2010 Annual Report - The Wadsworth Atheneum

Susan A. Rottner, President
4
Museums are often considered places where the art of the past is cared for,
studied, and displayed, but as supporters of the Atheneum, we know that mu-
seums are also living entities, filled with vibrancy, that must evolve and grow
as the communities around them change.
This evolution was most evident in the museum’s exciting exhibition
program. Designed to showcase the wealth of masterpieces in the Wadsworth
Atheneum’s permanent collection, our exhibitions attracted critical acclaim
and increased visitation at a time when almost half of the museum was closed
for renovation. While closed galleries meant less space, the initiation of our
long-awaited renovation project was an important first step towards reclaim-
ing thousands of square feet and improving the overall visitor experience.
The reinvigoration of our innovative MATRIX series brought two
young artists from around the world to the museum and transformed our
gallery spaces—first with dizzying beams of light emitted from Kitty Kraus’
mirrored light boxes, followed by a graffiti covered bathroom and a floor of
paper back books for Justin Lowe’s Werewolf Karaoke installation.
Quality acquisitions across multiple departments and media—includ-
ing toothpicks—enhanced the permanent collection and added depth to our
contemporary holdings. Tangible momentum was achieved in the area of com-
munity engagement, bolstered by strong funding support, which is a tribute
to the perceived value of the museum’s new programs. Lastly, the museum’s
progress was heralded locally, nationally and internationally through a sig-
nificant increase in media attention that bolstered awareness, and enhanced
the museum’s already strong reputation.
Challenges existed as well, the most complex of which was the con-
tinued struggle to raise funds in an environment of economic uncertainty and
unease, a challenge shared by most not-for-profit organizations. Our Atheneum
family once again showed its loyalty and passion for our mission by supporting
the museum, resulting in the achievement of our budgetary goals for the third
year in a row.
R EPO R T
from the President