Garis Gallery of the American West

The Garis Gallery of the American West is the most concise snapshot of our western art as seen from an Oklahoma perspective that exists anywhere," according to Ken Davenport - owner of the Arkansas Art Gallery in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also remarked, "This should be the first stop of a student of western art in the exploration of the Chisholm Trail, Western and Native American Art. From Duncan--you can go on to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Fort Worth, Denver and Santa Fe."

Jim and Diane Garis shared a love of art and enjoyed seeing the success of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center and its expanding programs. Having the desire to share their art with the people of southwestern Oklahoma, housing the gallery in the Heritage Center seemed the perfect fit.

Jim Garis, served as the Heritage Center's board president before his death, February, 2007.  His idea for an art gallery was in the planning stages for five years.  Jim said, "Firmly believing in Tom McCasland, Jr.'s original dream of a museum focusing on Duncan's historic link to the Chisholm Trail, we are adding a new dimension... one that will allow people to see their heritage from a different perspective."

The Garis Gallery of the American West provides an intimate space for an exceptional collection of Western Art that includes paintings, drawings, watercolors and bronzes.  Designed by Museum Arts of Dallas, Texas, with subtle western accents, the gallery provides a complimentary setting for the permanent collection. The use of earth colored walls and stained wood trim was inspired by the mud brick construction employed by the early Oklahoma settlers.

The gallery floor plan and the arrangement of the interior walls encourage freedom of movement and yet provide enough space for visitors to pause and reflect. Designed as a maze, the new 2,300 square foot addition is fitted with a custom designed Solux lighting system, providing exceptional light clarity for the dramatic staging of paintings and bronzes.

The bronze maquette of Paul Moore's impressive statue "On the Chisholm Trail" that graces the front lawn of the Heritage Center will be on permanent display at the entrance to the gallery. The collection consists of many of the American West's most well known artists and also includes local and regional artists of note. Works by Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, Allan Houser and others will be featured in the space which will accommodate approximately 80 pieces at one time.

Visitors will learn about the art and artists by use of a self-guided audio tour developed for the Heritage Center by Tour-Mate systems of Ontario, Canada and produced by Megavisions of Irving, Texas. Architects for the project were Easley and Associates from Enid and the builder was Duncan Construction Company.

According to Diane Garis, the collection began with the purchase of one piece at an art show in Oklahoma City. It has grown with additional purchases from individuals, shows, and auctions to the present collection of over 250 pieces. Artists are represented from all over the country. Some lived in or visited the "wild west" and others live in the West today. Ms. Garis stated, "I am really excited about sharing our art with the community through the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center. This provides yet another facet to the Center which Jim and I have hoped will serve to further increase interest in the Center and promote tourism in Duncan."

When the Gallery opened, Jim Garis explained, "This collection gives us a reference to our history and heritage and the way the West molded the character of its inhabitants. It gives us a chance to put ourselves in another place and time. Most of all it allows us to see, feel, and enjoy the beauty, pain, sorrow, and happiness of the great American West."

Leah Mulkey, Education Coordintor, belives that "a goal of our education program for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, is to stimulate interest in the visual arts and create motivation to visit other museums and galleries.  For many of our students, their participaton in our progam is their first trip to a museum or art gallery. The Garis Gallery of the American West, is an important component of the education process and compliments our goal, "Create Life Long Learners."

Bill Benson, Executive Director, added, "Communities the size of Duncan are rarely blessed with this kind of quality experience. We appreciate the gift from the Garis family and all of our museum supporters of these wonderful additions to the community. "He went on to say, "The Garis Gallery of the Amerca West, adds to the image of Duncan, as a cultural destination and ties it to the rich cowboy heritage of Oklahoma City and Ft. Worth.  We are centrally located in a position to benefit from tourists seeking top quality museum experiences."

Mr. Benson believes the gallery to be the perfect compliment to the museum and trail experience that the center offers. "Many of the featured artists are deceased and have painted scenes that were actually seen through their eyes. When we view paintings of the west completed during the early 19th and 20th centuries before cameras were readily available, we are seeing reality, not the romanticized view of the modern media."

Jim Garis had also seen the gallery as an impetus for hosting other prominent exhibitions since the needed security and environment are now in place.  Jim explained, "I believe that art tells stories that are open to interpretation by the viewer. The American West is the perfect subject matter since it is such an untamed and unique period. My family is proud to be able to share this experience with the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, all of southwestern Oklahoma and the thousands of guests from around the world who visit here each year."  Jim Garis passed away in January 2007.|