The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art has received a collection of Oaxacan prints donated in memory of Ellen Barth, a longtime art teacher at St. Pius Elementary School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The donation was organized by her husband, Chuck Barth, a local artist and former Mount Mercy University instructor, who worked with museum staff and Oaxacan artists to select works reflecting the culture of Oaxaca, Mexico, where the couple spent part of each year. The museum plans to feature the collection in an exhibition, though it is booked through 2027, and will also use the works in future displays and educational programs.
This gift matters because it honors a beloved local educator while enriching the museum's holdings with culturally significant Oaxacan art, strengthening ties between the Cedar Rapids community and the artistic traditions of Oaxaca. The donation also highlights how personal legacies can expand a museum's collection and educational offerings, ensuring the art continues to inspire students and visitors for years to come.