Daum Museum of Contemporary Art

Mission Statement

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art sheds light on the stimulating complexity of modern and contemporary art by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting artworks created since the mid-20th century. In concert with the faculty and students of State Fair Community College, the Daum works to enhance the cultural and educational life of the college, the city of Sedalia, and the 14-county area of central Missouri that comprises its primary audience.

Museum Program Scope

The educational mission of State Fair Community College guides and informs every aspect of the Museum and its operation. As part of an institution of higher learning responsive to the entire needs of the college, it works in collaboration with faculty and students. Through its educational programming, the Museum enhances the cultural life of its immediate community. The Museum is uniquely positioned to serve Missouri's central region and to specifically attract patrons traveling between its two major cultural centers, Kansas City and St. Louis. It is not duplicated in its region. The Museum constitutes a cultural "oasis," dedicated to the highest level of aesthetic and educational standards to implement innovative, humane, and enlightening programs.

Collection

The core of the Museum is the permanent collection comprised of abstract paintings, drawings, prints, works in clay and sculpture created since the mid-20th century. The permanent collection also includes those significant precursors that are a vital link to refining the scope of the collection and to enhancing the Museum's educational importance. The Museum permanent collection was built through gifts and selected purchases. The study collection is compromised of those examples valued as instructional resources. The director/curator is responsible for routine maintenance of the collection. Conservation or restoration of collection works is contracted to and performed by conservation specialists.

Administrative Operations

The Museum staff is headed by Thomas Piché, Jr., Director, who reports to the President of State Fair Community College. Also employed by the Museum are Curator of Education, Victoria Weaver; Registrar/Exhibitions Coordinator, Matthew Clouse; and Museum Coordinator, Marcie Teter. Other staff positions include: exhibition guards, installation assistants, weekend security personnel and receptionists.

Organization History

Daum Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2002 on the campus of State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. The college is the museum's parent organization. The Daum offers a temporary exhibition series that changes three times each year. It houses nine exhibition galleries on three levels, with a combined area of 9,300 square feet. The museum's permanent collection of approximately 1,000 objects includes paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, and sculpture created since the mid-20th century. It features significant works by Andy Warhol, Ed Ruscha, Helen Frankenthaler, Robert Motherwell, Peter Voulkos, Betty Woodman, Louise Bourgeois, Linda Connor, and Ansel Adams.

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