Beaumont, TX - The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) is proud to announce the acquisition of a significant portion of local collector Dr. Mark Kubala’s personal art collection. Dr. Mark Kubala is well known in the Southeast Texas community for his medical brilliance, devotion to his faith, and boundless generosity. He grew up in East Bernard, a small town located fifty miles west of Houston. The local family doctor in East Bernard was regarded with love and respect by the East Bernard community, and he inspired Dr. Kubala to pursue medicine. Dr. Kubala’s medical training in neurosurgery includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas, an MD from UTMB, and residencies at the Baylor School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic. Over the course of his career, important milestones include holding the title of President of the Texas Medical Association (1995-1996), establishing the Texas Medical Association Foundation, holding the title of President of the Texas Medical Association Foundation for two non-consecutive years, and receiving the medal of valor from the American Medical Association in 2012, one of the most prestigious awards a doctor can receive.

Dr. Kubala’s art collecting began when he enrolled his children at Trinity United Methodist Church where local SETX artist Ruth Borenstein taught art. Her partner, Abbe Borenstein, ran an art gallery and sold limited edition original prints on paper. Dr. Kubala began collecting work through the direction of the Borensteins in the 1970s. Artworks donated to AMSET include works by local artists, such as Ruth Borinstein, well-known Texas-based artists, such as Dalhart Windberg and Porfirio Salinas, and significant international artists, such as Winslow Homer and Rembrandt. The total value of works donated to AMSET is appraised at over $65,000. Works that do not fall within AMSET’s collecting focus will be sold through the museum to help raise money for future acquisitions. It is Dr. Kubala’s wish that the works be sold and purchased by locals so that his collection can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

A selection of Dr. Kubala’s artworks that have been acquired for AMSET’s permanent collection are currently on view in the museum’s West Hall through January 2025. For more info on AMSET’s collection, exhibitions and upcoming programs, please visit amset.org or call (409) 832-3432.