During the last half of 2008, the NRHC and RHA art collections were increased in scope and size by the acquisition of works by Porfirio Salinas, Frank Gervasi, Frank Reaugh and Robert Lougheed. The primary way that we expand the art collections is through donations and gifts of paintings, drawings, photographs, prints and sketches fitting the scope of the collecting criteria as set by the mission of the museum to preserve and interpret the history of ranching in North America. The NRHC is fortunate to have been the recipient of the very generous support of our members and patrons over the years. This support has helped build a collection of art and artifacts to be envied by other Western museums.

There is room for significant growth for the art collections held by the NRHC. It is with this matter in mind that an effort was created to continue the growth of the art collections. So we again turn to our supporters to ask for assistance in acquiring art that fits our collection.

There are many advantages to donating art works to the NRHC.

•   A donation is a positive influence on the strength and diversity of the collection.

•     There is an immediate income tax deduction created based on the fair market value of the artwork.

•     A donor can also avoid tax on capital gains on appreciated assets by donating some or all of those art assets to the NRHC.

•   A donation of this kind can ease the burden of the estate tax on heirs.

An art donation creates a lasting legacy for the donor with the NRHC, and this donation can be made in several ways. Restricted gifts, unrestricted gifts, gifts to honor a loved one or a loan with the eventual donation of the artwork are some of the options of donating art.

There are, of course, some restrictions on the acceptance by the NRHC of artworks. The art donation must be considered based on the compatibility to other works in the collection, the quality of the work, the artist and the style of artwork and, most importantly, if the work fits into the mission of the institution.

We are actively seeking art that represents the heritage of early ranching but will also consider all other representations of art of the West. This is an opportunity to help us take what is now a good art collection and expand it to be a great collection.