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Art Museum Hides Within Historic High School
29 Jun
Summary
- McClain High School functions as a community museum with over 180 artworks.
- The school was a gift from Edward and Lulu McClain, dedicated in 1915.
- Community support and local funding sustain the historic institution.
McClain High School, a beloved fixture in Greenfield for 111 years, uniquely serves as both an educational facility and a community art museum. The school's walls are adorned with over 180 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, murals, and Rookwood pottery.
Established as a gift from Edward and Lulu McClain, the school was dedicated in September 1915, with an initial budget of $80,000 that ultimately reached $250,000. Over the years, the original structure was expanded to include vocational facilities and athletic fields.
Notable artworks include the "Ginevra" sculpture and a statue of Athena, donated by community members like C.R. Patterson, the only Black automobile manufacturer in the United States. The school's preservation is sustained by a dedicated art restoration fund and numerous local scholarships, highlighting its role as the heart of the community.
