Tours
Each year, the Tom Lea Institute provides FREE walking tours that take the community to beautiful and historic sites throughout the region, many of which reference Tom Lea's work. Experience decades of cultural wonders and historical landmarks like never before.
RSVP today. ( Spots fill up quickly!)
Full Schedule of Events:
Join us for a walking tour with stops at the Blanton Museum of Art, Harry Ransom Center, and the Chancellor’s office to discover UT's rich history through its Tom Lea holdings and see treasures generally not available to the public. Tour embarks from the lobby.
MEET AT HARRY RANSOM CENTER • 300 West 21st Street, Austin, Texas 78712
• Harry Ransom Center:
Stand in awe of Tom Lea's preparatory drawing for Sarah in the Summertime painting, the artist’s self-proclaimed magnum opus. A life-sized portrait of his wife was made in the gratefulness of being home after World War II. The drawing was painstakingly restored by HRC Conservators in 1997.
• Blanton Museum of Art:
Explore the study for Stampede, originally featured on the cover of J. Frank Dobie's book The Longhorns. This study, a one-inch to one-foot model for Lea's 1940 Stampede mural in the Odessa Post Office, is a remarkable piece. Also see the Toro Suelto in black ink and learn about the C.R. Smith Collection of Western Art, which includes notable works such as The Year It Rained and The Lead Steer.
• University of Texas System Office:
Enjoy two Tom Lea paintings chosen by Chancellor J.B. Milliken for his office while hearing comments from him and former Chancellor William Cunningham, who also had Lea paintings in his office. Discover what a lead steer can teach us about leadership.
• After the tour:
Enjoy wine and charcuterie at the Byrne Reed House, headquarters of Humanities Texas, with a peek at more art by Tom Lea from the collection of Pamela Pitzer Willeford, former ambassador to Switzerland, and fellow regionalist Thomas Hart Benton.
BYRNE REED HOUSE • 1410 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701
JAN 31
FRIDAY
10 AM
Travel the World in Architecture
-Downtown El Paso
The storied architecture of El Paso contains symbols of both pre-Columbian and modern world cultures. This tour provides a comprehensive look into the diverse architecture of downtown El Paso.
‣ Henry C. Trost's Trost & Trost wanted to showcase the flexibility and strength of the the newly pioneered, reinforced concrete. By designing buildings in different architectural styles, Trost made it so that one could travel the world without leaving the city.
‣ Mabel Weich, one af the first women to become a certified architect in Texas worked prolifically throughout El Paso and became known for her Spanish Colonial Revival style designs. Two of which are located in downtown El Paso.
ALOFT EL PASO DOWNTOWN• 303 Texas Avenue El Paso, TX 79901
Join Ginger Francis on a journey through the unique public art in the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso campus. Each piece tells a story deeply rooted in the borderland ethos. Marvel at the sandblasted local plant forms of Helix Garden and stroll through the El Intercambio sculptures, reminiscent of the Spanish Missions. Experience the delicate balance of healing and high-tech science with Between Earth and Sky. Be amazed by the mastery of Tom Lea’s Pass of the North portraits and the Study for the First Recorded Surgical Operation in North America, Cabeza de Vaca Taking an Arrow from an Indian's Chest in 1535.
TEXAS TECH HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT EL PASO
Meet on the first floor of the Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine
137 Rick Francis St., El Paso, TX 79905
Tom Lea wrote and illustrated the two-volume history of The King Ranch. Arguably the greatest ranching history ever written, it was originally intended as a monograph for King Ranch’s 100th anniversary. Hear James Clement, a sixth-generation member of the King Ranch family, rancher, and former Horse Division manager. Under his direction, King Ranch won the AQHA Best Remuda Award, the most prestigious recognition awarded to a ranch horse program, and raised the first-ever King Ranch-bred and owned World Champion. Afterward, get an exclusive guided tour of the Henrietta Memorial Center and Museum. See the historic remuda while visiting over ranch-themed refreshments. Join the insider's bus tour of King Ranch quarter horses and meet a champion horse. Separate registration is required for the bus tour on Eventbrite.
HENRIETTA CENTER • 405 North 6th St., Kingsville, TX 78363
MAR 28
FRIDAY
10 AM
¡La Revolución Mexicana! - Downtown El Paso
Did you know the Mexican Revolution was planned in El Paso? Join us in exploring the Mexican Revolution as we see firsthand some of the most critical sites for Pancho Villa and his Revolutionaries!
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See the building from which Francisco Madero and Pancho Villa planned the revolution and encounter the soda shop Pancho Villa frequented.
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Learn about the impactful friendship of Tom Lea and refugee Jose Cisneros.
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See Tom Lea's Mexican Revolution art in beautiful Downtown El Paso.
HOTEL PASO DEL NORTE, AUTHOGRAPH COLLECTION
• 10 Henry Trost Court El Paso, TX 79901
10 AM
APRIL 25
FRIDAY
Premieres & Plaza Theatre
-Downtown El Paso
When the Plaza Theatre opened on 1930, it was heralded as the "Southwest's most perfect theater" and the largest atmospheric showplace between Dallas and Los Angeles.
-Focus on the Plaza's design, beauty, and function and why it became, and remains, one of the most beloved spaces.
-Listen the original 1930 Wyler Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, featuring Rick Garven, a long-time volunteer Plaza organist.
-Discuss the premiers of movies based on Tom Lea novels, The Wonderful Country and The Brave Bulls.
PLAZA THEATRE • 125 West Mills Avenue El Paso, TX 79901
10 AM
MAY 30
FRIDAY
Downtown Treasures -
Downtown El Paso
Have you ever walked through El Paso, captivated by the art around you? This tour takes you through the heart of downtown El Paso, unveiling the stories behind these artistic treasures.
- Learn about the old masters and the new contemporary artists.
-Compare the different art styles between old and new artwork. -
-Determine how local artists have contributed to the growing cultural history of El Paso.
- Learn the history behind sculptures, buildings, murals, etc.
OLD FEDERAL COURTHOUSE • 511 East San Antonio Avenue El Paso, TX 79901
TOUR Contact INFORMATION
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Build brand loyalty, attract new customers, preserve iconic art in the region, and transmit pride of place to the next generation.
We rely on grants and donors just like you to keep the mission of the Tom Lea Institute alive, thank you in advance for your support and providence!
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REACH US
MAIL: PO Box 103, El Paso, TX 79941
ADDRESS: 513 W. San Antonio Ave., STE C 79901
EMAIL: hcobb@tomlea.net
PHONE: 915-533-0048
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