The Museum of Western Art Spend a weekend exploring Kerrville’s gorgeous and inspiring museum that houses important pieces donated from the region, and, has recently undergone a renovation and just keeps getting better.
Museum photos by Ceslie Armstrong; Andy Bachofen photo by Nancy Foster
by Nancy Foster It’s classic, it’s pure Americana and it’s a significant part of the Texas Hill Country’s cultural scene. The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville can easily stand tall against other world-class western art museums throughout the country. With a permanent collection of masterpieces by renowned western artists of this and past centuries, a distinctive structure designed by famed Texas architect O’Neil Ford, and a staunch commitment to preserve the legends and lore of the old west, this museum provides a rich cultural experience for visitors of all ages. Originally known as the Cowboy Artists of America when it opened in 1983, it became The Museum of Western Art in 2003 and follows its mission to “collect, preserve and promote our Western Heritage for the education and cultural enrichment of our diverse audiences.” Their tagline aptly says: “Where the Legend Lives,” and it certainly does through an exceptional collection of art. If first impressions count, this one scores high. The entranceway winds its way to the crest of a grassy hilltop overlooking sweeping views of the town of Kerrville. The first glimpse of what awaits are several eye-catching western bronze sculptures, including the lifesize “Wind and Rain” which depicts a dismounted cowboy warily pondering an approaching storm. Donated in 1994
by Cowboy Artist William Moyers, this bronze is one of the museum’s most photographed pieces. Step inside to discover 15,000 square feet of multiple galleries, a research library and public areas. The architecture astounds with refined touches including floors of end-cut mesquite and Saltillo tile plus 23 brick Bóveda domes in the ceilings. Over 250 paintings addressing the western mystique accurately depict cowboys, ranchers, wildlife, wagon trains and more. Created by artists held in high esteem in the Western art world including George Phippen, Fred Harman, Bill Nebeker, Oreland Joe and Fritz White are beautifully displayed. Numerous artifacts of the old West and 150 bronze sculptures complete the collection. Recent renovations have pumped up the museum’s look. Two main galleries now sport a sophisticated new paint job and the former atrium has been enclosed for use to showcase additional bronze sculptures. Regular museum exhibits change throughout the year, showcasing the talents of a different western artist each month. The major event of 2017 for this nonprofit will be its 34th annual juried art exhibition and sale on September 16th when top talent
“Each painting has its own story to tell on the American West.” -Andy Bachofen, volunteer docent