Don Hasting Collection

Don Hastings, LC '38
1914-1998

Don Hastings, LC 1938, and his wife Virginia began to collect art of the American west in 1977 while living in California. At that time, they visited the Thackeray Art Gallery in San Diego, CA, where they purchased a painting by Douglas Weaver entitled Nino Cochise. From that time forward, they visited artists and galleries, subscribed to magazines featuring western art, and purchased works which focused on "real life" themes.

Don and Virginia donated their collection to Luther College in 1992. During Homecoming 1993, the Hastings visited the Luther campus to celebrate Don’s 55th class reunion. During their visit, they viewed "The Hastings Collection" exhibit which was installed in Preus Library. Don Hastings subsequently passed away in 1998 at the age of 84.

The Hastings Collection of 23 art works includes paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Highlights of the collection feature a number of portraits. Native American portraits include paintings of Chief Sterling Silver, Chief Henry Oscar One Bull, and Nino Cochise. Two portraits of John Wayne by Roy Hampton painted from a life sitting, an oil and a watercolor, are also a significant part of the collection.

Sculptures in the collection, primarily carved from wood, are by Glenn Emmons, with whom the Hastings were personally acquainted, and Bob Mavis. A bronze sculpture entitled Honey Hunters was a 1970’s casting of a 1920 sculpture by Charles M. Russell. This piece was offered for sale by the Montana Historical Society when purchased by the Hastings.

Don and Virginia Hastings also donated their extensive collection of monographs and periodicals focusing on art of the American west to the Luther College Library in 1992.

Ref: Jane Kemp’s personal interview with Don and Virginia Hastings, October 8, 1993; Fine Arts Collection files.

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Updated 12/04/2003