Updated: 3/28/2011 
Stark Museum of Art
Orange, Texas
Description

The Stark Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of 19th and 20th century Western American art and artifacts in the country. The collection focuses on the stunning land, dramatic people, and diverse wildlife of the American West. The Museum also holds a significant collection of American Indian art as well as collections of glass and porcelain, and rare books and manuscripts

History

Inspired by their shared passion for art, Nelda and Lutcher Stark founded the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation in 1961 to enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas through education and the arts. Although Lutcher Stark had envisioned a museum in his hometown of Orange, Texas, he did not live to see it accomplished. Upon his death in 1965, the majority of the art collection in Lutcher Stark’s Estate passed to the Foundation. Under Nelda C. Stark’s direction, the Foundation built the Stark Museum of Art, which opened on November 29, 1978. The Foundation continues today to acquire additional works of art for the collections. For more information see www.starkmuseum.org.

Artifact Collections

Paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints depicting American west 1800-Present - 6,000 objects.; Rare books/manuscripts - 1,000 objects.; Native American - Southwest, Plains, Pacific Coast - 1,000 objects.; Decorative Arts - Steuben glass, ceramic birds - 2,000 objects

Research Collections

Available to qualified scholars by advance arrangement. Large collection relating to John James Audubon; rare books/manuscripts relating to ornithology, natural science; some manuscript material relating to artists of American West, especially New Mexico 1890-1960.

Programs

The Stark Museum of Art provides educational resources for the general public and for students, teachers, and researchers. To increase enjoyment and appreciation of the arts, the Museum uses the collections and exhibitions for object-based learning experiences. The museum offers educational programs to promote life-long learning experiences about the arts. Programs from book discussions to guest lectures provide opportunities to enhance enjoyment and understanding of the arts. The Stark Museum of Art offers docent-led interactive tours for students in all grade levels. To learn more or to book a tour visit our web site at www.starkmuseum.org . Group Tours Docent-led tours are available for groups interested in guided viewings of the collections of art at the Stark Museum of Art.

Library

Access: Scholars

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop
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April 5 - 8, 2025

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April 6 - 8, 2025

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April 6 - 9, 2025

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Independence, Oregon

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The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

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