Austin Peay State University Art Collection

About the Collection

The Austin Peay State University Art Collection holds approximately 3,500 works spanning paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, drawings, and historical objects. The collection has grown through gifts from community members and families, donations from visiting artists, and purchases honoring student and regional artists — including purchase awards from university exhibitions.

Featured Sub-Collections

Several distinct collections exist within the larger university holdings:

Mabel Larson Drawing Collection — Drawings purchased from the Border to Border Biennial Drawing Exhibition, forming one of the region's most distinguished contemporary drawing collections.
Robertson Collection — More than 300 original photographs donated by Jim and Nan Robertson, representing both historical subjects and some of the finest art photographers in the world.
Folk Art Collection — An exceptional blend of folk and outsider art, with the majority of pieces donated by Ned and Jacqueline Crouch and the Trahern family.

Notable Artists

The collection includes works by William Edmondson, E.T. Wickham, Romare Bearden, Francisco Goya, Bill Brandt, André Kertesz, Alphonse Legros, the Kolb Brothers, Karl Struss, William Eggleston, Edward Weston, and John Francis Strauss.

Recent acquisitions include works by LaToya Hobbs, Yancy Villa, Winnie van der Rijn, Gamaliel Rodriguez, Carlos Barberena, Carl E. Moore, Benjy Russell, Frank Paulin, Karen Seapker, and Taro Takizawa.

Online Collection Database

Browse the collection online through the APSU Art Collection searchable database. The database was built entirely by student researchers and gallery assistants — all scholarship recipients — giving students hands-on experience in museum management, database infrastructure, proper handling, care, installation, and conservation of artwork.

This project was made possible by the Hazel Smith Summer Research Fellowship, an endowment created by Mark and Martha Em Raby in honor of Hazel Smith — Martha Em's aunt and Austin Peay's first art teacher.

Collection on Campus

Approximately 1,000 works from the collection are currently on display across 12 campus buildings, placing original art in the everyday lives of the Austin Peay community.

Mission

The Department of Art + Design at Austin Peay State University is committed to the stewardship, preservation, and research of the University Permanent Art Collection. The Department's mission is to provide meaningful encounters with art through the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of the collection for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the region's general public.

Vision

The Department is committed to developing focused collections in fine art photography, folk art, contemporary drawing, printmaking, and works with a historical and regional emphasis. Through these efforts, Austin Peay aims to become a leader in art appreciation and interdisciplinary education for the local community.

Appraisals and Authentications

The Department of Art + Design and The New Gallery do not provide appraisals or authentications. For guidance, contact the Appraisers Association of America or review general appraisal resources on the Archives of American Art website at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Support the Collection

There are several ways to support APSU's Art Collection and the Department of Art + Design.

Financial Support

Your financial support helps provide meaningful encounters with the collection through acquisition, preservation, and interpretation. Contributions may support:

Conservation, framing, and repair
Preservation, storage, and climate control
Outreach programs
Educational enhancement
Display materials
Student research opportunities
Purchase of artworks for the Collection

Research Scholarships

Student researchers and gallery assistants — all scholarship recipients — built the APSU Art Collection searchable database from the ground up. Our hands-on approach gives students direct experience with the collection while building vital museum management skills.

Collection Research News:

Donate or Bequeath Artwork

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

The Director is responsible for adding works to the collection, guided by the Department's mission and strategic plan. An Accessions Committee advises on all acquisitions, and outside experts — including conservators, scholars, and legal counsel — may be consulted as appropriate.

Acceptance criteria include:

Works must complement or meaningfully expand the existing collection and align with the Department's mission.
The Department accepts only works for which it can provide proper storage and care.
The University will not accept any item if there is substantial doubt about the donor's ownership or ability to transfer legal title.
Research will be conducted into each object's ownership history, including legal import status for works of foreign origin.
Objects must be of museum quality and proven authentic beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Director will review conservation, repair, display, and maintenance costs before the Accessions Committee considers any acquisition.

For bequest inquiries, the Director and Accessions Committee review bequeathed works using the same criteria as donations. Upon notification of a bequest, the Director obtains a copy of the relevant will section and photographs of the object(s).

Contact

For questions about works in the APSU Art Collection or institutional loans:

Department of Art + Design Director of The New Gallery, University Collections

For artwork donations or financial donations to support the Collection:

Kendell Sinks Director of Development, Alumni, Engagement, and Philanthropy APSU Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy