Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Marie Regan.
Amy Marie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
We started as an initiative to bring world – class fine art to Rochester. Founded by four artists after graduating from college, we saw a lack of exhibition venues and wanted to change that fact. We found an encouraging, receptive, and engaging community in Rochester and have worked to strengthen our relationship with the citizens of Rochester and throughout New England. Through fine art, film, and community events we seek to revitalize Downtown Rochester and bring enriching experiences to all participants.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is a unique organization – we operate with the support of our volunteer staff and with very little funding. Over time, we have tried many ways to accomplish our mission and to be adaptive to changes. Our biggest concern is our 150 piece Collection, and having the resources to house and protect it. Rather than having a private gallery that would have limited hours, we are very fortunate to have great partnerships with the City of Rochester and the opportunity to keep the Collection on view at the Rochester Community Center, where it is open regular business hours and kept secure. We went through many iterations to get to this point and pride ourselves on our resiliency.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Rochester Museum of Fine Arts – what should we know?
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is Rochester, New Hampshire’s foremost visual arts initiative focused on the presentation and accessibility of fine art. We are a unique volunteer-based organization that serves the community in the following ways:
Our collection includes outstanding examples of contemporary works made by artists from around the world. This wide range of art encompasses a variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, and works on paper. The collection is on view in the long corridor of the Rochester Community Center. Smaller selections and special exhibitions can be seen at the Rochester Public Library.
The Andrew Carnegie Gallery, at the Rochester Library, features borrowed works on a bi-monthly basis. Each exhibit is free and open to the public. Past exhibits have featured regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists.
Our Special Film Screenings, at the Rochester Opera House, feature independent films filled with cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers.
We are proud of the range of artists and filmmakers we work with. From local, national, to international, it is always exciting to have the space to exhibit and screen the work of so many talented artists.
The Rochester Museum of Fine Arts is a unique organization – we operate with the support of our volunteer staff and with very little funding, and have huge support from the city and citizens of Rochester.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We are very lucky to work with the city of Rochester, and are encouraged to bring better and better fine art and film to our city. Rochester is right on the cusp of a great transformation, and we would recommend businesses starting here. It is not often you get to start at the ground floor of something special, and that is where we are.
Throughout our operation, we have had the support of many individuals and entities. The overseers and staff of the public buildings we operate in, the Rochester Public Library, Rochester Community Center, Rochester City Hall and Opera House help us to keep each exhibition free and open to the public.
We have worked closely with Rochester Main Street and its volunteers. They have served as a great mentor to us and have advised and worked with us on many levels, helping with events and exhibitions. With Rochester Main Street, we were able to host Rochester’s first Gay Pride Celebration in 2016.
Our volunteer Curatorial Committee, which advises on artists and directors to work with, has a huge part of our operations. We look to them for suggestions and advice for events as well as help and staffing during our events.
We also would like to recognize the attendance of the public to our events. It is our goal to have each attendee find a connection with the works we exhibit and are thrilled when they engage in our work. It is because of their support that we are able to operate.
Contact Info:
- Website: rochestermfa.org
- Email: info@rochestermfa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rochester_mfa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rochestermfa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rochester_mfa
Image Credit:
All images courtesy Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
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