An illustrated art piece depicts two large brown and white birds standing next to each other. The bird in the foreground has its foot on a grey stone-like object.
An illustration of the Crested Caracara reflects the beautiful bird paintings by the Gentling Brothers. | Photo credit: Humanities Texas

Department of Art to Host Traveling Exhibition Celebrating the Gentling Brothers’ Iconic Bird Art

Beginning Monday, August 17, the Department of Art at East Texas A&M University will present “Of Birds and Texas: The Gentling Brothers and Their Magnificent Book,” a traveling art exhibition organized by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This exhibition explores the enduring legacies of Stuart and Scott Gentling, twin brothers and collaborative artists whose remarkable book of bird paintings, “Of Birds and Texas,” became the defining touchstone of their careers. Self-published in 1986, the Gentlings' book received widespread acclaim. Critics at the time described it as a “magnificent achievement” and “the most stunning and prodigious book in Texas history.”

Two men stand together in front of a grey background. The artist on the left is resting his forearm on a large white book, and two bird paintings are displayed below them.
Twin brothers Stuart and Scott Gentling published a remarkable book of bird paintings, “Of Birds and Texas.” |
Photo credit: Humanities Texas

“Of Birds and Texas: The Gentling Brothers and Their Magnificent Book” is adapted from an exhibition developed by The Bryan Museum in Galveston in 2022. At the core of the new exhibition are framed lithographs of all 40 bird paintings from the Gentlings’ original folio. This traveling version also features freestanding interpretive panels developed by Humanities Texas in consultation with the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, where the Gentling brothers' archives and original paintings are held.

Through narrative storytelling, photographs, and interpretive labels that share the Gentlings’ own reflections on their paintings, the exhibition presents a fresh look at two of Texas’s most fascinating artists. At the same time, it offers viewers a unique window into the Lone Star State’s distinct landscapes and vibrant avian diversity.

Two brown owls interact. The owl on the right is standing on a red rock with his wings out slightly.
A painting of Burrowing Owls from “Of Birds and Texas.” | Photo credit: Humanities Texas

Visitor Information

Of Birds and Texas: The Gentling Brothers and Their Magnificent Book

Several special events and activities are planned to celebrate the exhibition. Please join us for one or all!

Art Exhibition

When: August 17-September 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Where: 2005 University Drive, Commerce, Texas

Register: No registration required

Cost: Free

Opening Reception

Public gathering for students, faculty and the community to celebrate the exhibit opening

When: Friday, August 21, 5-7 p.m.

Where: 2005 University Drive, Commerce, Texas

Register: No registration required

Cost: Free

Kids' Art Activity

Families can visit the exhibit, and kids can create their own birds to take home!

When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: 2005 University Drive, Commerce, Texas

Register: No registration required.

Cost: Free

Dr. Kelly Reyna, head of the Lyon Center for Gamebird Research, will host a gallery talk. This event is open to the public, and the talk will focus on conservation and environmental issues that Texas is currently facing.

When: Thursday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 2005 University Drive, Commerce, Texas

Register: No registration required.

Cost: Free

Watercolor Workshop

Recommended for teens and adults ages 14 and up, the watercolor painting workshop will be led by an instructor.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-noon

Where: 2005 University Drive, Commerce, Texas

Register: Space is limited. Please email [email protected] to reserve your spot

and include the number of attendees in your party.

Cost: Free

For more visitor information and to arrange group visits, contact the Gallery at 903.886.5455 or by email at [email protected].

Humanities Texas develops and supports diverse programs across the state, including lectures, oral history projects, teacher institutes, museum exhibitions and documentary films. For more information, please visit Humanities Texas at www.humanitiestexas.org or call 512.440.1991.