Welcome from the Director

From its position as the nation's premier collection of American art and archival material, Gilcrease Museum is uniquely suited to present exhibitions and programming that is as rich and diverse as the stories that make up our nation's history and culture.

During the 2012-13 season, Gilcrease will feature two outstanding traveling exhibitions that call out to the museum's own permanent collection. The first, a display of photographs from the archives of National Geographic magazine, will focus on 125 years of the American West. Many scenes will be familiar to the Gilcrease Museum visitor, as well as those not so familiar but majestic. These photographs will be on display through the first part of February.

Additionally, Gilcrease is honored to be one of only three venues in the country to host the exhibition, Edgar Payne: The Scenic Journey, organized by the Pasadena Museum of California Art. A neighboring son, born in Missouri, Payne was chiefly self-taught and has become known as one of the most gifted of California's early plein air artists.

And finally, the museum gets to shine the spotlight on one of our Native sons as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Woodrow (Woody) Wilson Crumbo by presenting Bending, Weaving, Dancing: The Art of Woody Crumbo beginning in late February.  Crumbo's friendship with Thomas Gilcrease had an enduring impact on the museum's collection as a whole, and the sublime nature of his art represents his lifelong dedication to spreading knowledge about the culture of Native Americans.

In conjunction with these exhibits, our education staff also is preparing programming designed to engage museum attendees of all ranges.

Whatever the reason or season, we hope you will visit us and discover the many treasures that Gilcrease has to offer.

Duane H. King