This summer, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts invites families to explore touchable art, get hands-on in the Maker Space, wander through a storybook adventure, and enjoy fun, free Opening Day festivities.
Main Gallery: “Art Unleashed: Creativity You Can FEEL”
“Art Unleashed: Creativity You Can FEEL!” is a family-friendly, touchable art exhibition for all abilities.The exhibition has been curated by staff of the Pearl and includes pieces created especially for this exhibition, as well as art on loan from artists across the nation.
“We are taking down the ropes,” said Nicole DeGuzman, director of the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. “We are encouraging you to touch, to feel, to interact with art in a way you never have before.”
The exhibition is an especially unique opportunity for guests who are blind or low vision. Dallas-based artist Tomas Bustos re-creates iconic masterpieces as bronze reliefs. “Art Unleashed” will include several of his replica masterpieces, such as “Mona Lisa,” “The Starry Night,” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” While all visitors will be able to touch his artwork, it will be especially meaningful for guests who have never seen these masterpieces with their eyes.
Artist Sam Lao, also of Dallas, is creating a specially designed tufting series called “In a Dish” for the Pearl’s summer exhibition. Sam was the lead artist for The Muses mural, in “The Real Unreal” exhibition at Meow Wolf in Dallas.
Other art will include the “Holdables” collection of soft sculptures by Stephanie Metz of California, which can be worn, stacked, or sat on; a commissioned series of fun textured paintings by Baltimore artist Rosy Sunshine Galvan; sculptures from Found Fine Art in Bastrop, Texas; and works from the “Weird Plants” series of fiber art by Marsha Borden of Connecticut.
“I’m especially excited to see new friends enjoying the Pearl,” says Samantha Aguilar, Director of Exhibitions & Programs for the Pearl. “Museums are all about experiences and this summer exhibit is one you won’t want to miss!”
Maker Space
The summer exhibition will also include a large Maker Space, which is generously sponsored by AAUW North Harris County Branch. Visitors are invited to create their own art from sensory craft materials like buttons, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and more.
Cole Gallery: “The Realm of Smaller Things: A Storybook Adventure by Kent Knowles”
In the Cole Gallery this summer, the Pearl will feature “The Realm of Smaller Things: A Storybook Adventure by Kent Knowles.” Based on his book by the same name, figurative artist and author Kent Knowles is working with the Pearl to create this exhibition. Through murals, sculptures, and fun photo ops, guests will be invited to frolic through a BIG forest with a TINY friend.
Opening Day Festivities: May 31
Summer exhibitions at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts open Saturday, May 31 with free Family Day festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Opening day includes a performance by Mad About Hoops at 11 a.m., LEGO® building with members of the Houston Brick Club, a meet and greet with artist Tomas Bustos, art activities, and more! Family Day is free but registration is requested at pearlmfa.org.
Museum Hours & Location
Located at 6815 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Donations and membership support are appreciated and help continue the Pearl’s mission of art, education, and community.
