NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Hoyt Center for the Arts last year was nominated for a National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant contributions to their communities.
While the museum did not win, it gained national recognition for its programming.
Its After School Arts program, for example, has provided free arts instruction for thousands of students since its inception in 2008.
According to Kimberly Koller-Jones, executive director, the museum has a culture of inclusion and a goal of removing barriers to participation.
It has a well-funded scholarship program and offers EBT card-holders free admission and scholarships for classes.
The museum last year completed a two-year project to restore lighting and replace the heating-air conditioning system.
This spring, visitors will be able to use their smart phone as a tour guide, as The Hoyt has developed QR code tours that access audio recordings.
The Hoyt opened the year with “The Art & Objects of World War II” exhibition, which is on display through March 21. It features works by Thomas Hart Benton on loan from the US Naval Heritage Command, along with local collections of photos, medals, uniforms, letters, models, war propaganda and more from area museums and veterans.