The permanent collection contributes to Agnes Scott’s mission to educate women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times. We pursue this goal through educational programming, exhibition, research, and leadership development. On exhibition throughout campus, permanent collection artworks enrich the aesthetic and intellectual experience of the Agnes Scott community as well as the visiting public. 

The roots of the collection began in the college’s early years and grew in 1965 with donations from Harry L. Dalton in honor of his wife, Mary Keesler Dalton ’25. Over time the schedule of work has expanded significantly to include gifts of South Asian art from the J. Jefferson Jones III and Lou Pate Jones ‘39 Collection, American Art Pottery from the Dr. Jimmy Harris Collection and Japanese woodblock prints from the Margaret R. Law ’25 Collection. Since 2000, the college has actively acquired contemporary art with an emphasis on prints and photographs by local and international women artists. Highlights include photography by Catherine Opie and Sally Mann as well as prints by Kara Walker, Barbara Kruger, and Jiha Moon.