Things continue to move forward as the Orlando Museum of Art enters its second century. On April 4, OMA announced that they received a collection of over 300 works of art from Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett, longtime art patrons, social activists and residents of New York City.
While not originally from Florida, the donors vacation in Florida and have a longtime connection with OMA.
“OMA has known the collectors since 2001 and had mounted two exhibitions with the collectors (2004 and 2016),” the museum’s recently promoted chief curator, Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, explained in an email.
About 25 of the pieces were already on long-term loan to OMA, so the remaining 275 represent a major new addition to the collection. The works often showcase underrepresented voices and foster connections with diverse communities, as well as global artists, according to Cathryn Mattson, executive director and CEO of the Orlando Museum of Art.
In a press release, Cottrell and Lovett said: “We could not be happier with our decision to make this significant gift to OMA and the wider Central Florida community. We are especially proud to create a lasting impact via the museum, which has long demonstrated a vested interest in sharing and supporting our commitment to disability activism, non-censorship, accessibility, and LGBTQ+ issues. We’ve long been deeply inspired by OMA’s vibrant outreach into underserved communities, creating educational programs for people of all ages.”
Thia is one of the works created by Robert Mapplethorpe, a part of the gift of 300 pieces donated to OMA by Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett. (ORLANDO MUSEUM OF ART)
