The other day I heard two women say that Central Florida needs more “art museums.”
The remark got me thinking: Do we? I’m all in favor of more art — in parks, in public buildings and yes, in museums. So I wouldn’t say no if someone or some entity wanted to open a new art museum.
But here’s the thing: We already have a healthy complement of strong and diverse art museums. I counted eight with barely a thought. That could be because of my job — but I hope those art-starved women have visited the following half dozen:
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* The Mennello Museum of American Art is nationally known for its collection of Earl Cunningham folk-art paintings.
* In Winter Park, the Morse Museum of American Art is known around the world as the preeminent authority on Louis Comfort Tiffany.
* The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens also has an international reputation as the home of the famed sculptor.
* The Orlando Museum of Art continues to bring in nationally known artists and exhibitions — and it combs the state each year for the annual Florida Prize in Contemporary Art.
* Don’t rule out our academic galleries. The UCF Art Gallery is doing intriguing things with modern art and collaborations.
* Likewise, the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College is engaging the community with a vibrant mix of classical European art and dynamic modern shows.