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historical notes
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Born in 1934, William S. "Billy" Morris III, best-known as the chairman and CEO of Morris Communications Co. and publisher of The Augusta Chronicle, is not only a prominent figure in the media industry but also a passionate patron of the arts. His most enduring contributions lie in his dedication to the cultural enrichment of Augusta, evident in his founding and chairmanship of the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, GA. Established in memory of his parents, the museum initially did not have a specific focus until the serendipitous acquisition of some 250 paintings from the collection of Dr. Robert Coggins, a retired physician from Marieta who collected the works of Southern artists. Since that time, the Morris Museum dedicated itself exclusively to Southern art — the only museum of its kind — and the collection has grown to encompass nearly 5000 paintings, works on paper, photographs, and sculptures spanning from the late 18th century to the present. Morris's vision for the museum goes beyond a static collection, incorporating educational programs, film series, concerts, and family events, making art accessible and enjoyable to the community. |
