Two of Owensboro’s cultural institutions are deepening their collaboration under new leadership, with the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art placing a large-scale sculpture on permanent loan to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History.
The piece, titled The Railroad Robbery, was carved in 1983 by David Barten of Conway, Massachusetts, with polychrome painting by Doris Karsell. The work, measuring more than 13 feet long (156 inches), 30 inches wide, and 48 inches tall, depicts figures and scenes of a classic train robbery. Barten gifted the piece to OMFA shortly after its creation, and it has been part of the museum’s permanent collection ever since.
Because of its size and OMFA’s ongoing expansion, Director Jason Hayden said staff wanted the public to be able to enjoy the work rather than keep it in storage.
“It’s still part of our collection, but it’s on permanent loan to the Museum of Science and History. We thought it would fit perfectly alongside their popular train exhibit,” Hayden said.
OMSH Director Isaac Settle, who took over the museum last year alongside Hayden’s appointment at OMFA, said The Railroad Robbery will first be featured in the museum’s “New Acquisitions” area before being integrated into future train-related content.
“When you come in the front, instead of heading left to the cave, you’ll turn right down the hallway and it’ll be one of the first things you see,” Settle said, adding that it should be on display within the next month once final painting is complete in that area.
Both directors said fostering partnerships like this has been a priority since taking the helm of their respective institutions last year, with an emphasis on sharing resources, expanding educational programming and better telling Owensboro’s story through art and history.
“The Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Science and History are natural partners,” Hayden said. “Our boards fully support us working together now and in the future. When one museum succeeds, we all succeed.”
The museums plan to collaborate on additional exhibits next year, including a joint showcase celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
