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THE TOT THAT COUNTS
Artist A.R. Mitchell established himself as a profoundly popular and prolific creator in Western art and illustration for decades in the early-to-mid 20th Century. Our ability to still study his craft and celebrate his work nearly fifty years posthumously is due, in large part, to the generosity and vision of his little sister, Tot.
Portrait of Ethel "Tot" Erickson by Harvey Dunn
Ethel “Tot” Mitchell Erickson is primarily responsible for the founding of the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. After his passing in 1977, she found herself in possession of an expansive archive of A.R.’s artwork and relics of his creative process, as well as a collection of interesting artifacts and paintings by his peers, most notably Harvey Dunn and Harold Von Schmidt. Naturally, being an important icon of the American West, there was great interest from notable museums and prestigious galleries around the country looking to acquire A.R.’s collection.
While she entertained the offers, in the end, Tot felt compelled to keep his collection complete and close to home, and thus, she endeavored to establish her own museum in his honor near where they grew up in Trinidad, Colorado. It opened its doors in 1981 and moved to its permanent home, a historic site built in 1906 that formerly housed Jamieson Dry Goods Store in 1991.
And unsurprisingly, it turns out Tot’s instincts were right. According to the museum’s website, “As a ‘native son,’ Arthur Roy Mitchell, and the museum named after him, are fiercely protected and honored by the Trinidad community.”
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Texas State Poet Laureate karla k. morton
February 17, 2025
Imagine my joy at the confluence of two of my most favourite things – the AR Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, CO (which is in my back yard) and Double D Ranch clothing (which is in my closet!).
This is just another reason why I love all things Double D!
Thank you for keeping the Western Spirit alive and well!
AR‘s influence is huge here in the Big West, and Double D has brought his masterpieces into wearable, functional art!
Thank you, Mitchell Museum, for keeping AR’s legacy alive, and thank you, Double D, for introducing Mitchell to an entirely new generation!
- karla k. morton
2010 Texas State Poet Laureate