2025: A Year in Review
2025 has been a year full of fun at the museum. Scroll through this end of year newsletter to catch up on all the great things that have been happening. Check out next year’s calendar at the bottom, too!
ART ON DISPLAY
PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT: January through March we were thrilled to host Focused on Nature by photography duo, Ben and Ashlee Jacobi.
This awe-inspiring photography exhibition featured breathtaking landscapes, dramatic thunderstorms, elusive wildlife, and dazzling stars.
GIFTED AND TALENTED EXHIBIT: On April 11th we hosted a one-night-only GT Art Showcase in partnership with Vernon Elementary School. The event featured artwork from 40 talented 3rd through 5th grade students.
Throughout the spring semester, these young artists explored the world of visual art by researching different artists and styles. It was an honor to provide a space where families and the community could come together to celebrate the students’ achievements. We’re proud to support and showcase the next generation of artists in Texoma!
ANNUAL ART SHOW & SALE: This summer we hosted our 24th Annual Juried Art Show & Sale. This vibrant celebration of creativity invites artists to showcase their best original work. This year, we received the highest number of art entries in our history! From this impressive pool, only around 50 works could be chosen for the exhibition. Our exhibition selection jury did not have an easy job narrowing down the entries to be put on display.
YOUTH ART SHOW: The 5th Annual Youth Art Show was one for the books! 75 amazing entries displayed just how talented our local kids are.
The grand opening and award ceremony was conjoined with our annual Kid’s Day at the Museum, a free event that encourages area families to learn about history, science, culture, and art. Over 160 people came out to enjoy the museum and celebrate our local artists during this special event.
Click HERE to visit our “Exhibition History” page to view all of the Youth Art Show award winners and learn more about past art exhibits at the museum!
The Next Generation
FREE SCHOOL TOURS: Throughout the 2024-2025 school year over 800 kids visited the museum free of charge! We’re grateful for the grants that allow this program to continue. The museum’s mission is focused on educating and engaging our visitors to keep history alive- and there is no better way to do that than by reaching kids and teens!
We’ve already started scheduling tours for the 25-26 school year. With enough notice, we can even add on special interactives based on what students are learning in the classroom at that time. Let us help make your lessons even more impactful! Share with your favorite teachers or call us to get on the calendar! Phone: 940-553-1848
SUMMER ART CAMP: We always have so much fun during camp! This year we had 30 campers over two weeks. Our younger campers delved into the world of Op Art, creating fun and funky artworks that played tricks on your eyes. Our teens learned about women artists throughout history and replicated their art styles!
All of our classes got to try out new mediums. Some kiddos even found their new favorite way of creating!
Can you believe that 70% of our campers were return registrations? We love seeing the same faces year over year and watching their skills and confidence grow!
We’re already looking forward to our 2026 camp. Registration is open if you’re looking for an extra Christmas Gift. Register your little artists for one week of camp to receive a discount! Use code FREE-ART at checkout!
Connecting with the Community
EASTER LUNCHBOX: After several years without it , Easter Lunchbox is finally back and better than ever! In one day, our awesome volunteers prepped and packed over 700 lunches! Each lunch purchase supports the museums operations- helping us keep the lights on even with rising occupancy costs. Normally, this is our only independent fundraiser of the year so it’s extra important we make it count!
Mark your calendars for March 27th, 2026 so you don’t miss the order deadline for next year!
WAGGONER GALLERY FUNDRAISER: This summer we hosted Burgers, Boots, & Brews on the museum grounds. Live music by the Blaine Gillespie Band set the mood. Fresh cooked burgers and all the fixings made for a delicious meal. And the Texas made beers made it a night to remember!
This fundraiser, along with Texoma Gives, helped push us to the finish line for funding the Waggoner Gallery Redesign. We’ve been raising money for five years… and finally we get to see this dream come to life! We can’t wait to share updates once construction starts SOON!
You can click HERE to see renderings of what the remodel will look like!
Statewide Recognition
Did you hear the news? We’re an award winning museum! The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized the Red River Valley Museum as the 2024 recipient of the John L. Nau, III Award of Excellence in Museums! We traveled to Austin in April to accept this award.
This prestigious award highlights the vital role history museums play in connecting communities, preserving heritage, and contributing to local economies. As one of just 10 annual THC Preservation Awards, this recognition reaffirms our commitment to engaging, educating, and inspiring visitors through our exhibits and programs.
The 2026 schedule so far…
Open until Jan 10: Happyville Dollhouse Village
March 2-April 25: Photography Exhibit by The Light Catchers open to the public
April 2: Easter Lunchbox pick up date
June 6: Art Show private opening
June 9-July 11: Annual Art Exhibition open to the public
Aug 18-Sept 25: Red River Photography Club Exhibit open to the public
Oct-Nov 2026: Youth Art Show Exhibit open to the public
Dec 5: Youth Art Show Awards & Kids Free Day
Dec-Jan: Happyville Dollhouse Village
