“It was the right thing to do then. Now we wanted to reopen as a safe, no-touch space families and individuals could visit when it’s cold out, to provide indoor opportunities for respite and reflection with art,” said SMOA executive director Jessimi Jones. “We’re taking all safety precautions, of course.”
The SMOA team sat down to review safety procedures and will monitor those closely, working closely with the Clark County Combined Health District. These measures include removing anything hands-on, extra cleaning in public areas, limited access to galleries and how many can be in each space at a given time.
Visitors are required to follow safety measures including wearing masks and observing social distancing guidelines.
Visitors will find a popular continuing exhibition as well as three new ones.
“…Does the Dream Dream the Dreamer? Unseen Works of David Catrow” will continue in the McGregor Gallery, the SMOA’s largest, through Feb. 28. It consists of 20 large paintings from the former Springfield News-Sun artist and cartoonist who has authored and illustrated numerous children’s books.
New exhibitions include “Gary Birch: Paintings and Sculptures” in the Deer Gallery. The southwest Ohio artist’s works are displayed, seeking a balance between disparate themes including domestic life, industry and nature with collage paintings and mixed media sculptures.
“Who Tells the Story?” in the Chakeres Gallery is about the way history is made and recorded through several pieces from the SMOA’s permanent collection, several on display for the first time.
The final new exhibition was set to open in December. “The Art of Watercolor – 46th Western Ohio Watercolor Society Exhibition” is in the Halley & Klein Galleries. It will include 30 regional artists working in a variety of watercolor techniques.
The Museum’s popular monthly “Come Find Art” will be 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. Admission is free and is for children and adults to enjoy activities and explore the SMOA’s galleries and works.
In March, the SMOA will present a series of virtual programs tying into Women’s History Month in conjunction with the Smithsonian. Jones said the organization is planning much more to come as pandemic numbers drop.
“We’re thrilled to be open again to provide a space for the people to enjoy art,” Jones said.
For more information on the SMOA and its programs and exhibitions, visit its website or social media pages.
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