Support the Local Museums
The Olney Heritage Museum (OHM) recently joined the Regional Museum Network (RMN), based out of Wichita Falls, Texas. So, it was only fitting the Olney Enterprise do a series of stories and tour the museums in the alliance, since the Enterprise offices are located upstairs in the Olney Heritage Museum’s building.
According to the RMN’s website,wichitafallsarts.org/region al-museum-network,“Regional Museum Network is a cooperative relationship of museums in Archer, Baylor, Clay, Young, Wichita, and Wilbarger Counties. The collaborative learning project provides opportunities for members of the network to leverage the resources available through the Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture and other local, regional and national funding agencies. Participants in the network learn from a series of workshops and site visits that range from curriculum and grant writing to joint marketing efforts. Museums are able to tap into the pool of expertise available through a roster of consultants and museum professionals facilitated by The Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture.”
First on the list of museums in the tour is the Old Post Office Museum & Art Center (OPOMAC). The OPOMAC is dedicated to the development and maintenance of the general museum of history and fine arts, for the education and enrichment of the citizens of Young County, according to the OPOMAC website, OPOMAC.net.
The Graham Post Office was first opened on May 28, 1936. In 1993, the post office was moved to a new location. The building that remained was purchased by the city of Graham. The OPOMAC opened its doors on October 2, 2002, in conjunction with the Texas Cattle Raisers Association’s 125th birthday celebration.
Gordon Grubbs, Director of the OPOMAC, said, “Graham Art Council found out that it (the post office building bought by the city of Graham), was just sitting here and they decided, Hey, we could put that building to good use and make it into a museum and art center.” Graham Art Council’s goal in the beginning was to add a purpose, the main plan for the building at that time was to provide culture and education. Those two things were what the council wanted to bring to the area and provide a means of culture for the citizens of Graham, and a means of educating kids and the community in Graham about art and the history of Graham.
According to Grubbs, the museum tries to have about three state recognized artists there, usually anywhere from a month to six weeks at a time. The OPOMAC showcases many local artists, as well as students from Graham High School, as part of the museum’s rotating exhibits throughout the year. Towards the end of the year, around Thanksgiving, the museum hosts Holiday Market, where local vendors and craftsmen can bring their goods in to sell for Christmas.
Currently on exhibit at the OPOMAC until close to the end of July is “Music to Our Eyes!,” which features the art of album covers and special guest artist Pecos McCool. At the end of those exhibits, the Lake Country Art Show takes over until the end of August. This art show is brought to the museum by the Graham Art Guild. September through October will feature the wildlife art works of David L. Prescott, with November and December being occupied with the Holiday Market.
The OPOMAC is a nonprofit and is happy to receive any support for their many museum projects. Currently the museum is renovating the windows, which are originally from the 1920’s and over 10 feet tall. The OPOMAC is located at 510 Third Street in Graham, Texas. You may reach them at 940-549-1470 or email Director Grubbs at Gordon@OPOMAC.net. For more information on exhibits, be sure to check out their Facebook page at @GrahamOPOMAC and webpage at OPOMAC.net.