The University Museum at Texas Southern Presents “ART IS…”

The fundraising event will feature an online fine art auction and virtual celebration HOUSTON (April 16, 2021) – The University Museum at Texas Southern University (TSU) is pleased to present “ART IS…” an online fine art auction and virtual celebration on Saturday, April 17th at 7 p.m. “ART IS…” is a celebration of art and how it is uniquely defined, expressed and experienced. This fundraising event will benefit the University Museum, which houses the University’s vast African and African American art collections. The exhibition will feature an online fine art preview and auction of original works by local, regional and nationally known artists. “It is so exciting to see our art majors and alumni come together and create a real working team for us while actively networking and learning from it,” said Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director and curator of the University Museum. “Our collectors are discovering ever more impressive talent from Texas Southern University.” Founded in 2000, the University Museum is home to thousands of African and African American art pieces. The museum, the vision of Texas Southern University’s first President, Dr. Raphael O’Hara Lanier, and renowned artist John Biggers features artwork that celebrates the African diaspora’s art and culture. “As a prized space of learning, the University Museum at TSU is the only educational setting on the campus of an institution of higher learning in Texas where art of the African diaspora intentionally sits side by side with the works of national and international artists who bring their experiences to life in print, paint, sculpture and a variety of other artistic mediums,” said Dr. Needha Boutte-Queen, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences. The University Museum also hosts unique events, competitions, exhibitions and educational programming to support the arts in Houston and surrounding areas. It is the cultural home of African and African American art in the Gulf Coast region. “ART IS…” event Co-Chairs Gaynell Drexler, Mary Auzenne and Evelyn Washington expressed how this event is an extraordinary fundraising milestone for the University Museum. “We extend a bottomless thank you to our generous donors and artists, many of whom are TSU alums and whose works illuminate this beautiful celebration of our museum,” said Drexler. By supporting the event, the community can help champion access to fine art and culture for Houstonians, friends of the University and TSU students. Funds raised provide much-needed financial support to help ensure the quality, preservation and selection of exhibits that speak to the experiences of people of color across the world. Register for the event and learn more about the University Museum by visiting www.umusetsu.org.