The Carter Is Head Over Heels for Their Members

In the previous installment of our ongoing series about the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, we discussed the Carter’s Second Thursdays event series, and we mentioned that “membership hath its privileges.” This month, we spoke with Stacey Smith, the Carter’s Membership Manager, to take a deeper dive into what becoming a member of the museum really means.

The Carter offers membership levels to match any budget and degree of desired involvement. Whether you’re an art neophyte just dipping your oar in the art waters for the first time or a serious philanthropic supporter of the arts, there is a place for you within the museum’s membership structure. If, after reading this article, you’re still on the fence about becoming a member, you should know now is the time to do it. For the entire month of February, the museum is offering a 14% discount on all new memberships.

Associate-level membership is aimed at individuals looking for a way to get involved in the local art community and have a great time doing so. Membership is only $75 per year and includes invitations for members and a guest to two opening night previews, free or discounted registration for select events, discounts at the museum shop, complimentary coffee, tea, or bottled water, a complimentary cocktail at the Second Thursday events, as well as a subscription to Carter Magazine.

Friend-level membership is designed especially for families to enjoy the benefits of the museum and builds on the Associate level by including advanced registration for family events, access to members-only family events, and annual birthday cards for your kiddos. Friend-level membership is $125 per year.

A new membership level called Carter Society has recently been developed to give young professionals the opportunity to expand their social activities to include “the art scene”. For $175 per year, Carter Society members enjoy all the benefits of Associate and Friend level members as well as events curated specifically for Carter Society members, including the annual Rodeo Pre-Party and Midsummer Mingle.

Midsummer Mingle
Part of: Carter Society
Pam Moncrief, from POP UP BAR
Caricature artist, Art by Sam

Stepping up from Carter Society, Sustainer-level members also enjoy the opportunity to purchase additional guest tickets to opening night exhibits, invitations to special events, and deeper discounts in the museum shop. The annual fee for the Sustainer-level membership is $250.

Patron-level membership is $500 per year and is inclusive of all of the above membership-level benefits as well as invitations to select upper-level events and many more additional benefits. The museum offers membership at levels beyond Patron in what is known as the Circle. Circle members enjoy benefits beyond the other membership levels, including invitations to exclusive events with artists and publishers aligned with special exhibitions. For details about Circle-level involvement, your best option is to contact the museum’s membership team.

The Amon Carter is a jewel in the crown of Fort Worth’s art community. The fact that it is always free to visitors is made possible, in part, through its robust membership offerings. Being a “patron of the arts” is no longer a pie-in-the-sky dream. With memberships starting at $75 per year, nearly anyone can afford it. With events and social gatherings throughout the year, the Carter makes being an art patron fun and educational. From Second Thursdays to Tea and Tours and the Midsummer Mingle, there’s always something happening at the Carter. As museum Membership Manager Stacey Smith says, “Our events are designed so that if you know a lot about art, you will feel engaged, but if not, you won’t feel lost. We want all of our members to have fun and learn something about the art.”

For more information on how you can become a member of Fort Worth’s only dedicated American art museum, please visit CarterMuseum.org

Family Workshop: Paint Party