A New Year's Greeting from Mark Bessire
Dear friends,
As we approach the end of the year, I recognize that 2020 was unlike any other year that we have experienced together. Through the uncertainty I am reminded of the gratitude I have for you, our community, and your unparalleled support of the arts. Thank you.
Your support and membership, engagement online and onsite, and trust and generosity are the lifeblood of the museum. You have continued to demonstrate that supporting the arts is vital to the economic and cultural strength of our great state of Maine. As we all navigate uncharted waters, museums particularly find themselves in a moment of reflection and transformative change. Your belief in this museum is creating the space needed to address inequities, confront systemic racism, and truly embody Art for All, the foundation of our mission, vision, and new strategic plan. We are stronger together, and your commitment to the arts and our community is making lasting change.
I have been buoyed by this kindness, empathy, and care, and believe that we can continue to pull together through this moment and bring out the best in each other. We stand with you, and we look forward to a brighter 2021 with timely exhibitions such as the local juried show Untitled: Art from Maine in a ________ Time, the major retrospective David Driskell: Icons of Nature and History, and the environmental exploration Clifford Ross: Sightlines, all with expanded digital content so that you can experience groundbreaking and transformative art no matter where you find yourself. To show our deep appreciation for those working on the frontlines of this devastating virus, we would like to extend free admission, once the museum reopens, to all health workers and first responders in 2021. Thank you for your service, dedication, and sacrifice for your community.
With gratitude,
Mark H. C. Bessire
Judy and Leonard Lauder Director
Portland Museum of Art