This project was propelled by the Hazel Smith Summer Research Fellowship, an endowment created by the generosity of Mark and Martha Em Raby in honor of Hazel Smith - Martha Em's aunt and Austin Peay's first art teacher. Access the database

The Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University (the “Department”) is committed to the stewardship, preservation, and research of the University Permanent Art Collection (the “Collection”).

The Department’s mission is to provide meaningful encounters with art through the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of the art collection to the university community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the region’s general public.

Its vision is to provide meaningful educational experiences and encounters with the visual arts. The educational experiences allow Austin Peay State University to become a leader in art appreciation and interdisciplinary education for the local community.

The Department is committed to developing several focused collections of fine art photography, folk art, contemporary drawing, printmaking, and works of art with a historical and regional emphasis.

The Department strives to place original works of art into the daily lives of the Austin Peay community. Selections from the collection can be found throughout campus. Currently, there are approximately 1000 pieces on display throughout 12 buildings on campus.

The Department of Art+Design/The New Gallery does not provide appraisals or authentications. Contact the Appraisers Association of America for guidelines and state searches at www.appraisersassoc.org, or find general information and web links for appraisals on the web site of the Archives of American Art (http://www.aaa.si.edu/) at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Your financial support of the Collection assists in providing meaningful encounters with its objects through the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of the collection to the university community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the region’s general public.

Your support could be used in any of the following manners:

• conservation / framing / repair
• preservation / storage / climate control
• outreach programs
• educational enhancement
• display materials
• student research opportunities
• purchase of artworks for the Collection

The breadth of the Collection's educational component is created by student researchers. The searchable database was created completely by Student Researchers/Gallery Assistants - all of whom are scholarship recipients.

Our hands-on educational approach allows our student researchers to work directly with the Collection by conducting research and learning vital museum management skills such as museum database infrastructure, proper handling, care, installation, and conservation of artwork.

Collection Research News:

• New student art fellowship to help document, preserve, ‘discover’ Austin Peay’s art collection
• ‘So we sent an email’: How a photo in Austin Peay’s art collection connects with the discovery of a famed French photographer
• Impromptu NYC visit, thank you note lead to photo collection gift to Austin Peay
• ‘Rodeo in STYLE’: How an iconic photographer’s images became a part of Austin Peay’s art collection
• Student Spotlight: Meet graphic design student Katie Boyer
• Austin Peay students discover work from two major artists in University’s collection
• The New Gallery at Austin Peay opens ‘Recent Acquisitions’ exhibition to kick off new season
• Donation adds to APSU folk art collection

All donations inquiries must begin with
APSU's Office of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy.

It is the Director’s responsibility to add works of art to the collection and their decision for acceptance is firmly guided by the Department’s mission and strategic plan and its declared collection goals. The Director is responsible for the collection’s enhancement and expansion. Additionally, the Director has a standing Accessions Committee to offer advice and serve as a sounding board for decisions. When appropriate, the Director will consult with experts, scholars, legal counsel, and other persons as they may see fit.

Potential acquisitions to the Collection shall be referred to the Director then go before the Accessions Committee for review. If the item is delivered to the University, it shall be treated as a custody item pending final action.

It is the general policy of the University that no object may be accessed unless its ownership by the University will be free of all restrictions and conditions. It is recognized that exceptional circumstances may arise in which strict enforcement of this general policy would not be in the best interests of the University. Any such exception must, however, have the advance consent of the Director with the advice of the Accessions Committee. Every attempt should be made to hold restrictions or conditions to a practical minimum and to obtain the consent of the donor that the restrictions will terminate after a finite time limit. Under no circumstances will the University agree to conditions requiring the retention or display of an object or collection in perpetuity. If any restrictions or conditions are accepted, they must be in writing executed by both the donor and the Director on the Deed of Gift and must be included in the object’s records.

• Objects acquired by the University must complement the existing collection or substantially offer a wholly filed for the collections; fill presently existing gaps in the collection, and are relevant to and consistent with purposes and programs of the Department
• The Department is committed to acquiring only works for which it can provide proper storage and care.
• The University shall not accept any item if substantial doubt exists about the donor’s ownership of the item or the donor’s ability to transfer legal title.
• The Department will make efforts to obtain information concerning the object’s history of ownership. When an object is of foreign origin, research will be conducted to ensure it has not been illegally imported into the United States and that there are no legal or ethical considerations, which would make its accession
• An object must be of museum quality and proven to be authentic beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Before the Accessions Committee meeting, the Director will note any conservation, repair, display, and maintenance costs for consideration in determining whether or not the work is acceptable for acquisition. Outside conservators may be consulted for this purpose.

All donations inquiries must begin with
APSU's Office of Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy.

• The Director and Accession Committee review objects bequeathed to the University in the same manner as donations.
• Upon notification to the University that it is a beneficiary under a will, the Director shall obtain a copy of the section of the will that outlines the bequest, and pictures of the object(s) when
• Acceptance of a bequest requires the advice of the Accessions Committee.
• Should a bequest not possess sufficient merit for inclusion in the collection, the University may request that the bequest be made with full understanding that the object(s) can be sold and the proceeds used to the benefit of the Collection as determined by the Director. In the case of a group of objects, the Department may accept some and refuse, sell, or trade
• Proposals for potential bequest are to be referred to the Director and Accessions Committee for review.