Thomas DuBois Hormel, a Florida resident, provided the Austin Area Commission for the Arts with a traveling art exhibit to support AACA and the arts in Austin. The exhibit sites include the Hormel Historic Home, Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Spam Museum, The Hormel Foundation and The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota.

“Context provides deeper meaning to artwork in general and with this exhibit, viewers can discover Tom Hormel’s work in the context of his hometown, a community where the past and future are shaped by the leadership and legacy of his family,” said Laura Helle, director of Austin Area Commission for the Arts. “We are honored to spearhead this project and support the community exhibit at five key locations in Austin, all with strong ties to the Hormel family and Hormel Foods Corporation.”

The exhibit at The Hormel Institute features two pieces: “DNA#2” and “Sunrise.” The pieces will be on display now through Aug. 25, and the public is welcome to view the pieces in the lobby of The Hormel Institute Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The display will also be featured in the Institute’s summer open houses when the cancer research center also provides facility tours: 2-4 p.m. on June 30, July 1 and July 28, along with 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 29.

The entire collection will be the featured art exhibit at the sixth annual Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 26 and 27.

Every week The Hormel Institute hosts scientists, visitors, tours and corporate meetings with collaborative partners from around the world. In addition to the many countries HI scientists come from, hundreds of scientists, partners and guests from across the world will see the Tom Hormel exhibit during their visit to the world class cancer research institute.

“It is a very special experience to have Tom Hormel’s art here, furthering the legacy of the Hormel family and establishing his own connection to The Hormel Institute,” Institute Executive Director Dr. Zigang Dong said. “Both pieces are a thoughtful reflection of our work in cancer research. We study DNA and how to prevent and control the progression of cancer. We also greatly appreciate his piece named “Sunrise,” which symbolizes hope and a new beginning, truly the mission behind our work to improve human health. We sincerely thank Mr. Tom Hormel and our friends at the Austin Area Commission for the Arts for sharing this special exhibit with us.”

The Hormel Institute exhibit hours

Visit The Hormel Institute at 801 16th Ave. NE, Austin. The public can drop by the lobby to view the two Thomas D Hormel prints on display in the library with office hours Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Hormel Institute summer open houses

•June 30 (2-4 p.m.)

•July 1 (2-4 p.m.)

•July 28 (2-4 p.m.)

•July 29 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

For more information

Contact the Austin Area Commission for the Arts for more details or for the purchase of any Thomas D. Hormel prints. Mr. Hormel is donating all proceeds to AACA: austinareaarts.org.