WITTLIFF CELEBRATION: Crowd gathers to commemorate 35th anniversary of The Wittliff Collections

AUSTIN — John Steinbeck once wrote, “Texas is a state of mind.” Throw in elements of the great southwest as expressed through writers, photographers, filmmakers and singer/ songwriters and look no further than The Wittliff Collections on the San Marcos Campus of Texas State University and experience the region’s spirit and culture.

On Thursday, supporters of the Wittliff Collections gathered at Austin City Limits Live to pay homage to the late Bill Wittliff, honor Sally Wittliff, and raise funds for the further expansion of its collections.

Chloe and John Navarrette are all smiles.

Lee and Dawnelle Doughtie and Chuck Nash at Thursday event in Austin.

“What a privilege it is for Texas State to be home to The Wittliff Collections — where we reveal the beauty, mystery and power of Texas, Mexico and the Southwest,” Texas State University President Dr. Denise Trauth said. “This year marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of The Wittliff Collections.”

She recalled to a packed house of attendees when it was established in 1986, it was called The Southwestern Writers Collection, and was housed in just one room of the university’s library.

“Now, it’s a striking collection of exhibitions and research material located on the newly renovated top floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library in the heart of our San Marcos Campus,” Trauth said.“The Wittliff now includes more than 500 special collections in literature, music, photography, and film. That’s a staggering evolution over the last 35 years and it’s a testament that there are no limits to what’s next for The Wittliff Collections.”

Supporters of The Wittliff Collections gathered at Austin City Limits Live on Thursday to pay homage to the late Bill Wittliff, honor Sally Wittliff, and raise funds for the further expansion of its collections. Dr. Denise Trauth and Bill Pruit smile at Thursday's event.

Trauth said with continued support and inspiration from its founder Sally Wittliff, and from the contributors attending, the works that grace The Wittliff Collections are a reminder of the majesty of Texas and how fortunate we are to be connected to this special place and “call it home.”

A group, including Margot Thomas, Sally Wittliff, Andy Sansom and Nona Sansom, at ACL Live. 

“For the past several years, Sally has carried the torch and strengthened the Wittliff family’s legacy and impact in the arts. I’d like to offer my sincerest thanks,” Trauth said. “I have a special surprise. Texas State University has established the Patron of the Arts and Humanities Award. This award will be given to a distinguished individual whose support, contributions, and vision have amplified the arts and humanities. For her tremendous contributions to the arts and humanities, we have selected Sally Wittliff as our inaugural honoree.”

Above right, Ray Benson, front man of Asleep at the Wheel, performs at Thursday's event.

To visit the Wittliff, the collections are located on the seventh floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos. Admission is free.

The Wittliff Collections hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday between 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.