Theora Hamblett’s ‘Dreams and Visions’ Collection

Collection includes a new painting shown to the public for the first time

Birds in Flight, 1959 Theora Hamblett (1895-1977) Oil on board donated by the family of Faith Brunson, Class of 1944 Photo courtesy of Ole Miss Communications

OXFORD, Miss. – A selection of artworks by Oxford painter Theora Hamblett, from her “Dreams and Visions“ collection, is on display at the University of Mississippi Museum through Nov. 2. New to the exhibition is “Birds in Flight,” a piece never before displayed in a public venue, as well as a selection of her painted glass works.

Born in 1895 in the Lafayette County community of Paris, Hamblett lived her adult life in Oxford. She began painting at 55 and continued until her death in 1977. Based on her own dreams and regarded as a testament to her faith, ”Dreams and Visions“ was considered by Hamblett to be her most important works, and she chose not to sell the paintings.

“Because pieces in this collection were given only to close friends, they are rare and particularly special to have on display. The university is fortunate to have been bequeathed so many pieces from Hamblett,” said Robert Saarnio, museum director. “As the nation’s largest repository of the artist’s works, we are in the unique position of regularly exhibiting rotating selections from the collection, and these are sure to continue to amaze and delight.”

“Birds in Flight” is a recent gift to the museum from Kathryn and Brian Chivers in honor of their aunt, Mary Faith Brunson, a 1944 Ole Miss graduate.

“We are grateful to the Brunson family for their generosity in thinking of the museum as a home for this piece,” said Marti Funke, the museum’s collections manager. “It is a welcome addition to the collection and offers the public an opportunity to become more familiar with the vast talents of a beloved local artist.”

The University Museum is at the intersection of University Avenue and Fifth Street. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission is free for UM students, University Museum members and children under 5. To book a tour, contact esdean@olemiss.edu. For more information, visit http://museum.olemiss.edu or call 662-915-7073.

— Ole Miss News Desk