Core Collecting Areas

Because of the subject-based nature of its collections, and of virtually all American western art, it is important that the Museum continue to strengthen its major collections while developing complementary collections of American western art, such as contemporary Native American art. By expanding and completing its collections, the Museum adds to their significance and value, and increases public understanding of the importance of western art on American culture.

	Early Explorer Artists: A major strength of the Museum's art collection lies in the quantity, quality, and range of mid-19th-century work. The Museum continues to build this collection by acquisition of more works by the earliest explorer-artists, early portraits of Native Americans, and other documentary works spanning the period from the late 18th century - early 20th century.
	Early Western Artists' Groups: The Museum currently owns an important collection of paintings by members of the Taos Society of Artists, but actively seeks to acquire more work by the Founding Six as well as some of the more important members. Other early artists groups are also sought to highlight the importance of this period in the evolution of western art.
	Russell, Remington & Borein Collections: The Museum's collection of works by Russell, Remington, & Borein is varied and extensive, and includes some of the best-known works by each of these artists. Works by Russell include illustrated letters and paintings. Works by Remington comprise his most famous bronzes, both color and grisaille oil paintings, and early reproduction prints. The Borein collection contains mostly examples of his print work.
	Western Illustrators: The Museums owns a large body of work by popular illustrators from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but continues to seek work that appeared as illustrations in books, magazines, or advertisements.
	Wildlife Art: The Museum owns a large collection of paintings by Carl Rungius, but actively seeks work by other artists from that genre as well.
	Historic Native American Art: The Museum's Native American art collection is strongest in Plains beadwork and Navajo weavings, but includes southwestern ceramics and basketry. In addition to these collections, the Museum recognizes the importance of the Haudenosaunee culture and actively seeks historic examples of the culture.*
	Modern and Contemporary Art: The Museum continues to develop its collection of modern and contemporary western American art by Euro-American and Native American artists. This collection emphasizes works by artists who continue to build upon the original foundations of this genre as well as expressions of the Native American experience.
	Photography: The Museum owns many photographic prints most by well-known artists and photographers, both historic and contemporary. The museum acquires photographic prints selectively based on artistic merit and historic significance.
	Firearms: The Museum owns a large firearm collection that is primarily of American manufacture and civilian weapons associated with the American West from the period 1865 to 1900. The emphasis within the collection is on firearms that bear some significance on the history and mythology of the West.

*Foremost in the consideration of any Native American art for addition to the collection is sensitivity to current legislation and professional and ethical codes regarding the collection and display of religious, ceremonial, and/or funerary objects of Native American nations. The wishes of each nation, as expressed through established official channels is given the utmost priority. The Museum complies with the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act.