The Arlington Museum of Art exists to champion creativity and provide access to art for the cultural enrichment and economic development of our community. The Arlington Museum of Art is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization administered by a board of directors and staffed by volunteers.

The museum sponsors a year-round program of curated art exhibitions which are featured in the main gallery on the first floor. The museum seeks to present outstanding art work by regional artists with shows that incorporate a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary to experimental. We endeavor to present accompanying educational material with these exhibits so the viewing public will have an enjoyable time and a learning experience. Curated exhibitions typically run from six weeks to two months in length.

The Arlington Museum of Art:

• is a community art center providing display opportunities for aspiring artists
• is non-collecting museum featuring high quality curated exhibits free to the public
• focuses on emerging artists working in both traditional and contemporary styles
• appeals to art lovers throughout the DFW metroplex and to visiting tourists
• offers education programs built upon practical learning experiences in art
• supports the art education programs of local schools and universities
• provides rental facilities for weddings, parties, meetings and special events

History
Howard and Arista Joyner were instrumental in founding the Arlington Art Association in 1952. Howard had established the Art Department at the University of Texas at Arlington, and Arista was the first art teacher at Arlington’s high school as well as establishing the Art Department at Tarrant County Junior College. Through their influence as well as the participation of other noted Arlington citizens such as the Martin, Vandergriff and Hawkes families, the Arlington Art Association was founded in 1952 to promote art activities throughout the community. In subsequent years, the organization sponsored art shows for local artists and juried art exhibits and art auctions to raise money for college scholarships for Arlington high school students. Over the years, the organization also put money into a savings account in the hopes that a building could be purchased to give the organization a permanent home.

By 1986, $60,000 had been raised and with additional private donations and bank financing the JC Penny building on Main Street was purchased. The facility was remodeled extensively to showcase art exhibits and in 1989 the art organization had a new home and was incorporated as the Arlington Museum of Art. The first major show of contemporary art went on display in May, 1990.

Focus on Contemporary Texas Art
A successful fund drive to match a gift by Dallas art patrons Nona and Richard Barrett, allowed the museum to hire a fulltime director in 1991. Joan Davidow was hired and the museum set a course of focusing on cutting edge contemporary Texas art. The legacy of Davidow’s curated exhibitions earned a level of attention seldom achieved by museums this size. Joan Davidow resigned her position of almost 10 years in September 2000 and the Board honored her with the title of Director Emeritus.

In February 2001, Anne Allen became the AMA’s new Director. Before joining the Museum, Ms. Allen served as Executive Director of The Old Jail Art Center in Albany, Texas. Under Ms. Allen’s direction for the next six years, the AMA continued its active exhibition schedule and added a number of new programs, notably gallery talks and artist lectures designed to appeal to the art educated and art curious alike.

Broadening the Vision
Growing financial needs and the weak economy of the current decade forced the museum to reorganize as a volunteer only organization in 2007. A broadened vision for the museum has been adopted by the board of directors which allows the museum to become a true community art center. Curated exhibitions are designed to provide a balance between contemporary Texas art and traditional art forms which are in keeping with a broader community appeal. A major part of museum funding comes through the rental of museum facilities for various social events and through the rental of gallery space to individual artists and art groups to display their creative work. The museum also hosts concerts, art workshops, community group meetings, and special events.