AVAM Cancels Flicks From the Hill in 2020, Pet Parade Goes Virtual, Museum Remains Closed

American Visionary Art Museum press release: 

Two of the American Visionary Art Museum’s much-anticipated annual summer events have changes for 2020: July 4th Visionary Pets on Parade goes virtual for this year, and The Hughes Family Flicks from the Hill movie series has been canceled. The decision was made out of continuing concerns for the health and optimal wellbeing of our community and staff. The move complements Baltimore City’s cancellation of its outdoor festivals this summer and supports the permit office as a partner in issuing the required permits for outdoor gatherings. Both the popular July 4th animal-loving celebration and the under-the-stars free movie series aim to resume next summer, in 2021.

July 4th Pet Parade Goes Virtual
Undeterred by the challenge of bringing together pets and pet lovers during a global pandemic, the museum is soliciting photos and videos of animal companions in their patriotic best, or other costume finery, for a virtual Pet Parade. Owners should submit their materials by July 1 to marketing@avam.org. The gathered images and clips will publish on the museum’s YouTube and social media channels. The July 4th Visionary Pets on Parade is held each year in loving memory of supreme animal friend, Ellis Rosen.

AVAM’s popular movie series, Flicks from the Hill, was recently voted “Best Outdoor Movie Series” by Baltimore Sun’s Best of Baltimore Readers’ Choice Awards, having garnered a loyal following since launching in 2005 with “Wizard of Oz.” The film series is accompanied by pre-movie free museum admission, art workshops, and fitness activities—from yoga to group bike rides—and food truck offerings.

Museum founder and director Rebecca Hoffberger laments, “We are truly sorry to disappoint Flicks fans and Pet Parade devotees. The gathered crowds themselves always looked so much to me like art—many dressed in costumes, gathered as one community, all to watch movies or share their love of four-legged best friends. In honor of the steadfast companionship and support animals provide, particularly during life’s hardest moments, we will hold a virtual Pet Parade this year. Let your imagination and fun go wild! We can’t wait to see your pics!”

Additionally, AVAM Remains Temporarily Closed
While Baltimore City has entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan which allows museums to open, AVAM remains temporarily closed as it works to implement enhanced best health precautions for all its visitors and staff. The museum looks forward to welcoming the public when it reopens in the near future.

Photo by Nick Prevas

via https://www.southbmore.com/2020/06/25/avam-cancels-flicks-from-the-hill-in-2020-pet-parade-goes-virtual-museum-remains-closed/