MANISTEE ART INSTITUTE MISSION

Collect and maintain a permanent visual art collection

The need for a Manistee visual arts center has long been recognized. Past exhibits of Manistee area present and historic artists have focused attention on the wealth of creative talent in the Manistee area. The Institute procures the works of local, national and international renown artists for its permanent art collection for the community.

Sponsor and display non-commercial art exhibitions from noted museum, private, and corporate collections

The Manistee Art Institute offers major traveling and local art exhibits. Past exhibits have featured Native American art, stainless steel sculptures, church art, photography, wood carvings, pottery and multi-media paintings by local and nationally renowned artists.

Funding for exhibits and other MAI activities has been provided by the MichCon Foundation, Consumers Power Foundation, Michigan Council for the Arts, Traverse Area Arts Council, Morton Salt Company, Martin Marietta, Manistee County Foundation, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Port City Club, National City Bank of Michigan/Illinois, the Manistee Teachers Association and numerous private donors.

Increase the knowledge and awareness of the visual arts by conducting classes, workshops, lectures, and special programming

Working with area schools and the intermediate school district, the Institute’s Arts Enrichment Committee conducts special programs in area schools and provides special showings and programming for students, seniors and civic organizations. Fourth grade students from throughout the county are given annual educational tours of an MAI exhibit.

The Arts Enrichment Committee of the MAI shares its collection of fine art prints by visiting classrooms in local schools to introduce students to famous artists, art styles and subjects. The Picture Person Program volunteers give presentations that include telling about the artist, the painting and a hands-on project based on the painting shown that day.

Develop an awareness and appreciation of the visual arts

Through its collection, exhibitions, workshops, classes, lectures, and special programming, the Manistee Art Institute conducts an on-going public program emphasizing the visual arts and their value to the community.

The Manistee Art Institute preserves and chronicles art work of historic and artistic value by obtaining grants and private funding specifically for these purposes. In 1997 the Ramsdell Theatre lobby lunettes, painted in 1903 by Frederic Ramsdell, were restored with private funding, and a book on Walter W. Burridge, famed scene designer who created the Ramsdell act curtain, was published. A second book, "The Art of Harry Armstrong and the NYA", has been published by the MAI.