Patron membership offers a number of benefits, but many Patrons would say that their favorite benefit is access to the MFA Travel Program. Why? The answer is deceptively simple and can be summed up in two words: unique opportunities.
In June 2017, Elliot Davis, John Moors Cabot Chair, Art of the Americas, led a three-day trip to Maine. As the bus left Boston, Elliot said that her goal was to “take you to places that you can’t go on your own.” On the return trip, many Patrons remarked to Elliot that she had not only achieved her goal, but far surpassed it.
Travelers to Maine had a private tour of the Winslow Homer Studio in Prouts Neck, where Homer lived and painted many of his masterpieces from 1884 until his death in 1910. The tour included walking the paths to vantage points that inspired some of the artist’s greatest works.
From there, the focus of the trip shifted to the Wyeth family—N. C., Andrew, and Jamie. The trip to Monhegan a small, rocky island 10 miles off Maine’s coast, included a visit to one of Jamie Wyeth’s homes, where family-owned artwork hung on the walls. Elliot provided insights into the artist that came from having known and worked with Jamie Wyeth for 10 years. Our Monhegan visit also included a preview tour of “Reckoning with Nature: Andrew Winter,” at the Monhegan Museum; truly a highlight as our guide was the museum’s director Edward Deci.
The ultimate high point of the Maine trip was a visit to a place that you definitely can’t go on your own—a trip to remote Southern Island, which belongs to Jamie Wyeth. This was not only a visit to his home—it was a visit with Jamie Wyeth. He graciously showed his island, home, and artwork by three generations of Wyeths. To ensure his visitors enjoyed themselves, Jamie served coffee and toast with raspberry jam that he had made himself. An experience not many can say they have had!
As you think about what you enjoy most about being a Patron, consider joining fellow Patrons on one of the upcoming trips.
By MaryLee Halpin, Patron Committee member