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The Fort Wayne Museum of Art has been developing a number of programs over the past two years specifically designed for students, faculty, and staff as part of its University Outreach Initiative. These programs are meant not only to augment the education of students in the region, but to allow the Museum to become a vital resource for area visual art programs and majors.

The academic year 2009-2010 is unique for the Museum in that we are closed to the public until Spring 2010 due to a major construction and renovation project. This project adds 10,000 square feet of new gallery and auditorium space, a brand new, public art library, and countless opportunities for us to enhance students’ education and their understanding of American Art. Despite our closing, we are striving to remain the dynamic institution we’ve become known as, and we are pleased to announce the programs of the University Outreach Initiative for 2009-2010.

Second Annual Edith Hamilton Prize in Art History Writing and Criticism?

The Museum’s annual writing contest is named for the distinguished writer who once called Fort Wayne home and whose family was influential in the Museum’s early development. The Hamilton Prize aims to provide a venue for budding art historians to exercise critical thinking skills, display writing talents, and enjoy the experience of art history research, analysis, and criticism. As an essential tool of the University Outreach Initiative, the contest allows FWMoA to enrich the education of area college students, become a valuable visual arts resource beyond the classroom, and provide a forum for professional development..
All students 18 years of age and older enrolled in a college or university are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 500 words for acceptance into the contest. Each abstract should address an issue, theme, exhibition, or work(s) of American art from 1850 to the present and should provide a well-reasoned point of view on the chosen subject. A clear and concise thesis statement is key to a compelling abstract. And of course, creativity is welcome and encouraged!

NEW for 2009-2010 We are pleased to add an additional writing category to this year’s contest. Entrants may choose to write a 3-5 page critical essay or an 8-10 formal research paper. Abstracts written for each category must not exceed 500 words. Abstracts are due Friday, November 16, 2009.?
Selected entrants will have the chance to present their final essays at the Edith Hamilton Prize Symposium in Spring of 2010. Dates, times, and details for the symposium to be announced.

For complete details, contact Amanda at martin@fwmoa.org.