Exhibit will feature never-before-seen items from his personal collection
On August 27, the Claremore Museum of History (MoH) will unveil an exhibit of Lynn Riggs, an American author, poet, playwright and screenwriter, who was from Claremore. The permanent exhibit will feature personal items gifted by his family, including portraits of Riggs that that hung in his home, a self-portrait that he painted with house paint from his home in Santa Fe and works by his partner, Ramon Naya.
“We are grateful to Lynn Riggs family for gifting some incredible pieces that provide a unique and personal glimpse into one of Claremore’s most famous sons during the 1930s and 1940s,” said Steve Robinson, Chairman of the Claremore MoH.
The Lynn Riggs Gallery will include personal photographs from his homes in Santa Fe and apartment in New York where the paintings can be seen hanging in various rooms throughout. His extensive personal library, personal studio piano from his NYC apartment, along with various personal memorabilia dating back to his first year of study at the University of Oklahoma, will also be featured.
The exhibit will be unveiled on August 27 from 7 – 9 p.m. at an event called “Green Grow the MoH – Lynn Riggs Gallery”, which hearkens to his play that was the basis for the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway play and movie, Oklahoma!. Relatives of Lynn Riggs family will be present, and the event will include food and beverages including wine, beer and a special “Lilac Signature” cocktail. Donations and tickets can be purchased for $25 per person, or $40 per couple at https://claremoremoh.org/donations/lynn-riggs-exhibit/ or in person at the Museum. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $35.
The new gallery complements the Lynn Riggs Gallery Memorial exhibit, which showcases many interactive aspects of his life and career, as well as memorabilia from his childhood through adult writing career.
“The recent acquisitions allowed us to expand our exhibit to showcase both his artwork and books from his private collection,” added Robinson.
