Stetson University’s Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center is one of 75 institutions chosen to participate in the inaugural year of the Collections Assessment for Preservation (CAP) program. It is home to the largest collection of art by modernist painter Oscar Bluemner, with more than 1,000 pieces bequeathed to the university by the artist’s daughter, Vera Bluemner Kouba.

Hand Art Center on the Stetson University campus is at 139 E. Michigan Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32723, and is open to the public free of charge.

Administered by the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artist Works, CAP assists museums in improving the care of their collections by providing support for a conservation assessment of the museum’s collections and buildings. A team of two preservation professionals will spend two days surveying the site and meeting with staff before preparing a comprehensive report that will identify preventive conservation priorities. The assessment report will help the museum prioritize its collections care efforts in the coming years. Hand Art Center expects this program to be a first step in the pursuit of accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums.

“We are honored that Hand Art Center has been selected to participate in the CAP program,” said Tonya Curran, director of the center. “As we move toward the goal of accreditation, this program is critical to assisting us in perfecting our policies and ensuring the center is a premier venue for visiting exhibitions.”

The CAP program is administered by FAIC through a cooperative agreement with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal grant-making agency that supports museums and libraries.

In addition to Oscar Bluemner collection, the Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center also has a broad collection of artwork by Stetson University students, art faculty and alumni. The 5,000-square-foot building includes multiple galleries: The Oscar Bluemner Gallery exhibits rotating selections of the artist’s work from the Vera Bluemner Kouba Collection and the Gary Libby Gallery hosts exhibits from the university’s permanent art collection or special shows.

Except for holidays and school vacations, Hand Art Center is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday, noon-4 p.m. All exhibits are open to the public free of charge.

 

About Stetson University

Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida, providing a transforming education in the liberal arts tradition. Stetson stresses academic excellence and community-engaged learning, and consistently earns high marks in national rankings. Stetson encourages its students to go beyond success to significance in their lives, the lives of others and their communities. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.

About FAIC

FAIC, the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, supports conservation education, research, and outreach activities that increase understanding of our global cultural heritage. Learn more about FAIC at www.conservation-us.org/foundation. 

About IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and approximately 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram .