University of San Diego Founders Gallery Exhibit records, 1970-1993

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Summary

Title:
University of San Diego Founders Gallery Exhibit records
Dates:
1970-1993
Creators:
Whitcomb, Therese Truitt
Abstract:
These records consist of the planning materials, newspaper clippings, and photographs gathered for University of San Diego Founders Gallery exhibits between 1971 and 1993.
Extent:
3.5 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, University of San Diego Founders Gallery records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. [Date accessed]

Background

Scope and content:

These records include the exhibition planning materials, press releases, newspaper articles, photographs, and correspondence about exhibitions featured in Founders Gallery. Exhibition planning materials include lists of exhibited work, research materials, exhibit space sketches, announcements and exhibit labels. Photographs are of both the exhibit space as well as exhibited artifacts. Correspondence is largely between exhibit curator, Therese Whitcomb, and the featured artist(s). Correspondence also includes praise from Gallery attendees. Exhibitions often changed monthly. The majority of Founders Gallery exhibitions from 1971 to 1993, though not all, are represented in these materials.

Biographical / historical:

The University of San Diego Founders Gallery, located in Founders Hall, was established by Therese (Hanafin) Whitcomb in 1971. The first show premiered on April 23rd, 1971 featuring San Francisco artist Jeff Ruocco. The Founders Gallery was organized as a permanent, professional exhibition area to provide instruction in art history and design. Exhibits frequently changed monthly during the academic year featuring an array of local, national, and international art, as well as student work. In 2002, the exhibit space was renamed the Hoehn Family Galleries, in honor of Robert and Karen Hoehn, long time supporters of the arts at USD.

Therese (Hanafin) Whitcomb was the first, and only, graduate of the San Diego College for Women in 1953. She became a faculty member in the University of San Diego Art Department after earning her master's degree from San Diego State University. Shortly thereafter she became the Chair of the Art Department. In addition to establishing the Founders Gallery, Whitcomb curated the majority of the exhibits put on display. Whitcomb continued her integral role in the Art Department for 35 years and, in 2015, was awarded the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Processing information:

This collection was initially processed by Tessie Camina in 2009. Additional processing was done by Ashley Toutain in 2016 and Gabrielle Wood in 2024.

Exhibition dates are included at the beginning of each folder title. Accompanied by the folder title is a second set of dates that reflects the date range of materials within each folder. Often the materials gathered about an exhibition spanned more than the period of exhibition.

Arrangement:

These records are arranged in chronological order.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Prepared by Ashley Toutain, 2016. Updated by Gabrielle Wood, 2024.
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2024-11-15 10:34:03 -0800 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

University of San Diego Founders Gallery Exhibit records are the physical property of the University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. Copyright, except in cases where material has passed into the public domain, belongs to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns.

Preferred citation:

[Folder Title], Box # Folder #, University of San Diego Founders Gallery records, Copley Library, University of San Diego, Archives and Special Collections. [Date accessed]

Location of this collection:
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110 2492, US
Contact:
(619) 260-2730
spcoll@sandiego.edu
Website