Date: Aug 18, 2010

Hofstra University Museum Presents “Acquired Riches: Highlights from the Hofstra University Museum Collection”

Exhibition Celebrates An Unique and Dynamic Collection Made Possible by Generosity of Art Donors

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – This original exhibition “Acquired Riches: Highlights from the Hofstra University Museum Collection” highlights the artists, genres, and cultures represented in the Hofstra University Museum collection while paying tribute to the significant contribution of the art donors who are composed of alumni, art collectors, artists, faculty, friends, trustees and others.

The exhibition is on view from September 1 through December 17, 2010 in the Hofstra University Museum’s Emily Lowe Gallery, on Hofstra’s South Campus and is curated by Hofstra University Museum Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections, Karen T. Albert.   A curator’s talk and reception will take place on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Emily Lowe Gallery and will be accompanied by original dance performances by Hofstra University students under the direction of Adjunct Assistant Professor of Drama and Dance Dyane Harvey.

Acquired Riches: Highlights from the Hofstra University Museum Collection includes paintings by Karel Appel, Edwin Dickinson, Conrad Felixmüller, Paul Gauguin, George Grosz, Johan Barthold Jongkind and Joan Mitchell; works on paper by Jean Charlot, Arthur Bowen Davies, James Rosenquist and George Rouault; photographs by Harry Callahan, Donna Ferrato, Ralph Gibson, Danny Lyon, August Sander and Andy Warhol; and works from Africa, China, Japan, Mexico and Oceania.

“The growth and richness of the Museum’s permanent collection reflects Hofstra University’s prestigious path over the last 75 years,” stated Hofstra University Museum Executive Director, Beth E. Levinthal. “The gifts of art and ethnographic objects that now define the Museum’s collection have given us a wonderful opportunity to explore the world’s cultures and their relationships to our own history.”

The generosity of donors has always been essential to the growth and development of the Hofstra University Museum’s permanent collection, which consists of approximately 5,000 works of art, including paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and sculptures from the 18th to 21st century.  Indian and Chinese stone and ceramic works, Japanese prints and scrolls, African and Oceanic ethnographic pieces and Pre-Columbian artifacts are also a significant component of the collection. 

There are a number of public programs planned in conjunction with Acquired Riches including an Insider’s Talk with Painting Conservator Jonathan Sherman on October 16, 2010, at 11 a.m. On November 6, 2010 at 10 a.m. Hofstra University Museum Education Director Nancy Richner will lead a workshop, Looking at Art 101, in which participants will discover and advance their ability to interpret and discuss works of art. On November 11, 2010 at 4:30 p.m, Gifts of Art: The Public Impact, will feature a panel of the Museum’s donors who will discuss their motivations behind their personal gifts of art, and the impact of these gifts on the public and education. There will also be a one-day educator’s workshop, Stop, Look and Learn: Connecting your Curricula with Museum Objects on November 2, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. All public programs will take place in the Emily Lowe Gallery, south campus.

For more information on the exhibit and associated public programs call (516) 463-5672 or visit the Hofstra University website at www.hofstra.edu/museum . Hofstra University Museum gratefully acknowledges the exhibition support provided by Astoria Federal Savings.

For more information on Hofstra's 75th Anniversary and for a calendar of events please visit www.hofstra.edu/75 .

The Hofstra University Museum has been awarded the highest honor a museum can receive, continued accreditation by the American Association of Museums (AAM). Approximately 4% of museums nationwide have earned this distinguished recognition. Accreditation certifies that the Hofstra University Museum operates according to professional standards, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality service to the public.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 150 undergraduate and more than 160 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business; engineering; communication; education, health and human services;  and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. The University also provides excellent facilities with state-of-the-art technology, extensive library resources and internship programs that match students' interests and abilities with appropriate companies and organizations.  The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.