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OUR GALLERY

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 sq ft space is home to several temporary exhibitions each year. It has showcased many 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 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.

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 descendant 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.”

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, they came home with Norman Rockwell’s First Day of School! The Abraham Art Collection was born, and in 2009, the Citadelle Art Museum 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 served on the Board of Directors of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

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 moments with family and friends.