The Scene
Set among 22 acres along Upper Porter's Pond, the Fuller Museum is housed in a modern building that has smoothly integrated into its woodsy setting. It began solely as a host of arts education in 1969, but quickly embraced its position as an exhibition space of regional art. The museum now comprises teaching and workshop spaces, an auditorium and galleries in its 21,000 square feet.
The Goods
An excellent collection of American studio crafts from the late 1970s and early 1980s; theme exhibitions of contemporary (often representational) art. Artists who have recently shown at the FMA include Dale Chihuly, Mark Dion, Lino Tagliapietra and Xu Bing. Besides exhibits, the museum also presents monthly events, including lectures and informal gallery talks; the Museum School offers classes for aspiring artists of almost any age or ambition. In 2003, the FMA will refine its focus specifically to high-end contemporary crafts.