Orlando Museum of Art

Ann Croft, longtime volunteer and supporter of the arts has marveled in tremendous growth of the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) over the years. Ann shared that at the time she started volunteering with the OMA, David Reese was the OMA’s Executive Director and the Council of 101 was a small, budding organization. “Their annual Antique Show took place in three of four homes in Orlando. The homes were decorated with hand made crafts by 101 volunteers. The Council of 101 was the volunteer department at that time and would help coordinate the volunteer needs of the rest of the museum.” Ann recalled her excitement during the time when Marena Grant Morrisey was appointed Executive Director of the OMA. “At the time, the OMA was a small organization, known as the Loch Haven Art Center. Marena has helped to turn this organization into a fine museum and has greatly expanded it’s significance in the community. I very much appreciate Marena’s work.”

Ann found her niche at the OMA within the docent program. “We used to take suitcases filled with art lessons to the local schools,” she recalled. “We had a wonderful time teaching the kids about various artists and movements. Now the school children come to the OMA to tour and participate in hands on activities and the docents can spend more time building those relationships.”

Ann is married to Dr. Carl Croft, has three children, and a grandson who is an artist in Richmond.
The Crofts’ personal art collection has been inspired by works of realism as well as antiques, and English watercolors, which Ann is particularly fond of. “Watercolors are not as collectable or well preserved,” she admits. “But we enjoy them, along with our antique pieces. I particularly like antique hunting in England.”

Of the exhibitions that have been on display recently at the OMA, Ann liked Therman Statom: Stories of the New World and American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. As an Ambassador, Ann feels it is her duty to introduce people the OMA. “Most of my friends are here. I really love bringing people to this museum. It is especially great to bring people to an opening. I feel enriched by what I have been able to experience here, and I cannot live without art. When you are hungry, you go where the food is” She offered with a smile.

Written by: Elizabeth Rosenthal