100 Fun Facts - Montclair Art Museum

100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1914
January 15, 1914: official grand opening of the museum. Helen Kent Taylor is
named curator and later named Director.
1915
Child Hassam’s Summer at Cos Cob is one of paintings from William T.
Evan’s original 1915 gift of approximately 50 works. A 1915 quote from the
Minutes of the Trustees stated “Miss Richards was engaged at the sum of
$9.00 per week to be an assistant to Miss Taylor, the curator. Miss Richards
is to furnish her own typewriter.”
1916
Artist and Board member F. Ballard Williams launched art classes at the
museum in 1916. Katherine Innes also named 2nd director of MAM in 1916.
1917
Northwest Coast Totem Pole came to MAM in 1917 and has been the delight
of young visitors ever since.
1918
Toward the end of World War I, the museum faced extended closings due to
coal shortage.
1919
“The [museum’s] janitor would be glad to use a horse drawn lawnmower if
one could be borrowed. Mr. Marcus offered such a lawnmower but without
the horse.” – from the Minutes of the Trustees, 1919
1920
The 1920s saw the beginnings of the Garden Club of Montclair’s annual
flower shows at MAM. A cast of the League of Nations fountain by A. Stirling
Calder, father of Alexander Calder, was on view at MAM.
1921
As early as 1921, the museum held annual exhibits work by Montclair &
vicinity artists.
1922
The New Jersey Symphony traces its roots to the string orchestra at MAM in
1922.
1923
A Grecian Masque entitled “When Sappho Sang” complete with orchestra,
chorus, and dancers was held at Montclair High School to raise money for
the museum.
1924
MAM celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 1924. Columns were added to front of
building, thanks to a gift from Mrs. Henry Lang.
1925
MAM held a Memorial program in 1925 marking the centennial of George
Inness’s birth. It was attended by several hundred people.
1926
Robert Henri’s painting Jimmie O’D was purchased in 1926.
1927
New Jersey Society of Architects held a conference at MAM in 1927. Irises
planted in 1927 by MAM in memory of Frank Presby, an early MAM trustee,
led to the beginnings of the world-renowned Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1928
Children created A Joy Pageant on the MAM grounds in the spring of 1928.
1929
Marion Haviland was named 3rd Director in 1929.
“Upon motion duly seconded, the Director was authorized to purchase a new
typewriter, preferably of the noiseless variety.” from December 1929 Minutes
1930
George Inness’s Delaware Water Gap entered the collection in 1930.
1931
Mary Cooke Swartwout named 4th Director in 1931.
The dedication of new South wing in October 1931 was attended by 405
people. The South Wing was funded in large part by a gift of $100k from Mrs.
Henry Lang.
The New Jersey Arts Annual began in 1931, of which MAM served as a
founding institution.
1932
6th annual show by Garden Club of Montclair occurred in 1932. Bi-centennial
of George Washington’s birth.
1933
During the Depression, out-of-work citizens formed a Free Time Guild to
organize concerts and other programs at MAM. It was a building block of the
Adult School of Montclair.
1934
MAM’s free concerts helped to lift spirits during the Depression.
1935
In addition to free events, MAM hosted a memorial exhibition of William T.L.
Rittase watercolors, an anniversary exhibition of George Inness works, the
Montclair Garden Club’s 9th Annual Flower show, and the 5th Annual NJ State
Exhibition.
1936
Lacking money for art purchases during the Depression years, MAM received
gifts of art, including an assortment of brushes and paint tubes that belonged
to George Inness.
1937
In 1937, Edward Hopper’s Coast Garden Station was selected by MAM
members for purchase through the Picture Buying Fund.
1938
The New Jersey Water Color Society had its beginnings at MAM in 1938.
1939
MAM celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a silver theme.
1940
Weaving classes were held at MAM in the early 1940s. Later on, the looms
were moved to Caldwell College.
1941
The Arts Council of NJ awarded its first-ever Medal of Honor to Mrs. Lang in
1941.
1942
Paintings from the 1939 World’s Fair came to MAM in 1942.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1943
A sidewalk art sale was hosted by MAM on Bloomfield Avenue in 1943.
1944
The Lang Acquisition Fund was set up in 1944 in honor of Florence Rand
Lang. Over the years, 83 works were purchased from this fund.
1945
Asher B. Durand’s Cold Spring entered the collection in 1945.
1946
To accommodate high school students and veterans who could not find a
place in any art school, MAM established a full-time, yearlong art school in
1946, enrolling ten pupils, three of whom were WWII veterans.
1947
1948
WNBC broadcast a "Salute to Montclair" in 1947, which was filmed at MAM
and other locations.
George Inness’s Winter Moonlight Montclair added to MAM’s collection in
1948.
1949
MAM public relations department produced radio and television broadcasts,
including television programs "Weaving" and "Paintings and Their
Preparatory Sketches" in 1949.
1950
Newark, Trenton, and MAM established the Museums Council of New Jersey
in 1950 to help smaller art organizations throughout the state.
1951
"Tom Two Arrows", a Haudenosaunee (also known as Iroquois by the
French) Indian, conducted a children's presentation featuring painting,
dances, and music for about 275 children in 1951.
1952
Kathryn Gamble was named MAM’s 5th Director in 1952. She had been on
staff for eight years, and went on to serve as Director for 27 years.
1953
Mary Ellen Earl, who later was to become MAM's curator of paintings and
teach popular classes at the art school, joined as a "museum apprentice" for
an eight-month course beginning in November 1953.
1954
While MAM's North Gallery, Southeast WIng, and Upper Gallery close for
major internal renovations, exhibitions were held in the South Gallery.
1955
MAM purchased thirteen American Indian objects in 1955 to enrich the
permanent exhibition in the Eastern Woodlands gallery.
1956
25th Annual NJ State Exhibition was held at MAM in 1956. The Junior League
also initiated a docent program at MAM.
1957
In 1957, Mrs. Elsie W. Dillon held a sand painting demonstration.
1958
Children, then as now, enjoyed learning about Native Americans through
MAM's distinguished collection. In a 1958 photo from MAM’s archives,
handling materials helped make the MAM visit memorable.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1959
Kathryn Gamble, MAM Director, participated in a panel entitled "Museum
Values for Modern Education" at the 54th Annual Meeting of the American
Association of Museums in New York City in 1959. Printmaker Worden Day
discussed the history of color woodcuts up to German Expressionists at
MAM, using her own prints (some on exhibit at the Museum) to demonstrate
contemporary printmaking techniques.
1960
An exhibit entitled “Chapter of our Times” addressed through photographs
and paintings the issue of refugees in 1960. The exhibit traveled to Boston,
Baltimore, Reading, PA, and the Pepsi-Cola building in New York.
1961
The exhibition Montclair in Manhattan held in November 1961 at the
prestigious Hirschl & Adler Gallery displayed 45 American paintings from
MAM’s collection.
1962
The museum’s original name at incorporation was the Montclair Art
Association. In 1962, the name was legally changed to the Montclair Art
Museum.
1963
On November 20, 1962, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra came “home”
to MAM – site of its initial concert - in celebration of NJSO’s 40th anniversary.
1964
MAM’s 50th anniversary in 1964 coincided with the New Jersey Tercentenary.
An exhibit called “Heritage of Freedom” celebrated living American artists
who were born in other countries. In 1964, in honor of the slain President,
one of the 25 portraits of John F. Kennedy painted by Elaine de Kooning
hung briefly at MAM.
1965
In 1965, as for many years, MAM sent out minishows about art to schools in
Cedar Grove, Maplewood, Verona, South Orange, Chatham, Montclair,
Edison, and to Bloomfield College, the East Orange Library and St. Mark’s
Methodist Church.
1966
The Women’s Committee formed in 1966. Over the years, this energetic &
well-organized group reached out to the community & sponsored Discovery
Days, Family Days, Appraisal events, fund-raisers and more.
1967
1968
Gathering Hay in the Salt Meadows by Martin Johnson Heade was added to
the collection in 1967. It was later one of the many pieces interpreted through
floral arrangement for Art in Bloom.
In 1968, MAM joined in the celebration of Montclair’s 100th anniversary. MAM
exhibited a display of bookplates from its collection, later in 2009 transferring
the collection to the Grolier Club in New York.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1969
Elsie Driggs’ Queensborough Bridge was added to MAM’s collection in 1969.
It was featured on MAM’s 75th anniversary poster in 1989.
1970
Tony Smith’s monumental sculpture was exhibited on the grounds in 1970.
1971
MAM mounted a retrospective exhibit about Asher B. Durand & published a
well-received catalog in 1971. An Earth Day Festival was also well-attended.
A Verona Night gala brought new friends to MAM to enjoy the collection of
Dr. Milton Luria.
1972
After extensive preparations, the Women’s Committee of MAM launched the
museum shop in 1972– in the space now called the Shelby Gallery. NJ
Symphony marked its 50th anniversary, acknowledging its roots at MAM.
Patrons from near and far also brought their treasures for appraisal at
Heirloom Discovery Day.
1973
MAM received official accreditation from the American Association of
Museums in 1973.
1974
A retrospective of the work of Betty Parsons was held at MAM in 1974.
1975
Family Days began at MAM in 1975. John Sloan’s, Bonfire, Snow was seen
by thousands as it traveled nation-wide aboard the American Freedom Train.
1976
MAM celebrated the Bi-Centennial of the United States with several exhibits
on a patriotic theme.
1977
1978
1979
Publication of American Painting in the Collection of the Montclair Art
Museum occurred in 1977.The gala Restoration Ball raised funds for
conservation purposes. On the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth in 1977,
MAM exhibited holdings from its silver collection.
MAM’s grounds became an Arboretum, with plantings identified and labeled
in 1978.
Kathryn Gamble retired after 27 years as MAM’s director in 1979. During her
tenure, and thanks to the Lang Acquisition Fund, 83 works entered the
collection. To honor Kathryn Gamble upon her retirement in 1979, the
Women’s Committee commissioned a portrait of Kathryn by Elaine de
Kooning.
1980
After serving as assistant director under Kathryn Gamble, Robert Koenig was
named 6th Director in 1980.
1981
The years 1914–1970 were a time of acquisition. The focus in the 1980s
shifted to conservation, scholarship, exhibitions, and publicity.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1982
Planning for the 75th anniversary in 1989 began years in advance, and a
campaign was launched to raise $10 million (nearly $19 million in 2013
dollars.) Jewel in the Suburbs: The History of the Montclair Art Museum, by
Robert D. B. Carlisle, was published in 1982.
1983
The addition of climate control in 1983 allowed MAM to offer a 12-month
schedule of exhibitions and activities.
1984
1985
1986
Down Garden Paths was the first of MAM’s exhibitions to go on national tour.
It traveled to Terra Museum in Indianapolis and the Henry Art Gallery at the
University of Washington in Seattle.
Through the generosity of Henry M. Reed, MAM became the repository of
Morgan Russell’s archives and art work.
Renowned scholar Frederick J. Dockstader evaluated the entire American
Indian collection, rating much of it as A+. Many of MAM’s works were shown
at the IBM gallery in New York City in 1986. MAM published 300 Years of
American Painting.
1987
The annual Babson lecture was inaugurated in 1987. This endowed program
honors volunteer, teacher, and trustee Julia Norton Babson.
1988
Several artists have been named honorary trustees of MAM, including Daniel
Chester French, sculptor of the statue of Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial, and
later on, Will Barnet.
1989
1990
MAM celebrated its 75th anniversary with year-long events, capped by the
successful $10 million campaign. Allan C. Houser’s Earth Mother was
unveiled on the grounds in 1989.
A retrospective of the work of Morgan Russell was presented at MAM in
1990.
1991
Sunday Samplers – of art, music and light refreshments – were popular with
MAM visitors in 1991.
1992
Ellen Harris becomes the 7th Director of MAM in 1992.
1993
The exhibition Affinities and Influences highlighted the role of American
Indian art in American modernism in 1993.
1994
Exhibition and catalog on Precisionism in America 1915–1941: Reordering
Reality. MAM also marked the centennial of George Inness’ death with an
exhibit of his work: Presence of the Unseen.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
1995
Art in Bloom, featuring floral interpretations of selected MAM works, proved
wildly popular.
1996
Dr. Kathleen D. McCarthy’s spoke about “Women, Philanthropy and Culture”
at the 1996 Babson Lecture.
1997
Ellen Napiura Taubman spoke about “The Importance of Native American Art
in the American Art Market” for the 1997 Babson Lecture.
1998
1999
2000
2001
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Skunk Cabbage was gifted to the collection in 1998.
Local artists designed miniature golf holes for Strokes of Genius on the MAM
grounds
The Yard School of Art (founded in 1924) merged with MAM, but art classes
have been an integral part of MAM from the beginning. The Museum has
continuously offered courses year-round to kids, teens, adults, and seniors.
In its Paris 1900 exhibition MAM recreates the atmosphere of the
international fair. The catalog brings fresh perspectives on the American
contribution. The show traveled to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in
Philadelphia, the Columbus [OH] Museum of Art, the Elvehjem Museum at
the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Musée Carnavalet in Paris.
MAM’s retrospective show Will Barnet: A Timeless World, traveled to the
Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Portland [ME] Museum of Art, and the
Arkansas Arts Center.
In 2001, a major expansion of MAM’s facility took place: two additional
galleries, including dedicated space for George Inness, increased art studio
space, large multi-function meeting room, and more. Patterson Sims was
named 8th Director of MAM.
2002
MAM initiated its Park Bench program, drawing youngest children &
caregivers to a monthly event of art-making and art appreciation.
2003
Gourd Dance, beaded hi-tops, by Terri Greeves, became an instant favorite
when added to the collection in 2003.
2004
MAM celebrated its 90th year with the theme “Face to Face with the American
Spirit,” highlighting portraits in MAM’s collection of American and American
Indian art. The Unseen Cindy Sherman brought some of her works on paper
to the public for the first time and Roy Lichtenstein: American Indian
Encounters featured the artist’s interest in American Indian motifs.
100 MOMENTS FROM THE MAM ARCHIVES
2005
2006
2007
Roy Lichtenstein: American Indian Encounters traveled to Santa Fe, NM,
Tacoma, WA, Water Mill NY, and Indianapolis, IN.
Anxious Objects: Willie Cole’s Favorite Brands 1988-2006 traveled to Lincoln
NE, Rochester NY, Birmingham, AL, Seattle WA, and Stanford & Palo Alto,
CA
Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of the American Comic Book Superheroes
brings in aficionados of all things comic book to MAM.
2008
The 2008 exhibition Philip Pearlstein: Objectifications was the first major
Pearlstein retrospective in 25 years.
2009
MAM’s largest exhibition ever, Cezanne and American Modernism, ten years
in the making, drew record crowds. It traveled to the Baltimore Museum of Art
and the Phoenix Art Museum. Its widely-sold catalog added significant new
scholarship. Lora Urbanelli was named 9th Director of MAM.
2010
The Wyeths: Three Generations drew enthusiastic crowds in 2010. MAM was
also one of three venues for the exhibition A Force for Change: African
American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund.
2011
The Yard School launched two new areas: a Ceramics Studio and a Digital
Media Lab.
2012
The exhibition Georgia O’Keeffe in New Mexico shows her fascination with
the southwestern landscape and the meeting of Native American, Anglo, and
Hispanic cultures.
2013
In The New Spirit: American Art in the Armory Show, 1913, MAM recreated
the atmosphere of the event & highlighted the contribution of American
artists.