Museums Contribute to Tourism, Knowledge, Context in The Coastal Bend, Part II
In my article two weeks ago, we discussed some of the museums and historical institutions that serve our area. These institutions are important because they educate the public on important aspects of our local history and culture. This week, I will be focusing on two more museums in our area: The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and The Art Museum of South Texas. Both provide excellent resources to the coastal bend and the surrounding areas.
The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures, which opened in the 1960s, features treasures and artifacts from all over Asia, including India, Thailand, Korea and more. The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures was founded by Mrs. Billie Trimble Chandler, a Corpus Christi native. Mrs. Chandler spent many years in Asia teaching and collecting cultural art and artifacts. Today Mrs. Chandler’s collection, along with other wonderful Asian antiquities and exhibits, seeks to build a “bridge” connecting Texas to Asia. The Museum offers many educational classes for students and the general public each year, along with visiting exhibits from around the world. Currently on display is the Korean exhibit which features some interacting pieces and displays. You can research the museum and make plans to visit the Asian Cultures Museum.
Another great museum in Corpus Christi is the Art Museum of South Texas. Located at 1902 North Shoreline Blvd, this museum was founded with the mission to advance the awareness, knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts for residents and visitors of South Texas. In 1995, The Art Museum of South Texas became affiliated with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and as such, took on an additional mission to educate the public about art. The Institute presents a variety of programs including classes, lectures, films, performances and other activities which serve to inspire community interest in the visual arts. Currently on display is an exhibit titled “A Sense of Home: The Art of Richard Stout.” This exhibit features 40 two-dimensional works and 10 three-dimensional sculptures from the 1950s through present day that explore seascapes, architectural interiors, and surreal combinations of both. Many of his works revolve around his close identification with the Texas coast. Recently, The Art Museum of South Texas opened its first permanent exhibition, The Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery, showcasing many Spanish Colonial, pre-Columbian, and contemporary works inspired and influenced by artisans and artists of that time. More info on the museum and its features can be found at The Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Spanish Colonial Gallery.
As I mentioned last week, the internet is another great resource with which to read about our long and storied history. These resources include the Texas State Historical Association, the Texas Historical Commission, and South Texas Maps.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces (Part) County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
