The University of Central Arkansas has promoted the arts since 1907, when it created a department of art as one of its nine original academic departments.  Since then, the university has had a significant impact on the visual and cultural heritage of Faulkner County and the state of Arkansas.  In recognition of its centennial, the university created The Public Art Committee in 2007, which is charged with determining the acquisition, exhibition, storage, and conservation of works in The UCA Art Collection. 

Enjoy viewing selected images below that represent categories of objects in The UCA Art Collection. The Public Art Committee uses its Collection Management Policy for guidance to:

•  research and determine the contents of The UCA Art Collection
•  maintain a list of art works suitable for acquisition through donation or monetary gift
•  create and sustain an intentional artistic environment for the UCA community
•  promote exhibition and study of the collection to enhance the educational mission of the university

Several times a year, we will be highlighting one object from our collection categories. Click here to view the selected Featured Item .

The Dorris Curtis Painting Collection consists of one hundred twelve original works donated by the artist. The paintings, done in watercolor, acrylic and oil, are autobiographical in nature, and based on her childhood memories from the first years of her life in Foyil, Oklahoma. Mrs. Curtis donated her collection the UCA in 2004. Her works can be seen at the Torreyson Library.

For a complete inventory list of the Dorris Curtis Collection, click here. Notice: list subject to change.

See Biography of Dorris Curtis for more information.

Dorris Curtis, One September Morning, 1987, acrylic on masonite, 24 x 36 in., Gift of the Artist, University of Central Arkansas Library

The George Edwin Curtis Memorial African Art Collection contains seventy four wooden relics and small sculptures from West  Africa. The collection was donated to UCA by his mother, Dorris Curtis, and his wife Mary Ann Curtis on November 15, 1999. Selections from the George Edwin Curtis Memorial African Art Collection can be found on the second floor of the Torreyson Library, near the Children's Literature Room.

See Biography of George Edwin Curtis for more information.

Artist Unknown. Kissi Stone, stone burial figure, unearthed 1965, Kissidougou, Southern Guinea,  Estate of George E. Curtis, University of Central Arkansas Library

The Freund Collection is comprised of approximately twenty-four drawings, four mural cartoons, and six paintings by Louis and Elsie Freund donated by the Freund Trust to UCA for educational purposes.  Two of Mr. Freund's paintings can be found on the first floor of the Torreyson Library.

See Biography of Louis and Elsie Freund for more information.

Louis Freund, Age of Man, detail of center panel, 1945, oil on canvas, overall: 12 x 4 ft., University of Central Arkansas Library

The Gene Hatfield Collection contains works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed-media paintings by former UCA art professor Gene Hatfield. The collection numbers 270 works; among them pieces by other Arkansas artists collected or commissioned by Mr. Hatfield. His donated works can be found in various buildings throughout the UCA campus.

For a complete inventory list of the Hatfield Collection, click here. Notice: list subject to change.

See Biography of Gene Hatfield for more information.

Gene Hatfield, Pie Anna Concerto, 1975, mixed media, 31 1/4  in. square, Gift of the Artist, Gene Hatfield/UCA Foundation Collection, Harrin Hall, University of Central Arkasas

The Partain  Pre-Columbian Collection consists of a number of objects, including 58 bowls from the states of Michoacan and  Nayarit, Mexico; Chupicauro and Nayarit culture, generously donated through the UCA Foundation, Inc. for educational purposes.

See Biography of Dr. Shelby T.Partain for more information.

Finely Formed Creamware Bowl with Intricate Red and Black Interior Design, 400 BCE-400 CE, Gift of Dr. Shelby T. Partain

The Riddick  Pre-Columbian Collections consist of approximately four hundred objects generously donated through the UCA Foundation, Inc. for educational purposes.

See Biography of the Riddicks  for more information.

Water Bottle in the Form of a Dog, 500 CE, burnished redware, State of Colima, Mexico, Courtesy of the The UCA Art Collection, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Earl B. Riddick

The Outdoor Public Art collection can be found dotted around the grounds of the campus. These works have been commissioned by the university or received as gifts from the artists. Two of them have been donated as memorials. Click on links below to learn more about the individual pieces:

Alumni Circle by Andrew Leicester

Alumni Bear

Night Owl

Ode to the Texas Longhorn by Bryan Massey, Sr.

Pyramid Bench by  Jesús Bautista Moroles

Song of the Earth by Thomas Gibbs

Bryan Massey, Jr., Ode to the Texas Longhorn, 2000, steel and limestone, 12 x 7 x 3 ft., University of Central Arkansas

Portraits of individuals significant to the life of the university were the first works of art commissioned for the collection.  The portraits commemorate those after whom buildings were named such as past university presidents, politicians, benefactors and distinguished faculty. Portraits of other individuals important to the history of UCA can also be seen throughout  campus.

Adrian Louis Brewer (1891-1956), Portrait of Ida M. Waldran, date, oil on board, The UCA Art Collection

These portraits are being collected for conservation assessment after being exhibited for many years in uncontrolled environments (Note the abraded surface on the portrait of Ida Waldran to your right.) Lend your support for this important historic and artistic project through the UCA Foundation, Inc.: treatment and restoration are costly.

Mary Augusta Bernard by Nelly Deachman

Harvey A. Buffalo by Kathy Riddick

Marie Schichtl by Gene Hatfield

Winfred L Thompson by Gene Hatfield

Ida M. Waldran by Adrian Louis Brewer