By Melissa Voelker
Georgia has many museums of art and history where you can sample contemporary and classic artwork. Not only do the museums provide exhibits of local, national and international artists, they also provide educational and community events.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
This museum has been in Atlanta since 1973, when it opened under the name The Nexus Contemporary Art Center. It is home to a rotating gallery of exhibitions that changes four or five times a year. These exhibitions include local, regional national and international contemporary works of art. The museum also participates in an educational internship and volunteer program that allows students to work at the museum in different capacities and learn about museum administration as well as contemporary art and nonprofit art organizations. Each year, the Atlanta Contemporary Art center plays host to special events such as street performances, talks with artist and curators, and fundraising galas. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for museum members or $5 for everyone else.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
535 Means St NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30318
404-688-1970
Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum
Founded in 1963, this museum is in LaGrange in a building that was once a county jailhouse. It specializes in contemporary artwork from regional artists, with more than a dozen exhibits opening annually. The Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum branches into the community as well, sponsoring events such as the Affair on the Square festival with art, entertainment and food. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum
112 LaFayette Parkway
LaGrange, Georgia 30240
706-882-3267
Georgia Museum of Art
This museum is in Athens on the University of Georgia campus. It first opened in the library basement in 1948, but has since moved into its own larger space. The Georgia Museum of Art not only hosts a parade of traveling exhibits each year, it is also home to an extensive permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs and artifacts. There is a museum docent training program offered as part of its educational outreach, as well as programs that educate adults and children about art with tours and activities. The museum plays host each year to special events such as artist's receptions, lectures and workshops. The Georgia Museum of Art is scheduled to reopen in 2011 after remodeling and expansion of the building. It is still having regular events, however, and tours are available for offsite exhibitions and special interest groups.
Georgia Museum of Art
90 Carlton Street
Athens, Georgia 30602
706-542-4662
Madison Museum of Fine Art
The Madison Museum of Fine Art opened in 2003 and is in Madison. It has its own sculpture garden, as well regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary and classic artwork. There is also a permanent collection of paintings and artifacts that can be seen any time of year. The Madison Museum of Fine Art works closely with the community, exhibiting artwork from school children and letting students curate exhibits. The facilities are available to rent for events such as weddings, conferences and corporate meetings, and offers tours to singles or groups of people (with an appointment). The museum is open Mondays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Madison Museum of Fine Art
PO Box 802
290 Hancock Street
Madison, Georgia 30650
706-485-4530
About the Author:
Melissa Voelker has been a professional writer since 2002. She works full time at a TV station in the commercial traffic department and also writes for Paperbackreader.com and Pinkraygun.com. Her articles have appeared in "Listen," "The Spokesman Review" and "Freepress Houston."
