AUSTIN, Texas—The Gallery of Great Texas Women, a new exhibit honoring the accomplishments, sacrifices and contributions of women in Texas from the rugged 17th century frontier to the 21st century will be unveiled April 12 during a private opening at The University of Texas at Austin.
The 2 p.m. unveiling for invited guests will be in the Kinsolving Residence Hall, 2605 Whitis Ave., where exhibits celebrating 46 noteworthy Texas women have been installed on more than 4,000 square feet of display area, said Dr. Floyd B. Hoelting, director of the university’s Division of Housing and Food Service.
Beginning on April 13, the exhibit will be to open for free public viewing daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit will be closed on university holidays and during breaks in the academic schedule.
"In this Gallery, visitors will find striking stories, facts and quotes from and about these women whose hardships, hard work, sacrifices, triumphs and achievements brought glory and fame to Texas," said Pamela Chee, president of the University Residence Hall Association. "Some of these great women were not born in Texas but accomplished, succeeded or achieved greatness of deeds in or for our great state."
A Web site has been created to bring together resources, including biographies, essays, articles, personal accounts and other information on more than 1,000 great Texas women. The Web site may be accessed from a kiosk in the gallery as well as online at the Gallery of Great Texas Women.
"The University of Texas at Austin continuously goes above and beyond to celebrate the women who have contributed so meaningfully to our institution and our state," said Daniele Rugoff, president of Student Government at The University of Texas at Austin. "As a student and a Texas woman, I am proud to be involved in such a groundbreaking event on our campus."
Hoelting said the gallery is intended for the achievements and influence of these Texas women to inspire students, faculty, staff and visitors to the university. The idea for the project began in 2004 with conversations among students, faculty and staff members from the Division of Housing and Food Service on how to create an environment of learning, diversity and appreciation of women who influenced the development of Texas. The project grew to include numerous researchers, artists and designers at the Institute of Texan Cultures, a campus of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the state’s center for the interpretation of subjects relating to the history and culture of the people of Texas.
"This kind of historical exhibit, placed within the living quarters of university students, is both innovative and inspirational," said Dr. John L. Davis, executive director of the Institute of Texan Cultures. "The women honored in this exhibit serve as outstanding examples for all of us, and will inspire the students who traverse these halls for many years to come. The staff of UTSA’s Institute of Texan Cultures is proud to have played a role in this project. We applaud the Division of Housing and Food Service for commissioning this exhibit, and for their vision in honoring the valuable contributions of Texas women."
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847; Sarah Key, Division of Housing and Food Service, 512-475-8889; Kathy Kasper, Division of Housing and Food Service, 512-232-5590.
