By Matthew Longhurst
Longhurst@newsroom.byu.edu
Although familiar with its caf? and sculpture garden, some BYU students have yet to discover the true riches at the Museum of Art.
'Many students don't realize what a treasure they have here,' said Cheryll May, coordinator of public relations and volunteer programs.
The MOA is a place where the heart and mind are brought together to seek knowledge and values, according to its Web site.
To accomplish this mission, the MOA has begun several programs in recent years designed to educate and involve a greater number of people in the community.
Membership in the MOA is one way that students may become involved in activities and receive benefits.
For a $30 annual fee, members receive discounts at the caf? and access to private tours of certain exhibits, May said.
One popular event among members, according to May, is the First Friday dance, held at the beginning of each month from October through April.
Another way for students to become involved is through the Student Docent program. Members learn to facilitate learning by doing tours and teaching groups, said Judith McConkie, director of Docent training.
Students who participate in the program enjoy benefits at the MOA and add a valuable element to their resume, McConkie said.
The MOA often sponsors travel study groups, with tours covering North American and other international destinations.
One program becoming popular among students and local residents is the Artful Tales, a series that runs Monday evening.
Professional storytellers come to the MOA auditorium and tell stories, with programs beginning at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The program provides a great option for Family Home Evening, May said.
With a $2 million annual operating budget, the MOA hopes to provide an increased number of resources and opportunities for students, she said.
'We hope a greater number of students take advantage of (the MOA),' May said.
BYU's art collection includes more than 16,000 pieces, most of which are works by American artists from the 18th-20th century.
The collection boasts comprehensive compilations of works by such artists as Mahonri Young, Minerva Teichart and American Western painter Marnard Dixon.
Since its opening in Fall 1993, the MOA has hosted a number of world-class exhibits, May said.
The 'Etruscan's Legacy of a Lost Civilization' exhibit was the first to appear in 1993, featuring artifacts pre-dating the Roman civilization.
'Imperial Tombs of China' was shown in 1995, including artifacts from Xian, China's forbidden city. Highlights of the exhibit included 10-ton granite lion statues and the terra-cotta soldiers discovered surrounding the tomb.
'The Story of Masada and the Dead Sea Scrolls' came from Israel in 1997. This exhibit drew over 200,000 visitors.
Plans for the coming year include an exhibit featuring Maynard Dixon's work. 'Escape to Reality: the Western World of Maynard Dixon' will display the world's largest collection of Dixon paintings. The exhibit will open Nov. 19.
Students interested in becoming members of the MOA may contact the membership office at 378-8250.