about
The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is the official national museum, education center, and repository for intuitive, self-taught artistry.
What is Visionary Art?
Like love, you know it when you see it. But here's the longer definition, straight out of our Mission Statement:
"Visionary art as defined for the purposes of the American Visionary Art Museum refers to art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself."
In short, visionary art begins by listening to the inner voices of the soul, and often may not even be thought of as 'art' by its creator.
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
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.
Museum history
1984
Museum founder Rebecca Alban Hoffberger has the idea for a unique new museum and education center that would emphasize intuitive creative invention and grassroots genius while she is employed as the Development Director of People Encouraging People, Inc.—a program of the Department of Psychiatry at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
A Top-10 Place to See Before You’re 10.
—travel & Leisure magazine
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access at AVAM
VISION Statement
At the American Visionary Art Museum our mission champions self-taught and intuitive artists and their diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and artistry. In reflection of that mission, we foster an inclusive museum culture that honors the contributions and experiences of every artist, employee, volunteer, and visitor. We strive to address the needs of our communities through our programming and services. It is AVAM’s vision that everyone has access to a full, vibrant, and creative life, which is essential to a compassionate society.
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
phone: (410) 244-1900
fax: (410) 244-5858
