Orlando Museum of Art officially kicks off its 100th year

Friday morning, Orlando Museum of Art executive director and CEO Cathryn Mattson reflected on the 25 art enthusiasts who formed what was then called the Orlando Art Association back in January 1924.

“I’m sure they never imagined we would have this museum at this scale,” she said, gesturing around the 80,000-square-foot building in Loch Haven Park, home to the city’s oldest arts institution.

“Not many organizations, especially arts organizations, get to celebrate a 100th anniversary,” she said.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a year of special exhibitions and events, including programs for breast cancer survivors and young LGBTQ people, alongside the museum’s ongoing work with dementia patients and those on the autism spectrum. A free “family day” in celebration of the centenary will take place Feb. 10 with guest artists, musicians and a magician.

About 20 museum staff members, media workers and supporters attended the low-key kickoff, which came as the museum grapples with a financial crisis. Its “cash crunch,” as Mattson has called it, was brought on by costs relating to the FBI investigation into artwork attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat and displayed at the museum in 2022, as well as OMA’s subsequent lawsuit over that exhibition.

Orlando Museum of Art faces financial crisis in wake of Basquiat scandal

Friday morning, Mattson focused on the future of the 100-year-old institution “built by volunteers,” including the 10th anniversary of its prestigious Florida Prize coming up in June and the museum’s new Access for All program, funded by Walmart heir Alice Walton’s Arkansas-based Art Bridges foundation.

Under the program, announced in October, the museum offers extended hours on the third Thursday of each month with free admission and special entertainment. The first event, on Jan. 18, attracted more than 400 visitors, Mattson said — about seven times the museum’s usual weekday attendance.

“We consider this a wonderful gift to the city, and it’s so appropriate in our centennial year,” she said.

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Mattson did not address concerns about the museum’s finances but referred guests to an interview by WMFE’s Talia Blake, posted Thursday at the public radio station’s website. Mattson, board chair Mark Elliott and Ginny Childs of the museum’s law firm, Akerman, struck a positive tone in the interview, reiterating the museum has community support and that the Basquiat “blip,” as Mattson called it, is only a part of the museum’s story.

“We’ve had a rough couple of years,” she said. “But I don’t think that negates the 98 that came before.”

That group of founders 100 years ago participated in drawing classes and presented exhibitions at what is now the Orlando Public Library downtown. In 1960, with the opening of the building at the park just north of downtown, the group’s name changed to the Loch Haven Art Center. It was renamed Orlando Museum of Art in 1986.

At Friday’s ceremony, Orlando city commissioner Robert Stuart, whose district includes Loch Haven Park, read a proclamation honoring the museum’s milestone.

“I’ve never given somebody a whole year,” he joked. Stuart, who grew up in Orlando, also recalled taking classes at the museum as a young teen.

“Thank you for the last 100 years and the work and impact you’ve had in the community,” he said.

Stuart, who said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer was out of town, and Mattson were the only officials to speak. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and county commissioners sent their regards, a spokeswoman said. Elliott was not in attendance. A reception for museum members, where they can check out the centenary’s signature exhibition, was scheduled for Friday night.

That signature exhibition highlights the best of the museum’s $40 million permanent collection. Presented chronologically, it showcases nearly 200 years of art and American history. Among the notable names represented are painter John Singer Sargent and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

The exhibit backs up Mattson’s declaration that volunteers built the museum, with many of the works on view donated by Central Floridians, purchased by the museum’s volunteer-led Acquisition Trust, or on long-term loan from community supporters.

Mattson said the museum expects a bump in visitors — up to 140,000 — during its centennial celebration.

“We’ve had our challenges over the years, as any institution does, but we look forward to many more anniversaries and the opportunity to continue to serve this community,” she said. “I say this without hesitation: It is clear this community loves OMA and the services we provide.”

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