It was 1988 when the visionary leaders of the Arlington Art Association bought “the old JCPenney building” on Main Street. When they opened the doors in 1990 to their first major exhibition, the critically-acclaimed Woodworks, they had transformed into the Arlington Museum of Art in both name and spirit.
FROM THE GRASS ROOTS UP
The Arlington Art Association began in 1952 as a Big Idea: that art is for everybody. Members included local educators, artists, community leaders, and co-founders Howard Joyner (first chair of the UTA art department) and his wife, Arista (founder of the art departments at Arlington High School and Tarrant County College). The AAA was prolific in its efforts, and by the late 1950s, it was hosting art classes, lectures, films, and exhibits.
ART IN THE HEART OF ATX
Early on, the Arlington Art Association envisioned an art museum for their hometown. They believed a city of Arlington’s size, stature, hometown pride, and civic excellence deserved a world-class art museum that prioritized access for all. In the 1960s, they even began advocating for the museum to be established in the Arlington Entertainment District.
Meanwhile, over the decades, the unique vision of the AAA developed into the nimble curation style you see today at the AMA. We are masters at the art of change, capable of attracting wildly diverse and renowned art exhibitions from all around the world and changing them up 2-3 times a year.
LIFE-LONG INSPIRATION
The AMA also remains committed to hosting local artist shows, lectures, workshops, community gatherings, Youth Art Month, Summer Art Camp, and many other programs for art lovers of all ages.
STRONGER TOGETHER
The AMA is the legacy of our predecessor’s leadership, as well many champions of the visual arts throughout the decades, including our Board of Directors, city leaders, members, sponsors, volunteers, collaborators, educators, artists, patrons, and staff. We express our gratitude by continuing to act upon our shared values, vision, and passion for the arts.
ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW
Since 1990, we’ve had many opening and closing days. Today was closing day of José Guadalupe Posada: Legendary Printmaker of Mexico and the Bernardo Vallarino show. It was also closing day of the museum in the old JCPenney’s. We closed without hoopla. Why? Because to us, saying good-bye never feels like an ending. It feels like something else unique and amazing is just right around the corner.
WE SAY GOOD-BYE…
OK, yes, you caught us. We’re also feeling a little sentimental. That’s why I’m writing to you today. To say thank you for, well, everything.
…AND WE SAY HELLO, HELLO, HELLO
On March 30, just as we’ve done for 34 years, the AMA will open (again) with exhibitions unlike anything we’ve ever done before (again).
This time, we’ll be welcoming you to our new location, one that will blow you away in size, capabilities, scale, and potential but also retains the driving force and spirit of the Arlington Museum of Art. We’re SO excited to welcome you to the New AMA! We think our founders would be proud.
Sincerely,
Chris Hightower
President & CEO
Arlington Museum of Art
ORIGIN STORIES
Want to see more photographs from our archives, learn more about our past exhibits, or dive more deeply into our history? Check out the new gallery page on our website: arlingtonmuseum.org/ama-history-in-pictures
AMA ON THE MOVE: WHERE ARE WE NOW?
The Arlington Museum of Art is temporarily closed to the public because we are in the process of moving to our new physical location in the Arlington Entertainment District. We will open to the public on March 30, 2024. If you need to contact us in the meantime, please email us at info@arlingtonmuseum.org or call us at 817-275-4600.
OUR NEW ADDRESS IN THE ARLINGTON ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Arlington Museum of Art
1200 Ballpark Way
Arlington, TX 76011
