Tyler Museum of Art

Thank you TMA for bringing in the Ansel Adams early works photography exhibit. More specifically, thank you immensely for hosting a free lecture this past Sunday with our very own local expert, Mr. Robert Langham, a Tyler Native and acclaimed Artist, photographer, author and professor, who actually was privileged to participate in two internships under Ansel Adams in Langham’s earlier career and who shared many personal stories, anecdotes and insights into the life and works of Adams. I have to giggle when I hear so many Tylerites complain that they are bored with this little community… That There’s nothing to do… Waaaa… Waaaa! Get out of your comfort zone, turn off the football games and research the cultural opportunities here. This presentation was free and they even served refreshments, so NOT necessary, but such a kind expression of fine Southern hospitality… Thank you again TMA! It was way beyond my expectations!

This property is standing on what once was a mansion, with a creek, and the first Catholic Church that once stood where the parking lot is (behind the Discovery building). I always pass by this property on foot daily, thinking of the Cains who lived in the mansion before it was demolished.

Tooooo small for the amount that you pay. It should be free. Not that Im against paying to see a good museum, it just wasn’t THAT good. Get it together, Tyler… Ain’t nobody got time for this.

A Cultural Oasis

So what do Norman Rockwell, collage genius Lance Letscher and the Illuminated Bible have in common? They were all on exhibit at the little ol’ TMA. (Forgive the terrible intro…)
Admittedly, as an art teacher and painter, I am always in support of museums, no matter how dinky, in small towns. But the TMA is a great space and hosts some fantastic exhibits each year. It’s tucked away on the Tyler Junior College campus, and its nondescript exterior hides a lovely café area, three ample gallery spaces and a cute patio area with fountain and outdoor sculptures. It’s never expensive and hosts several fun events throughout the year.
Best of all, somehow the TMA manages to get their hands on some truly stellar pieces… the collection of art books by Letscher a couple years ago was one of the best I’ve seen (take it from a former Dallas– and Paris-​resident). I wish their website were more information and interactive and that they were more visible in the community, but the TMA is without a doubt one of the hidden jewels of Tyler.
And when you’re done there, wander across the street to the TJC art department to see their rotating exhibits.

Visited this museum for the first time on Tuesday, and it was a little better than I expected. It was no SAM (Seattle Art Museum) but I was surprised that there was actual art there. there are three exhibits at the moment. doll house shadow boxes… which was boring after about the third box. yes, very small furniture, amazing… but a whole exhibit? next was the «into the wild» or some such title… art by animals at the Tyler zoo… again, interesting but art? by no means. last I visited the Jewish Art exhibit, which was amazing. Many powerful pieces. I was especially blown away by «Desecration of the Four Freedoms» by Herb Fichter. Done in 1951, this etching looked like it was inspired by world events today. the museum was empty except for one couple and their child. child was bored and making too much noise, father was bored and pacing around like a caged animal (philistine), and mother was trying to view things as fast a possible. worth a view, the Jewish art is on loan till August 10^th