The 5,000-square-foot art center includes two galleries one to exhibit rotating selections from the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection and the second to display other works from the university's permanent art collection or for special shows. The $2.2 million building also has a foyer gallery/reception area, a vault, a preparation area and an art study/seminar room.

Stetson’s Bluemner collection, which contains more than 1,000 pieces, was bequeathed to Stetson in 1997 by the artist’s daughter, Vera Bluemner Kouba. Selections of the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection have been exhibited at the university and at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City.

The Hand Art Center is a secure, permanent, state-of-the-art facility for the collection and a place to share with art historians, scholars, students and other art lovers.

To broaden the visual arts education of Stetson students in a liberal arts context and that speak in a meaningful and challenging way to the general public. We originate four exhibitions yearly including one student competition and one show of graduating seniors. We have a strong focus on artists of the Southeast, although we also occasionally show artists from other regions.