Fine arts museum set to welcome military Published Aug. 17, 2010 By Jessica Casserly Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is preparing to hold its 15th annual Military Appreciation Night and Open House Thursday. "We appreciate the military and our long-standing relationship with them," said Lara Lewis, director of marketing and public relations for the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. "This is our way to honor and support them." The museum will open its doors to active, reserve, and retired military personnel and their families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ms. Lewis said. "We are providing a casual, relaxing environment where military members can unwind with their families." The event, which drew a crowd of 1,075 last year, will feature two exhibits: Objects of Wonder: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum of Art, and Fabric in Landscape (2000 to 2010): Photographs by Laquita Thomson, Ms. Lewis said. "The Objects of Wonder exhibition includes paintings by Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keefe, photographs by Edward Weston and Robert Mapplethorpe, and still-life compositions by other stars of the 20th-century art world," she said. "Fabric in Landscape will feature approximately 25 of the compositions that were produced by Thomson during her travels around the United States in the last decade." While taking in the art exhibits, military members and their families will be treated to entertainment from MaxxBrass, a local brass quintet, and can enjoy a full buffet, Ms. Lewis said. The museum is providing the evening's events and meal at no cost to military families. Whether or not families have experienced the museum's Military Appreciation Night before, Ms. Lewis said they will enjoy the new exhibits featured this year. "Every year is different," she said. "The museum is a wonderful place any time, but this free event is a great way for military families new to the area to learn about the museum and a good way to reacquaint others with what the museum offers." Ms. Lewis said families are encouraged to bring children of all ages to the event. "We will have plenty for them to do," she said. In addition to looking at the art exhibits, families can also make their own art. "We will have art-making projects for all ages that correspond with the displays," Ms. Lewis said. The event is scheduled to allow families to go through the museum and experience the activities at their own pace, Ms. Lewis said. "This event will offer a nice evening of entertainment for military families and provides a great opportunity to strengthen relations between the base and the community," said Lisa Warr, civic outreach chief for Air University Public Affairs. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is located in William M. Blount Cultural Park, off Eastern Boulevard near Interstate 85. No reservations are required to attend the event. For more information about the Military Appreciation Night Thursday, visit the museum's website at www.mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333.