The Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa, Texas, recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off its long-awaited expansion project. The event, which took place on September 12, marked the beginning of construction on the museum's larger facility. The project has been in the works for several years, and the museum expressed its gratitude to its board members, sponsors, donors, and community friends for their unwavering support in making the groundbreaking a reality.
The concept sketches for the expanded facility were released in May 2022, more than a year before the groundbreaking ceremony. According to Sheila Perry, the museum's executive director, the expansion will add approximately 14,000 square feet to the existing building. Perry stated that the new space will allow the museum to utilize its facilities more efficiently and bring in shows that were previously unimaginable.
The project is expected to take at least 18 months to complete, according to reports from Odessa CBS affiliate KOSA News. Once finished, the expanded Ellen Noël Art Museum will provide an industry-standard art gallery that will showcase a wide range of art, culture, and inspiration. The museum, which was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1977 and opened its doors in 1985, was renamed in 1995 in honor of community leader Ellen W. Noël. It remains open to the public free of charge.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ellen Noël Art Museum's expansion project represents an exciting new chapter for the institution. With the support of its dedicated board members, sponsors, donors, and community friends, the museum is embarking on a journey to create a larger, more impressive space to showcase art and culture. The new facility will allow the museum to attract a wider range of exhibitions and bring in shows that were previously out of reach. As construction begins, the museum looks forward to a brilliant future filled with creativity, inspiration, and the celebration of art.