest and largest museum in the Southeastern United States dedicated to the art and artists of the American South. The museum was founded by William S. Morris III and is named after him, with a collection that includes works by Thomas Sully, Thomas Hart Benton, and Mary Cassatt. The museum's collection also features works by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O'Keeffe. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors.

● History

The Morris Museum of Art was established in 1985 by William S. Morris III, with the goal of promoting and preserving the art and culture of the American South. The museum's first director was Richard S. Thornton, who played a key role in shaping the museum's collection and exhibitions. The museum has also been led by directors such as Estill Curtis Pennington and Kevin Grogan, who have worked to expand the museum's collection and programming. The museum has hosted exhibitions featuring works by Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Faith Ringgold, and has also partnered with institutions such as the High Museum of Art and the Telfair Museums.

● Collections

The Morris Museum of Art's collection includes over 5,000 works of art, spanning from the 18th century to the present. The collection features works by artists such as Frederic Remington, Thomas Eakins, and Grant Wood, as well as Southern artists such as Ellsworth Kelly and Cy Twombly. The museum's collection also includes works by African American artists such as Henry Ossawa Tanner and Aaron Douglas, and women artists such as Mary Cassatt and Georgia O'Keeffe. The collection is particularly strong in American art from the 19th century and 20th century, with works by artists such as John James Audubon and Andy Warhol. The museum has also acquired works by contemporary artists such as Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald.

● Exhibitions

The Morris Museum of Art hosts a range of exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from its permanent collection as well as loans from other institutions. The museum has hosted exhibitions featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Claude Monet, as well as exhibitions focused on specific themes such as American Impressionism and Southern Folk Art. The museum has also partnered with institutions such as the National Gallery of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art to bring major exhibitions to the Southeastern United States. The museum's exhibitions have been recognized with awards from the American Alliance of Museums and the Southeastern Museums Conference.

● Education

The Morris Museum of Art offers a range of educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. The museum's education department offers tours, workshops, and classes for school groups and adult learners, as well as programs for families and children. The museum has also partnered with institutions such as the Augusta University and the Paine College to offer art education programs and community outreach initiatives. The museum's education programs have been recognized with awards from the National Art Education Association and the Georgia Art Education Association.

● Building and grounds

The Morris Museum of Art is located in a historic building in downtown Augusta, Georgia, with a riverfront location offering stunning views of the Savannah River. The museum's building was designed by architects I.M. Pei and Partners, and features a modernist design with a glass atrium and outdoor sculpture garden. The museum's grounds also feature a public art installation by artist Chakaia Booker, as well as a garden designed by landscape architect Andrea Cochran. The museum is located near other cultural attractions in Augusta, Georgia, including the Imperial Theatre and the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. The museum is also within walking distance of the Savannah Riverwalk and the Augusta Riverwalk.