The Huntington Museum of Art is not only a place of viewing art but also a place to learn. The museum showcases a variety of artists from across the country, with an emphasis on the tri-state area. 

“The museum really tries to promote art within the community, especially in an area that is not as artistically diverse like other cities,” Maizie Plumley, a Huntington Museum of Art intern, said. 

The Huntington Museum of Art offers different membership levels. The basic membership is the Open Door Membership Campaign ranging from $25 to $49 a year. Benefits to this membership include free general admission, a 10 percent discount at the museum shop, invitations to exhibition openings, class and camp tuition discount and a free subscription to the Members’ Magazine. 

The giving required for membership at this level provides support to the museum such as “Electricity in the Touma Gallery for one month,” the Huntington Museum of Art website said. It is called the Open Door Membership Campaign because it is what keeps the doors open, Plumley said. 

Every fourth Tuesday of the month, there is an event related to the current exhibits. The next featured exhibit will be Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. This is a Macy’s free Tuesday event. The duration of the Patterns of Inspiration exhibit is Feb. 23 to April 7. March 7 to May 26 will be Walter Gropius Master Artist Series Presents: Jeff Shapiro. The artist will present and discuss his work as well as have a three-day workshop for attendees. 

Another upcoming event is the Museum Ball on Feb 16. It will be hosted by Cabell Huntington Hospital, and the proceeds will go to paying bills and keeping the lights on at the museum. 

“Art exhibits bring people in not only to the museum but to Huntington, and that helps local shops, as well as restaurants, in the community,” Plumley said. 

The museum offers a plethora of classes that range from kindergarten-age to for 99-year-olds. Not only does the museum present art but it also teaches those same skills that are presented. 

The museum allows observers to interact with the artists on a personal level as well as a professional level when they come to the museum and see the art, said Madeline Pinkerman, security and receptionist for the museum. 

“Oftentimes we view artists as just their work, when, in fact, getting to know the creator teaches you more about the piece than your eye ever could,” Pinkerman said. 

The museum is located at 2033 McCoy Road. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admissions for entry are $5, excepting Tuesdays, when admission is free to the public. 

“Creativity shapes every aspect of life and is so essential to innovative thinking,” Pinkerman said. “In short, I think that the Huntington Museum of Art brings education, diversity and creativity into our community.”

Anna Marsh can be contacted at [email protected].