Through generous donors and gifted funds for purchases, the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum is afforded the opportunity to cultivate a collection of around 17,500 objects. Such a collection enables us to engage in dialogue with and about visual culture. As a teaching museum that is open to all, it is imperative that our exhibitions celebrate the diversity of race, gender, religion, ethnicity and cultural heritage, with an emphasis on social justice, equity and equality. Objects featured in From the Collections transcend modes of creation to display these ideas. Presented are works that demonstrate the breadth of our extensive collection, including, but not limited to, photography, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, prints, and paintings.
Consisting of objects ranging from the 17th through the 21st century, we strive to show that the need to express oneself is a fundamental cornerstone of human existence. The basic elements of form, color, and material are utilized by featured artists in creating masterworks that we are proud to share with the community. While no central theme runs through this selection of works, we encourage you to consider connections between the works themselves. As a semi-permanent installation, other selections from the collection will be presented annually introducing new and old favorites.
Special appreciation is extended to the following donors:
James H. and Frances R. Allen
Ernst Bever
Mrs. Robert Hamilton Bishop, Jr.
Barabara Fahs Charles
Audrey Flack
Gift of Clive Getty
Dr. Robert E. Gregg
Itto F. Langmann
Phillip Mather
Walter A. and Dawn Clark Netsch
Ellen Price
Western College Alumnae Association, Inc.