The IMoA and The Magoffin Home Celebrate the Legacy of Two Early El Paso Women Artists

Please join the International Museum of Art and the Magoffin Home in celebrating the legacy of
two early El Paso women, Octavia “Tia” Magoffin Glasgow and Leola Warnock Freeman in A Tale of Two
Artists. Visit the International Museum of Art beginning Saturday, December 6, 2025 to view this new exhibit
that explores the lives of these two women, as artists and as life-long friends.

All are welcome to the Opening Reception on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 2 pm – 4 pm to view the
exhibit and participate in an activity led by the Magoffin Home. Magoffin Home Exhibit Curator Machelle Wood
shared, “This exhibit is my own examination of the paths to becoming an artist that were available to women in
the early to mid-19th century. After reading Leola Freeman biography, I was struck by her envy of Octavia
“Tia”; Magoffin Glasgow financially supported path of studying painting in Europe and her degree in
education. Yet, Leola ended up being more recognized and lucrative. I hope it makes all artists question the
path they have been told to take rather than the one that they want to take.”

The International Museum of Art will also be sharing their newest pop-up gallery, Woman As Artist, which
highlights the lives of other early women artists of El Paso. IMoA Director, Emily Leedom, states that “there is
such a rich legacy of women artists in the greater El Paso region, and it is an honor to share their stories with
our community. I think we can all relate to the artistic journeys that these women embarked on. We are grateful
for our partnership with the Magoffin Home to help illuminate their lives.”

The International Museum of Art is dedicated to making art accessible to all, offering free admission,
exhibitions of local artists, and a rich collection of regional and international artifacts. Thanks to the generous
support of our members and donors, we continue to foster cultural understanding and promote the visual arts
in El Paso.