75 Years of the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout 2023. Groundbreaking special exhibitions, innovative art classes, a fundraising Gala, and a time capsule have been planned. From regular museum-goers to those who might be visiting for the first time, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Pablo Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics from the Rosenbaum Collection is the grand centerpiece of new exhibitions that launch to the public on Sunday, January 22. Internationally famed for his paintings, sculptures, and graphics, Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was long intrigued by ceramics. The whimsical ceramics featured in RAM's main gallery showcase Picasso's ceramics made when he partnered with George and Suzanne Ramié and the artisans at their Madoura Pottery workshop in Vallauris, Southern France. Picasso and the Madoura studio produced 633 different plates, bowls, vases, and pitchers in limited editions ranging from 25 to 500. From plates with faces to pitchers in the shapes of birds and people, this exhibition features 46 ceramic works designed by Picasso, including two original ceramic works, from between the years 1947 and 1971. Original posters from previous exhibitions and photo murals of Picasso at work at Madoura Pottery will also be on display. This exhibition will run until April 23 and is free to the public.
Art Center to Museum: The Last 75 Years will take visitors on a journey of the museum through a timeline of organizational milestones and a 15-foot collage of more than 300 photos taken of people and events. This exhibition will tell the story of RAM, from Art Center to Museum. This exhibition will run until April 9.
Through acquisitions and donations over the last 75 years, RAM has acquired a beautiful and diverse art collection, currently numbering more than 500 pieces. 75 Years: The RAM Permanent Collection will feature art with an array of subject matter and tell the stories of numerous artists whose works have graced its walls over the years and helped the museum become the cultural treasure it is today. This exhibition will run until April 9.
Art classes in 2023 will also feature innovative ways to include the community and to celebrate RAM’s 75th year. Guided tours of the exhibitions will be available through mid-April, and various art classes will highlight exhibitions and RAM history. In collaboration with Arts on Main, "Plates to Go with Picasso" classes are 2-hour ceramics workshops under the direction of ceramics artist Stephanie Payton. With Picasso's pottery as inspiration, students will be able to create and paint up to three plates which will go through the firing process so they can be used or kept as pieces of art. Even the Tuesday night online class, "RAM Sketch," will celebrate RAM's 75th by featuring Pablo Picasso throughout March. The online attendees will try out Picasso's various art styles using unconventional materials, as well as sketch a still life of his pottery.
The museum will also continue its regular art programs, which include a monthly Paint 'N Sip class, a Drop in and Draw live-model sketch class on Thursdays, and make-and-take art activities for RAM Saturdays.
Because art museums take you places and educate you in a fun way, RAM will be taking supporters to Paris—featuring its historic Belle Epoche period (“the beautiful era”)—for the 75th Anniversary Celebration Gala on the evening of April 29. Get your tickets and celebrate the community effort that has made your art museum alive, well, and dynamic after 75 years.
This year's RAM Annual Invitational, which will run from April 29-July 30, will have artists' entry fees waived in celebration of our local and regional artists. The annual invitational is a national competitive exhibition that has been hosted by RAM since 1950. All works will be for sale, with proceeds will benefitting RAM’s exhibitions, educational programming, and the participating artists.
And rounding out the year, items are being sought for inclusion into a Heritage Time Capsule that will be dedicated during a special ceremony December 9, 2023 at the RAM Holiday Art Party & Family Day. RAM is looking for a wide range of artifacts from various organizations around the community. The time capsule will not be exhumed until RAM’s 150th Anniversary in 2098.
Located at 1601 Rogers Avenue in downtown Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) offers fine art exhibitions from world-class artists, important traveling exhibitions, permanent collection exhibitions, as well as art by emerging artists in its modern, 16,000-square-foot facility. From professional art workshops and juried art contests to online art classes and free Saturday art-making programs, RAM connects with schools, visitors and community members of all ages and backgrounds to support the cultural needs of the region. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 to 6, and Sunday, 1 to 5. Exhibitions are free. Visit the website for more information (fsram.org) or call: 479-784-2787.
