THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN WEST

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An art exhibit and events featuring Western art from the private collection of Leland and LaRita Boren, with support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Curated by Kathy Herrmann and Suzanne Dittenber

August 22–October 5, 2014

Leone, Watching the Herd
Watching the Herd, John Leone, 1987-88, Oil on board, 10 x 13
THE SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN WEST is an art exhibit and events featuring Western art from the private collection of Leland and LaRita Boren, with support from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc.
LELAND and LARITA BOREN arrived in Upland, Indiana, in 1965 and almost immediately they immersed themselves in the Upland community and in the life of Taylor University. LaRita served on the Taylor University Board of Trustees for 34 years and virtually every significant University development during her service had her imprint. The Borens have enriched the Taylor experience for students, faculty, and staff. LaRita once described her and Leland’s investment in the University as “stronger, . . . more far-reaching, and . . . of more importance than anything we can do.” LaRita passed away February 10, 2011, and Leland continues to be actively involved with Taylor.
LaRita, a native of Oklahoma, loved to hear her father tell stories of the heritage of the West. Leland, raised in Indiana, wanted to know everything about this land his wife so dearly Gary Niblett, Summer Showers, 1982, Oil, 24 x 36 inches loved. The Borens’ art collection was started in 1971, when the staff at Avis Industrial Corporation presented them with A Pause That Refreshes, an oil painting by Joe Beeler. Thus began an exciting journey of building a collection acquired through galleries, private treaty, and gifts from friends. Leland and LaRita together searched out Western art galleries, attended auctions, and experienced both the agony and ecstasy of the quest.
Of the over 405 pieces in the Boren collection, 60 are being displayed during The Spirit of the American West. This is the first time select works from the collection are being widely
accessible to central Indiana and beyond. Taylor is grateful for the support of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., a private foundation, was established by Allen W. Clowes, a leading philanthropist in Indianapolis, Indiana, who during his life made major contributions to various charitable organizations that promoted or preserved the fine arts, music, literature, education, science, and history.