This site is intended to be an open resource for visual arts scholarship and education and to recognize that the visual arts are an integral element of the culture at Northwest Missouri State University.
The University Art Collections represent an amalgam of nearly 800 original artworks ranging in dates from the 17th through 21st centuries. A variety of mediums and styles from diverse cultures are highlighted by works such as a Ming Dynasty brass spittoon; a Louis the XIV, Boulle, French writing desk and matching clock; lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton and Paul Klee; etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn, Käthe Kollwitz and Peter Milton; paintings by American artists Nichols Hobart and Frank Nuderscher and many more.
The bulk of the artworks are from the Percival DeLuce Collection, comprised of oil paintings, watercolors, illustrations, drawings and prints by Percival DeLuce (1847-1914), which was donated to and accepted by the University per the codicil to the will of Olive DeLuce, Percival’s second daughter, following her death in 1970. Miss DeLuce founded Northwest’s art program in 1915.
Numerous works have been presented to the University as senior class gifts. Art alumni donated some while University art faculty purchased others directly from artists or galleries. Occasionally, visiting artists, such as printmaker David Dreisbach, donated works made in departmental demonstrations to the collection.
Dr. Antonio Racela and the Racela Educational and Charitable Foundation have donated numerous works of contemporary photography and printmaking, including works by Kansas City artists Hugh Merrill and Richard Loftis.
Yet to be photographed and represented on this website is a collection, a gift from the Chinese Ambassador, of original and reproduction Chinese ceramics, woodcuts, scrolls, weaving and bronze works.
