Tom Lea: Chronicler of 20th Century America

As a quintessential chronicler of the 20th century United States, Tom Lea (1907-2001) captured the hauntingly beautiful western frontier and its people.

In the most comprehensive exhibition of Texas artist Tom Lea's work to date, the Bullock Museum takes an in-depth look at a life and career that spanned the 20th century. Illustrations, paintings, murals, and writings together uniquely emphasize Lea's contributions to American art, his inspirations, and often the people he knew and loved. His work ultimately influenced how audiences viewed landscapes as diverse as Pacific battlegrounds and the American Southwest.

Lea's work reflecting the country and its culture appeared in the Saturday Evening Post, LIFE magazine, Hollywood movies, community post offices, and the White House. Original works on loan from private collections and museums throughout the country provide insight into the history that Tom Lea's artworks so beautifully reflect.  

The exhibition, Tom Lea: Chronicler of 20th Century America, is a collaboration among the Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Tom Lea Institute, and the Texas State History Museum Foundation.

Tom Lea: Chronicler of 20^th Century America
Exhibition Sponsors

Brave Bulls
Darren & Maria Woody and Margaret & Frank Krasovec
In loving memory of Alyn Brown Morton

Wonderful Country Sponsors
Dian Graves Owen Foundation
Helen K. Groves
Michael Klein
Caren H. Prothro

Raynolds Boulevard Sponsors
Jan Bullock and Robert Green
Joan and Steve Clark
Red and Charline McCombs
General and Mrs. Montgomery Meigs
Geena and Don Pendergras
Isha Rogers
Jon and Lory Rogers

Support for the Bullock Museum's exhibitions and education programs provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.

Banner Image: Pass of the North, 1938. Oil on canvas by Tom Lea. Historic federal Courthouse, El Paso, Texas.