This summer marks the 25th anniversary of the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. The museum is commemorating the milestone with the exhibition “OUMA in Retrospect: Celebrating 25 Years,” which documents its growth and development through the years.

Amitabha Buddha, (Japanese, Kamakura Period, 14th century), Wood and urushi with traces of gilding, University Acquisition.; Henri Chapu (French, 1833-1891), La Pensée (Study for the tomb of Madam d’Agoult), ca. 1900, Cast bronze, Thiebaut Freres foundry, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Schlossberg 2017.4.1

Curated by John Tilford, OUMA’s curator of collections, the exhibition will feature more than 100 works from the museum’s permanent collection, many of which were acquired by founding director Lloyd Nick.

While the museum has had a longstanding focus in Eastern and French art, more recently, OUMA has acquired a number of 19th and 20th century American works, helping to develop a greater strength in American art. Since 2012, the permanent collection has grown from just under 200 pieces to nearly 700.

Additionally, many of the works in the collection have a connection to Oglethorpe, including a number donated by Carrie Lee Jacobs Henderson, granddaughter of former Oglethorpe University President Thornwell Jacobs, who refounded Oglethorpe University in 1915.

Each semester, museum studies students have the unique opportunity to assist in the cataloging, research, storage and display of objects in the permanent collection.

“OUMA in Retrospect” runs July 7 through September 16, 2018.On August 23 at 6:30 p.m., OUMA will host a lecture by Tilford about the exhibition and the museum’s history, as well as future plans. A reception will follow.