UMaine Museum of Art Announces Free Admission in 2010

Nov. 30, 2009
Contact: George Kinghorn, 561-3354

BANGOR — As the holiday season commences, the University of Maine Museum of Art announces a wonderful gift to the community and region — another year of free admission.

Through the generosity of Machias Savings Bank the Museum of Art will continue to open its doors for all individuals and groups to enjoy the Museum in 2010 without charge. This is an extension of the bank’s gift of free admission in 2008, in memory of the late UMMA benefactor Edward “Ted” Leonard III.

“Machias Savings Bank lost a good friend three years ago, Attorney Edward “Ted” Leonard,” says Ed Hennessey, president of Machias Savings Bank. “We wanted to do something special in his memory. Knowing Ted was a big supporter of the University of Maine Museum of Art, we felt it was extremely worthwhile to make a contribution in his memory. We worked with the Museum so that our donation could be used to provide free admission for visitors as Ted wanted many people to visit the Museum. We are pleased that we are able to make our third donation in his name and continue to offer free admission to the public.”

As a result of the Machias Savings Bank’s sponsorship, the museum has seen a 56 percent increase in attendance. In addition, many are first-time visitors.

“We are so appreciative of Machias Savings Bank’s ongoing support,” says UMMA Director George Kinghorn. “Through this gift we are able to provide the community and region access to the permanent collection, changing exhibitions and an exciting array of educational programs. We would certainly not have seen such positive attendance numbers and so many new faces coming through our doors, without the support of Machias Savings Bank.”