Letter from Linda Shearer

Today, March 31, marks the final day of my tenure at the CAMH as Interim Director. I have been honored to serve in this transitional role and will be leaving with great affection and respect for the CAMH, its devoted Board and Staff, its loyal donors and members, the artists, and the entire Houston art community. Many thanks to all of you for welcoming me so warmly when I first arrived and for making me feel right at home here in Houston. I know you will do the same for Bill Arning, who takes over the directorship of the CAMH in a week.

Houston is an extraordinary city. As a newcomer, I was struck by its charm, its good and not-so-good architecture, its beautiful parks, trees and tropical foliage, delicious and affordable restaurants of all ethnicities, and the friendliness of its citizens. And what will also stay with me forever is the vibrancy and excellence of the visual arts – through the museums, schools, alternative spaces, galleries, on-line and print magazines, and, of course, the individual artists themselves—natives and transplants alike.

This past year the CAMH has presented a wide range of provocative and important exhibitions, all of which are supplemented by creative educational programming. Perhaps one of my favorite moments was the exuberant performance by Houston’s Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theatre in relation to our current exhibition, The Puppet Show, which is on view through April 12. And you don’t want to miss the Teen Council’s 10th Anniversary exhibition, Contents under Pressure, a testimony to the artfulness of Houston teens and to the strength of the CAMH’s Teen Council. You have until May 10 to see it.

Every corner of our world is being challenged by the unprecedented changes in the economy and our non-profit cultural institutions are no exception. It is critical that every one of you reading this e-letter think about what you can do for this community. The CAMH needs your support now more than ever: become a member, attend an event, bid on a work of art at the gala auction, sponsor an exhibition. Remember the CAMH is here for you and it’s always free!

Warmly,
Linda Shearer