Dear Friends,
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, we can lose our capacity for deep looking and visual contemplation. The screens surrounding us rarely invite thoughtful consideration. At the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, we devote ourselves daily to preserving the experience of looking at wonderful works of art.
Indeed, the last century has brought countless changes to our society, and the museum has changed with it. In just over a century, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art has gone from a small art school to one of the state’s major art museums. Our collection of 6,000+ artworks opens worlds of learning and creativity for thousands of people each year from 48 states. What hasn’t changed, though, is our belief that looking at art, and truly seeing it, can transform lives.
Art can be written about, described to others, and reproduced online. But its true power is in seeing it up close, original, and in person. This is why we develop numerous gallery programs for 4,000 local students, adults of all ages, people with dementia, Spanish speakers, group homes, and many others. The wonder of looking at art is meant for everyone. And for those who struggle to visit the museum, our outreach programs to places like schools, the Allen County Juvenile Center, and assisted living communities bring visual wonder right to them.
As I think about what changes the future will bring, I see two things that will stay the same: your support of this museum, and the power of art. I ask each of you to be a part of our future as we seek to share our treasures with everyone. Your gifts to the 2023 Annual Fund will help thousands of people from all walks of life have art experiences-now and in the future-that change their lives.
With many thanks,
Charles Shepard
fwmoa.org/annualfund/