ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The American West with its pioneering spirit played a very significant role in the development of our country; that same spirit still lives on as exemplified by the founders of the Museum of Western Art.  For many years the average American’s exposure to Western Art in public museums was confined to the works of Remington, Russell, and a few old masters. By the late 1970’s a major revival of national interest in the art of the West was taking place, capturing its history, landscapes, and traditions. Unfortunately, the works of a growing group of contemporary cowboy artists were primarily confined to the walls of private collections. Those who were aware of the situation sensed that something was amiss. Former Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater, a collector himself – analyzed the situation and perceived the need for a public venue for this growing genre. Those thoughts were finally turned into action by a couple of Kerrville and South Texas leaders who had a mutual interest in Western art. A conversation between L.D. Brinkman, a local cattle breeder and a manufacturer, and Robert R. Shelton – an heir to the legendary King Ranch – provided the spark the project needed. Both lamented the fact that as collectors themselves, they had very limited access to the extensive body of contemporary Western Art tucked away in private collections. Soon they corralled a group of kindred spirits that shared a goal of building and establishing the first museum to honor the work of living American Western Art painters and sculptors.
 

These founders pledged the large amount of private funds so necessary to launch their project. Oilman William F. Roden and his wife, Carolyn, of Midland, Texas, donated a prime ten acre piece of land adjacent to the Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville, Texas. This would place the museum in the center of an area rich in Western history; a famous cattle trail had once traversed the land on its way to Dodge City.
 

By 1981, enough money had been raised to commission the construction of the Museum. It would become the last public facility designed by renowned Texas architect O’Neil Ford. Ground was broken on April 27th, 1981, and by autumn the 14,366 foot edifice was completed. The public opening took place on April 23rd, 1983.
 

In 2004, the Masel S. Quinn Pavilion was completed for use in museum events, rentals, and art education programs. The following year, the Journey West Children’s Gallery was completed, highlighting the adventurous history of the American West for young visitors. In addition, area educators, students, writers, as well as the public make frequent use of the Griff Carnes Research Center. Finally, in 2017, the L.D. “Brink” Brinkman Central Courtyard Gallery was enclosed to provide additional exhibition space for the Museum’s extraordinary collection of bronze sculptures.