The Amarillo Museum of Art is displaying a collection from Amarillo High School.
The works that normally line the halls of AHS are featured as “An Uncommon Dream: The Amarillo High School Collection of 19th and 20th Century Art.”
The school started the collection in 1945.
R.B. Norman, the principal at the time, wanted his students to be exposed to artwork even though they were miles away from museums, said Erin Holland, a staff designer.
The collection has 91 works.
It has been growing over the years and even survived a fire in March 1970 that consumed the former Amarillo High School building. The collection was saved by fast-acting students and teachers, Holland said.
It includes works from John Joseph Enneking, George Pearse Ennis, Chauncey F. Ryder, Walter Elmer Schofield, Ben Foster and Robert Bruce Crane.
The group also includes a few pieces from local artists.
“Many of these artists have graduated from Amarillo High and gone on as professional artists who then donate works back to the school,” said Alex Gregory, collection manager.
According to a news release, it is believed to be one of the largest public school collections of fine arts.
The AMoA exhibit is the first time that many of the works in the collection have been seen side by side; they usually are scattered throughout the halls of AHS.
Gregory pointed out the diversity of the collection.
“It’s neat to see some prints and abstract paintings next to these early Amerian impressionists,” he said.
“It’s not just all western-themed art, which is what you might expect.
“There are some themes that Amarillo people can relate to, but then the early pieces help diversify the collection. Art isn’t limited to just what you’re familiar with.”
The collection is on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The free display will be up until April 11. The AMoA is on the Washington Street Campus.
The Amarillo Museum of Art is displaying a collection from Amarillo High School.
The works that normally line the halls of AHS are featured as “An Uncommon Dream: The Amarillo High School Collection of 19th and 20th Century Art.”
The school started the collection in 1945.
R.B. Norman, the principal at the time, wanted his students to be exposed to artwork even though they were miles away from museums, said Erin Holland, a staff designer.
The collection has 91 works.
It has been growing over the years and even survived a fire in March 1970 that consumed the former Amarillo High School building. The collection was saved by fast-acting students and teachers, Holland said..." />
The works that normally line the halls of AHS are featured as “An Uncommon Dream: The Amarillo High School Collection of 19th and 20th Century Art.”
The school started the collection in 1945.
R.B. Norman, the principal at the time, wanted his students to be exposed to artwork even though they were miles away from museums, said Erin Holland, a staff designer.
The collection has 91 works.
It has been growing over the years and even survived a fire in March 1970 that consumed the former Amarillo High School building. The collection was saved by fast-acting students and teachers, Holland said..." />
Local public school displays collection
Amarillo High School 19th and 20th century art exhibited at AMoA
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, February 17, 2010
 "Photo: Sarah Clark")
Sarah Clark
These painting are three of the works from the Amarillo High School 19th and 20th century art collection on display at the Amarillo Museum of Art
 "Photo: Sarah Clark")
Sarah Clark
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