Uncrated: Reimagining the Arlington Museum of Art, 1950-2025
Updated on April 12, 2023
Arlington, TX (March 7, 2023) – In the early 1900s, civic leaders in Arlington, Texas began creating a vision for promoting the visual arts and arts education as important community values. Today, the Arlington Museum of Art is the legacy of their leadership.
From April 1 – May 14, 2023, the Arlington Museum of Art will present Uncrated: Reimagining the Arlington Museum of Art, 1950-2025, a retrospective of the museum’s evolution and a celebration of art and community partnerships through the decades.
- More information can be found at arlingtonmuseum.org/uncrated-reimagining-the-ama
- Starting today, tickets are available online at etix.com/ticket/v/28349/arlington-museum-of-art?cobrand=arlingtonmuseumofart
The list of exhibition partners includes UTA Libraries Special Collections, the Arlington Historical Society, Arlington Public Library, and original AMA Board member Bill Barter.
“It has been so rewarding to partner with individuals and organizations who were instrumental in the museum’s founding and growth,” said Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art. “Curating this exhibition has been a labor of love.”
The exhibition features never-before displayed works of art from the museum’s permanent collection. It also features a number of photos, narratives, artifacts, and more from the museum’s storied past, such as:
- The early years: Arlington Art Association
- Architectural renderings through the decades
- Behind-the-scenes photos
- A look back at the most popular exhibitions of all time
- Community celebrations, including the city’s first Juneteenth gathering
- Celebrating the decades-long partnership with Arlington ISD
- Pieces from the AMA’s traveling exhibits
Every year, the Arlington Museum of Art presents internationally-renowned exhibits, such as the recent blockbusters A Knight’s Tale and Disney Art from Private Collections. Because the AMA does not have a complete permanent collection, the museum utilizes its entire venue creatively throughout the year for loaned collections, curated exhibits, and related activities including lectures, educational workshops, and diverse cultural programs. Annual children’s programs—such as Youth Art Month and Summer Art Camp—reflect the museum’s longtime partnership with AISD and a mutual commitment to nurturing life-long art lovers and the next generation of creatives.
“By honoring the dreams of our founders and believing in the possibilities for our future,” said Hightower, “the Arlington Museum of Art has become a visual arts magnet for our community and visitors from around the world.”
Big News for the AMA
The timing of the Uncrated exhibit is significant. It coincides with the April 11 decision by Arlington City Council to approve an agreement allowing the Arlington Museum of Art to relocate to the City’s Esports Stadium and Expo Center in the Arlington Entertainment District. The special use agreement will provide the Arlington Museum of Art with approximately 48,000 square feet of flexible space inside the Expo Center compared to the 5,500 square feet available its current home at 201 W. Main St., which is a repurposed JCPenney store originally built in the 1950s.
“In the last few years, the Arlington Museum of Art has honed its skills as a museum that never stands still,” said Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Arlington Museum of Art. “Every three to four months, we transform our entire space with completely new art exhibitions. Now we have an opportunity to scale way up.”
The AMA will open in its new location in Spring 2024.
“With this announcement, Uncrated has come to mean something even more significant,” said Hightower. “It is our thank you letter to the visionaries in our past who actually envisioned the city’s premier art museum in the Entertainment District. And now, here we are. We invite the entire community to spend time in our current space and reflect, celebrate, and look ahead to the AMA’s exciting future.”
Call for Memorabilia
In addition to drawing from its own archives, the Arlington Museum of Art is inviting the public to contribute memorabilia for the Uncrated exhibition. Of particular interest to the museum are photographs and records from the Arlington Art Association, which was the museum’s founding entity and operated from 1952 (or possibly earlier) until 1974, when it incorporated itself as the Arlington Museum of Art.
Donation inquiries should be directed to Matt Randolph, AMA Associate Director for Communication, at matt@arlingtonmuseum.org.
Uncrated: Reimagining the Arlington Museum of Art, 1950-2025
Exhibition Details
- Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and military; and free for kids 17 and under.
- A $5 per person rate is also available for groups over 10.
- More information can be found at arlingtonmuseum.org/uncrated-reimagining-the-ama
- Tickets are available online at etix.com/ticket/v/28349/arlington-museum-of-art?cobrand=arlingtonmuseumofart
- Free city parking is available along West Main Street as well as the 101 Center parking garage adjacent to the Downtown Library.
Location and Contact Information
Arlington Museum of Art
201 West Main Street
Arlington, Texas 76010
817-275-4600
arlingtonmuseum.org
About the Arlington Museum of Art
The Arlington Museum of Art is dedicated to championing creativity and providing access to art for the educational enrichment and cultural development of our community. Its forward-thinking curatorial mission drives the museum to present relevant and engaging art exhibits that change several times a year and attract visitors from all over the world. arlingtonmuseum.org.
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Media Contact:
Chris Hightower
Arlington Museum of Art
president@arlingtonmuseum.org
817-275-4600
For downloadable images for use by media only, click here. Attribution: Images provided by the Arlington Museum of Art: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O3zdtKToSdnjdIKojS3EBbGzXjKqeQ2T?usp=sharing
