Photo courtesy of Pearl Fincher MuseumArt & Culture
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts announces New Director, Fall Exhibition and Activities
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is delighted to welcome its new Museum Director, and invites the community to a variety of exciting events this Fall. With the opening of a new exhibition, new classes and workshops, the annual Fall Luncheon and more, Fall is a busy season at the Pearl!
Welcome to Nicole DeGuzman
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is delighted to welcome Nicole DeGuzman as its new Museum Director.
Nicole has more than 25 years of experience leading museums, including Executive Director roles at the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center in Bastrop, Texas; the Scurry County Museum in Snyder, Texas; and the Maplewood Area Historical Society in Maplewood, Minnesota.
As Executive Director of the Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitor Center, Nicole increased yearly attendance by 88% in two years, and led the museum to win awards including the 2024 John L. Nau III Award of Excellence in Museums from the Texas Historical Commission; “Best Museum” in the 2023 BEST of Bastrop County Competition; and Nonprofit of the Year from the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce in 2023.
Nicole is excited to join the Pearl and looks forward to working with the community.
“I was drawn to the Pearl because of their dedication to community engagement and serving diverse audiences,” says Nicole. “The Pearl is a family of volunteers, directors, and staff who are devoted to making art accessible and affordable for all ages. Through a variety of free programs and events, we serve as a bridge—introducing the power of the arts to transform lives.”
Nicole holds a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University in Berkeley, California, and a Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art and Architecture from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Please join us in welcoming Nicole!
2024 Fall Exhibition: Roots & Reverence: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Art, Culture, and Identity
This Fall, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is honored to present an exhibition of Native American artistry. Roots & Reverence: Exploring Indigenous Perspectives on Art, Culture, and Identity will open to the public on Saturday, September 21 and continues through January 4, 2025.
Discover the vibrant tapestry of Native American cultures through this immersive exhibition, which showcases the artistic legacy and profound narratives of tribes across North America. Highlights include Tlingit glass artist Preston Singletary, Osage photographer Ryan Redcorn, and Caddo potter Jeri Redcorn.
Visitors will experience living traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, such as the intricate craftsmanship of basketry, the symbolic power of pottery, and the timeless beauty of beadwork. Each piece tells a story of resilience, heritage, and connection to the land.
Roots & Reverence opens with a members-only preview on Friday, September 20, followed by the public opening on Saturday, September 21. For information on becoming a member, visit pearlmfa.org.
Located at 6815 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, TX, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, visit pearlmfa.org.
Fall Classes at the School of Art
Just a few days remain to register for Fall classes at the Pearl Fincher Museum’s School of Art! Classes begin the week of September 9, with day and evening options available.
A variety of classes are available for children as well as adults. For details and to register, visit pearlmfa.org/school-of-art or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
Fall Luncheon: Expressions of Gratitude
Tickets are on sale now for the Pearl Fincher Museum’s Fall Luncheon: Expressions of Gratitude.
The event will take place Thursday, October 10 at Shirley Acres, and honors longtime community volunteer Sue Ann Lurcott. The luncheon is chaired by Patricia Harless.
Sue Ann Lurcott is a beacon of community service and dedication. A graduate of UT Austin and SMU, with degrees in science and fine arts, Sue Ann’s career as an art teacher in Dallas ISD spanned 15 years, where she inspired countless young minds.
She moved to Northwest Harris County in 1981. Over the years Sue Ann has been a leader in the Klein Education Foundation, Friends of the Barbara Bush Library, AAUW, and Northwest Forest Republican Women. But the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts holds a special place in her heart. Sue Ann volunteers multiple days a week at the museum, serves on the Board of Directors, and is a past chair of the Fall Luncheon. The Pearl is grateful for Sue Ann’s dedicated service and honored to celebrate her at this year’s luncheon.
There are a variety of ways to support the museum through this event, such as purchasing a table or tickets, becoming a sponsor, or donating an item to the silent auction. Net proceeds from the luncheon directly sustain the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, its exhibitions, programs, and activities.
For more information or to support the event, visit pearlmfa.org or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
Creating Together: A Program for People with Alzheimer’s
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, in partnership with the Houston Alzheimer’s Association, is honored to host a new monthly program.
“Creating Together” is a free program tailored to people living with dementia and early onset Alzheimer’s, to discuss and create art. People with dementia and their care partners are invited for a tour of the Pearl’s current exhibition, followed by a craft.
“Creating Together” is held on the third Monday of each month from 11 a.m. to noon, with the next session taking place Monday, October 21.
Registration is required by emailing Adrianne McGee at the Houston Alzheimer’s Association, ammcgee@alz.org. For more information you may also visit pearlmfa.org or call the museum at (281) 376-6322.
Preschool Programs
Little ones love the Pearl! Join us for two programs designed especially for preschool children.
Little Art Historians will meet every Wednesday morning in October, and is designed for ages 3 to 5. Creativity and history come alive in this program as children dress up, sing songs, read stories about famous artists, and create in the style of that artist.
Little Art Historians is $15 per class. Children may register for individual sessions or the entire month.
Art Start meets at the Pearl every Tuesday morning, and is designed for children age 5 and under. Art Start is free of charge and consists of story time and a related art activity. The program provides a valuable opportunity for young children to engage in visual learning and creative expression, while also building social skills and a sense of community.
Registration is required for both programs, and parents or caregivers are expected to attend with their child. To register or for more information, visit pearlmfa.org.
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
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