Behind the Scenes – MMA Makes an Impression
The Muskegon Museum of Art houses, by all accounts, one of the great Mid-West collections. The Museum’s rich history of collecting, as well as their magnificent facility and events, contributes to Downtown Muskegon’s strength as an Arts & Entertainment destination. In addition, the synergy created by the Muskegon Museum of Art clearly is contributing to the rise of new galleries and arts related business concepts taking root downtown Muskegon, as well as the focus on public art being placed downtown Muskegon. Main Street met with Judith Hayner, Executive Director of the Museum, to touch base on the arts downtown Muskegon and to hear about their most important exhibition in some time, Sunlight in a Paintbrush: American Impressionism from Regional Collections.
MS: What’s your take on the flowering of the arts that is taking place downtown Muskegon with planned public art and new art related businesses popping up? 
JH: I think that we are just reconnecting with our roots. At the turn of the century the community valued, and through Charles Hackley’s vision and generosity, supported both arts and culture: witness the sculptures in Hackley Park and throughout our town, the beautiful stained glass windows at Hackley Public Library, and of course our own Muskegon Museum of Art, opened to national acclaim in 1912!
MS: What is the relation of the MMA to the progress being made?
JH: I think the MMA is the cultural cornerstone of what is happening now. We are committed to both fostering a love of arts and to supporting the arts and the artists in our community with everything we do. It is why we exist. It is thrilling to see what is developing around us: the Richard Hunt sculpture, the new galleries, the art center being planned now for the old Perri building. Arts and culture is what makes the greater Muskegon community unique along the lakeshore, and I think that everyone is starting to realize that.
MS: I know you are excited about the upcoming exhibit. What makes this exhibit stand out? 
JH: Organizing an original exhibition, never seen in any other place, and telling the story about a collection of art is what museums live for. We are very proud of this exhibition and the unique opportunity it provides to our visitors to experience American Impressionism, one of the most beloved art forms in America and the world, and to help people see how it ties into the very core of the MMA collection.
MS: And the important details for the public to be aware of? 
JH: Sunlight in a Paintbrush, on display throughout the summer in the main gallery of the MMA’s historic Hackley wing, will showcase 59 exceptional paintings from the MMA’s holdings and from museums and private lenders in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Adjacent galleries will also feature significant European and American works from the MMA’s renowned collection that influenced the development of American Impressionism. An art exhibition is a live performance. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some world class art, right here in your own backyard!
MS: We’ve said it many times, and I am sure we’ll say it again. The Arts are an extremely vital component to downtown Muskegon and we thank you for your dedication to the continuance of that legacy here in Muskegon.
JH: It is such a privilege to serve this community through our work here at the MMA, and I am grateful for the opportunity. There is no better legacy.
Check it out on the web
Muskegon Museum of Art Exhibitions
Wikipedia - American Impressionism
posted by Dan & Sarah @ 1:39 PM
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