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 Updated: 1/18/2015 
Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MIdwestern State University
Wichita Falls, Texas
Description

As a cultural resource for the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma communities and beyond, the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University supports the University's liberal arts mission and its educational, research, and service goals. The Museum's permanent art collection, exhibitions, and educational programs provide interdisciplinary and multi-cultural explorations of human creativity. Accountable to the public and responsive to the regions' changing cultural needs, the Museum offers its patrons opportunities for learning and for enjoying the richness of our established and emerging cultural heritage.

History

Wichita Falls' citizens had long dreamed of founding a museum, but it was not until the early 1940s that efforts were made in that direction. In 1962, after two attempts failed to establish a museum at Midwestern State University, the Junior League began a plan to establish a permanent museum. On May 27, 1964, the Charter of Incorporation under which the museum began to operate was approved. A financial solicitation followed, and ground breaking for the new museum took place on April 12, 1966, with the museum opening as scheduled on April 1, 1967.

The first acquisition was a planetarium machine. It was determined that the public looked primarily to the museum for examples of art of other areas and periods. Although financial support provided museum maintenance, the small exhibits budget pointed toward a need for a permanent collection upon which to draw for its own exhibits. The Art Acquisitions committee agreed that a historical survey of American art would best meet the needs of the community. It further determined that the most feasible means of achieving this would be to purchase original graphics or prints. The first exhibition of the permanent collection took place in 1976, and this exhibit subsequently became a traveling exhibit.

In 1973, the museum received accreditation by the American Association of Museums, which it retains to date. Under the guidance of the first director in 1966, the purpose, scope, and methods of operation were set in writing by the Board of Trustees and adopted just prior to the opening ceremonies. The stated purpose has remained unchanged until the 25th anniversary year. At that time, the long range planning committee recommended the addition of the words, "all segments of the community" in recognition of the need for the museum to remove any vestige of elitism, to promote the continuance of the use of the museum by families, and to continue the quest to reach the potential audience in the 22 counties surrounding the museum. Additionally, the long-range planning committee also recommended that the museum focus only on the disciplines of Art and Science in planning programs and exhibits. These changes to the statement of purpose were approved by the board at its annual meeting last year.

During the past 25 years, the museum has endured a major fire, a devastating tornado, and a severe depression in the local oil and gas economy. Defying the odds, the trustees set forth in 1986 to raise money to construct a 6,572 square foot new wing and to add to the existing endowment. After a successful campaign, the new wing with a new state-of-the-art vault opened in April of 1990.

The next move was to increase museum attendance, which had dropped to an all time low and to improve the museum's operating budget. Dinosaur Roundup became the vehicle for this goal, and this successful fundraising exhibit revitalized the museum, brought in 60,000 visitors, and made the museum relevant to the entire region. In analyzing the statistics collected during this exhibit, the museum has adjusted its program focus with a hands-on science gallery, a discovery room, and an increased planetarium show schedule. The adoption of the Long-Range Plan secured the first $250,000 of a $1.25 million pledge to the museum endowment and the art collection.

Artifact Collections

Permanent Art Collection focuses on the history of American art through printmaking and holds approximately 700+ prints in various medias. Other art works in the art collection include various sculpture, paintings, drawings, pottery, and rare books. The total number of art works in computer records is approximately 1,100. Time span covered by the collection ranges from 1677 to the present. Heaviest concentration is on 20th-century prints.

Local history Photo Archives holds about 3,500 photographs that document the historical and industrial development of the local area. A few photos date back to 1860 with the heaviest concentration on 1890 to 1950 or so. These photos provide a fascinating account in visual local history of how Wichita Falls and the surrounding communities have changed and developed.

Other areas of the collection include ethnic statues and sculptures that are mainly African and pre-Columbian. These works were added to the collection over 20 years ago. The collection has approximately 100 of these items which vary from small statues to cultural artifacts, all quite small in scale.

An estimated 175 African pieces from about 1950 are also quite miniature in scale. As the collection becomes more focused, the goal is to transfer records of these items to the permanent Art Collection categories. They are recorded at this time as historical artifacts.

There are also approximately 20 quilts of local heritage which will eventually be planned for transfer to the Permanent Art Collection records as textile art.

Estimating approximately various and sundry historical 2,000 objects as follows: dolls, clothing and textiles, photography equipment, office equipment, antique toys, antique furnishings, natural history items, tools, sewing and spinning, African objects, etc. While many of these items are not dated, they typically fall into periods of 1890 to 1940.

These objects no longer fit

Research Collections

Archival collections are being transferred to the Wichita County Archives since they are a more appropriate resource for researchers. However, until completed and final administrative functions in preparing transfer are complete, any and all items may be used for research here. Included are newspaper clippings, letters, booklets, documents, etc. Library/visual resources [size and scope; circulation policy; appointment policy; access; reproduction issues; fees]

The museum has a research library which is available for use by the public. It contains 1,500 volumes dealing with such topics as Chinese art, world art, art seminars, lithographic art, source material on historical figures, Texas culture and area history, natural science, and astronomy. the library is completely staffed by volunteers and open during convenient hours for students and teachers or upon request. Two books have been written utilizing the collection. The Registrar assists researchers in using the collection for this very important aspect of the museum's purpose, providing "opportunity for immediate intellectual involvement with man's past and present environment."

The Education Curator, the Exhibits Curator, and the Traveling Trunk Coordinator make frequent use of these research opportunities in planning exhibits and programs. Research is used primarily to document the collections and for the development of exhibit labels. Information is also gathered for docent training and the development of educational programs. The university students and professors from the art department make frequent use of the museum library for research, as do high school students.

Does not circulate print materials; no appointment necessary; possibly can assist with inter-library loans.

Main visual reference materials include slides of those art works documented from the Permanent collection. Some works have also black and white photos. Approximately 70% of the perm

Programs

Programming consists of school and public tours by trained volunteer docents, Planetarium shows, after school video-plex shows (educational wide screen videos on planetarium dome) special events, workshops, classes, bus trips, children's theater presentations, community festivals, outreach programs, and cooperative ventures with special interest groups. School groups receive a guided tour of the museum by volunteer docents, a planetarium show, and a half- hour session in the Discovery Room with hands-on activities.

An Education Committee consisting of representatives from the school district and the University was formed and has had several fruitful meetings. Suggestions gleaned from these meetings have helped evaluate current programming in terms of its relevance to the community and to the school curriculum. These suggestions also led to some experimental programs last year.

In March of 1993, the museum introduced The Eureka Science Theater, a science workshop presentation for 10 to 12 year olds directed by a physics teacher on loan from the school system. This highly innovative program was well received and will be rescheduled. Saturday workshops cover such diverse topics as art using recycled paper, solar graphics, crystal basics, quilt making, puppetry, and theater.

Story Patch Players offers two presentations each month to preschool children and encourages audience interaction. Working with the local Astronomy club, the museum offers informational star gazing sessions several times a year which have a positive effect on the planetarium show attendance. This past summer the museum co-sponsored a Science Laboratory at the museum with the local school district's science department.

In May, the museum hosts a Very Special Arts Festival, a day-long program in which over 250 mentally and physically handicapped children participate in arts and crafts and interact with performing and visual artists. The museum also offers a children's performing art series that ties in with the exhibit format.

The museum schedules lectures and gallery talks for specific exhibits.

Other materials include traveling trunks for outreach programs at schools and local areas. Portable laser equipment could do shows at other locations.

Facilities
Performance Areas
Services
Gift Shop
Event Rental
Address
2 Eureka Circle
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
phone: 940-397-8900
e-mail: wfma@mwsu.edu
home page: wfmamsu.org
Report Incorrect Data
Submit Events
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Friday10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday1 PM - 5 PM
Museum Type(s)
Art
General
History
University
Staff
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MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

March 15 - 18, 2025

Blacksburg, Virginia

Virginia Association of Museum's 2025 Annual Conference!

Saturday, March 15 - Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Inn at Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, Virginia

Hosted by: Virginia Association of Museums

2025 Conference Theme: Looking Back to the Future For the past several years, many museums have been deeply involved in planning programs and events to observe the 250th birthday of the United States of America. While this is certainly an occasion to celebrate, this anniversary also forces us as a society to reckon with ongoing inequities and challenges within the US that go back to its inception. As museums ask their audiences to look to the past to understand the present and shape a better future, perhaps now is a good moment in time for Virginia’s museum community to take pause and look back at its own history. We are excited to see you in Blacksburg in March 2025 as we take a moment in our hectic schedules to take pause and visit our diverse pasts. Let’s uncover and share our histories to build a more resilient Virginia museum community.

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

March 29 - 31, 2025

Athens, Ohio

Ohio Museum Asociation 2025 Annual Conference - Athens

Saturday, March 29 - Monday, March 31, 2025

TBA

Athens, Ohio

Hosted by: Ohio Museums Association

"Innovation: Museums and Reaching our Potential

The heart of innovation is transformation – shaking up our established way of doing things by introducing new methods, new ideas, and new approaches to both obstacles and opportunities

Museums across Ohio are not just adapting, but innovating to reach their full potential and better serve their communities. No matter their role, museum professionals are introducing forward-thinking perspectives and initiating creative solutions to launch the field into a future where museums can remain trusted and relevant community cornerstones

How can your museum stay true to mission and serve your community in new and meaningful ways? How can we as museum professionals meet the challenges of the future with reinvigorated enthusiasm

Join us in Athens, March 29-31 as we explore these topics and more at the 2025 Ohio Museums Association’s Annual Conference: Innovation: Museums and Reaching our Potential.

For more information, please email oma@ohiohistory.org.

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

March 30 - 31, 2025

Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina Museums Council 2025 Annual Conference

Sunday, March 30 - Monday, March 31, 2025

TBA

Raleigh, North Carolina

Hosted by: North Carolina Museums Council

Museums Unwalled: Expanding Horizon

This theme highlights the importance of museums as dynamic entities that engage with communities, foster education, drive cultural change and often go beyond the building itself. By focusing on areas such as community engagement, digital and virtual presence, interdisciplinary collaborations, sustainability, accessibility, and cultural diversity, we aim to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for all attendees

The primary objective is to provide a platform for museum professionals and others working in the industry to share ideas, best practices, resources and innovative approaches that demonstrate how museums can reach audiences in and beyond our physical spaces. We aim to inspire attendees to think broadly about the potential of their institutions and to foster a spirit of innovation and community engagement.

By facilitating discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, the conference will empower current and future museum professionals and to expand their impact, embrace new challenges, and create meaningful connections with their audiences and communities.

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

March 31 - April 3, 2025

Washington, Arkansas

Arkansas Museums Association 2025 Conference

Monday, March 31 - Thursday, April 3, 2025

Historic Washington State Park

Washington, Arkansas

Hosted by: Arkansas Museums Association

"From the Ground Up: Cultivating Essential Skills in Museums

This year, the AMA conference theme is "From the Ground Up: Cultivating Essential Skills in Museums" As museum professionals we learn and use a wide variety of tools and skills every day

The Arkansas Museums Association is planning its 2025 Annual Conference, which will be hosted by Historic Washington State Park on March 31-April 3, 2025.

The goal of the conference is to support and foster the museum community through a mix of speakers as well as workshops, practical and informative presentations, in-depth discussions, and examples of projects and initiatives that are relevant to museums in Arkansas. Arkansas Museum Association members take ownership in the conference experience as presenters, speakers, panelists, facilitators, and workshop leaders.

For more information, please email arkansasmuseums@gmail.com.

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

April 5 - 8, 2025

Ithaca, New York

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

Saturday, April 5 - Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Ithaca Downtown Conference Center

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Cultivating Community: Looking In, Reaching Ou

Who are the members of our communities? How can we evaluate our internal structures to help us better understand our organization, define our audiences, and serve our communities? How do we bring all communities together to support our field? How can we support and develop our internal community of staff, volunteers, and board members? How can we advocate for funding that meets operational capacity needs and includes equitable staff support? What changes do we need to make to prioritize the health and well-being of our museum workforce that will support the longevity and sustainability of our institutions and strengthen our ability to build meaningful community relationships

MANY presents conference sessions, workshops, panel discussions, facilitated discussions, and peer-to-peer learning experiences focusing on our 2025 conference theme, Cultivating Community: Looking In, Reaching Out. We will be gathering in Ithaca, in the Southern Tier Region of our state, located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ (the Cayuga Nation)

MANY’s annual conference helps museum professionals build a network to share perspectives, tools, and skills that develop excellence across the field. Our goal is to nurture a community of practice, advance institutional change, and create an inclusive and expansive New York team of collaborators who learn together.

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