The Boren Collection of Western Art
Located in historic Helena Hall, the Taylor Art Gallery is home to the Boren Collection of Western Art. This collection is the bequest of Leland and LaRita Boren, longtime residents of Upland and faithful supporters of Taylor University. This art legacy is the product of a decades-long labor of love: collecting Western and Native American art subjects. The Boren Collection previously decorated the Boren’s business headquarters, AVIS Corporation, in Upland.
Gallery Hours
During the academic year, the Gallery is open from 11 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Friday, starting September 13.
Location and Parking
You are welcome to park on either the north or south sides of Helena Hall. Enter the Gallery through the west doors (at the top of the steps).
Gallery Visit Experience
Admittance is free. The Gallery is housed on three levels of the building.
Level 1
The downstairs/basement display area currently features the water media paintings of James E. Boren (1921-1990). Although this master painter was not a relative of the Boren family, he was clearly a favorite. The Collection has more paintings by this artist than any other person, including a number of oils. Notably, the images on Level 1 are primarily executed in gouache. This opaque (non-transparent) watercolor is unique for its pastel-like qualities.
Level 2
In the rooms and alcoves of the entrance level, you will encounter modern working cowboys, paintings and sculptures by Native American artists, and paintings depicting scenes from 1870-1910, the “golden era” of the American West.
Level 3
With the largest amount of space, the top floor of Helena Hall demonstrates the broader scope of the Borens’ art tastes. In these galleries, you will see more working cowboy and Native American subjects, as well as Western landscapes, scenes from the Old Southwest, portraiture, and paintings of the four-legged friends—Texas longhorns and American buffalo—that lived on the Boren ranch south of Upland. This floor also has a working classroom with paintings selected to engage a full range of visitors: university students, school-age children, and community visitors.
Contact Us
Questions about visiting with a group, art pieces, or seeking more information? Contact Dr. Nancy Dayton, Dean of Arts, Humanities, Business, and Higher Education.
Art at Taylor University
Interested in viewing more art while visiting Taylor University? The Metcalf Visual Arts Building is a short walk east from Helena Hall, and contains the Metcalf Gallery where student and visiting artist work is frequently featured. Learn more about studying art at Taylor.
