A new year means new opportunities to experience the rich arts culture here in Orange County. Katherine Page, curator of art and education with the Mennello Museum of American Art, spoke with us about their mission to enrich the public through art exhibitions and education.
The Mennello Museum of American Art has been a part of Orlando’s cultural landscape for over 25 years. How did the museum get its start?
The Mennello Museum of American Art (MMAA) was established in November 1998 to preserve, exhibit and interpret the permanent collection of Earl Cunningham paintings. Cunningham was a self-taught artist now acclaimed for his vibrant harbor scenes. MMAA is owned and operated by the City of Orlando and the museum is housed in what was once the private home of Howard Phillips, son of local philanthropist Dr. Philip Phillips. The Museum was founded through the vision and efforts of Mayor Glenda Hood along with Marilyn L. and Michael A. Mennello, distinguished for their philanthropy and art collecting philosophies.
What can our readers expect to see when they visit the museum?
The museum offers special exhibitions, publications and programs celebrating traditional and contemporary American artists. It uses its multiple gallery spaces and four intimate rooms to showcase changing exhibitions featuring American art of all genres and time periods. The Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden is always open to the public and features numerous sculptures and walking paths.
Through May 2025, our featured exhibition “The Original Influencers: Mernet Larsen, Steve Lotz, and Bruce Marsh, Central Florida’s Pioneering Professors,” examines the rich and vibrant legacy of Central Florida’s arts and higher education through contemplating the work of three foundational figures.
You offer several educational programs and special events. Tell us what the museum has in store this spring?
MMAA presents programs regularly for all ages and artistic levels. Every second Sunday, we bring Free Family Funday to the community sponsored by VyStar Credit Union and Orlando Health. Free Family Funday includes docent guided tours of the exhibitions for families to learn more about the artists on display followed by exciting art projects led by local artists that connect exhibition themes with the ideas and methods of their own practices. We also have a monthly Music & Story Time program led by artist Mark DeMaio, who reads a curated story related to the exhibitions while integrating movement, dance and drumming for children and their caretakers.
This February 15, 2025, MMAA will be presenting our annual Indie-Folkfest in the Marilyn L. Mennello Sculpture Garden. Enjoy a diverse selection of delicious food, beverages and a variety of activities and entertainment for the whole family. This free event serves as a gift to the Orlando community, celebrating local artists, musicians and businesses while fostering a sense of connection and creativity. A portion of all proceeds from the event will benefit the Mennello Museum of American Art’s education and family-friendly programs.
How can our readers get involved and support the Mennello Museum in their mission to provide access to art in our community?
You can join us at any event and spread the word about our amazing programs and exhibitions, become a treasured volunteer encouraging others to create and make connections to the work on display, join the community as a valued member to enjoy exhibitions year-round, or make a financial contribution to our annual fund!
The Mennello Museum of American Art is a valued community partner in Orange County Library System’s culture pass program, Local Wanderer, which provides free access to parks, museums, theater and more to library card holders.
