Its easy to forget, amidst the recent prominence of artists such as Kara Walker and Thornton Dial Sr. that African-American art is still a very young tradition. Its encouraging, then, to see an exhibition like Houston Collects: African American Art at the MFAH, a varied, encompassing exhibition that hits on the traditions many high points as it shows both private and institutional efforts to preserve, collect and document African-American art in this century and the last. About 250 works many on public display for the first time will represent a number of themes and movements. Early crafts will stand alongside works from the New School; folk art will meet that of the Harlem Renaissance. Artists include Jacob Lawrence, Kojo Griffin and Elizabeth Catlett. A series of free tours accompany the exhibit. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 12:15 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Through October 26. 1001 Bissonnet. For information, call 713-639-7300 or visit www.mfah.org. $3.50 to $7.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Aug. 3. Continues through Oct. 26, 2008
This article appears in Aug 7-13, 2008.