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.

DORRIS CURTIS COLLECTION

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. 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

GEORGE EDWIN CURTIS AFRICAN ART COLLECTION

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

LOUIS AND ELSIE FREUND COLLECTION

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

GENE HATFIELD COLLECTION

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. 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

DR. SHELBY T. PARTAIN COLLECTION

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

DR. AND MRS. EARL RIDDICK COLLECTION

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