Hidden Treasure of Western Art

In beautiful Orange, Texas, just off Highway 90 near the Louisiana border, you can find one of the most interesting western art museums in the US. It truly is a gem of a museum that is like a hidden treasure. At the Stark Museum of Art, you’ll find Western art, American Indian art, and even rare books and manuscripts. Their collection truly capture the spirit of the region.

The Stark Museum of Art is run by the Stark Foundation. HJ Lutcher Stark was a prominent Texas businessman who worked tirelessly to promote education and cultural in the southeast corner of Texas. He was an avid art collector specializing in southwestern art that he and his wife would discover on their frequent trips to New Mexico throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s. In 1961 established the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation which later became simply the Stark Foundation in order to promote cultural education in southeastern Texas.

The Stark Foundation has worked to improve educational and cultural opportunities in Orange, Texas. They’ve restored the Shangri La Botancial Gardens, the HW Stark House, and built the Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts. The city of Orange has become a cultural lighthouse in southeast Texas.

Some of the impressive collections of the Stark Museum of Art are available right on its website. Anyone interested in Western or Native American art would do well to check out their online collections. It’s an enriching experience just clicking through the online collection of art. One thing is clear, the collection is truly one of a kind.

Of course, the best way to experience the Stark Museum collections is in person. It’s only a few hours away from Houston by car and it’s definitely worth the visit. The Stark Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free so you have no excuse not to see this great cultural asset.

Tags: American Indian art, Orange, Stark Museum, Texas, western art