Old Jail receives Humanities grant

By Lynsi Musselman

The Old Jail Art Center was notified recently that the museum had received a Humanities Texas Relief Grant.

This summer, Humanities Texas awarded over $1.1 million to 198 Texas nonprofits that suffered financial losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recipients other than the OJAC were other museums, libraries, preservation organizations, and heritage and cultural centers.

Humanities Texas director Eric Lupfer said organizations such as the OJAC offer historical and cultural programs that have a significant impact within the community.

“We aim to help organizations remain vital during this difficult time, Lupfer added. “Looking ahead, Humanities Texas will seek ways to assist Texas cultural and education institutions survive this crisis.” 

The OJAC executive director Patrick Kelly said the OJAC’s mission is to broaden engagement with visual art and culture through exhibits, education, and preservation.

“We are thankful to Humanities Texas for the grant award,” Kelly stated. “The funding will aid the OJAC in providing accessible art and history content to our local audiences as well as those across the entire state of Texas. The financial support is important for the OJAC to continue to carry out its mission.”

Virtual Camps and Programs

This week wraps up the three-part virtual August summer camps created by the OJAC staff as an alternative to the traditional in-person experience.

The theme for this week has been Frontier Days.

Registered campers received supply kits and a log in for an at-home video that explored the culture of Native American Tonkawas through historical crafts and activities.

Weekly virtual programs continue with a different activity daily, geared to different age groups.

Patrons can also visit the OJAC in person.

The current exhibitions inside the museum are only on display through this Saturday, Aug. 22.

Information and dates for the new exhibits will be released at a later date.