In anticipation of a new El Paso Museum of Art downtown, a statewide campaign was held in 1997 to name the Tom Lea Gallery, bringing Tom Lea’s artwork home to El Paso. Tom Lea Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to experience his work within the context of art from his native Southwest. Artworks ranging from illustrations, sketches, print works, portraits, and landscapes are among the 90 works of art given. The painting of Rio Grande was included, which was loaned to the White House for eight years, as well as a World War II sketchbook from aboard the USS Hornet before it was sunk. Three works are exhibited at any one time and rotated biannually. EPMA’s assistant curator will lead the tour beginning in the museum lobby.
