The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art (STMA) welcomed guests to its annual members meeting on Sept. 21, followed by a reception honoring STMA members, patrons, and sponsors.
This gathering of 45 individuals provided an exciting opportunity for the museum to showcase the advancements and highlights of the last fiscal year.
There were presentations by Board Member Emeritus and Founding Director Lisa Conner, Vice President Trish Thurman, and President Emeritus Don M. Roman, Sr.
“Few artists are masters of more than one medium, and very few museums in the country, let alone the South, hold such a comprehensive archive of one artist’s philosophy and practice. Combined with his archives, the museum is an unmatched resource for scholars, educators, artists, and dreamers,” Conner said.
There were first-timers alongside devoted museumgoers in the crowd, as Conner gave a brief history of her father, Steffen Thomas, and his prolific career as an artist. His dedication to not only the craft but also his message remains important in today’s world.
Thomas’ artist credo, “This world is too small for less than brotherhood, too dangerous for less than truth,” written in 1962, still rings true and was truly ahead of its time. The current exhibit in the museum’s west gallery is centered on this credo and opens a space that encourages conversations and personal growth.
The museum also announced a grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts to fund the development of a sustainability plan for the museum, under the guidance of a consultant from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.
During the presentation, the team also introduced their new collaboration with Contento, a PR company that aims to increase STMA’s reach by positioning STMA as a premier Southeastern arts destination, while framing Thomas’ work within powerful social themes. While working on these plans for the future, STMA plans to continue offering free art programs for students in local schools.
“Like many small museums, we’ve had to make difficult decisions — but we’ve stayed open, active, and mission-driven, while ending our fiscal year in the black. With foundational support and renewed giving, STMA can not only survive — it can thrive,” Thurman stated.
Visit steffenthomas.org for updates or check the Facebook page Steffen Thomas Museum of Art. The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is located at 4200 Bethany Rd. in Buckhead. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.