Rockford Art Museum
Rockford, Illinois might not be the first place you think of when you think of art destinations, but the Rockford Art Museum (RAM) is a great place to go if you’re interested in modern art. RAM is one of the oldest art museums in Illinois. It is in downtown Rockford and has been showing the work of local, national, and international artists since 1913.
There are more than 2,000 pieces of art in RAM’s permanent collection. These include paintings, sculptures, photographs, and pieces that combine different types of art. Contemporary art from the Midwest, like pieces by Tony Tasset, Dan Ramirez, and Ivan Albright, is a strong part of the collection. The collection at RAM also has important works by artists from all over the world, like Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali.
In addition to its permanent collection, RAM has many different exhibitions that change throughout the year. Most of the time, these shows are about modern art, and many of the artists are from the Midwest. “2020 Rockford Midwestern Biennial,” which showed the work of artists from the Midwest, and “Rebecca Gilbert: The Great Race,” which showed sculptures and mixed media pieces by the Chicago-based artist, are both examples of recent shows.
RAM’s focus on education and helping people is one of the things that makes it stand out. Workshops, lectures, and tours are just some of the things that people of all ages can do at the museum. RAM also works with local schools to give students learning opportunities like field trips and classroom materials. The museum also has an education center where people can go to learn about art and make their own.
RAM’s Art in Bloom event, which takes place every spring, is another thing that stands out. During Art in Bloom, local florists and designers make flower arrangements that are based on pieces of art from the museum’s collection. The event also has talks, workshops, and other activities that have to do with art and flowers.
Even though the Rockford Art Museum is a destination in and of itself, people who come to Rockford may also want to check out some of the other cultural sites in the area. The nearby Burpee Museum of Natural History has displays about dinosaurs and fossils, and the Anderson Japanese Gardens are a quiet place to relax with traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping.
Rockford is also worth seeing. The downtown area has been renovated and now has restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The city is also home to the historic Coronado Performing Arts Center, which puts on concerts, plays, and other shows all year long.
The Rockford Art Museum is a great place to go if you want to see something different in the Midwest. RAM is one of the most important cultural institutions in the Rockford area. It has a strong focus on contemporary art, educational programming, and community outreach. The Rockford Art Museum is a must-see in Illinois, whether you’re an art expert or just looking for something new to learn about.