The third-floor study rooms in Sterling C. Evans Library at Texas A&M University are a favorite study spot for Grace Krinhop '25. But she's also drawn to something else.
Hanging in a third-floor Evans corridor is a series of portraits painted by her grandfather, Dr. Robert Schiffhauer, a Texas A&M emeritus professor of architecture who taught at the university for 46 years. Krinhop is proud of Schiffhauer and his art. Every chance she gets, she takes her friends to see the portraits, which commemorate notable civil rights activists, politicians, intellectuals and entertainers.
"It's a nice reminder of a little bit of home around everywhere," said Krinhop, who grew up with her grandfather's artwork in her house. "As a kid, you appreciate it, but don't really understand it. As an adult, it's a lot more meaningful and amazing to see."
In a recent visit to Evans, Krinhop had the chance to see the artwork with her grandfather for the first time. She was surrounded by family and friends at a reception honoring Schiffhauer and his creative talent.
The portraits, created from 2004-12, include drawings and paintings of household names like Thurgood Marshall, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other names like U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Henry Ossian Flipper and Katherine Dunham, who many will learn about for the first time when viewing Schiffhauer's art.
"This body of work is really relevant to our time because I think we're going through the same thing all over again," said Schiffhauer. "I think students should be reminded of it because they're fighting the same battles as [civil rights leader and late U.S. Congressman] John Lewis and all the others who came after him have fought."
"They were fighting for freedom and justice," Schiffhauer said.
"They wanted it to count for something," he said. "I want it to count with present-day people and with students."
Schiffhauer's connection to Texas A&M is deep; one that is rooted in his art.
He came to Texas A&M after several Aggies saw one of his art exhibits in Houston and mentioned it to administrators in the College of Architecture. Schiffhauer was on the verge of returning to New York in 1969 when the department head for the then new environmental design program offered him a job.
"It changed my whole life," said Schiffhauer. "I really appreciate it. I spent almost 50 years teaching here. I've been in Texas for a long time."
During his long career and after, Schiffhauer kept creating art. In the process, he created an Aggie family legacy that is several generations strong.
"Growing up, there was art everywhere," said Samantha Krinhop '96, Schiffhauer's daughter. "Seeing this now is great. I'm just so proud of him."
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