History
The permanent collection was established with the construction of the Dana Fine Arts Building in 1965. Since then, it has expanded significantly through acquisitions and generous gifts. The collection plays a crucial role in the arts curriculum and is actively used across disciplines, providing invaluable resources and inspiration for students.
The collection began in the college’s early years and grew in 1965 with donations of over 50 original works from Harry L. Dalton in honor of his wife, Mary Keesler Dalton ’25. Over time, the schedule of work has expanded significantly to include gifts of Asian art from the J. Jefferson Jones III and Lou Pate Jones ‘39 Collection and Japanese woodblock prints from the Margaret R. Law ’25 Collection.
Since 2000, in keeping with renovations and new construction, the college has actively acquired works, including those of Nina Bovasso, Barbara Kruger, Sally Mann and Joel-Peter Witkin. Many of these were acquired through the Mary Keesler Dalton Purchasing Fund under the direction of Lisa Alembik, Director of the Dalton Gallery from 2002-2012. The collection encompasses international artists and artwork from across the globe, along with Georgia artists. In 2008, major works by Rocio Rodriguez and Ruth Laxson were acquired. The transcendent artworks of Don Cooper and Katherine Mitchell were selected for the Julia Thompson Smith Chapel, which opened its doors in spring of 2008. In 2009, artists Jenny Holzer, Yasumasa Morimura, Felix Gonzalez-Torres and others were acquired from the Terry S. Hardy Collection. A mural by Charmaine Minniefield ‘95 and Sheila Pree Bright is painted on the facade of the Dana Fine Arts building while Sarah Emerson’s mural, Into the Wild, is installed along a round stairwell in McCain Library. Since 2010, the college has acquired works by artists of international status such as Kara Walker and Catherine Opie, both now on view in McCain Library.
Works by Agnes Scott students are included in the collection and displayed around campus. The collection features works by many alumni, among them Jordan Casteel ‘11 and Robin Dana ‘97. Finally, Agnes Scott students play an active role by choosing new acquisitions to the collection.