“I cannot erase history…but history is erasing us."
-Albert Wagner
MISSION
Cultivating the arts in the community is the core mission of the Wagner Museum.
Today, the art of outsider artist Albert Wagner has reached far beyond his East Cleveland neighborhood. His paintings are found in private and museum collections throughout the world.
Artist museums have led valued existences as agenda-free and respected custodians of their unique stories. They are trusted sources of information and valuable repositories of knowledge that connect residents to their history. They are also convenient sources of recreation for local residents and promote economic growth by attracting visitors. Artist museums have the power to unite communities through their shared history and through their new activities.
City of Cleveland, Ward 10 Councilman Anthony Hairston called the museum "an enormous leap forward in the inevitable future of our area of Collinwood to be a major attraction in our city." He added that "This will herald our arrival at being a district for all, giving voices to the great artists, artisans and entertainers of our district."
Source: AVAM