If you are in the Texas area and have a taste for art, you might want to drop by the Stark Museum of Art located in Orange, Texas. This museum is where you can explore art of the American West. You will find painting, sculptures and prints from the 19th & 20th centuries. This places houses some significant collections. Some of these collections include Western Art, American Indian Art, Decorative Arts, rare books, manuscripts and more. Some of their American West collections focus on stunning land, diverse wildlife, dramatic people, etc.

How did this museum come into play? It began as a vision of H.J. Lutcher Stark and his mother Miriam Stark. His mother Miriam was a collector of art, furniture and other decorative items from all over the world. Being like his mother, he developed a passion too! He had a passion for collecting art that depicts the American West. They both had dreams of opening a museum that would feature the art they had collected. In 1961 H.J. Lutcher and his wife Nelda established a non profit organization. It was called The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. It was operated for charitable and educational purposes. It’s mission was to improve the quality of life in Southeast Texas. It would improve life by promoting and assisting education, the arts, health and human services. Lutcher Stark died in 1965 and the Stark Foundation built the Stark Museum of Art. It opened on November 29, 1978, almost 30 years ago.

When you visit their website you can learn more about the foundation and the museum. You can also take a peek at their online photo gallery that has some pretty cool pictures. If you are a fan of art and live in Texas, take a trip to the museum one day. Might be something fun for the family.

Until Next Time
Stefani Partin