Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts hosts 14th Military Appreciation Night Published Aug. 17, 2009 By Jessica Casserly Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is preparing to host their 14th annual Military Appreciation Night 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 is located in William M. Blount Cultural Park, off Eastern Boulevard near Interstate 85. The museum will open its doors to military personnel and their families at 5:30 p.m., and the event will continue until 7:30 p.m., Ms. Lewis said. "We are providing a casual, relaxing environment where military members can unwind with their families," said Ms. Lewis. The event will center around the museum's current art exhibits, which offer a variety of art styles from local and national artists, said Ms. Lewis. The main exhibits include Mia Pearlman's MAELSTROM, Alabama Threads: African American Quilts, and Beverly Erdreich's Metaphor Boxes and Drawings. "MALESTROM features paper art," Ms. Lewis said. "Alabama Threads showcases quilts from our original collection, along with some recently acquired quilts and Metaphor Boxes and Drawings examine social issues in a unique way." 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, said Ms. Lewis. The museum is providing the evening's events and meal at no cost to military families; Ms. Lewis explained. "The menu will include pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches, pickled slaw, brownies, tea and lemonade," said Ms. Lewis. 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," Ms. Lewis 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," said Ms. Lewis. The event is scheduled to allow families to go through the museum and experience the activities at their own pace, said Ms. Lewis. No reservations are required to attend. Lisa Warr, community relations chief for Air University Public Affairs, 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." Ms. Lewis said the museum staff hopes the event will provide military families with a night of quality family time and give them an idea of the unique events the museum has to offer them and their families throughout the year. For more information about the Military Appreciation Night, visit the museum's Web site at www.mmfa.org or call 240-4333.