The Harlem Studio Museum Guide

Masterworks
April 21, 2022

The museum showcases art galleries that mimic the African diaspora through the creative aesthetic of Africans and African Americans. Within its art-filled spaces, artists are honed in their craft, making the museum a public-friendly place and a center of excellence.

Starting Slate

Since 1986, the Harlem Studio Museum has joined the New York (NY) slew of art institutions.  Unlike others, it focuses on the prospering of the art and culture related to Africa. At the onset, the museum rented a loft and began to house its early collections. In the subsequent years until 1979, it experienced rapid growth. The museum members, such as artists, philanthropists, activists, and Harlem community residents, anchored the museum’s direction toward artists’ accommodation. The Harlem Studio Museum gave the artists the platform where they could present their work for the world to see [Source: Art News].

By 1982, the museum was headquartered in a Studio at 144 West which is now being reconstructed with a new building.  However, it wasn’t long before the museum began offering educational programs and workshops. Notably, the Artist-in-Residence program that caters to artists who want to further their skills and career through an internship was also created. Said program had been with the museum for more than 40 years.  

In terms of collection, the permanent series is comprised of roughly 2000 art pieces. These works are diversified into mixed-media, pastels, drawings, prints, installations, and photographs [Source: Wikipedia].

Artist-in-Residence

The Harlem Studio Museum prides itself as a beacon of artistic talents who can craft masterpieces in different media.  Annually, it accepts artists from around the world in its Artist-in-Residence program. Said program is a studio residency that lasts 11 months.  All selected artists will work every week for at least 20 hours. They will also participate in the museum’s activities and programs. On the side, resident artists receive various perks such as stipends and non-living studio space. Upon near completion, the artist will have the chance to have their works showcased at the museum [Source: Wikipedia].

The program is the brainchild of painter William Williams who wanted to secure a place where artists could present their artworks. He made the Artist-in-Residence program proposal titled “the capital of Black culture-the ideal place to study” to the museum.  It got approved, and the program is now deemed a remarkable museum offering. Williams ushered in the establishment of a network among artists and the utilization of the museum’s studio space to harness creativity. Some of the former resident artists of the museum are Kehinde Wiley, Akunyili Crosby, David Hammons, Julie Mehretu, and Kerry James Marshall, among others [Source: Art News].

A Look at the Museum’s Programs

Other museum initiatives that one explores are the museum’s public programs for all ages. Whether you are a kid, teen, adult, senior, or museum member, you can find a well-suited program [Source: Studio Museum programs]. Museum members can join exclusive events and programs atop their early access to the museum during exhibits.  Further information is disclosed upon membership [Source: Studio Museum members].

Adults can access talks from artists and art-making workshops. They can dabble in film screenings, readings, and performances that render art. Apart from these, adults get to engage in discussions with significant persons in the art industry through the “In Conversation” initiative. For an immersive experience, adults can join “Studio Lab,” which comprises multi-session courses led by artists [Source: Studio Museum adults]. For seniors, they can pass the time and explore art in three ways. They are entitled to activities that lean toward or under the museum’s efforts on “Arts & Minds,” Master Classes, and Harlem Penpals [Source: Studio Museum Seniors].  

On the side, teens who are art enthusiasts can also take advantage of the museum’s programs to develop their creativity and network with like-minded teens. They can engage in the “Teen Leadership” Council, Studio Works, Art Looks, and in-depth exploration of art at “Expanding the Walls” [Source: Studio Museum Teens].  

Meanwhile, children and their families can bond with each other through the museum’s “Family Day.” Children also get the chance to get their first experiences with art through the “Lil’ Studio” classes and the story-telling program “Books, Author, & Kids” [Source: Studio Museum Kids and Families].  

 A Guide to Your Harlem Studio Museum Visit

Currently, the museum is in the process of developing its art spaces. Temporarily, the museum is conducting its operations at 429 West 127th Street. Its Studio at 144 West was under construction for the erection of a new building.  The museum’s open hours are 12 noon to 6 pm, from Thursday to Sunday. [Source: Studio Museum Visit].  Its admission is free. However, the Harlem Studio Museum’s physical galleries are closed now [Source: Studio Museum 127].  When the museum opens its doors for visitors again, it is advisable to download the Bloomberg Connects. It is a mobile application that provides a digital guide to the museum. A highlight of it is its supplemental gallery and exhibition information that includes insights from the artists. Note that the application is still downloadable for free through the museum is still closed. You can even browse through the must-know about the museum [Source: Studio Museum Digital Guide].

You can expect the upcoming museum building of 82,000 square feet of space in the future. Said building aimed to render architectural presence, give visitors more experience, and international exhibit facilitation. It was designed by prominent architect David Adjaye [Source: Studio Museum Creating Space]. You may visit the website for more information and updates about the museum.

Accessibility

The Harlem Studio Museum offers a wide range of benefits to its members.  Perks are based on the level of membership that is renewable every year.  Basic membership includes Senior, $25; Digital Membership $50; Individual, $75; Supporter, $150; Associate, $300; and Donor, $500.  Among the privileges you usually will receive if you become a member are a museum discount, invitations to events or exhibitions, free admission that can spawn up to more than 700 US museums, and access to digital programs.  

Visitors who are avid art fans or have hefty pockets can offer higher membership levels. This includes Donor, $500; Benefactor, $100,000; Studio Society, $200,000; Studio Society Steering Committee, $3,000; and Director’s Council, $5,500. Members in said levels are provided with an intensive, immersive museum experience. The higher the cost paid or the level you have, the more privileges you’ll receive.

Application to become members is done online. Currently, the museum is under renovation and situated temporally at Studio Museum 127 in digital space and in Harlem locations. All IDNYC who has a card are automatically eligible for the benefits such as free membership. You can reach the museum at membership@studiomuseum.org or call 212.864.4500 x221 [Source: Studio Museum Membership].


Art pieces with distinct African influence, inspiration, and voice find a platform at the Harlem Studio Museum. The museum supports the creative pursuits of everyone, whether it’s for artistic career or leisure. Find inspiration and include the Harlem Studio Museum on your museum bucket list


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