Who We Are
Our Mission
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art strives to contribute to the community's art education and cultural enrichment, exhibit works of art, arrange for and offer educational programs for children and adults, and encourage and develop the appreciation and advancement of art throughout the community.
The Museum's children's programs have earned the organization a commendation from the Texas Art Education Association for outstanding service to the community. With support from sponsors, we will continue to build on our success.
Our History
In 1935, amid the great depression, eight women from Brownsville began meeting in each other homes to discuss their passion for art. Those early meetings would lead to the formation of the Brownsville Art League, comprised of men, women, students, and young children from Brownsville, Matamoros, and the surrounding communities. It is said that the founders and the early members of the Brownsville Art League were known to meet in all types of sundry places, including backyards, churches, and even the old morgue at Fort Brown.
In the late 1960s ′s, the Brownsville Art League commissioned one of their members, a young architect by the name of Ruth Young McGonigle, to design a 4,000 square foot "fire-proof, air-conditioned studio to house permanent art collections." McGonigle designed a single-story rectilinear building constructed almost entirely of concrete. However, budget and security concerns eliminated all but a few windows from the architectural program. After completion, this building served as the new home of the Brownsville Art League.
In 2002, the Brownsville Art League changed its name to the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. It began focusing on developing a new museum facility better suited for public art exhibitions. Today, thanks to the efforts and contributions of hundreds of supporters, the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art has completed the construction of a beautiful 17,000-square-foot museum. This facility, located in the heart of the Mitte Cultural District of Downtown Brownsville, provides a space where all those who walk through it can learn and be inspired by the creative forces of the human imagination.
What We Do
We are an art, culture, and education institution housed in the Mitte Cultural District. We have exhibitions, classes, and community art events.
We Love Our Volunteers
Countless community members contribute to this great city's cultural vibrancy each year by donating their time to the BMFA. From high school students to retirees, people of different backgrounds help the Museum meet its goal of bringing art into people's lives throughout Brownsville's communities. At the BMFA, volunteer opportunities encompass a broad range of abilities and interests. Options include leading tours of the Museum galleries, helping in gallery setups, assisting with clerical duties, greeting guests, and facilitating children's art projects. For questions and comments, please send us a message.
Our Volunteer Core Values
- Passion for art and appreciation for its value in society.
- Commitment to supporting the Museum's mission and goals.
- Dedication to providing excellent customer service to museum visitors.
- Respect for the Museum's staff, fellow volunteers, and visitors.
- Willingness to learn and grow personally and professionally through training and experience at the Museum.
- Integrity and honesty in all actions and interactions with others.
- Inclusivity and appreciation for diversity in all forms.
- Flexible & adaptable in a dynamic and ever-changing museum environment.
- Collaboration and teamwork with volunteers & staff to achieve shared goals.
- As a spirit of generosity and giving back to the community by sharing their time and skills with the Museum.
Program General Requirements
- All volunteers should adhere to the BMFA policies, such as dress code, confidentiality, and code of conduct.
- Attend a Volunteer Orientation, ongoing training sessions, and staff meetings to stay informed about museum exhibits, programs, and policies.
- Volunteer hour letters will be handed out in May, August, and December.
- No cell phones are allowed during volunteer hours. They will be left at the front desk, and volunteers can take some minutes to check the phone if needed.
- Dress Code: Appropriate business casual attire is required. Avoid revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for standing and walking for long periods. Avoid excessive jewelry or accessories that could potentially damage artwork or displays.
- Volunteers must have turned in the registration form and required documents.
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