Martin Museum Features Selections from Baylor's Permanent Collection

by Julie Carlson
A selection of pieces from Baylor University's permanent art collection will be on display from May 31 to July 16 at the Martin Museum of Art in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. The exhibit features 32 pieces ranging from paintings and sculpture to drawings, fiber art and ceramics.
"This is a special opportunity to see selected contemporary artwork that is part of the Baylor University art collection," said Karin Gilliam, director of the Martin Museum. "This exhibit spotlights only a few pieces of the vast artwork that has been donated to, or purchased by the university."
Since 1963, Baylor's department of art has been collecting artwork for the purpose of supporting the academic and artistic scholarship of its students and faculty, and to further the enjoyment and understanding of art throughout Waco and Central Texas.
The first Baylor Art Museum was established in 1968 by then-chairman of the department of art, Dr. J.B. Smith. The museum's initial Permanent Collection included approximately 150 prints, a few paintings, African sculpture and ceremonial shields from New Guinea.
Today, the Martin Museum of Art is home to approximately 1,000 pieces of artwork representing a wide variety of media. Although the primary collecting focus is now contemporary art, the museum continues to be the life-long conservators of a Permanent Collection that has spanned four colorful decades.
The Martin Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
For more information, call 710-1867.