NATIONAL ACADEMY MUSEUM AND SCHOOL REOPENS WITH FREE OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND September 16 – 18, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
new york city, New York, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) August 12, 2011 -- The National Academy Museum and School will celebrate its reopening with a three-day weekend of free admission and free art classes from September 16 – 18, 2011.

To deepen the appreciation of art, the Academy will offer art sessions by professional artists and art educators for art enthusiasts of all ages. Instructions will include still life composition, drawing from live models, printmaking, and copying masterpieces. Providing art supplies and portrait models, the art sessions will take place throughout the newly renovated facility.

Closed for renovations since July 2010, the museum reopening weekend, September 16-18, 2011, will introduce visitors to the Academy’s newly redesigned public spaces, starting with the museum lobby, which highlights the Academy’s historic legacy with a ceiling engraved with the names of nearly 2000 National Academicians dating back to 1825 and celebrating newly inducted artists including Janine Antoni, Ann Hamilton, Glenn Ligon, Dana Schutz and others. Video images of recent work of these artists will be introduced as well. The renovations to the six-story 1902 Beaux Arts townhouse, 1915 extension and 1959 school also include revitalized museum galleries and two new galleries in the National Academy School.

Reopening exhibitions include Will Barnet at 100, the first New York museum retrospective of the artist, celebrated for his figurative and abstract paintings, who at age 100 continues to paint and to give critiques at the National Academy School.

An American Collection features exhibitions from the Academy’s outstanding permanent collection of over 7,000 works of art and architecture of 19th-21st century American art. Built largely by artists and architects through their Diploma presentations, works they submitted upon induction as National Academicians (NA), the collection reveals the breadth and inspiring sweep of American art. Dedicated to the opinions and sensibilities of artists, the collection is unique as it reflects the voices of American artists, presenting a living history of American art. The collection continues to grow today as new artists and architects are inducted as members of the Academy every year.

The National Academy’s free reopening weekend is supported in part by the Office of Council Member Daniel R. Garodnick and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, and through the generous support of Helene D. Jaffe.

Founded in 1825, the National Academy Museum and School is the only institution of its kind that integrates a museum, art school, and honorary association of artists and architects dedicated to creating and preserving a living history of American art. The Academy promotes American art and architecture through exhibition and education and continues to play a critical role in fostering the visual arts in America.

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