Boasting an extensive collection of American art and exhibits that rotate every three to five months as well as a Sensory Garden, the Ellen Noel Art Museum has something everyone will enjoy. Be sure to stop by the Museum Store to browse unique gifts and keepsakes.
The Ellen Noel Art Museum Collection
With examples spread throughout the Museum’s McKnight, Nelda Lee and Patron’s Galleries, the Ellen Noel Art Museum’s permanent collection is comprised of American art from 1860 to the present and concentrates on Texas and Southwest works of art. More than 800 works are included in the collection in a variety of media including, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass, works on paper and photography. Among the artists represented in the collection are: Thomas Hart Benton, Janet Fish, Giacomo Manzu, Adolph Gottlieb, Peter Hurd, Lois Lane, M.C. Escher, Lowell Nesbitt, Rufino Tamayo, Victor Vasarely, and Peter Vogel. Works of art by Texas and Southwestern artists such as Luis Jimenez, Ned Bosnick, Dee Wolff, Frank Gervasi, Billy Hassell, Michelle O’Michael, George Tobolowsky and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith make up a significant amount of the works within the collection. Of particular importance are two pieces by Texas ceramist James Watkins and major works by regional ceramist and sculptor Jean Cappadonna-Nichols.
George and Milly Rhodus Sensory Garden
From “chocolate daisies” to “lemon” geraniums and tactile interest plants like “Lamb’s Ear,” “Feathertail Grass,” and “Cat’s Paw,” you can delight in the many surprises in the Sensory Garden. Bronze figurative pieces, whimsical sculpture and abstract images provide opportunities for “hands-on” experiences and include a monumental, mounted-wall sculptural piece by the internationally celebrated artists Jesus Morales entitled Portal, free standing granite work Musical Stele and a granite water feature called Spirit Fountain.
Shop the Museum Store
Be sure to visit the Ellen Noel Art Museum Store. Books about art and history, local prints, postcards, handmade crafts by American artists, creative sets for children, nature-inspired ceramics and works in pewter, airy scarves, handcrafted jewelry, handbags and other one-a-kind gifts and keepsakes are available to purchase.
- Make the most of your visit to the Ellen Noel Art Museum, pick up gallery guides and information on artists and educational programs and events from the front desk.
- The Ellen Noel Art Museum is ADA compliant.
- Rotating exhibitions support the Ellen Noel Art Museum’s mission. Examples of past exhibitions include the West Texas Triangle Exhibition by Catherine Lee, Sculpture by Steve Teeters and From the Pueblo to West Texas: Paintings by René Alvarado.