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Recent Acquisitions Releases Press Release Archive |
Opening Lecture Launches Graham Williford's America at TMA Tyler, TX—An authority on American art takes center stage Sunday as the Tyler Museum of Art celebrates the opening of its major new exhibition, Graham Williford's America. Guest curator Mary Anne Goley will share her insights on the artwork included in this exhibition with the opening lecture "American Painting," scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 in the Jean Browne Theatre on the Tyler Junior College campus. Lecture admission is free, but registration is encouraged by calling 903-595-1001. Organized by the TMA, Graham Williford's America marks one of the first major exhibitions spotlighting the legacy and vast collection of the late Graham Devoe Williford, the longtime resident of Fairfield, Texas who is regarded as one of the leading forces in rekindling interest in the study and collecting of American art. William Merritt Chase, Thomas Cole, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and James McNeill Whistler are just a few of the 19th- and 20th-century American artistic luminaries celebrated in the exhibition, opening to the public Sunday and continuing through May 11 in the Museum's North Gallery. Ms. Goley recently retired from her post as founding Director of the Fine Arts Program of the Federal Reserve Board, where she served from 1975–2006. Her early years at the Federal Reserve would mark the beginning of a close association with Williford, and for more than 20 years she would work in tandem with the collector in curating works from his increasingly extensive collection as he loaned pieces to the Federal Reserve. "Some people found Graham could be demanding, but I think that's because his standards were so high. He recognized quality when he saw it, and the results of his efforts can't be understated," she said. "The types of paintings Graham collected now are in every museum collection, and this exhibition at the TMA is a tribute to that legacy." During her Federal Reserve tenure, Ms. Goley was responsible for the planning and oversight of public exhibitions – including international collaborations with foreign central banks – as well as the development of a permanent collection, orchestrating a loan program from museums and private collectors, and advising and acquiring contemporary art and site-specific commissions for Federal Reserve banks. In 1990, Ms. Goley concluded six years on the board of the Arlington Arts Center – a regional center for emerging artists – three of them as president. From 1994–96, she served as president of the Association of Professional Art Advisors, a nationwide standards organization for corporate art advisors. She is a member of the Museum Trustee Association, and in 2003 was invited by the National Endowment for the Arts to serve on a panel to award $15 million in grants for the "Save America's Treasures" program. Ms. Goley holds degrees in art history from the University of Maryland and Case Western Reserve University, jointly with the Cleveland Museum of Art. She attended Oberlin College. She is an acknowledged expert on American painters Eduard J. Steichen and John White Alexander, the latter of whom is featured in Graham Williford's America. SPONSORS Ms. Goley's opening lecture is sponsored by Potter Minton, P.C. Exhibition sponsors for Graham Williford's America are The Graham Williford Foundation for American Art, Amy and Vernon Faulconer, Tyler Morning Telegraph, Kathie and Leo Mack, Barbara and Billy Bass, Dr. James and Norma Cotton, Austin Bank and Fairfield Inn by Marriott. The exhibition also is supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Corporate Member sponsors are Dermatology Associates of Tyler and Tyler Cancer Center. Media sponsor is KLTV Channel 7. The TMA is seeking volunteers for its docent staff to help lead educational tours and programming throughout the exhibition. Numerous volunteer opportunities remain available; for information on applications and training, call TMA tour coordinator Elnora Williams at 903-595-1001, ext. 206. The Tyler Museum of Art is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., at the corner of Apache Pass, adjacent to the Tyler Junior College campus off East Fifth Street. Regular hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For more information call 903-595-1001. |