Photo Credit: Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine ArtsArt & Culture
Fall Exhibitions, Classes and Luncheon at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
This fall is an exciting time at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts! The Pearl is delighted to present two new exhibitions opening September 20: “A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran” in the Main Gallery, and “The Maker’s Muse: Contemporary Photography from the Artists of the American Society of Photographers” in the Cole Gallery.
Plus, don’t miss the museum’s Fall Luncheon honoring Dr. Jenny McGown, Superintendent of Klein ISD, photography workshops, and a unique art program for preschool children!
Main Gallery | “A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran”
This fall, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is honored to present, “A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran” in the Main Gallery. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, September 20, 2025 and continues through January 10, 2026.
Andy Moran and his late wife, Mary Lou Chester, met on the steps of Hannah Hall at Texas Southern University. She was an artist; he studied business. They married in 1971 and moved to Wall Street, where Andy experienced a great deal of success.
Andy and Mary Lou began collecting art in 1971 and developed a remarkable collection of work by African-American artists—many of whom were students of Dr. John Biggers and Carroll Harris Simms at TSU. They very intentionally created a life centered around the arts, raising their three sons in a home where music was always playing, and every wall was adorned with art.
Mary Lou passed away in 2004, but Andy continued to purchase the art she had inspired him to love. Many of the pieces in his private collection were created by artists he knew personally, who had a connection to TSU and/or worked in Houston.
The Fall exhibition at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts will feature 47 works of art from Andy Moran’s private collection, including work by Dr. John Biggers, Kermit Oliver, Edsel Cramer, Julian Kyle, Linda Hinojos, and Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
A private Opening Reception will be held for Patron Members of the Pearl Fincher Museum on Friday, September 19, where Andy Moran will greet guests and talk about his collection. New members are welcome to join by contacting the museum at (281) 376-6322 or visiting pearlmfa.org.
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.
Cole Gallery | “The Maker’s Muse”
In the Cole Gallery this fall, the Pearl is delighted to host “The Maker’s Muse: Contemporary Photography from the Artists of the American Society of Photographers.” This traveling exhibit features 60 images by members of the organization from across the country.
From landscapes to portraits and everything in between, visitors will find beauty and inspiration in every image. The exhibition runs from September 20, 2025 to January 10, 2026. Admission is free.
As an added experience, the Pearl will host several workshops or Artist Talks by members of the American Society of Photographers, including:
- Friday, October 10: Artist Talk by photographers Ella Carlson, John Herrell, and Teri Whittaker. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Reserve your place by contacting donna@pearlmfa.org or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
- Saturday, October 11: “Better People Pictures: Simple Tips for Natural Lighting and Posing. This photography workshop will be led by Teri Whittaker and begins at 1 p.m. For ticket information, contact the museum at (281) 376-6322.
- Friday, November 7: Artist Talk by two Houston photographers, Maryanne Keeling and Aileen Harding. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. and admission is free. Reserve your place by contacting donna@pearlmfa.org or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
- Saturday, November 8: “iPhoneography,” a workshop for taking beautiful photographs with your iPhone, by Aileen Harding. The workshop begins at 1 p.m. For ticket information, contact the museum at (281) 376-6322.
For more information, visit pearlmfa.org or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
Fall Luncheon: Expressions of Gratitude
Make plans now for the Pearl Fincher Museum’s 2025 Fall Luncheon: Expressions of Gratitude.
The event will take place Thursday, October 9 at Shirley Acres, and honors respected community leader Dr. Jenny McGown, Superintendent of Klein ISD. The luncheon is chaired by Sue Ann Lurcott, and will feature Dr. Nancy Radcliffe as guest speaker.
Tickets are $75 if purchased by September 30 ($100 after October 1)… or purchase a table and share a wonderful afternoon with friends, neighbors, and colleagues! Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and items such as home décor, jewelry, gift cards and more are needed for the Silent Auction.
Proceeds from the luncheon directly support the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts and its many contributions to our community.
To reserve your place or support the event, please call the museum at (281) 376-6322 or visit pearlmfa.org.
Preschool | Little Art Historians
If you have a tiny artist in your life, register for Little Art Historians at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts!
Designed for children ages 3 to 5 and a parent or guardian, Little Art Historians is an art history program for preschoolers. Through this innovative program children learn about famous artists, then create art in a similar style. In the process they learn skills for preschool readiness like listening, following directions, fine motor skills, and color mixing.
The next session of Little Art Historians will take place on Wednesday mornings in October, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the museum. For details or to register, visit pearlmfa.org.
Volunteers Needed!
Fall is a busy time at the Pearl, with many students visiting the museum for field trips. Your help is needed to make these visits a success!
The Pearl is in need of additional docents to help guide these tours as well as tours for guests of all ages. Docents should have an interest in art and be available during the day. Training is provided for each new exhibition, and docents enjoy camaraderie and fun as they share their love of art with others.
To learn more or volunteer, contact Rebecca Burns at rebecca@pearlmfa.org or (281) 376-6322.
About the Pearl
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts exists to provide direct, first-hand access to original works of art, and to offer outstanding educational and public programming. As the only Fine Arts museum in Harris County outside the city center of Houston, the Pearl operates completely through the generous donations of individuals, businesses and foundations from the greater Houston community, and is free to all.
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.
For more information, please visit www.pearlmfa.org or call (281) 376-6322.
Source: Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts
