The first painting acquired for the National Art Museum of Sport, in 1962, was Peter Helck’s tempera of an early auto race. It was a gift of Esquire magazine. Helck was noted for his paintings of old autos and races.
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The National Art Museum of Sport at IUPUI’s University Place Conference Center and Hotel is marking its 45th anniversary with an exhibit focused on how the collection was built. It will be on display through March 31.
With more 800 paintings, sculptures and works on paper, it is considered the nation’s largest collection of fine art depicting sport. It was founded in 1959 in New York City by the late Germain G. Glidden, a portrait artist and champion squash player, and moved to Indianapolis in 1990.
"In focusing on how the collection was built in the information on wall labels, we are answering a frequently asked question: How did you acquire this art?" said John Short, president of the museum’s board of governors. "That is part of the story we tell on history exhibit labels."
"We also are paying tribute to the generous donors who have contributed work to the collection or made possible museum purchases. Besides, the story of how a work came to the National Art Museum of Sport is often part of the story of the art–and sport art is story-telling art."
The story includes the first piece acquired by the museum in 1962–a 1945 tempera by Peter Helck illustrating the 1909 Brighton (N.Y.) 24-hour auto race. It was given to the museum by Esquire magazine. The story continues through recent additions such as the Rosenfeld Portfolio of 1899-1977 photography of the America’s Cup yacht race.
The National Art Museum of Sport is located on the Indianapolis campus and is open free to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. For weekend hours and group tours, call 317-274-3627.
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