FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MUSEUM INVOLVEMENT
How can I donate to the Museum?
Donating to the Museum is available in many forms. You can volunteer your time, become a member, donate art or contribute financially to the Museum, or even contribute to our endowments through a bequest or a direct donation. For more information on planned giving, sponsorships, gifts and donations please click on the links in the text, or contact our Director, Aaron DeGroft, Ph.D. at adegroft@wm.edu or 757.221.2701, or our Manager of Institutional Advancement, Christina M. Carroll, J.D. at cmcarroll@wm.edu or 757-221-2717.
How do I donate art to the Museum?
The collections at the Muscarelle Museum of Art are held in public trust. Objects that enter the collection require many museum resources including environmental and physical care. The Museum will gladly accept objects if they fall within the scope of the collection and if they can be managed within the realm of available resources. In addition, it is essential that donated objects are accompanied by clear title and, to the extent possible, provenance (history of ownership).
If you are interested in presenting an object for gift consideration, please send a letter or e-mail with your current contact information to cmcarroll@wm.edu or 757-221-2717. To expedite your inquiry, forward as much information about the object as you are able (artist, title, date of work, medium, dimensions) and please include an image.
How can I volunteer with the Museum?
Volunteers are at the heart of any Museum, and the Muscarelle is no exception. We have exceptional volunteers through our Friends of the Muscarelle organization, our Docent program and our student volunteers, and we are always looking to welcome more into our family. For more information please click on the links in the text, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703.
How can I become a member of the Museum?
Membership at the Muscarelle not only helps support our institution, but allows you first access opportunities to programs, discounts, and more. Membership information is available online, including membership levels, benefits, and applications, both online or printable. For more information please click on the links in the text, or contact our Membership Manager, Bronwen Watts at bmwatt@wm.edu or 757.221.2709.
How can I become a Docent of the Museum?
Becoming a Docent is not only a way to contribute to the Museum, but it gives you the opportuntity to share your passion about art with others. Docent training is available every other year, and takes approximately six months to complete. For more information please click on the links in the text, or contact our Docent Liason, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703.
What is a Friend of the Museum, and how do I become one?
The Friends of the Muscarelle are the adult volunteer group, this is an additional membership, with additional benefits. For more information please contact our Friends Liason, Ursula McLaughlin at ummcla@wm.edu or 757.221.2707.
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TOURS
Are tours available?
Yes, public tours are offered every Saturday & Sunday at 1 PM. Tours are free with admission. You can also schedule a tour Tuesday through Sunday for your group.
How can I book a tour?
To schedule a tour, please email museum@wm.edu, or call 757.221.2703. A response confirmation will be given within 48 hours.
Are self-guided tours available?
Yes, we have an audio guide that is free with admission for the Museum collection and selected special exhibitions. Audio guides will be available March 2009. Simply request one when you visit the Museum, from the front desk.
How do I book a school or group tour?
Please contact the education department to schedule a group or school tour. We will need to know the date, time, number of people, and what you are interested in to customize a tour for your needs. To schedule a tour, please email museum@wm.edu, or call 757.221.2703.
Is there a requirement for chaperones for youth/school tours?
There must be adult supervision for children and school groups, but the ratio of adults to children is determined by the school or organization. We recommend one adult per ten children. Adult chaperones and teachers are admitted free with the school group.
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GENERAL
Does the Museum have rules or restrictions for the general public?
Yes, we have set some rules and restrictions in order to protect the art and to ensure that the Museum provides a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors. These rules include the following:
- Please do not touch the artworks including frames or supports.
- Backpacks or bags measuring greater than 16 x 20 inches, large umbrellas or other bulky items must be checked-in and held at the security desk.
- Smoking is prohibited and food and drink are not allowed in the museum galleries.
- No pets are allowed in the Museum with the exception of trained assistance animals.
Where can I park? Do I need a parking pass?
Parking is available right in front of the Museum, off of Jamestown Road. There are spaces reserved specifically for the Museum at no cost, and there are additional meters to the left. We are located on the campus of The College of William & Mary, and do abide by the parking rules, which do require a parking pass. Parking passes are available from security at the front desk. Park your car, and enter the Museum to fill one out just before your visit.
Is the Museum handicap accessible? Is there an elevator available? What amenities are available for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Museum is wheelchair accessible and handicapped parking is available in front of the museum, and we have automated doors to help with your enterance. We also have accessible restrooms and an elevator for both floors of the Museum. For your convience we have a wheelchair available at the front desk, for those who need it during their gallery visit. We are also glad to help in anyway we can. Please contact the front desk at 757.221.2708 for additional assistance.
Can I bring food into the Museum?
Outside food is not permitted in the galleries during open hours. There are some exceptions during catered events, but these must be approved by Museum staff. For more information about special events please contact our special events administrator, Ursula McLaughlin at ummcla@wm.edu or 757.221.2707.
Can the museum appraise my art?
The Muscarelle Museum of Art Staff may not, for ethical and legal reasons, offer appraisals or valuations for the general public. To locate an appraiser or obtain additional information, we recommend that you contact one of the following appraisal societies for assistance:
American Society of Appraisers |
P: 1.800.272.8258 | www.appraisers.org
International Society of Appraisers | P: 1.206.241.0359 | www.isa-appraisers.org
Appraisers Association of America | P: 1.212.889.5404 | www.appraisersassoc.org
The Museum staff can neither endorse or recommend any appraisal consultant.
What is the "Solar Wall"
Each evening on the building’s south façade, the Muscarelle Museum of Art’s brightly colored solar wall can be seen. The “world’s first solar painting” is composed of 126 Plexiglas tubes filled with dyed water and illuminated by fluorescent lighting. The design was conceived by Gene Davis, a founding member of the Color Field School, and is aptly named Sun Sonata.
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MUSEUM USE
Can I take photographs in the galleries?
No, photography in the galleries is not permitted, unless you have prior written approval. For permission please submit our online form or contact our Registrar, Melissa Parris at mmparris@wm.edu at 757.221.2704.
Can I sketch in the galleries?
Yes, sketching in the galleries is allowed when using pencil. Pens, paints, chalks, pastels, and wet media are not permitted. Sketchbooks and drawing boards may not exceed 18 x 24 inches. Gallery stools are available to the public at no extra charge. If you are coming as a class, or bringing a group, be sure to schedule a time, to make sure the galleries are available to you and your students. For more information please click on the links in the text, or contact our Curator of Education, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703.
How do I get a reproduction of an image from the galleries?
Rights and Reproductions are administrated through our Registrar. The fee for images varies depending on size and medium of the requested product, and the use. Click here for current rates. You must submit a request through email, or letter. This can be submited through email, fax, mail, or in person. Please fill out the Reproduction Request and submit to our Registrar.For more information please click on the links above or contact our Registrar, Melissa Parris at mmparris@wm.edu ot 757.221.2704.
As an artist, how can I show my work at your Museum?
Exhibitions are arranged and scheduled through our Exhibitions Committee. The Museum does not generally accept unsolicited proposals. Whether you are an artist or a curator, please fill out an application package and submit to museum@wm.edu or 757.221.2700, or mail a copy to Muscarelle Museum of Art, The College of William & Mary, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
As an artist, can you look at my portfolio?
We love to look at art, however we may not be what you are looking for. We can help students with their portfolios for graduate school admission, but if you are a high school student looking to get admitted into the undergraduate program in art at William & Mary, it is best to contact the Art & Art History Department. We also do not look at art or appraise it for commercial values. You may want to start at a local gallery, or find a gallery that has work similar to yours for an initial consultation.
As a college student, how can I be involved with the Museum?
There are many ways students are involved at the Museum, from volunteering to internships to research. Please visit our student opportunities. For more information contact our Curator of Education, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703.
Are college credit internships available in collaboration with the Museum?
Yes, you can apply for up to 3 credits for a museum internship, in conjunction with the Art History department. Each internship is catered to your academic and career goals. Apply for an internship by filling out our application, but you please consult the Museum Internship Supervisor, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703 or the student advisor for Art History internships Sibel Zandi-Sayek, Ph.D. at ssayek@wm.edu or 757.221.2527.
Is the Museum available as an event venue?
Yes, we do offer our space for facility rentals. For more information about reserving the Museum for your special event please click here to read more or contact our Special Events Administrator, Ursula McLaughlin at ummcla@wm.edu or 757.221.2707.
Can I show an exhibition at the Muscarelle?
We do not show unsolicted artists or exhibitions at the Muscarelle. If you are interested in finding out about opportunities for an exhibition, you can propose an exhibition. Also every few years we have an art competition open to individual artists. Please contact museum@wm.edu or 757.221.2700.
Does the museum appraise works outside of their collection?
No, we do not have appraisers on staff, but you can visit a national apprasier from our links, and they can suggest one for you. The Muscarelle Museum of Art cannot recommend or endorse any of the apprasal organizations listed, but all organizations are nationally recognized, and can lead you to a qualified apprasier to fit your needs.
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COLLECTION
Where can I get more information on a specific work of art?
You can get information on a piece of work by making a request through email at museum@wm.edu. If you are unsure of the details of the work, please email an inquiry to Melissa Parris, Registrar of the Museum, mmparris@wm.edu..
Where can I get more information on my family history/genealogy?
We do not have an official geneology or family history resource in place, but we do have many portraits of founding fathers of America, Virginia and the region, including the Bolling family and others. Please visit our Portrait Collection to learn more about what we have, and make a request for further information.
How can I view an object in the collection that is not currently on display?
We have such a vast collection, that unfortunately much of it is not able to be on display continuously. We try to accomodate any request to view an object in our collection, but this is dependent on the condition of the object and the nature of the request. Works are not permitted to leave the Museum. You can make a request through email. If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member on campus requesting for a class please contact the Curator of Education, Amy Gorman, Ph.D. at akgorman@wm.edu or 757.221.2703. For requests from the public please contact Melissa Parris, at mmparris@wm.edu or 757.221.2704.
Can I get images of works in the collection?
Rights and Reproductions are adminsttrated through our Registrar. The fee for images varies depending on size and medium of the requested product, and the use. Click here for current rates. You must submit a request through email or written letter. This can be submited through email, fax, mail, or in person. Please fill out the Reproduction Request and submit to our Registrar.For more information please click on the links above or contact our Registrar, Melissa Parris at mmparris@wm.edu ot 757.221.2704. If you are a student or faculty working on a class at William & Mary there is no charge to recieve images to use in your research.
What exhibitions or works in the collection are slated to show in the future?
You can visit our upcoming exhibitions to learn more about what will be on view in coming shows.
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