One of many things that can be said for the Minnesota Museum of American Art - they're resilient. Opened over 100 years ago as an art school in Saint Paul, the MMAA has survived several locations, incarnations and financial bumps in its history. In that time it has amassed over 3500 works by American artists, including the likes of Paul Manship and George Morrison. So even though the economic slump, a directorial resignation, and the scheduled demolition of the Ramsey Government center resulted in a shutdown of the gallery in November of 2008, Board Chair A. David Kelly is confident that the MMAA will survive. "This whole endeavor is worth doing because the entire collection is an important part of the downtown Saint Paul community, it has been and will be."
Despite both the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press citing the MMAA as a sign of how the arts presently suffer under current conditions, Kelly has made it clear that the wholly volunteer-run museum board has already laid the groundwork for a revival: they are in the process of finding a new location, and a new director. They are actively seeking funding. The collection, currently in storage, will see a new home.
Kelly has appreciated the assistance from readers of the Star Tribune who contacted him when the gallery closing was announced, and invites anyone interested in volunteering for the MMAA or seeking to make a donation to call him at 612-341-0881.
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