TYLER, TX.- The Tyler Museum of Art has received a major gift from the Laura and Dan Boeckman Collection of Mexican and Latin American Folk Art for its permanent collection, and in celebration will unveil a bilingual “Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book” during a special presentation scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Museum.

The 24-page coloring book, underwritten by Yvette Brunette and John Merrill of State Farm Insurance in Tyler, and Hudson Printing & Graphic Design of Longview, was inspired by the generosity of Laura and Dan Boeckman, the Dallas-area philanthropists who have made a promised gift of over 300 works from their extensive collection of contemporary Mexican and Latin American folk art – one of the premier collections of its kind in the United States -- to the TMA’s permanent collection. The first part of their donation – 69 works of art – was received as an end-of-year gift in December.

“The large and vibrant Hispanic community in Tyler and East Texas was a major part of Laura and Dan Boeckman’s motivation to donate so much of their extraordinary collection to the Museum in the first place,” TMA Director Kimberley Bush Tomio said. “Now with the generosity of our underwriters, we are able not only to spotlight the Boeckman Collection as the wonderful and educational works they are through the publication of the coloring book, but also fulfill the Boeckmans’ hope that their collection will be shared with the public and foster an appreciation and understanding of the diversity of cultures with which we all have some connection.”

The English-Spanish coloring book features illustrations of selected works from the Boeckman Collection, with bilingual text and information about the artwork written by Stephen Vollmer, the Museum’s adjunct curator of Mexican and Latin American Art, and translated by John Hays.

Through its ongoing partnership with Tyler Independent School District, the Museum plans to distribute the coloring books to all second-grade students. Special guests for the May 5 event at the TMA include Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Randy Reid and TISD Director of Visual and Performing Arts George Faber. In addition to 30 students representing TISD at the event, the celebration also will feature a performance by the Tyler Ballet Folklorico dance troupe with brief remarks by the Museum director and special guests. Copies of the book will be available to all the children attending the event.

“Laura and I are very sorry we couldn’t be there for the launching of the coloring book, because we’re very excited for the project,” Dan Boeckman said, “not only in how it will benefit the school district but hopefully the Museum as well – and educate and bring joy to young people.”