Good morning. Today I am going to introduce you to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art (FWMoA), located at 311 E Main St., a six-block, 12-minute walk from the convention center. Nora and I have been members ever since we moved to Fort Wayne and we love this museum.
The FWMoA stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural enrichment for northeast Indiana. Since its founding, the museum has played a pivotal role in nurturing the arts and promoting education and served as a gathering point for the community. This post delves into the museum’s rich history, its diverse collections, and the impact it continues to have on our city.
The FWMoA was established in 1921 as a result of a bequest from a local art patron. For many years, the museum functioned as part of the Fort Wayne Art School, providing both a gallery space and a source of inspiration for young artists. Over time, the museum’s role expanded, and in 1984, it moved into its current location. The move to a dedicated, purpose-built facility marked a new era, giving the museum room to grow its permanent collections and host ambitious exhibitions.
The FWMoA’s permanent collection is a testament to its commitment to American art spanning the late 18th century to the present day. It encompasses more than 7,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, and drawings. While American paintings form the core, the collection features notable pieces of glass, contemporary craft, and regional art from the Midwest. Prominent artists such as John Marin, Janet Fish, Mark di Suvero, and William Merritt Chase are represented, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of American artistic evolution.
The FWMoA opened its Glass Wing in 2022, an expansive 3,000 square foot space exhibiting a rotating selection of its nationally recognized glass collection. You will encounter more than 100 pieces by international artists from the Studio Glass movement, from the first pioneers of the early 1960s, followed by the second wave of innovative creators, and finally, the artists shaping glass today. This is one of Nora’s and my favorite facets of the museum. I certainly never expected to be so enthralled by glass, but it is amazing what a talented artist can accomplish with glass.
Beyond its permanent holdings, the FWMoA is renowned for its dynamic schedule of temporary exhibitions. These shows range from retrospectives of established artists to thematic group exhibitions and showcases of emerging talent. By frequently rotating exhibitions, the museum ensures that there is always something new for you to see, and it remains responsive to contemporary trends in the art world.
Some of the temporary exhibitions that Nora and I really enjoyed were Alphonse Mucha, Master of Art Nouveau, The Design Work of Bill Blass (a Fort Wayne native), and the Ghost Army, WWII Decoys (Bill Blass was deeply involved in this important deception effort leading up to D-Day).
Once it is announced, we will post the exhibition, planned to run in conjunction with the convention next summer.
The FWMoA exemplifies the transformative power of art in our society. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives, it enriches our lives and contributes to the vibrancy of Fort Wayne. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or a curious newcomer, a visit to the museum offers an opportunity to experience the enduring value of visual creativity and to connect with a thriving artistic community.
Links to a couple of short videos on the FWMoA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCrewVk4E0
We look forward to hosting you at the IPMS National Convention next Summer.
Nora and John