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AVAM is closing at 4pm on Fri, July 4.

“One of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America.” 

–CNN 

AVAM specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor and especially social justice and betterment.

Good Sports: The Wisdom & Fun of Fair Play
On View

Good Sports: The Wisdom & Fun of Fair Play

The Strength to Be Joyful
Coming Soon

The Strength to Be Joyful

Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family
On View

Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family

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farmer/artist  VOLLIS SIMPSON

 “I had a lotta junk and I had 

to do something with it.”

ONGOING

Permanent Collection

America’s official
national museum,
education center,
and repository
for self-taught and intuitive artistry

Vollis%20Simpson%20Bicycle%20Man_edited.

Upcoming events

FREE Make Your Own Trophy Workshop
Thursday
7/24/25, 11:00 PM

FREE Make Your Own Trophy Workshop

Virtual Tour: Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family with Bernice Steinhardt
Tuesday
8/26/25, 11:00 PM

Virtual Tour: Esther and the Dream of One Loving Human Family with Bernice Steinhardt

FREE Character Trading Card Workshop
Thursday
7/31/25, 11:00 PM

FREE Character Trading Card Workshop

Intro to Mosaics with Artist Ali Mirsky
Saturday
9/6/25, 2:00 PM

Intro to Mosaics with Artist Ali Mirsky

Shiny Happy Things Workshop
Saturday
8/9/25, 5:30 PM

Shiny Happy Things Workshop

Adults are obligated to have fun, so kids will want to grow older.” 

–Hobart Brown

AVAM Board of Directors Appoints Ellen Owens New Director

Arts leader, educator, and artist and current Director of 
the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University becomes 3rd Director

Ellen Owens

Photo by Cheryl Gorski

The AVAM Board of Directors is delighted to announce the selection of accomplished arts leader, educator, and artist Ellen Owens as the new Director of our beloved museum. Ms. Owens is currently Director of the Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, and will formally assume her new role with AVAM on June 23, 2025.

 

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we are thrilled to have attracted an arts leader of Ellen Owens’ caliber to lead AVAM forward at this important time for the Museum and our nation,” said AVAM Board Chair Christopher Goelet. “Ellen has a keen understanding and appreciation of what AVAM has always been about and the importance of its mission at this time in our nation’s history—to give voice to the diversity of human experience and to inspire our individual and collective commitment to advancing social justice.  We have full confidence that she will define a new era of relevance, reach and support for AVAM, as well as an expanded commitment to educational programming.” 

 

Ms. Owens was selected after a national, 10-month long search. You can read the full Press Release here.

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