Luther Bean Museum Mission Statement
“In partnership with the university and valley communities, the Luther Bean Museum seeks to preserve, enhance, and promote the study of the diverse culture and history of the San Luis Valley and Adams State.”
Luther Bean Museum Collection
Above the front entrance hangs a mural, painted by Noel Tucker in 1937, depicting the legend of the naming of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The museum’s permanent collections represent largely regional and local arts and historical objects. Displays include Native American pottery, items featuring former Colorado Governor and Adams State University’s founder William H. “Billy” Adams, and Major Lafayette Head, Colorado’s first lieutenant governor, U.S. Indian agent, and early settler of Conejos County.
The back galleries feature paintings and works on paper by Stephen Quiller, Woody Crumbo and William Moyers; bronzes by William Moyers (1939 Adam State Alumnus); a bronze by Allan Houser; and a small oil painting by Joseph Henry Sharp.
Beryl and Charles Woodard
Patrons of Adams State, Beryl and Charles Woodard donated furniture, porcelain, decorative arts, and Asian ivory and stone carvings from their estate that have enriched and broadened the collections.
Mezzanine Level Displays
The upper level of the museum includes more Native American pottery from the southwest region, as well as baskets, a dance bustle and a headdress. Below are other displays.
Retablos and Bultos
The upper level of the museum includes a collection of retablos and bultos from the northern Rio Grande region.
Dr. Epifania “Eppie” Archuleta
Eppie Archuleta, master weaver, wove traditional Rio Grande, Navajo, and Chimayo designs but also enjoyed creating her own designs, including pictorials.
San Juan/Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and Zia Pueblo
Pictured, from left, San Juan / Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, potters from the 1930 San Juan Pottery Revival, and two pots from the Zia Pueblo
