Friends of American Arts
Friends of American Arts offers social and educational programming that gives insight into the diverse field of American art. With a particular focus on the rich time period from the 18th century through World War I, programs explore important art movements, as well as craftsmen working across media, from paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and furniture, to ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, and photography. Programming highlights a range of themes during this period, such as Colonial Era and Gilded Age portraiture, the American West, and the Arts and Crafts movement. Events also showcase works by Native American and African American artists to introduce a full range of American art and techniques to group members. Annual events include scholarly lectures, exclusive visits to private collections in Houston, behind-the-scenes tours led by conservators and curators, and auction previews. Friends of American Arts supports American art acquisitions at the MFAH.
Past program highlights include:
- Presentation on buying and selling at auctions, market trends and upcoming American Art sales with Eric Widing, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s North America and former head of American Art
- Curatorial Seminar: Sargent and Fashion with Erica Hirshler, PhD, Senior Curator of American Painting at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- Private cocktail reception and presentation at the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation on the conservation of paintings from the American art collection, and the science behind the processes
Please note that a current MFAH membership is required to join Friends of American Arts. Visit mfah.org/jointoday for information about MFAH membership levels and benefits.
For more information or questions, please contact:
Ashley Powell, Senior Development Officer, Curatorial Affairs
713-639-7594
[email protected]