On Visiting The Stark Museum in Orange, Texas
My friend Jack, a Hawaii University Journalism Major and a regular reader of this Blog, just moved from Kailua, Hawaii to Beaumont, Texas. Quite the culture shock, but I’m kind of excited about his move because I’m a huge fan of the Stark Museum which is located nearby in Orange, Texas. Most of you know that I'm an Elementary Education Major, but I’ve been an art lover for quite some time - almost chose Art as my life calling in fact. So I’ve always wanted to visit The Stark Museum of Art but I’ve never had the opportunity to do so. I'm hoping my friend (hint, hint) will hook me up with a place to stay for a few days when I come in for my annual pilgrimage to Mickey Mouse country!
Now Jack, see here that I have done my homework...
The Stark Museum of Art was the brainchild of H.J Lutcher Stark and his mother Miriam Lutcher Stark. Both were avid art collectors and H.J Lutcher Stark loved American art that depicted the Great Wild West. Chasing a dream, H.J Stark and his wife Nelda established the Stark Foundation in 1961, and categorized it as a non-profit organization operated for charitable and education purposes.
The Things to Do in Southeast Texas Website Says:
"Built by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, this two-story building houses a most valuable and extensive collection of American Western art and artifacts. The original "Birds of America" by John J. Audubon, sketches done by Paul Kane as he traveled the West during the 1840s,bronze sculptures by Remington and Russell and paintings by Twentieth century artists of Taos, New Mexico, are only a small sample of treasures awaiting your visit. Other major exhibits include "The America Birds of Dorothy Doughty," and the only complete set of The United States in Crystal, a series of Steuben glass bowls. Admission free. Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm"
All I know is that it has one of the finest collections of Western American art and artifacts is the world. You can find works by such artists as Maynard Dixon, Gustave Baumann, and Andy Anderson on display as well as works by artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Alexandre Hogue. You can also find collections of American Indian Art that was created by some of the Indian tribes of the Southwest and Decorative Arts which features glass and porcelain pieces.
If you ever happen to find yourself in or around Orange, Texas or you simply have a love of art, you should definitely visit The Stark Museum of Art. I know that I will be soon! Isn't that right, Jack???
Aloha ~
Ali
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