While 2010 delivered some major art events that raised eyebrows beyond Texas, calling attention to Houston's rising status as an arts destination, we were also dealt some blows. They were mostly psychological wounds, and it's yet to be seen what the tangible impact will be. If anything, 2010's most disappointing arts stories got us talking, debating and evaluating the importance of things we take for granted.

5. Houston Central Library Closes on Fridays While usage continues to rise, the Houston Public Library was forced to make cuts in staff and hours. After a study of usage patterns, the City determined it would close the library on Fridays. Burgess Meredith's famous Twilight Zone episode seems more terrifying than ever.

4. Movies! The Store Goes Out of Business Film lovers collectively laid a big ol' guilt trip on themselves when owner Rob Arcos announced on October 12 that his beloved video store would be closing its doors indefinitely. While we acknowledge the convenience of services like Netflix and the still-to-be-determined impact of Apple TV, it broke our hearts to watch a cinephile's labor of love fade into obsolescence.

3. The Death of Murder By the Book's David Thompson Loyal patrons of Murder By the Book mourned the passing of the bookstore's assistant manager Thompson, who was only 38. Thompson was a successful independent publisher and an encyclopedia of the mystery genre, deftly coaching fans toward authors they should sample and generally acting as a consummate advocate for the mystery-writing industry. Murder By the Book remains a major murder-mystery resource and one of the top places for author signings thanks to his dedication.