Each month, the Columbus Chamber spotlights a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of October, Art netWork is featured.
When and why was Art netWork started?
Art netWork is one of eight volunteer groups of the Columbus Museum of Art. Art netWork is a group of young professionals from across the Columbus community who are passionate about arts. Everything we do – from fundraising to volunteering to hosting social events – is done to support the Museum’s mission of creating great experiences with great art for everyone.
Art netWork, formerly known as Museum Associates, was developed in 1994 with the purpose of supporting the Museum by enhancing the visibility and awareness of the arts for young adults via education, fundraising activities, social events, volunteering and overall promotion of the institution.
Museum Associates hosted one of Columbus’ first and most successful after-work parties; their monthly 1st Thursdays parties were held at the Museum and featured live bands, drinks, and an opportunity for young professionals in the Columbus area to network; attendance often exceeded 1000. With the 1st Thursdays proceeds they sponsored a contemporary Museum exhibition and annually made a significant financial gift to the Museum.
After almost a decade, Museum Associates decided to replace 1st Thursdays with a fundraiser known as Yart Sale and Yart Sale Preview Party. Donations of art by artists, galleries and the general public were showcased in a gallery setting and sold at an upscale Preview Party and a day later at an old-fashion style yard sale in the Museum parking lot. Museum Associates also began to sponsor yearly theme parties such as a Moulin Rouge, Great Gatsby, Rat Pack, & Brat Pack parties that were held both on-site and off-site for their members and guests.
In 2006-07 members reorganized the auxiliary and renamed it Art netWork to highlight their commitment to support the Museum’s newly stated mission of “creating great experiences with great art for everyone”.
With the renovation of the Museum in 2009 and loss of gallery space, they were unable to continue the Yart Sale and the Yart Sale Preview Party. Their members had always volunteered at ArtFUSION, the young professionals part of the Museum’s annual Art Ball fundraiser, but they now began to work with the CMA Board of Trustees Art Ball committee to spearhead the planning and implementing ArtFUSION. This collaboration has proven successful both creatively and financially; the first year they doubled the attendance to the event and were able to continue their financial gift to the Museum at the same level. In addition to ArtFUSION, they continue to host social gatherings for their members and guests, attend special Museum events and other cultural events around the city.
How do I become a member?
All Art netWork members support the Columbus Museum of Art through membership. Additionally, dues are required for Art netWork. To join Art netWork, please contact Kristy Emch at kristy.emch@cmaohio.org or 614.629.0344. For other volunteer opportunities, click here.
Tell me about your upcoming events.
ArtFUSION 2010 - The Joint is Jumpin’
Date: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Time: 8:30 p.m. to midnight
Location: Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215)
In conjunction with the Art Celebration, the Museum along with Art netWork will again present ArtFUSION, an energetic and exciting cocktail party tailored to young professionals. ArtFUSION is hosted again this year by Art netWork, the Museum's young professionals volunteer group, and Co-chairs Pete Scantland, Michelle Altiero and Art netWork President Chelsea Penzone.
We are extremely excited for the event this year because we will be unveiling the newly renovated museum and also having a throw-back to the 1930's when the museum was built. The theme for ArtFUSION is "The Joint is Jumpin" and 1930's inspired attire is encouraged (as well as cocktail attire).
ArtFUSION attendees will begin the special evening with hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the Museum's first floor. As the evening unfolds, both Art Celebration and ArtFUSION attendees will dance 'til dawn in Derby Court. Tickets for ArtFUSION are $125 per ticket. Click here to purchase.
For other events at the Museum, please visit http://www.columbusmuseum.org/.
Where can I go to learn more?
The Art netWork website is currently under construction. For more information about Art NetWork, please contact Kristy Emch at kristy.emch@cmaohio.org or 614.629.0344. To learn more about any of the Columbus Museum of Art auxiliary groups, please click here.
To learn about nearly 60 other local YP and professional organizations, view the Columbus Chamber's directory of YP and professional organizations.
We support you! Do your best! Wish you everything goes well!
Posted by: Nike Dunks | November 09, 2010 at 07:28 AM