Michelson Museum of Art
The Michelson Museum of Art was established in 1985 for the special purpose of accepting and caring for the life work of Russian-American artist Leo Michelson (1887 - 1978). Since then the museum has expanded to include the Gloria and Bernard Kronenberg Collection of early 20th century American art and the Ramona and Jay Ward Collection of African Masks and Chinese Opera Puppets.
Collections
Leo Michelson was born in Riga, Latvia, and began his studies at the Imperial School in St. Petersburg. He later studied and lived in Munich, Berlin, Paris and the United States, becoming a citizen in 1945. Michelson combines a respect for tradition with the spirit of the innovator. His work is based on those qualities which characterize the great artists of all time.
The Gloria and Bernard Kronenberg Collection
Dr. Bernard Kronenberg was a patron of 20th century artists in New York. This outstanding collection was given to the Michelson Museum by Gloria Kronenberg. The collection of consists of paintings, drawings, lithographs and sculptures
The Ramona and Jay Ward Collection
This outstanding collection of African masks and Antique Chinese Opera Puppets was given to the museum by Ramona Ward. Mrs. Ward's late husband, Jay Ward, was the creator of the cartoons Rocky and Bullwinkle, George of the Jungle and Dudley Do-Right.
Education Programs
In-School Programs
The Michelson Museum of Art is strategically located and uniquely charged with enriching the curriculum in broad academic areas for eight school districts, two universities, a junior college and a technical college. The school programs in the primary grades result in a museum experience in the galleries, and, where appropriate, art production in the Michelson classroom or the students' classrooms. Throughout the academic year, the museum sponsors three exhibits that showcase student art, thereby recognizing creativity and building confidence in young artists. Customized tours for secondary, non-traditional and graduate students impart an awareness of the museum's expanded role in providing an enhanced quality of life and an involvement in all the Fine Arts in the community.
Dr. David Weisman Hirsch Discovery Room
This bright open space provides hands-on activities for primary students. Here they experience the fun of applying their own designs in varied shapes, colors and materials to the carpeted walls. The children are encouraged to move freely in the room using any and all of the manipulatives, books and puzzles. The computer is equipped with developmental games and programs that foster imagination in a "virtual" artist's studio. An adult is required to be in attendance in The Discovery Room with the children and will be delighted to see the spontaneity of young children who are urged, "Please Do Touch Everything Here".
Teacher Workshops
The workshops give participants staff development hours and creative strategies for integrating art into the classroom curriculum. For the workshops, children's classes and holiday offerings, the Michelson underwrites published authors, professional performers and licensed teachers. Standardized test sensibility, security of young children and demands of technology are considered topics at the museum. On every level visual art develops communication skills.
Summer Learning
Art Classes for all ages are held each June in the classroom.
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