Museum Shows off its Permanent Collection

About 125 paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and textiles will be showcased in an exhibition, “Selections from the Permanent Collection: Celebrating 25 Years,” Feb. 17 through April 2 in the Westmont Museum of Art. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Feb. 17, from 4-6 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

The exhibit culminates an 18-month process of researching and cataloging Westmont’s permanent collection, funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum is publishing a catalog of the collection in its entirety, including a section with color images.

Collections Manager Chris Rupp says he searched every nook and cranny on campus, looking for artwork. “It’s important for us to know specifically what we have in our collection and how best to protect and conserve those works,” Rupp says. “When donors give art to Westmont, they can be sure the work is being cared for appropriately.

“This exhibition showcases the best of what we have collected over the last 25 years. We hope it will help to educate the community about art and grow our collection in the coming years.” The artwork is displayed in several categories, including pre- and post-1980 paintings and sculpture.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum hosts “The Discerning Eye: An Art Collector’s Symposium” on Saturday, March 12. The symposium will gather art critics, dealers and collectors from across the country for an all-day educational event.

The Westmont Museum of Art is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (805) 565-6162.