Friends of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art are sharing their cherished stories with us! These Museum Memories come from community members recalling experiences at the FWMoA that made a positive impact. From inspiring exhibits to meaningful events, these moments remind us of our own transformative museum experiences.
Our Lifelong Connection to the FWMoA
When my husband retired in 2009 at 58 years old, he told me that we were going to start supporting the Civic Theatre and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. And we did! We began attending events, taking art tours, and exploring everything the Museum had to offer.
Over time, our appreciation deepened. We became collectors of blown glass by Matt Paskiet, one of the talented artists featured in the Paradigm Gallery. I also fell in love with Steven Shaikh’s jewelry carried by Paradigm and now own dozens of his pieces. Along the way, we contributed to fundraisers such as “Fill the Frame,” and even included the Museum in our will.
For our 30th wedding anniversary in 2015, we invited a hundred guests to celebrate with us at the Museum. Club Soda catered for the event, complete with a signature drink. The venue was perfect—guests wandered through the exhibits, sparking conversations among friends who were meeting for the first time. Instead of gifts, we asked guests to support the Museum by purchasing memberships or something special from the Paradigm Gallery.
Ten years later, we didn’t hesitate to celebrate our 40th anniversary there again! Another hundred guests from eight states joined us for a beautiful evening. Club Soda returned with fantastic food and drinks, and the art exhibits once again created a wonderful atmosphere. We added a 900-photo slideshow on the auditorium’s big screen to relive the moments that defined our family and friendships.
The Fort Wayne Museum of Art truly knows how to make every celebration unforgettable. If you’re considering a venue for an event, trust their team to bring your vision to life.