The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art has splashed color onto Auburn's cultural canvas since its opening in 2003.
This year, the Auburn Rotary Club chose the JCSM as its Citizen of the Year.
"Receiving the Citizen of the Year award is so important for the museum because it's our community telling us that we are on the right track," said Colleen Bourdeau, marketing and events manager for the JCSM. "It's a nice way of letting us know that people appreciate our hard work."
The Citizen of the Year does not have to be just one individual. The Auburn Rotary Club accepts nominations of individuals, groups or businesses that give back to the community through service.
"The museum is a neat place," said Elizabeth Pugh, freshman in public relations. "It's easy to call your friends and check it out together."
Nominees for the award cannot be Rotarians nor any business closely affiliated with the club. Past businesses awarded Citizen of the Year include East Alabama Medical Center and Auburn Bank.
Michael Tullier, public relations director for the Auburn Rotary Club, said recognizing upstanding citizenship in the community is only one way the Rotary Club gives back.
"We're focused on supporting our community through grants and honoring those who are making a difference, whether it be a museum, teacher or public safety official," Tullier said.
The JCSM was chosen for three main reasons: aesthetics, cultural contribution and educational value.
"One was its aesthetic," Tullier said. "It is significant to the entryway as you come into Auburn and begin to see the University."
The JCSM is the only university art museum in Alabama and a popular place to visit for prospective students.
"I think it's great that people considering Auburn get to see the museum," Pugh said. "It's not something you would expect to see on a campus visit."
Exhibitions change three to four times a year, providing diverse collections and artworks. The JCSM also changes programming throughout the year to coincide with new exhibitions and topics of interest in the area.
"Admission into the gallery is free for students," Bourdeau said. "Our work with local business partners has allowed us to lower admission for everyone so even more people can enjoy what we have here."
The museum's educational contribution includes educational opportunities for students at Auburn and people of all ages.
"I know that a lot of professors use the museum for projects and assignments," Pugh said. "It gives students a nice break from the kind of work they're used to."
The JCSM also hosts fundraisers and fairs throughout the year.
Art in the Garden, its largest fundraiser of the year, was held Friday with proceeds benefiting art programming for children.
The annual May Day craft fair will be May 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Auburn is often cited as a top place to live in the state and in the country," Tullier said. "In addition to golfing and the University, the presence of a cultural community is important to those who decide what makes a place a great place to live."
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