William King Museum of Art has received a special appropriation of $397,000 from Washington County, Virginia, to finish the lower campus project. Work begins on the campus in spring and will be completed by mid-summer. This project is part of the transformation of the museum’s 20-acre site into an arts campus and community park.
“Everyone associated with William King Museum of Art joins me in sincere gratitude for this generous gift. It provides the final funding needed to proceed with the renovation of the lower campus, transforming it into a community park for everyone,” says Betsy K. White, executive director, William King Museum of Art.
These campus upgrades are pivotal in growing WKMA’s capacity to use art and nature together in arts and conservation education initiatives for all ages. The museum will soon be opening a new wing to house the Worrell Collection of Wildlife Art. The collection’s focus on wildlife complements the museum’s mission to cultivate environmental respect through artistic expression. In conjunction with the opening of the new wing and lower campus, WKMA will offer educational classes for youth and adults focusing on wildlife and nature.
The lower campus will include sculpture placed in native plant gardens, trails and footpaths, amphitheater, events lawn and entry plaza. The native plantings reference regionally specific plant communities, strengthening WKMA’s connection to its natural setting. Visitors will have a truly immersive outdoor experience.
