In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Anna D’Ambrosio, President and CEO of Munson, to talk about the past, present and future of one of the Mohawk Valley’s most iconic institutions. Anna shares how Munson has evolved during her decades with the organization. A major part of that change has been making art more accessible and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. From free art classes for hundreds of local kids to partnerships throughout the community, Munson has become much more than a museum.

We also dive into Munson For All, the organization’s first capital campaign since its founding in 1919. The $9.5 million campaign will help transform the Museum of Art with an expanded interactive Art Odyssey, a new cafe and other visitor focused improvements. Anna also shares why art matters in a world dominated by screens and technology. It gives people a chance to slow down, observe and think differently.

Along the way, we uncover just how much is happening at Munson. The organization hosts more than 600 events each year and operates across 25 buildings in Utica. Its collection also attracts visitors from around the world. Whether you love art or have never stepped inside a museum, Anna has a simple message. You do not need to know anything about art to walk through the doors and experience it for yourself.

In This Episode:
• How Munson is making art more accessible to families across the Mohawk Valley
• The vision behind the $9.5 million Munson For All campaign
• Why art builds critical thinking and gives us space to slow down
• The surprising scope of Munson’s events, programs and community partnerships
• Why Anna wants everyone to feel like Munson belongs to them

At its heart, this conversation is about opening the doors a little wider and showing people what has been sitting right here in the 315 all along.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:00) - Changes Over Time
(3:25) - 9.5 Million Dollar Capital Campaign
(5:10) - Visiting the Museum
(6:15) - Misconceptions Around Munson
(8:25) - Art For Kids
(9:40) - Gateway to Learning
(10:45) - Favorite Exhibitions
(11:45) - Value to Community
(14:30) - Community Partnerships
(16:25) - Munson For All
(17:30) - Events
(19:50) - Membership
(22:15) - The Time is Now
(24:45) - Slowing Down & Activities
(26:50) - Anna's Legacy & Open Door
(28:15) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Anna & Munson's Links:
Website - https://www.munson.art
IG - https://www.instagram.com/munsonutica
FB - https://www.facebook.com/MunsonUtica
Campaign - https://www.munson.art/for-all

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Love Living Local Links:
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