General Information and History
The Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art officially opened its doors on
the campus of Central Methodist University on October 29, 1993. It is
named in honor of the late Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Ashby of Pekin,
Illinois, who donated the main collection, and Dr. and Mrs. Robert H.
Hodge, long-time residents of Kansas City, Missouri, who are special
benefactors along with the CMU Class of 1943.
The Ashby Collection of oil paintings, lithographs, drawings, and
acrylics, mainly represents the work of American Regionalist artists.
Although the Ashby Collection is the principal focus of the gallery,
special exhibits are scheduled throughout the year.
Adjoining the gallery is a reading room featuring art catalogues,
exhibition books, and fine arts periodicals. Visitors as well as
students are invited to peruse the assembled literature
