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About Us - Background and History
In 1950, a group of women in DeLand, Florida wanted a museum for their community.
With thirteen dollars as seed funding and a priceless amount of determination, the
DeLand Museum of Art got its start. Founded by the American Association of University
Women in 1951, the DeLand Children's Museum was established to provide classes in the
arts, sciences, and history for children. Originally the Museum was located in a small
house, later relocating to a larger, 19th century home to add adult programs. In 1965,
it was incorporated as The DeLand Museum. In 1985, due to the growth of community interest,
the museum redefined to focus more on visual art and thus became The DeLand Museum of Art.
In 1991, the Museum moved into the Cultural Arts Center, a $2.25 million dollar facility
shared with The Sands Theater Center. This move more than doubled the gallery space to 6,000
square feet and provided classrooms, a vault for storage of the Museum's permanent collection,
a Museum Shop, receiving and preparation area, and a shared kitchen and lobby areas. Located
in downtown DeLand, across the street from Stetson University, the Museum works closely with
the University as an important partner.
Since the 1991, move to the Cultural Arts Center, the expanded facility has allowed the Museum
to bring to the community national caliber exhibitions such as Ansel Adams, Icons of the Twentieth
Century: Portraits by Yousuf Karsh, The Spirit of Africa, Audubon in Florida, and Audubon Treasures,
It's a Dog's Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Corporation, also showcasing
work of established and emerging Florida artists.
The DeLand Museum of Art has served as a cultural cornerstone of the city and county dedicated
to presenting and educating in the visual arts. The Museum's exhibitions and programs attracted
attention throughout Central Florida. The educational commitment was expanded with the growth
of art programs for children, classes for adults and youth and gallery tours. The Museum has
grown from a small house into a shared cultural arts center facility providing high quality
exhibitions and programming for all ages. Working with the community, the museum is committed to
education, partnerships, providing a venue for emerging and established Florida artists through
exhibitions with service to a broad constituency in the visual arts. The DeLand Museum of Art was
recognized in 2005 as "The Biggest Little Museum in the State" by the Orlando Sentinel.
Vision Statement: The DeLand Museum of Art will be recognized as an innovative and accredited
museum providing a creative awakening for a diverse audience through quality art and educational
experiences.
Mission Statement: The mission of The DeLand Museum of Art is to integrate exhibitions and
education to create an enriching and stimulating experience for a diverse audience. The Museum
works to offer a venue for emerging and established Florida artists to support the cultural legacy
of our state.
Values: The DeLand Museum of Art values and works to ensure:
QUALITY: in programs, collection and exhibitions.
DIVERSITY: in audiences, leadership and partners.
GOVERANCE: in sound business practices, fiscal management for the mission.
COMMITMENT: to service to artists, community and to the above values.
Service Commitment: The DeLand Museum of Art offers a venue where:
creativity is fostered; appreciation of art is nurtured; all people are welcomed.
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