Dr. Merlin Joseph McGivney, born in 1905, was a lifetime resident of Galveston. Although he was a successful practicing dentist in the community, Dr. McGivney had a strong passion for painting and was an active member of the Galveston Art League.
Upon his death in 1985, Dr. McGivney bequeathed his collection of books and paintings to the Rosenberg Library, along with a $10,000 donation for the library’s New Book Fund. Dr. McGivney also established an endowment through the Rosenberg Library to fund an annual purchase prize award for Galveston Art League’s Fall Juried Show.
Administered by the Rosenberg Library, winners are given a cash prize and their artwork added to the Rosenberg Library Museum’s permanent art collection. The McGivney Purchase Award is awarded to paintings that were created in Galveston and/or depict a scene in Galveston.
Each year, the Rosenberg Library Museum continues Dr. McGivney’s lasting legacy and passion for art in Galveston.
While the 4th floor Museum galleries are temporarily closed, we’d like to showcase the amazing winners of the McGivney Awards from the Galveston Art League’s Fall Juried Show. Come explore this art collection in the historic Grand Hallway located on the 2nd floor of the Rosenberg Library.
For more information, please contact the Museum Curator at (409) 763 – 8854 ext. 125 or at museum@rosenberg-library.org.
For press inquiries, please contact Janae Pulliam, Communications Coordinator at 409.763.8854 ext. 144 or Communications@Rosenberg-Library.org.
