OU announced a gift Thursday of 32 works of Southwestern art bymembers of the famous Taos Society of Artists valued at $5million.
The gift was donated by OU alumnus William H. Thams of Midland,Texas, in memory of his wife, Roxanne P. Thams, who was also an OUgraduate.
"(The Thams) wanted the art to be in a place where it wouldimpact the quality of life of future generations by being a part ofthe educational experience of students at their alma mater," OUPresident David L. Boren said.
This collection, along with those given previously to themuseum, establishes the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art in the topranks of university art museums in the nation, Boren said.
The works are mostly oils, and many are still in their originalframes. The combination of this collection and the FleischakerCollection, acquired by OU in 1996, make the museum's holdings ofTaos artists one of the most important in the nation.
Thams, a geology graduate, said he and his wife started buyinglittle reproductions even when they couldn't afford it. RoxanneThams, a journalism graduate, was an artist, and the couple startedcollecting while they were still OU students.
"It was just something I think we probably felt was as necessaryas a sofa or a chair. It was part of our life ... and we wanted tocontinue that way," Thams said.
Eric Lee, museum director, said he asked Thams which piece washis favorite.
"Thams said, 'I just can't name one. Sometimes we did without tobuy one of those. There is an emotional attachment to each one,'"Lee said.
The collection includes works by Ernest L. Blumenschein and BertG. Phillips, who formed the Taos Colony after the wheel of theirsurrey broke near Taos in 1898, and they were captivated by thearea's scenery, light and cultures.
Lee praised the works as fresh and immediate.
"When we found something that talked to us, we couldn't walk offand leave it," Thams said.
Boren said Thams became interested in giving the collection tothe university after reading the Sooner Magazine's article on theFleischaker Collection.
"That little seed that was written about in the Sooner magazinecaused others to want to give," Boren said.
Josh Hicks, fine arts film senior, viewed the works during aspecial display on Thursday.
"This gives students a chance to see a type of art that isAmerican but with importance that can influence artists around theworld," Hicks said.
The permanent collection of Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art hasgrown tremendously in the last several years. Clara Weitzenhoffergave 33 works of French Impressionist paintings in 2000 by artistssuch as Degas, Monet, Renior and Van Gogh.
The Taos collection will be displayed in the museum's galleryMarch 28 through May 18. Because of renovation, the works will notbe shown again until spring 2005.
"We thank all of those who have planted the seeds of greatness,"Boren said.hello there & you too
