About Us
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Mission Statement
Hammonds House Museum and Resource Center of African American Art is a fine arts venue whose mission is to preserve, exhibit, and increase public awareness about the contributions that visual artists of African descent have made to world culture.
The Legacy
Hammonds House Museum is the former residence of the late Dr. Otis Thrash Hammonds, a prominent Atlanta physician and avid arts patron. The Fulton County Board of Commission acquired Hammonds House Museum in 1986, along with period furnishings and more than 250 art works collected by Dr. Hammonds. Incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1988, Hammonds House Museum continues the legacy of Dr. Hammonds' conservation of fine art by offering unique cultural and artistic programming.
The House
Hammonds House Museum, complete with a spacious garden area, is a beautiful Eastlake style Victorian structure located in Atlanta's historic West End community.
- Believed to be built around 1872, Hammonds House Museum is one of the three oldest homes in the West End.
- Many period architectural accents have remained through several phases of renovations.
- 19th century antique furnishings and appointments provide timeless character.
- Previously owned until 1905, by Malcolm Johnston, an Atlanta attorney; from 1906-1908 Mildred C. Vandiver, president and general manager of M.C. Vandiver Co.; and from1910-1979 Bigham family. Purchased and renovated by Dr. Hammonds in the late 1970's.
- In1986, after Dr. Hammonds' untimely death, Fulton County purchased the house and his extensive art collection.
- Site of one of the first private kindergartens in Atlanta (ca.1911)
- Author Madge Bigham wrote Sonny Elephant in the backyard.
- The facility and grounds are available for weddings receptions and special events rentals.
The Collection- Features more than 350 art works dating from the mid-19th century.
- Although mainly featuring African American artists, the collection also includes Haitian paintings, African sculptures and masks.
- Some national artists represented include; Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Richard Hunt, P.H. Polk, Jacob Lawrence, Hale Woodruff, and James Van Der Zee.
- Local artists represented include Radcliffe Bailey, Tina Dunkley, Jenelse Holloway, Lev Mills, and John Riddle.
- Additional work has been acquired as a part of the Hammonds House Museum Collection.
Programs
- Five to six exhibitions are mounted annually interspersed with presentations from the permanent collection.
- Each exhibition is introduced by way of an opening and artist/curator talk. The opening talk which is videoed is made available for viewing throughout the length of the exhibition. An interactive children's handout, "Viewpoint," is developed to help young people enjoy and learn about the exhibition artist and medium.
- Educational outreach programs, utilizing local and national artists, scholars, critics and cultural experts provide public seminars, lectures and workshops.
- Supplemental programming of cultural or artistic relevance are presented to support the mission.
- Special children's programming includes a variety of activities to include printmaking and collage workshops, hands-on sessions with tours, Kwanzaa and holiday sessions and a summer camp.
- The Resource Center houses books, articles, catalogues, slides, films, videos, microfiche, and computer database files on artists' histories. The Center is available by appointment.
Museum Hours
Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed to the public on Mondays and National Holidays
ADA Accessible - 1st Floor. Wheelchair lift is located in rear of facility accessed by Oak Street.
Admission
Members - Free (Join Now)
General - $4, Adults $2 Children, Students and Seniors
WE Cultural Connection Tour - $10, Adults $6 Children, Students and Seniors
Staff
Executive Director
Myrna Anderson-Fuller
404-612-0482
myrna.anderson@fultoncountyga.gov
Curator
Kevin Sipp
404-612-0484
kevin.sipp@fultoncountyga.gov
Membership/Volunteer Coordinator
Cheryl Odeleye
404-612-0489
Cheryl.odelye@fultoncountyga.gov
Facilities Manager/Security
Byron Simmons
404-612-0483
byron.simmons@fultoncountyga.gov
Board of Trustees
President - Jeff Hines, MD
Vice President - Kathryn Flowers
Treasurer - Isaac Washington
Secretary - Deniece Acosta Griffin
Radcliffe Bailey
Charles Black
Lisa C. Perry-Gilkes, MD
Michael Hobbs
Tiffini Jones
Andjela Kessler
Kimberly Mitchem
Freddie Styles
Antonio L. Thomas, Esq.
Patricia Zeigler Jeter
Che Watkins
Malinda Logan
Joan P. Garner
Honorary Board of Trustees
Dr. Johnetta Cross Brazzell
Dr. Thomas D. Boston
Saundra Maass-Robinson, M.D
