Category: Exhibition

William Lester: True to Form

This long overdue solo exhibition of the art of William Lester (1910-1991) will include drawings, paintings and prints from private and public collections ranging in date from 1930-1970 to examine the unique and visionary artwork Lester created during his career as a draftsman, painter, printmaker and art educator. The arc of Lester’s lifetime pursuit of “a personal style of expression” will William Lester: True to Form

Coreen Mary Spellman: In Her Own Right

This solo exhibition will feature paintings and fine art prints by Coreen Mary Spellman from the collection of the Tyler Museum of Art and the Spellman Forney Historical Museum, as well as private collections. In a 1941 Dallas Morning News article, Louise Gossett listed Coreen Mary Spellman “among the most promising women artists in the state.” Spellman was a champion of Coreen Mary Spellman: In Her Own Right

Independence Day – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

Independence Day in the United States is celebrated every July 4th to commemorate the Declaration of Independence in 1776 with fireworks, parades, and parties. Throughout Abilene’s history, Independence Day has meant a day off work and celebrating the holiday with friends, family, and the entire city. Families gathered to watch parades, and sometimes even participate, with young boys following the Independence Day – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

Texas Regionalism Revisited

“In the 1930s, a group of young artists—including Jerry Bywaters, Alexandre Hogue, William Lester, Thomas Stell, Harry Carnohan, and Coreen Spellman, among others—gained national recognition for their scenic and ideological interpretations of the local environment. Although they depicted the people and landscapes of Texas in identifiable and representational manners, each artist possessed their own style, often combining realism with modernist Texas Regionalism Revisited

Immigrant Heritage Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

Immigrant Heritage Month honors immigrants and their positive impact on communities across the country, including those who have greatly contributed to the success of Abilene. This exhibition recognizes two such individuals who have demonstrated strong dedication to our community through their volunteer efforts on several local nonprofit boards and committees, especially here at The Grace Museum.  The Grace Museum is Immigrant Heritage Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

Asian American and Pacific Islander Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

The story of Japanese Internment during World War II is integral to the understanding of American sentiment of otherwise innocent Japanese people during the war. Learn about the untold story of Japanese Americans that either escaped internment on the west coast or served in the military during the war.

Full Steam Ahead: The Texas & Pacific Railway

Exhibition Reception | Thursday, September 5, 2024 | 6-8 pmGuest Speaker: Tony Privett, Slaton Harvey House The Texas & Pacific Railway Company (T&P Railway) began plans to build a railroad line from Shreveport, Louisiana all the way to San Diego, California, creating a southern route that would help with winter climate complications. The T&P Railway began construction in 1872 and the Full Steam Ahead: The Texas & Pacific Railway

Young Masters Juried Art Exhibition 2024

This annual juried art competition offers every Advanced Placement (AP) Studio Art student in Abilene ISD an opportunity to have artwork selected for a museum exhibition and to compete for valuable college scholarships. The exhibition is a collaborative effort by AEF, Abilene ISD, and The Grace Museum.

Earth Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

Earth Month is dedicated to educating the community about environmental issues, offering climate solutions, and promoting our Earth’s care and sustainability. This exhibition highlights Texas history related to environmental improvements, as well as local efforts spearheaded by groups like Keep Abilene Beautiful and Master Gardeners of Abilene.

Women’s History Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

From Women’s History Day in 1978 to Women’s History Week in the early 1980s, this month was formally established by Congress in 1987. This exhibition highlights some of the early efforts by women in Texas and Abilene in particular with the right to vote, involvement in war efforts, establishing roots in business, and participation in women’s clubs. 

Black History Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

February’s cultural heritage exhibition celebrates Black History Month. The exhibition will discuss various issues that Blacks have faced within the Abilene community such as segregation and desegregation, constant hardships, black leaders who have persevered, and the push for success within their own community.

Youth Art Month 2024

Youth Art Month is a national celebration of the visual arts and art education! Each year, The Grace Museum participates by hosting a one-month art exhibition and partnering with schools throughout the Region 14 district, as well as with homeschool groups. Teachers select their students’ best artwork and submit it to the Museum for display. This year’s Youth Art Month Youth Art Month 2024

International Holocaust Remembrance Day – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2024

International Holocaust Remembrance Day takes place each year on January 27th, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. This exhibition highlights the history of the Holocaust, displacement and mass murder of Jewish people, the role Texans played as liberators, and the history of Abilene’s Jewish community.

Universal Human Rights Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2023

December is Universal Human Rights Month Universal Human Rights Month celebrates the landmark document that “enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” This month strives to promote this declaration and the continuing struggles Universal Human Rights Month – Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2023

The Artistic Legacy of Buck Schiwetz

Artist Edward “Buck” Muegge Schiwetz was born in Cuero, Texas in 1898. He graduated high school in 1916 and following his father’s wishes, began studying engineering at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A&M University). Due to his artistic interests inherited from his mother, Schiwetz switched his degree to architecture and graduated in 1921. Subsequently, he moved The Artistic Legacy of Buck Schiwetz

Texas Landscapes from The Grace Museum Permanent Collection

The Grace Museum (originally The Abilene Fine Arts Museum) has a history of collecting important prints, paintings, and drawings focusing on the Texas landscape. This companion exhibition features works of art collected during the last 76 years. Paintings by Edward Eisenlohr, Loren Mozley, Bob Stuth-Wade, and many others will be presented in this group exhibition exploring Texas landscape painting treasures Texas Landscapes from The Grace Museum Permanent Collection