Founded in 1923, the Harwood Museum of Art has been a part of the University of New Mexico since 1935. Since September, the museum has been celebrating "Harwood @ 80 Taos Arts: Past Present Future" through lectures, films, concerts, exhibits, fundraising initiatives and more.
One endeavor includes the sale of the original lithograph "Santa Clara Dancer" by Taos artist Julian Robles. The five-color lithograph was printed at UNM's Tamarind Institute.
"We had 80 lithographs printed. They are priced at $600 each unframed, $750 framed. Ten have sold to date," said Charles Lovell, director. He said that all money raised goes toward educational programs.
"We offer a variety of educational programming including children and youth tours and classes. We teach children art forms, painting and more," he said. Lovell said that the museum staff encourages teachers to use the facility and some faculty at UNM-Taos bring in student groups.
A portfolio of eight original, limited edition prints has also been brought together to help Harwood in its fundraising efforts. The prints, some of which were printed at Tamarind, others at Lynch Press in Taos, provide art lovers and collectors with a rare opportunity to own striking pieces incorporating an array of subjects, designs and colors. The artists whose work is featured are Larry Bell, Earl Stroh, Gustavo Victor Goler, May Stevens, Alyce Frank, Barbara Zaring, Jaune Quick-To-See Smith and Ken Price, all prominent Taos or New Mexico artists.
The portfolios are available for $5,000 until Jan. 31 or until five sets are sold. Subsequently, the price goes up to $6,000 and will go up $1,000 each time five sets are sold until the collection of 19 is sold out, said Lovell.
The Harwood Museum, considered "self sustaining" because less than half its revenue comes from UNM, is thriving. At a time when museums in Santa Fe reported a 30-40 percent drop in attendance, Harwood has enjoyed a banner year. "We had 18,385 visits in 2003, up ten percent from last year. I feel that we're going in the right direction," Lovell said.
He said that a goal for 2004 is to seek accreditation from the American Association of Museums. "We will need to complete our strategic plan and finish our collection plans and other organizational initiatives," he said.
A capital campaign with UNM-Taos is also in the works. "It will fund a $2 million project to add a new gallery and auditorium. We also plan to establish an endowment because the additional space would require additional staffing," he said. Current staff includes seven full time and seven part time staff "and a host of volunteers," Lovell said.
David Witt, museum curator, invites people from all UNM campuses to the Harwood. "A Lobo ID gets UNM students, faculty and staff in free. All New Mexico residents can visit the museum for free on Sunday," he said.
He noted that the museum houses a large research facility in its Southwest Research Center, a non-circulating library with collections strong in art and art history. "Much of the art history of Taos is available here, plus some 15,000 photographs and 2,000 works of art representing the best of New Mexico - all owned by UNM," he said.
Witt said that with seven galleries, they changed out 13 exhibits last year. They also host concert series, special programming and exhibit openings that are well attended by Taos residents. He invites everyone to come see two new exhibits planned to go up on Jan. 30. Tony Magar's work will be displayed in Harwood's Joyce and Sherman Scott Gallery, while Earl Stroh's work will be in the Peter and Madeleine Martin Foundation Gallery. Opening receptions for both will be held on Friday, Jan. 30 from 5-7 p.m.
For information about purchasing either the Santa Clara dancer lithograph or the portfolio of eight artists, contact Charles Lovell at 505-758-9826.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales (505) 277-5920
Posted by kwentworth at January 21, 2004 03:43 PM