Museum Reviews: El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso, TX

Some will be inspired. Others will be awed. Everyone will be educated.

The magnificent works of artistry at the El Paso Museum of Art are a true sight to behold. With its expansive permanent collection and many traveling pieces, the museum has much to offer to all patrons. Whether you are an art lover or novice, you will find incomparable beauty in the many pieces of the museum. You will learn about the past at the same time that you are entertained in the present. There is no limit to the time you can spend in the beautifully manicured halls or to what you can learn in its expansive exhibits.

The El Paso Museum of Art was founded in 1959 and greets 100,000 patrons every year. The City of El Paso, Texas has jurisdiction over the museum, which is located close to the Mexican border. Below is a detailed description of the many services the museum offers, beginning with its most prized asset, the works of art.

Permanent Collection - The El Paso Museum of Art has an expansive permanent collection encompassing over 5000 pieces. Major groups include:

12th-18th century European Art - In this 3,300 square foot gallery, you can view pieces spanning six centuries from masters such as Jusepe de Ribera, Hyacinthe Rigaud, Bernardo Strozzi, Giovanni di Paolo and Lorenzo Lotto. The 57 paintings and two sculptures originate from the Samuel H. Kress Collection and includes works such as Portrait of a Lady by Anthony Van Dyck and Madonna and Child by Master of the School of Lucca.

Spanish Viceroyal - The Spanish Empire's influence on the New World can be seen through the many works of the 17th through 19thSaint Rita of Cascia by Antonio de Torres and Virgin of Guadalupe by Nicolas Enriquez. centuries. Acclaimed artists such as Francisco Martnez and Juan Snchez Salmern can be viewed. Located in the Roderick Gallery, the collection includes many inspirational images as well as paintings on unusual materials such as tin and copper. Works include

Works on Paper - Over 2500 pieces comprise this collection of photographs, watercolors, posters, drawings, prints and artists books by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Ansel Adams, William Merritt Chase and Francisco Goya. Spanning the 16th-20th centuries, these prints, engravings and other pieces are displayed in the Peter and Margaret de Wetter Gallery, among other locations. Current focus is on contemporary American prints and photography of the American West. In this magnificent display, you will see works such as Honky Tonk by Luis Jimenez.

Contemporary - Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico are the focus of the paintings and sculptures in this fascinating collection. You can view paintings such as Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower by James Surls and Cogs and Wheels by Al Souza, as well as pieces by acclaimed artists like Kermit Oliver, Willie Varela, Melissa Miller and Jesus Bautista Moroles. They are housed in various locations throughout the museum.

American - Focusing on the Southwest, the American collection includes a broad variety of pieces from the last two centuries. You can view pieces such as President George Washington by Gilbert Stuart and The Mystery (A Sign of Friendship) 1909 by Frederick Remington. Other works include the artistry of Rembrandt Peale, John Sloan, Moses Soyer and E. Irving Couse. Few collections can boast a similar size of comparable art.

Special Exhibitions - The El Paso Museum of Art regularly displays special exhibitions to provide even the most frequent museum patron with unique experiences. Current exhibitions include:

El Nio de Atocha - Includes works on a thirteenth century figure credited with providing rations to Christian prisoners. The exhibition will be shown through September 6, 2009.

Bestiario and Nahuales 2 - Twenty artists from around the globe showcase works depicting beasts and guardian animal spirits. Rene Hugo Arceo formulated this collaboration, which shows the unique works that can come from those of different backgrounds. This exhibition will remain through September 20, 2009.

Ilan Lieberman: nio perdido (lost child) - This shows the penciled reproductions of missing children by artist Ilan Lieberman. It is showing until September 13, 2009.

The Nesters - The exhibition includes five drawings by Tom Lea. In 1936, Mr. Lea produced a mural for the Ben Franklin Post Office. Parts of it were destroyed, and these are all that remain. They will be on display July 5 - July 31, 2009.

Edge of Abstraction - In appreciation of abstract art, a wide variety of artists will be displayed, including Takashi Murakami, Haynes Ownby, Sylvia Paulus and Mercedes Pena. The dates of this exhibition are July 5 - September 27, 2009.

In addition to the works of art offered at the museum, there are many other educational opportunities available. These include family programs such as lectures, talks, concerts and workshops. One such program is Book Bunch, which provides a forum for those interested in literature. You can also view presentations from local artists. In addition, the museum provides resources for teachers, such as workshops and inservice programs. They have an educator evening and a teacher resource library.

Interested in art classes? The museum offers classes for art lovers of all ages. They also offer a Summer Art Camp Volunteer Program. A foreign film series and the expansive Algur H. Meadows Art Library further enhance the experience you can get at the museum.

The El Paso Museum of Art offers a wonderful journey into the world of art. They are open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, visit their website at www.elpasoartmuseum.org.