Dr. Michael Panhorst, director of the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University, outlined several programs and exhibits at the community's 40,000-square-foot facility. He noted the building, which cost $12 million to construct, has no debt thanks to joint efforts by the university and privately contributed donations. Membership is about 1,300 patrons and growing. Attendance now averages about 24,000 visitors per year. The City of Auburn donates $50,000 per year for our school’s Art Outreach Program.

The museum features has a gift shop, restaurant and auditorium that seats 125 people. Some of the activities held this year included the Latin American Festival, European art discovered after World War II, the Quilts of Gees Bend (Ala.),
Tibetan Monk’s Sand Art, puppeteers, local choruses and wedding receptions.

Click here to visit the JCSM Web site.

Dr. Michael Panhorst (center) is pictured with Club President Debbie Shaw and program host Grant Davis