The permanent collection was established in the mid-1980s as part of its first national accreditation, while the museum was still a county agency. Since emerging as an independent non-profit in 1995, the museum has grown its collection exponentially through the generous support of artists, collectors, donors, and private foundations. Milestones include the founding of the Contemporary American Indian Art Collection in 1997 and the acquisition of works in the Willem and Diane Volkersz Contemporary American Folk Art Collection in 2016. Discover some of these special stories and significant works through the links below!