Grounds for Departure: A Historic House, An Art Museum

Masur Museum Main House 
August 20th, 2026 – October 31st, 2026 

Public Reception: August 20th, 2026, 5:30 — 7:00pm

Artist Talk at 6:30PM

Grounds for Departure will feature abstract painting and sculpture that engages directly with the architecture of the museum’s structure, mapping its domestic history within the walls of the current-day art museum.

About the Artists:

Katie Ford makes sculptures, textiles, and works on paper that explore the unstable qualities of the body and digital culture. She holds an MFA from the University of Georgia and a BFA from Washington University in St. Louis. Ford has been awarded residencies including the Icelandic Textile Center, the Women’s Studio Workshop, and 100 W Corsicana; and she has exhibited at institutions including the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art (New Paltz), Wassaic Project (Wassaic), Neue Welte (Nashville), and Swan Coach House Gallery (Atlanta). She lives in Brooklyn, NY, where she is a Visiting Instructor at Pratt Institute.
www.katie-ford.com

Marlisa Dunn creates paintings that translate sensory memory and natural experience into layered, rhythmic landscapes. Drawing from the sounds, scents, and textures of her surroundings, she paints with collage-like construction—mixing hand-ground earth pigments and gestural oil stick marks to preserve fleeting impressions of place. Her work has been exhibited at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art (Wisconsin), the Richard M. Ross Art Museum (Ohio), the Springfield Museum of Art (Ohio), the O’Hanlon Center for the Arts (California), and the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
marlisadunn.com

Need a creative break after work?

Join us for Art After Hours and spend an evening sketching in the galleries, exploring our current exhibitions and slowing down with art.

Please note: this is a drawing-focused evening—pencils and dry media only (no paint).

All skill levels are welcome. Come unwind, explore, and create.

September 3
5:00–7:00 PM
Masur Museum of Art

We’re bringing back Bottles & Brushes, but with a twist! 

Paint your own pre-made bowl while enjoying a relaxing evening with good conversation (and free drinks!) The Masur Museum staff will handle glazing and firing of your bowl after the event, which can be picked up after October 1st.

Thursday, September 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM

$40 per person ($30 for members)

Must be 21 or older in order to sign-up as alcoholic beverages will be served!

Cost covers:

• 1 Bowl + painting supplies
• Glazing & Firing
• Wine & Beer

Our most popular summer camp, now a workshop for adults!

Inspired by our upcoming exhibition It’s Time to Grow Up (No Thanks!), learn various sewing techniques with the guidance of featured artist Inique Harris and create your very own plushie to take home!

Saturday, September 26 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM

$50 per person ($40 for members)

Must be 18 or older in order to sign-up.

All supplies included.

The Masur Museum of Art is proud to partner with The Crawl, a recurring downtown arts and culture event that invites the community to explore local creative spaces after hours. During each Crawl, the museum stays open in the evening so visitors can experience our exhibitions alongside other participating venues throughout downtown Monroe. It’s a great opportunity to discover art, connect with the community, and make the Masur part of your night out.

2026 Crawl Dates:
February 6
April 2
June 4
August 6
October 1
December 3

Masur Museum River Galleries
August 20 – October 31, 2026 

Public Reception: October 1, 2026, 5:00pm – 9:00pm (Monroe Art Crawl)

Inique Harris is a Monroe-based artist, illustrator, and art educator. Her visual art explores themes of femininity and girlhood, paired with a whimsical focus on the pure essence of creativity and love.

(more…)