Barbara Cleary’s Timeless Legacy: Celebrated Museum Acquisitions of a Visionary American Artist
Barbara Cleary (1935–2010) remains an enduring force in American art, beloved for her breathtaking Southwestern landscapes, vibrant abstracts, and exquisite floral paintings. Over the span of her illustrious career, Cleary’s masterful works have found homes in some of the nation’s most prestigious museums and private collections—ensuring her vision continues to inspire new generations of art lovers.
Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art – Shawnee, Oklahoma
The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is honored to house several of Cleary’s pieces, including Hollyhocks, an oil on canvas capturing the delicate beauty of this beloved flower; Taos Garden Door, a vibrant depiction of Southwestern architecture and flora; Red Bluffs Tenkiller, a landscape that showcases the rich hues of Oklahoma’s terrain; and Colorscape 2, an abstract work reflecting Cleary’s signature use of color and form. These pieces exemplify Cleary’s ability to blend realism with impressionistic elements, offering viewers a window into her artistic journey.
Museum of the Southwest – Midland, Texas
At the Museum of the Southwest, Cleary’s works continue to captivate audiences. The museum holds County Line, an oil on canvas that portrays the expansive Texan landscape; Desert Storm, a dynamic piece reflecting the intensity of the desert environment; and Sky Spirit: New Mexico, a tribute to the ethereal skies of the Southwestern United States. These artworks are part of the museum’s permanent collection, showcasing Cleary’s deep connection to the region and her ability to evoke the spirit of the landscape.
The Rockwell Museum – Corning, New York
The Rockwell Museum, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, features Cleary’s Taos Nearing Sunset, an oil on canvas capturing the serene beauty of a Southwestern sunset; Ghost Ranch, a piece inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in New Mexico; and Maine Landscape, a work reflecting Cleary’s travels and appreciation for diverse landscapes. These pieces highlight Cleary’s versatility and her ability to convey the essence of various environments, making them a perfect fit for the museum’s collection focused on the American experience through art.
Mulvane Museum of Art – Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas
The Mulvane Museum of Art holds Cleary’s Grasslands: Flint Hills, an oil on canvas depicting the vastness of Kansas’ Flint Hills; Untitled Plein Air Landscape, a spontaneous work capturing the immediacy of the landscape; and Miami County Line, a piece reflecting the rural beauty of Kansas. These artworks are part of the museum’s permanent collection, celebrating Cleary’s connection to the Midwest and her ability to capture the unique beauty of the region.
Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art – Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas
The Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art showcases Cleary’s County Line, an oil on canvas that portrays the expansive Kansas landscape, and Golden Lining, a piece reflecting Cleary’s impressionistic style and use of light. These paintings were gifts from Cleary’s family, further cementing her legacy in the region and contributing to the museum’s commitment to preserving and celebrating local and regional art.
Private and Corporate Collections Across the Nation
Beyond museum walls, Barbara Cleary’s art graces countless private and corporate collections across the United States. Collectors are drawn to her ability to merge vibrant color palettes with deeply emotive scenes, whether through a windswept New Mexico mesa, a swirling abstract, or a delicate amaryllis bloom. Cleary’s enduring legacy lives on not only through the brushstrokes she left behind but also in the institutions that have recognized her invaluable contribution to American art. Whether displayed in a revered museum or a collector’s cherished space, her work continues to spark awe, reflection, and admiration.