“A public library has a greater opportunity of fulfilling the purpose to which it is dedicated, namely, that of enriching the higher life of the community, if it has in addition to a generous supply of inspiring and helpful books, some objects representing other lines of artistic development, examples of those works of art, which, together with books, have ever been a source of joy and inspiration to the soul of man.”
“The Library as an Art Center,” The Houston Post, August 2, 1908
On March 2, 1904, the Houston Lyceum and Carnegie Library opened at the corner of Travis Street and McKinney Avenue. Within three years, over 10,000 Houstonians owned a library card. Shortly after opening its doors, the library began to acquire pieces for its permanent art collection and became a venue for temporary exhibits.
In 120 years, Houston Public Library (HPL) has grown from one location to over 40 locations. The Library as an Art Center: Celebrating 120 Years of Art at Houston Public Library is a rare opportunity to view selected works from HPL's permanent art collection in one location. This exhibition also covers the history of HPL's long-standing commitment to providing free art exhibits to Houston residents and visitors. We hope you enjoy The Library as an Art Center and continue to visit us to see what we have in store for the next 120 years.
Featured artists include Charles Baugh, John Biggers, Mary Anita Bonner, Emma Richardson Cherry, Marian Ford, Frank Freed, David Hickman, Dorothy Hood, Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Grace Spaulding John, Sven Lukin, Leila McConnell, Claes Oldenburg, Charles Pebworth, Edward Muegge (Buck) Schiwetz, Mary Ellen Shipnes, Anna Francis Simpson for Newcomb College Pottery, Bernard Sleigh, Stella Sullivan, Trudy Sween, Ruth Pershing Uhler, Van Briggle Pottery, and Sidney Van Ulm.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS
E. Richardson Cherry Papers (MSS 0027)
Emma Richardson Cherry resided in Houston between the years of 1892 and 1954. Her works, primarily created in oil or watercolor, depicted landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. She was perhaps the city's best-kown artist for half a century. This collection of correspondence, notes, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia detail her family's history, her own travels and artistic achievements as well as her role in the founding of what has become the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Houston Public Library Records (RG A 0013)
The Houston Public Library Collection contains records of the institution's history and activities. Included are reports, photographs, internal and external correspondence, budgets, publicity, scrapbooks, branch building construction documents, brochures, borrower's registries, strategic plans, agendas and meeting minutes. Also included are documents relating to partnership initiatives, contracts and purchase orders, and technology additions and upgrades to the library system.
Houston Municipal Arts Commission Records (RG A 0033)
The Houston Municipal Art Commission Collection contains artwork and operational records from approximately forty years of the Commission's existence. The artwork records consists of background information on proposed artists and pieces of art, conservation histories, and other published and unpublished information about artwork owned by the City of Houston. The operational records consist of financial data, personnel records, correspondence, minutes, and other information about the Commission as a whole.
SUGGESTED READING
Camfield, William A., More Than a Constructive Hobby: The Paintings of Frank Freed
Edwards, Katie Robinson, Midcentury Modern Art in Texas
George, Mary Carolyn Hollers, Mary Bonner, Impressions of a Printmaker
Keightley, Patricia John, Grace Spaulding John, Artist, 1890-1972
McEvilley, Thomas, Bert Long: The Artist's Journey
Schiwetz, Edward Muegge, Buck Schiwetz' Texas
Theisen, Ollie Jensen, Walls That Speak: The Murals of John Thomas Biggers
Wardlaw, Alvia J., The Art of John Biggers: View From the Upper Room
Emma Richardson Cherry (1859-1954): Houston's First Modern Artist, previously on view February 1 - May 4, 2013
Planned, Organized and Established: Houston Artist Cooperatives in the 1930s, previously on view August 12 - November 9, 2017
South and North of the Border: Houston Paints Mexico, previously on view August 25 - November 10, 2018
Texas Modernism(s): Houston/Dallas in the 1930s, previously on view August 27 - November 5, 2022
RELATED MEDIA
This exhibition is generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation