Support the Collections

The Wittliff carries out its mission by acquiring the tangible evidence of our cultural heritage—the books, manuscripts, photographs, screenplays, and films of our region’s artistic visionaries. This creative output is the lifeblood of the Collections.

Until a few years ago, the Wittliff’s growth stemmed mostly from the donations of generous writers and artists along with the steady support of Texas State University, which funds all of the Collections’ operating budget. But now, as libraries, museums, and special collections—like the Wittliff—are being asked to pay record prices for archives and images, reaching out to ask for private contributions is the only way the Wittliff can continue its core activity of collecting and preserving the very best of the region’s cultural treasures.

Celebrating its 25th year of exploring the relationship between art and place, the Wittliff is focused on raising funds to support the following initiatives:

• Building the most comprehensive resource for the study and appreciation of two writers and five photographers whose major archives are housed at the Wittliff: Pulitzer Prize-winners Cormac McCarthy and Sam Shepard, Keith Carter, Kate Breakey, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Graciela Iturbide, and Marco Antonio Cruz;
• Acquiring the 13,000 volume library of one of the foremost authors and historians of the Southwest, Marc Simmons; and
• Conserving three 28’ x 6’ mural panels painted by Texas artist James Buchanan “Buck” Winn.

We’re happy to report that the Still Water Foundation has just awarded the Wittliff a $100,000 challenge grant for the purchase of the Marc Simmons library. Structured as a challenge to help the Wittliff generate new dollars, we have one year in which to raise the matching $100,000. You can double the impact of your gift by designating it to the Still Water / Simmons Challenge. Find out more about the Simmons Library here.

Whether your inspired to help us meet the challenge or wish to make a gift to another area of interest, we hope you will consider making a donation today and participate in the work to preserve the artistic legacy of our region and to keep the “spirit of place” alive for our enrichment and that of future generations to explore and enjoy. Use the mail-in donation form or contact:

Beverly Fondren
The Wittliff Collections, Alkek Library
Texas State University-San Marcos
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
512.245.9058
bf12@txstate.edu

Your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.