As a local, not for profit organization, with the intent of promoting art and education within the community and beyond, I was highly disappointed with the treatment by staff and security this past weekend. After calling to confirm that I would be allowed to take pictures of my daughter in her prom dress at the museum by front receptionist, we were then ambushed at the entrance by museum staff to inform us that we were given the incorrect information. At this point, we had no time to make other arrangements as this was our only stopping point prior to my daughter going to prom. The frustration and disappointment was overwhelming as she was unable to take outdoor photos due to the rain. Upon asking for an explanation, we were told that this type of photography (modeling) was prohibited without prior arrangement. Merriam Webster defines modeling as such, "to work or act as a fashion or art model" to which I informed them that personal pictures were encouraged in the museum according to the website. How are personal photos modeling? When I asked about taking her pictures in jeans and a top they said that was fine, which begs the question, is this a form of discrimination based on gender and personal wardrobe choice? The security guard made every effort to appear intimidating by standing with his legs apart and arms crossed over his chest at the entrance. Again, begging the question of whether this is gender discrimination and symbolic aggression as he was attempting to intimidate 2 women in their 40's and 2 seventeen year old girls. I did request and receive a copy of the museum policy regarding photography which had no verbiage to prohibit such types of photos and any posted material on the museum website does not cite anything against personal photos in the museum. The fact that we were given permission should have been enough to allow us to proceed into the museum, take our photos, and then leave. To retract that permission, after arrangements had been made, and cause such animosity and ill will to members of the community is disgraceful and very unprofessional. I should have continued my patronage of the Sigal Museum in Easton as they have always proven professional and actually welcoming of the community into their facility to promote a collaborative effort between art, education, and the community. Needless to say, I will not be returning to the Allentown Art Museum. As an educator in the area, I will be sure to let every student, parent, and fellow educator that I come in contact with know of my personal experience at the museum, encouraging them to visit the Sigal Museum instead.
This review is looking pretty epic! Nice!
I have conducted a number of educational music programs at the AAM and attended various events there. I am always impressed by the proffesionalism, knowledge, and friendliness of the entire staff.....at every level. I have also served on their AIE panel and can attest to the high level of artistic integrety that they practice. I always look forward to my interactions @ the Museum, whether they be for business or pleasure. A great team!
Allentown, PA may not be a place you'd consider to have a great arts scene, however, the small museum at the heart of the city, is top notch. The professional staff, the dedicated volunteers and the effective outreach work together to create an oasis for art in eastern Pennsylvania. Our family loves the lively and engaging rotating exhibits and free weekend activities for children, sponsored by Crayola. A visit to the museum always leaves me feeling elevated in spirit.
I have been a volunteer in the curatorial dept. for 22 years helping with the storage and preservation of the museum's collection.