American University Museum: More than student splatter
The American University Museum is a bright round spot off a busy traffic circle in the northern corner of Washington, along Massachusetts Avenue. It's hard to miss the funky building with even funkier sculptures outside. Inside, the art is just as provocative and probes the mind, focusing on the contemporary, making the AU Museum one of the most interesting and eclectic collections in Washington and among universities.
A changing exhibition schedule keeps art at the AU Museum fresh and different, making a return visit worthwhile every few months. There's an emphasis on international art, because American University considers itself the premier global university based in Washington. The art that comes through AU's doors includes more than student art; there's the international component, sculptures, computer art, prints, and light installations. AU also embraces art with a political message because of its location in the nation's capitol.
Previous exhibits have included Australian indigenous art, Margaret Boozer's Dirt Drawings, Ron Haynie's Playing with Light, 40 Years of Political Cartoons of Jules Feiffer, and Recent Ceramics by the Women of Japan. AU focuses on the history of art in Washington, showing the city and country's history through the perspective of artists.
This bright, airy and modern art space leads you out of the historic city and into the 21st century. It's easy to spend a good hour taking in the art, being inspired and thinking about its relationship to Washington and the world. AU also hosts various events, including artists' receptions on the opening of exhibitions, gallery talks, and tours of the exhibits. There's also a kids' program in which kids 5-12 examine an exhibit and then create their own art based on the inspiration from that exhibit. American University alumni art is also featured along with present student work.
Posted by Rin-rin Yu
