The Fairfield University Art Museum announces its new 2010 Society. The 2010 Society will be comprised of friends of the museum who will contribute funds annually to support acquisitions of art for the museum’s permanent collection, educational initiatives, and special exhibitions.

These funds will strengthen the museum’s collection in both new and existing areas, expand its exhibitions program, and educate all visitors from Kindergarten through lifelong learners. This initiative celebrates the founding of the museum in 2010.

“We are delighted to launch the 2010 Society for donors who understand the transformative power of art," said Carey Mack Weber, the Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director of the Museum. "As we look towards celebrating the museum’s 10th anniversary, we hope that friends of the museum will be inspired to join us in our mission, and help us to keep all of our exhibitions and programs free of charge, and open to everyone.”

The generous donations of 2010 Society donors will be used to judiciously add works to the museum’s permanent collection. These works will enrich teaching and special exhibitions, and will add new life to the display of the permanent collection. These funds will also allow the museum to continue its robust long-term loan program. The museum is fortunate to have important loans from the Metropolitan Museum, the Worcester Art Museum, Columbia University, and the American Numismatic Society, to augment our permanent collection.

Donations will also support educational initiatives including K-12 field trips to the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and the Walsh Gallery. Each field trip from a school in Bridgeport costs approximately $500, which includes round trip bus transportation, lunch, and art supplies. Last year, the museum hosted more than 600 students from Bridgeport, and is committed to growing that number. For many of the students, it was their first experience visiting an art museum, and their first encounter with fine art.

The museum’s robust special exhibition schedule will also be supported by 2010 Society donations. Ranging from Ancient to Contemporary Art, the museum presents five to seven exhibitions annually in the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and in the Walsh Gallery, in the Quick Center for the Arts (last year there were nine!). These funds will help to cover loan costs, printed materials, and related events and programs.

Everything that the museum presents is free, and open and accessible to everyone. The 2010 Society will help the museum to continue this no fee policy. To become a member of the 2010 Society please call 203-254-4046, or visit fairfield.edu/give.