By Mya Hyman
University Relations and Creative Services Office
CONWAY – Art pieces donated to the University of Central Arkansas Foundation are on exhibit at the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Gilcrease Museum is one of the country’s most renowned facilities for the preservation and study of American art and history. It houses the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West, including an unparalleled collection of Native American art and material.
Titled “West Mexico: Ritual and Identity,” the exhibit features a selection of ceramic figures and vessels of the shaft tomb culture between 300 B.C. and 500 A.D. The exhibit is on display from June 26 to Nov. 6, 2016.
On loan from the UCA Art Collection are Mexican pottery and artifacts that were donated to the university from alumni, Dr. Earl (deceased) and Kathy Riddick.
The Riddicks began collecting pre-Columbian artifacts in 1974. Over the past 40 years, the value and scope of the collection has increased with the addition of numerous vessels, bowls, masks and effigy dogs and figures representing periods from 500 B.C. to the mid-20th century from a dozen geographic regions.
“As a couple, the Riddicks were devoted, delightful, very artistic and committed to art. They were delighted to share and let other people learn from their collection,” said retired director of UCA Development Pat Otto, who worked with the Riddicks for many years.
Of the entire Riddick collection, 96 boxes of art are stored on campus that have been reviewed and catalogued. Since obtaining the collection, pieces have been on display in various places around campus and used as teaching tools for the anthropology program at UCA.
The art collection is stewarded by the UCA Public Art Committee. Neither the committee nor collection receives funding from the university; therefore, they are dependent upon donations from the benefactors, grants and assistance from the UCA Foundation.