AMoA’s artafterdark ‘eye opening’

By Robert Gauna

Ranger Photogrpaher

 

The Amarillo Museum of Art will host an artafterdark event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 21 on the Washington Street Campus.

The musical band “Turbine Toolshed” will perform during the event, and food and drinks will be served for those who attend.

“The event is geared toward attracting new people to the museum,” said public programs coordinator Deana Craighead. “People who maybe are not familiar with what goes on in the museum, or people who are intimidated by the art museum, is what artafterdark is all about.”

Adult-oriented fun such as scavenger hunts and art labs will be available where participates can get hands-on training with learning different art techniques on canvas.

“It’s a fun way for people to experience the art museum in a way that is not stuffy and not intimidating,” Craighead said.

Cost is $20 a person to get into the event, but AMoA members get in free.

The cost for membership is $50. However, couples can pay $40 to get in, and for an additional $10 they can obtain memberships. After that, the next event will be free, Craighead said. Members can attend any event free, and the AMoA notifies them when upcoming events are scheduled. Members also get discounts on any art class they wish to enroll in at AC.

Currently, AMoA has two exhibitions on display in the museum.

The Fred and Laura Bidwell Photography Collection is displayed on the first and second floors. Artwork by Judy Youngblood, titled “Hydrologic,” is displayed on the third-floor gallery. Youngblood also will attend artafterdark along with other artists.

The two exhibits will be on display for only two more weeks before they are taken down to prepare for artafterdark in February.

Biology and nursing major Kip Fuller said he has not visited the museum often, but he said he would love to attend the artafterdark event.

“That’s one of the things that’s important to take advantage of while you’re going to school. It’s the exposure to those type of things where you learn something and walk away with a different perspective,” Fuller said.

Graphic design major Karly McCutchan said she visits the museum often. She said the idea of working around other artists in the hands-on training lab is what she is looking forward to about the artafterdark program.

“It’s really eye-opening to see all the different kinds of art, and that’s what keeps me coming back,” McCutchan said.