About the Collection
selections from the collection in the Art+Design building
The Austin Peay State University Art Collection contains approximately 3500 pieces of diverse art objects: paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, drawings, and historical objects. Works in the Collection are from various sources such as gifts made by individuals and families in the community, donations from visiting artists, purchases made recognizing student artists and notable regional artists, and purchase awards from various exhibitions.
The University Art also has several smaller collections representing how the art pieces joined the art collection. Most notably: the Mabel Larson Drawing Collection, which includes the drawings purchased from the Border to Border Biennial Drawing Exhibition and form an exquisite contemporary drawing collection in the region; The Robertson Collection, a collection of over 300 original photographs, donated by Jim and Nan Robertson, with pieces of historical value as well as examples of some of the finest art photographers in the world; The Folk Art Collection is an exceptional blend of folk and outsider art with the majority of pieces donated by Ned and Jacqueline Crouch and the Trahern family.
Highlights from the art collection include the work of William Edmondson, E.T. Wickham, Romare Bearden, Francisco Goya, Bill Brandt, André Kertesz, Alphonse Legros, the Kolb Brothers, Karl Struss, William Eggleston, Edward Weston, and John Francis Strauss.
Recent acquisitions include works by LaToya Hobbs, Yancy Villa, Winnie van der Rijn, Gamaliel Rodriguez, Carlos Barberena, Carl E. Moore, Benjy Russell, Frank Paulin, Karen Seapker, and Taro Takizawa.
The Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University (the “Department”) is committed to the stewardship, preservation, and research of the University Permanent Art Collection (the “Collection”). The Department is committed to developing several focused collections of fine art photography, folk art, contemporary drawing, printmaking, and works of art with a historical and regional emphasis.
The Department strives to place original works of art into the daily lives of the Austin Peay community. Selections from the collection can be found throughout campus. Currently, there are approximately 1000 pieces on display throughout 12 buildings on campus.
Mission Statement:
The Department of Art + Design is the primary repository for art on the Austin Peay State University campus. The Department’s mission is to provide meaningful encounters with art through the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of the art collection to the university community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the region’s general public.
Vision Statement:
Its vision is to provide meaningful educational experiences and encounters with the visual arts. The educational experiences allow Austin Peay State University to become a leader in art appreciation and interdisciplinary education for the local community.
Online Collection Database:
This project was propelled by the Hazel Smith Summer Research Fellowship, an endowment created by the generosity of Mark and Martha Em Raby in honor of Hazel Smith - Martha Em's aunt and Austin Peay's first art teacher. Learn how you can support the Collection.