Upcoming Events

 Questions?  Call 806-742-2443

Arts History Lecture Series Spring 2024

Fridays | 10:30am Coffee & Conversation, Lecture to Begin at 11:00am | Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium & Sculpture Court

The Museum of Texas Tech University Association is proud to present the second semester of “Art Through Time: From Cave Painting to Contemporary Explorations,” a weekly lecture series dedicated to better understanding western art. Unraveling the history of art can be one of the more daunting tasks for interested learners who lack academic backgrounds in the subject. This fall the Museum Association will begin a series of lectures focusing on understanding art through the ages, using terminology and concepts accessible to all, in a relaxed and friendly environment. The lectures are designed to function as a series, but they are also self-contained for those interested in exploring specific topics. Join us as we journey with Art Through Time!

Join us as we welcome back speaker Dr. Christian Conrad this year!

* NOTE: the Association is offering two free “guest days!” Anyone with an interest in Art History is welcome to join us on Jan. 12 and Jan. 19.

Come and See: Museum Clothing & Textiles Division

RSVP Requested | Entry through West Doors | Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium

The Come and See programs at the Museum of Texas Tech University offer a look into the massive closet that is the museum’s Clothing and Textile collection. The collection totals more than 33,000 items.

Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery, clothing and textiles curator, shows 20–30 different objects at each Come and See program. From clothing to quilts and embroidered pieces, each object tells the story of the women and men who wore the clothing, hats and shoes.

Special Event: Ribbon Cutting & Exhibit Viewing

From Rhinestones to Denim: Fashions Worn by Ladies of the Saddle

October 26th, 2023 | 6 PM | Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium

Please join us as Lubbock barrel racer Christi Hart on her horse, Chevy, cuts the ribbon to officially open the Museum’s latest exhibit.

This exhibit explores 150 years of competitive equestrian women’s fashions from the vintage 19th century side saddle ensemble in the museum’s collection to beautiful loaned pieces including the flashy pieces worn by barrel racers and Miss Rodeo Americas today.

Please note that the West Entrance will not be in use for this event. Instead, please come to the North Doors, and meet in front of the Planetarium to watch the ceremony.

Exhibit viewing and reception immediately following in the Helen DeVitt Jones Sculpture Court.

R.S.V.P. to the Office (806.742.2443) by October 18th

Art of Seeing: TTU Museum Art Division

October 28th, 2023 | 2-3 PM | Gallery 4

Science proves art is good for us, but do you find yourself saying “I just don’t get it”?

The Museum at Texas Tech gets YOU! Art is how you look at it, literally. Let the Helen DeVitt Jones Curator of Art Tracee Robertson show you an easy and rewarding way to look closely at works of art and find meaning personal to you. In the process, you’ll build observation and communication skills and learn more about yourself.

Special Event: Exhibit Viewing & Conversation with Mr. Jim Arnold, President of the Helen DeVitt Jones, Inc. Foundation

The Arnold Wing & Gallery

November 7th, 2023 | 6 PM | Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Gallery

Field of Vision is the inaugural exhibition in the newly constructed Dr. Robert Neff and Louise Willson Arnold Gallery. Honoring these distinguished Lubbock residents, the exhibition features selections from more than 550 works of art that illuminated the Arnolds’ home for many decades and were donated in 2017 to the Museum of Texas Tech University Association.

The exhibition highlights the Arnolds’ fifty-year collecting endeavor, which chiefly spanned 1960–2010. The collection includes works by prominent artists from across the nation in painting, glass, ceramics, fiber and woven baskets.

R.S.V.P. to the Office (806.742.2443) by October 30th

Special Event: Studio 360 with Guest Artist Daniel Juarez

A TTU Museum Art Division Event

November 11th, 2023 | 2-4 PM | Kline Room

Studio 360 invites you to experience art movements and art mediums firsthand, finding inspiration from art on view at the Museum.

In this Studio 360, explore the style known as Realism used by many of the artists represented in the Diamond M Collection. Guest artist Daniel Juarez will lead participants in looking at a
work of art in the gallery, learning a little about art history, and then diving into basic drawing techniques. Designed for beginners, this workshop lets you experience a little of how artists can make paintings look so real.

Daniel Juarez is a teaching artist with expertise in drawing and dry media. He is based in Wichita Falls, where he guides participants in realistic drawing techniques at several community venues, including at the Wichita County Law Enforcement Center and the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Center. Daniel is active in the local art community and serves on the planning committee for the annual Día de los Muertos festival. He also serves on the advisory
boards of the Wichita Falls Art Association, Wichita Falls Alliance for Arts and Culture, and the Wichita Falls Public Library, after a 20-year career in advertising.

No experience required. Materials will be provided. Space is limited.

Please RSVP to tracee.robertson@ttu.edu or 806-834-8668.

Special Event: Talk by Kara Brown Gillit, Miss Rodeo America 2002

From Rhinestones to Denim: Fashions Worn by Ladies of the Saddle

November 16th, 2023 | 6:00 PM | Entry through West Doors | Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium

Kara Brown Gillit was the 47th Miss Rodeo America. In June 2001, Kara received the title of Miss Rodeo Texas, and earned the coveted title of Miss Rodeo America 2002 on December 8, 2001 in Las Vegas.

Miss Rodeo America’s role is, first and foremost, to be cowgirls and athletes in their own right, who have the knowledge of their sport and the gift of communication to educate the public and raise the awareness level about professional rodeo and its related industries such as agriculture, western apparel and entertainment.

Following Kara’s talk, a reception and BBQ dinner will be served in the Sculpture Court. 

R.S.V.P. to the Office (806.742.2443) by November 9th.

Current and Upcoming Exhibits

 Questions?  Call 806-742-2443

Journey Through Cocos Island

Open September 9, 2023 – December 17, 2023

Discover the enchanting Cocos Island, Costa Rica’s largest National Park, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the Museum of Texas Tech University is dedicated to the conservation, research, and education of the world’s cultural and natural heritage, we are pleased to present the “Journey Through Cocos Island” exhibition. This exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology (CIMAR) and the Museum of the University of Costa Rica (Museo UCR). Join us in celebrating and conserving the wonders of Cocos Island for future generations, as we trace the island’s history from its discovery to the present day. The exhibition explores the island’s natural, scientific, historical, political, and economic significance, revealing its intrinsic values to the people of Costa Rica and the entire planet. Alongside our natural history collection from the Natural Science Research Laboratory, this exhibition offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of education and advocacy for heritage, biodiversity, and marine environments.

From Rhinestones to Denim: Fashions Worn by Ladies of the Saddle

Open October 24th, 2023 – April 17, 2024

Women and horses have been an integral part of the West Texas landscape since Anglo settlement.  This exhibit seeks to showcase the beautiful riding ensembles in the collection of the Museum of Texas Tech University’s Clothing and Textile Division as well as those borrowed from women competing in rodeo today.

With the vast and significant garments from the Museum’s Clothing and Textiles Division, we are excited to announce the upcoming exhibition From Rhinestones to Denim: Fashions Worn by Ladies of the Saddle. The exhibition, curated by Dr. Marian Ann Montgomery, will highlight the Museum’s female riding collection which begins with a late 19th century side saddle ensemble, then progresses through the divided skirts of women of the early 20th century and continuing with the rhinestone encrusted blazer and trousers designed by Nathan Turk for Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honoree, Fern Sawyer. To highlight more recent riders, the exhibition will include on-loan garments from competition sports such as cow, horse, and rodeo competitors, including barrel racers. These diverse garments showcase the wide variety of riding events and how women’s involvement with horseback riding has changed over almost 150 years.