Wayne & Alicia Gregory Family Foundation Gift Boosts AMA Education Programming
Thanks to the generosity of the Wayne and Alicia Gregory Family Foundation, the Albany Museum of Art is on its way to realizing an ambitious goal on its milestone 60th anniversary. The Foundation is contributing $15,000 toward the campaign to raise $60,000 for educational programming at the AMA’s annual Art Ball on Saturday, March 23.
“The goal of raising $60,000–$1,000 for each year of the museum’s existence—is a daunting one, but I can think of no better way to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the Albany Museum of Art,” AMA Executive Director Andrew J. Wulf, Ph.D., said. “We are extremely grateful that the Wayne and Alicia Gregory Family Foundation is championing the positive educational effects that the AMA has on our community and region.
“The Gregorys make a difference in the Albany community, both through the economic impact of their local businesses and their strong support of good causes that benefit our area. We are proud that they have chosen to partner with us as we strive to build a stronger, more unified community through the art-inspired programming that reaches out to everyone.”
Art Ball is a joyful celebration of art and the community, but also a critical fundraiser for the museum. A traditional part of Art Ball is the Paddle Raise during which attendees lift their auction paddles to donate directly to educational programming at the AMA. In recognition of the Foundation’s considerable support, it has been rechristened the Wayne and Alicia Gregory Family Foundation Paddle Raise. The paddles used in donating and bidding on auction items are sponsored by the Gregorys’ longstanding Albany businesses—BMW of Albany and Albany Motorcars Mercedes-Benz.
Funds raised during the Wayne and Alicia Gregory Family Foundation Paddle Raise will enable the AMA to continue to provide high-quality, art-inspired educational opportunities to children and students. The funds help provide free field trips, which include gallery tours and take-home art projects, to students and organizations. They also provide scholarships for the AMA’s popular summer, winter, and spring art camps; give students opportunities to meet and interact with visiting artists, and fund other educational programming.
“With free admission for everyone, the money raised for AMA educational programming is essential in breaking down socioeconomic barriers and making art and art education accessible to everyone,” AMA Director of Development Chloe Hinton said. “We are fortunate to have Wayne and Alicia Gregory as partners who have taken the lead in this special anniversary effort.
“They see the important role that art plays in improving education outcomes and in raising the overall quality of life in a community. Their support—and the support of all of our wonderful friends and donors—combine to make the museum a viable, healthy vehicle for enriching the lives of all South Georgia residents.”
“We are delighted that the support we receive from the Wayne and Alicia Gregory Family Foundation Paddle Raise will enable us to continue to expand the number of students and children we service,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “Art is a terrific avenue for helping students visualize and better understand subjects ranging from math and language to history and geography. And there is no better feeling than the one you get when a child’s eyes light up after they have created their own artwork to take home and proudly show their family.”
The theme for this year’s Art Ball is “A Gala Sixty Years in the Making.” The black-tie dinner and dancing event at the future home of the AMA—the former Belk department store at 140 W. Broad Ave.—opens at 6:30 pm with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a delectable dinner catered by Stewbos.
A brief program, which will feature remarks by Art Ball Co-Chairs Victor and Katie Sullivan, and by his father, longtime museum supporter Vic Sullivan, will precede the live auction and paddle raise. Vic and Victor Sullivan are partners in Upland Wealth Advisors, which is Art Ball’s Bar Sponsor. SafeAire Heating & Cooling is the Wine Glass Sponsor. Corporate sponsors are Watson Spence and Phoebe.
Watson Spence also is donating $4,000 through the Paddle Raise.
After the paddle raise and auction, the remainder of the evening will be dancing to the music of one of Georgia’s premier party bands—The Grapevine Band from Macon. For those who want to join the party late, After Party tickets for the dancing and drinks portion of the evening that begins at 9:45 pm are still available. Tickets may be purchased online at the link HERE.
AMA EXHIBITIONS
- Gold Soundz, works by Rob Matre is Feb 1-April 20, in the Haley Gallery.
- Andy Warhol: Hand-Colored Flowers is Feb 1-April 20, in the East Gallery.
- Educators as Artists, 5th juried exhibition, is Feb 1-April 20 in the McCormack Gallery.
- Old Master Drawings from the Shaffer Collection is Feb 1, 2024-Jan 25, 2025 in the Hodges Gallery.
- Escape Plan, an installation by Elinor Saragoussi, is in the West Gallery.
ABOUT THE ALBANY MUSEUM OF ART
The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive in Albany, Ga., adjacent to Albany State University West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Albany Museum of Art is open to the public 10 am-5 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.
For more information about the AMA please visit our website, or call 229.439.8400. Be sure to follow the Albany Museum of Art on Facebook and Instagram.
