Formed in the early 1960s, the Southwest Georgia Art Association obtained its not-for-profit status in March 1964. With a volunteer staff and donated space in a defunct hosiery mill, the group established a program of exhibitions, lectures, and art instruction. In 1969, through the generosity of W. Banks Haley, Jr., the association constructed a gallery in a small city park. Its first paid staff members were hired in 1975. Exhibitions were drawn from collections and/or faculty of area universities; SITES (Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service); corporate collections including those of IBM, Coca-Cola, and Gulf States Paper Company. The Gallery hosted the Southeastern Annual exhibitions and Georgia Designer Craftsmen shows. Art instruction for children and adults was provided by instructors with professional standing. In addition, the programs included film and lecture series, chamber music, and dinner theatre. In 1980, at the beginning of a capital campaign for a new building, the association's name was officially changed to the Albany Museum of Art.
In 1983, the citizens of Albany and Southwest Georgia opened a new museum facility with an exhibition of American Impressionism from the Phillips Collection and a permanent installation of its own collection of traditional African art. Today the Albany Museum of Art offers over twenty art exhibitions annually, including its permanent collection exhibits. The Museum facility contains a 200-seat auditorium and a classroom for studio arts.
The museum is nationally accredited with a growing collection, including an impressive collection of 19th and 20th Century American and European art. The Museum also houses one of the largest collections of traditional African art in the Southeast outside of a university setting. Believing that art is vital to the human experience, the museum strives to cultivate curiosity and passion for art in its many forms. In addition to the numerous exhibitions and programs hosted throughout the year, the AMAzing Space Gallery provides interactive learning through hands-on experiences for children of all ages.
In 1983, the citizens of Albany and Southwest Georgia opened a new museum facility with an exhibition of American Impressionism from the Phillips Collection and a permanent installation of its own collection of traditional African art. Today the Albany Museum of Art offers over twenty art exhibitions annually, including its permanent collection exhibits. The Museum facility contains a 200-seat auditorium and a classroom for studio arts.
The museum is nationally accredited with a growing collection, including an impressive collection of 19th and 20th Century American and European art. The Museum also houses one of the largest collections of traditional African art in the Southeast outside of a university setting. Believing that art is vital to the human experience, the museum strives to cultivate curiosity and passion for art in its many forms. In addition to the numerous exhibitions and programs hosted throughout the year, the AMAzing Space Gallery provides interactive learning through hands-on experiences for children of all ages.
