The Amon Carter Museum of American Art by Bea Tifton

 

Most fans of the Old West are familiar with the art of Frederic Remington and Charles Russell, as well as that of Georgia O’Keefe.  In Fort Worth, Texas, there is a museum where one can find works from all three, and many other talented artists, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. 

Amon Carter was a brash, successful businessman whose life story has taken on near legendary proportions.I'll write more about him in next month's blog post.  He created the Fort Worth Star Telegram and was its publisher, started the first radio station in the city, and served on the board for American Airlines. Most importantly, Amon Carter loved his hometown of Fort Worth.

Amon Carter, Sr.

Amon Carter began collecting art in 1935 when he purchased artworks by Remington and Russell. He eventually grew his collection to over 400 pieces. When he passed away in 1955, Carter’s will revealed that he wanted to establish a museum to house these works. It would be for the entire community, so admission was always to be free for the general collection and special exhibits.

 His children asked one of the foremost architects of the 20^th century, Philip Johnson, to build what was then called the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, and the museum opened in 1961. In 1967, the museum decided to include a wider expanse of American artwork and became the Amon Carter Museum. The museum officially changed its name to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in 2010. In 2019, the Amon Carter underwent more renovations so that more of its collection could be viewed. 

The Amon Carter has many educational programs, some geared to educators, some to children, some to seniors or families. It hosts make and take art workshops led by local artists, lectures, and docent-led tours.  During the pandemic, the Amon has hosted many workshops and lectures via Zoom even though the museum is currently open and following Covid protocols.

The Buffalo Hunt 1919 Charles Russell

A Dash for the Timber 1889 Frederic Remington

The Amon continues to show the older works, from western sculptures and paintings to traditional still lifes and other American paintings, as well as photographs and more modern artwork.  If you are ever in Fort Worth, make it a priority to tour the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. For more information, visit https://www.cartermuseum.org.

Parson Weems' Fable 1939 Grant Wood

 

An American Stoic 1913 Alexander Stirling Calder

Ranchos Church, New Mexico 1930 Georgia O'Keefe

 

Francis Nakai and Family 1950 Laura Gilpin

Attention, Company 1878 William M. Harnett

    

                                     Seven and Seven Flower 2020 James Surls