The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA
| Address |
PO Box 400119 Charlottesville, VA 22904 |
| Phone | (434) 924-3592 |
| Website | http://uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu |
| Primary Contact | Sarah Althoff |
| Primary Email | sarahalthoff@virginia.edu |
| Executive Director | Matthew McLendon, J. Sanford Miller Family Director |
| Primary Focus Area | Arts and Humanities |
| Service Areas |
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Mission Statement
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia encourages the spirit of curiosity and promotes diversity of thought through the study, care, and celebration of art.
Overview
Vision for 2025
The Fralin Museum of Art will be recognized for its leadership at UVA, connecting students, faculty, staff, and the community through the experience of art. The Fralin’s collection, programs, and exhibitions will reach more people—in person and online—and will inspire those audiences to discover new ideas, embrace multiple perspectives, and seek solutions to challenging problems. As The Fralin’s role broadens, it will become a cornerstone institution on Grounds, advancing UVA’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.
Key Programs
| Program 1 | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Writer's Eye |
| Description: | Entering its' 31st year, Writer’s Eye, started by The Fralin’s docents in 1986, is an annual literary competition that challenges writers of all ages. Writers from 3rd grade through adults use visual art as inspiration for the creation of original poetry and prose. Compositions inspired by selected works on view in the Museum can be submitted in the categories of Prose or Poetry, for grades 3–5, 6–8, 9–12, and University/Adult. Winners are honored at an annual ceremony in the spring, and first-, second-, and third-place winning entries are published in the Writer's Eye anthology. |
| Examples of Program Success: | 4,000+ children throughout our region, tour the Museum each year as part of The Writer's Eye program. For many of these children, it's their first time visiting a Museum and can be the start of a lifelong love of art. And for others, it can be the first time they have written poetry or prose! The program is now witnessing second-generation entries, as the children of former participants are now touring. |
| Program 2 | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Early Visions |
| Description: | Each Spring semester, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia. The Fralin offers the ten-week Early Visions program. UVA students and children from the Boys and Girls Club are paired in mentoring relationships and embark on creative activities that encourage exploration of the Museum's exhibitions, promote critical thinking, and relate the children's discoveries to their own lives. Early Visions embodies the Museum's dual educational mission of providing learning opportunities for both students and community members by harnessing the enthusiasm and skills of University students to deliver innovative educational programs. Mentors and mentees learn from and about one another while working side-by-side on creative projects. For University student mentors, the daylong training program includes an overview of Charlottesville's racial history, exercises to build self-awareness and communication skills, and fundamental techniques in art education. It's a great opportunity for students to gain experience working with children, broaden horizons, and give back to the community. |
| Program 3 | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Family Art JAMS |
| Description: | These popular programs combine age-appropriate tours with hands-on art activities that make the Museum's exhibitions accessible to children. The introduction of new art materials and techniques challenges children to think in new ways, and interactive tours help them develop the confidence to talk about art. By asking parents or other adult family members to serve as assistants, models, and collaborators, Family Art JAMs create an enriching experience for the whole family. |
Giving Opportunities
| Opportunity 1 | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Endowment Opportunities at The Fralin |
| Description: | Listed below are several key areas within The Fralin where donors could significantly magnify the impact that the museum makes within the Charlottesville community. Over the next several years, we wish to endow the following staff positions and programs: The ___________ Early Visions Program: $1,000,000 The _________ Associate Academic Curator (Arts Educator): $1,750,000 The _________ Collection Manager: $1,750,000 The ___________ Writer's Eye Program: $2,500,000 |
| Opportunity 2 | |
|---|---|
| Title: | The Fralin Fund and Membership |
| Description: | The Fralin Fund and Membership offers sustaining funds each year, for museum operations. Gifts from our donors and members supports our 9 arts education programs, our rotating exhibitions and our teaching collection. For details on making a gift to The Fralin or joining the museum, please visit: uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu/supportjoin |