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520 Nelson Ave
Canadian, TX 79014
USA

806.323.8899

The Citadelle Art Museum in Canadian, Tx with a world-class art collection with traveling exhibits in its gallery. Enjoy a picnic or stroll through their beautiful gardens and grounds.

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery

 

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery at The Citadelle (The Gallery) is a beautiful multi-purpose space designed by Dr. Malouf Abraham, Jr. and built in 2009. This 1,400 square foot space is home to several temporary exhibitions each year. It has showcased many big names in art including Mary Cassatt, J.C. Leyendecker, Marc Chagall, and many more.

The Gallery is also available for meetings, parties, and other events, and provides an alternative venue for outdoor events in case of inclement weather conditions. It's the perfect place to host your next event. Whether it be a daytime P.E.O. luncheon, or an evening meal for company executives, The Gallery will most certainly impress your guests.

There is seating for approximately 200 people, and white garden chairs along with 60" round tables are included in the rental. White table linens are available for a nominal cleaning fee. Contact our event coordinator to discuss scheduling a tour and to book an event at 806.323.8899.

What's in a Name?

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery at The Citadelle featuring American Illustrator J.C. Leyedecker, the Gallery's first public show.

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery at The Citadelle featuring American Illustrator J.C. Leyedecker, the Gallery's first public show.

Once upon a time an immigrant family from Lebanon came to the Panhandle of Texas with the goal of obtaining the “American Dream.” Malouf “Oofie” Abraham married Iris Lewis, a descendent of the earliest settlers of Hemphill County, and built a fortune with oil and gas leases in the upper Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. Oofie was known not only for his business proficiency, but also for his philanthropic generosity in the Panhandle. He was honored with the first Living Legend Award from the Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association. Oofie also served two terms in the Texas House of Representatives in the 1960s. Oofie and Iris raised three successful children: Malouf, Jr., Bill Ed, and Betty Abraham Cooper. Both Iris and Oofie served their community and their country and shared their resources to make life better for others. Fourth generation Abrahams are now living Oofie’s “American Dream.”

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery at The Citadelle featuring American Illustrator J.C. Leyedecker, the Gallery's first public show.

The Iris & Oofie Abraham Gallery at The Citadelle featuring American Illustrator J.C. Leyedecker, the Gallery's first public show.

Fast forward to 1972: as a young doctor, Malouf Abraham, Jr. and his wife, Therese, visit New York City and with no intention of purchasing a major piece of art, yet they came home with Norman Rockwell’s First Day of School! The Abraham Art Collection was born, and in 2009 the Citadelle Art Foundation was created through the donation of their home, grounds, and a collection of hundreds of art pieces including paintings, sculptures, and fine art. The Abrahams now serve on the Board of Directors of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

NORMAN ROCKWELLFirst Day of SchoolOil on canvas

NORMAN ROCKWELL
First Day of School
Oil on canvas

Oofie and Iris Abraham lived the life and embraced the values of the messages conveyed through the art of Norman Rockwell.

Through his art, Norman Rockwell . . .

  • encouraged us to follow the golden rule
  • challenged us to strive for social justice
  • inspired us to be better citizens
  • and showed us that the best things in life are everyday moments with family and friends.