Legacy, Revealed
A campaign to acquire Sunbather by Luis Jiménez for the permanent collection of Gainesboro Modern
Luis Jiménez was more than a celebrated American sculptor — he was a teacher, a cultural force, and a fearless maker who pushed the boundaries of public art. His bold, vibrant fiberglass works spoke directly to the spirit of working-class life, borderlands identity, and the physicality of the human form. He was also a mentor to Gainesboro Modern’s co-founder and executive director, Wade Schmitz. As a young artist, Wade studied under Jiménez and absorbed not only technique, but a vision: that contemporary art could be visceral, joyful, confrontational, and deeply rooted in personal experience. That influence is still present today — in Wade’s own work and in the founding philosophy of this museum. In 2006, Luis Jiménez died tragically in his studio while working on one of his monumental pieces. In the years that followed, Wade created an homage to his late mentor — a piece that now lives at Gainesboro Modern. Now, the museum has a rare opportunity to acquire one of Jiménez’s own works: Sunbather — a vivid, iconic sculpture that has been in private hands for years and never seen by the public.
Pre-production sketch of Sunbather, 1967-1968
Bringing Sunbather Into Public Light
Luis Jiménez’s Sunbather has been in private hands for decades. Now, we have the rare opportunity to bring this bold, visionary work into the public eye for the first time.
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This acquisition honors the lasting impact of Jiménez, a mentor to Gainesboro Modern’s co-founder Wade Schmitz, and enriches our permanent collection with a piece of cultural history that belongs to everyone.
The Goal
We seek to raise $65,000 to acquire Sunbather by Luis Jiménez. Thanks to a generous founding gift of $10,000, we are already on our way!
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This is more than a purchase — it’s a tribute to a teacher, a reemergence of a hidden masterpiece, and a bold act of cultural preservation.
Luis Jimenez in his studio March 2003.