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Tyler Museum of Art Impressive By Any Standard

Tyler Museum of Art

Alexander Calder‚ James Brooks and Fairfield Porter have all found their way to Tyler.

And they’re not the only arty celebrities calling Tyler home. In addition to works by the celebrated threesome‚ the Tyler Museum of Art also boasts a collection of more than 700 paintings‚ prints‚ sculptures and photographs by other leading artists. Also showcased are works by 19th- and 20th-century Texas artists such as James Surls‚ Vernon Fisher‚ Terry Allen and Ancel E. Nunn.

The museum is the largest Texas art museum east of Dallas‚ and‚ as such‚ it plays host to a number of impressive visiting exhibitions each year. Recent exhibits have included “18th- and 19th-Century British Teapots” from the Norwich Castle Museum in England; “Illuminating the Word: The Saint John’s Bible” and “James McNeill Whistler: Selected Works from the Hunterian Art Gallery.”

A highlight of 2007 is an exhibit featuring selections from the Laura B. and Daniel D. Boeckman collection of Mexican and Latin American Folk Art‚ continuing through Jan. 4‚ 2008. The Boeckman collection is considered one of the nation’s premier private collections of Mexican and Latin American folk art.

Such extensive offerings are unusual for a town the size of Tyler‚ but exposure to great art is a goal that the museum staff takes seriously.

“We offer a full experience‚” says Jan McCauley‚ marketing and public relations coordinator for the museum. “We not only exhibit‚ protect and preserve the artwork‚ but we hope to help people celebrate and appreciate it.”

To help meet this goal‚ the museum offers extensive educational programming. In addition to gallery tours by docents and staff‚ it offers scholarly lectures by art historians and gallery talks where artists‚ art collectors or curators interact with visitors.

The museum also hosts Family Days‚ with programs specifically designed for young people‚ as well as summer art camps for children ages 6 to 9.

“It’s a wonderful place for individuals‚ couples and families to spend a morning or an afternoon‚” McCauley says. “There is something for everyone.”

Housed in an award-winning structure on the east side of the Tyler Junior College campus‚ the museum includes three galleries‚ a children’s education gallery‚ a gift shop and a café. And while it has all the trappings of big-city counterparts‚ its focus and personal approach are pure Tyler.

“We’re always glad you came‚” McCauley says‚ “and we’ll recognize you next time.”

Story by Amy Nathan
Photo by Antony Boshier

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