by Mary Beth Welch – Province IV Representative, NECW
Using art to respond to the unique challenge of Covid 19, the Lauren Rogers Museum created and distributed thousands of grab and go activity kits which were inspired by their collections and exhibitions. Each kit included all the needed instructions and supplies for a fun family experience.
Due to Covid 19 and the cancellation of off-site field trips for schools, the Museum also created Classroom Art Kits. These free custom-designed all-inclusive art kits feature activities that relate directly to the Museum’s permanent collections and exhibitions and includes step by step instruction, resource guides and individually packed art materials for up to 30 students—everything teachers need for a creative class project.
In these days of prolonged homeschooling or visual classes, think of what art brings to the soul. What can the resources be in your area?
The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art opened to the public in 1923 as a memorial to a young man with a promising future in the booming timber town of Laurel, Mississippi. Princeton-educated and recently married, Lauren Eastman Rogers was primed to take his place with the Eastman Gardiner Lumber Company when he died in 1921 at the age of 23 from complications of appendicitis.
In the wake of this tragedy, Lauren’s family created the Museum in his memory as a testament to his spirit, his ability, and the promise of his future. Their goal was to create a place for the advancement of learning and to never charge an admission fee.
From their collections and classes to programs and performances, the LRMA Education Department strives to create dynamic learning opportunities for all ages and stages. Please see below for a brief overview of our offerings.
The LRMA takes art outside of their walls and into the community through a strong Outreach program. Each and every month the visit retirement communities, special needs facilities, community centers and schools. The Museum also works closely with the Laurel Housing Authority to provide craft activities during their summer feeding program.