Public Art Competition Honoring Matthew Gaines and the 12th Texas Legislature

Texas A&M University competition to commission public art installation

Texas A&M University announced an open competition for professional artists or artist teams in 2020 to commission a site specific public art installation commemorating contributions made by Matthew Gaines, Washington County’s first African American state senator, and the 12th Texas Legislature. The winning artist team of David Alan Clark and Mary Johnson (MJ) Clark was announced in November 2020. View their work on their website and learn more about the artists.

The installation now resides on the Texas A&M University campus in College Station, Texas, on the Yolanda and Jimmy ’65 Janacek Plaza behind Rudder Tower and adjacent to the Student Services Building. Dedication and unveiling of the statue was Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at 3 p.m.

Gaines served in the 12th Texas Legislature. He was a vocal supporter of Senate Bill 276, which allowed the state to establish the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas under the Land-Grant College Act of 1862, also known as the Morrill Act. Learn more about Matthew Gaines and the 12th Texas legislature.