Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts reopens June 16, plans virtual gala for August

After three months of being closed to the public due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts reopened June 16.

As previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper, the Pearl Fincher MFA closed March 17 at the onset of COVID-19. Upon its reopening, the museum will extend its spring exhibitions throughout the summer to give museumgoers ample time to view the spring exhibitions that had been interrupted, according to a June 5 press release.

Current exhibitions include "Stitched: Contemporary Quilt Art from the International Quilt Festival Collection," which comprises 25 contemporary quilts from the Texas Quilt Museum, and "Lesley Humphrey: Saved by a Horse." Humphrey is an equestrian artist and resident of Tomball who has also served as an official artist of the Kentucky Derby. Both exhibits can be viewed in person or virtually.

Upon reopening, the museum be operating at 25% capacity; require visitors to bring their own masks to wear at all times while in the museum; strictly enforce social distancing; and no longer allow tour groups, large bags or backpacks. Additionally, drinking fountains and benches will be closed, and purchases and donations can only be made by credit card or check.

In addition to having to close to the public, Pearl Fincher MFA also had to postpone its annual Pearls of Art Gala, which had been scheduled for March 21. A virtual gala event centered on the theme of "Art Heals!" will be held Aug. 8 instead.

According to the release, those who had previously purchased gala tickets will be able to pick up a gourmet dinner basket at the museum on the day of the event, or they may choose to have the meal delivered to their homes. Those who have not yet registered for the event can do so online or by calling 281-376-6322.

Those who attend the gala can hear stories from the museum, bid on silent auction items and view a time-lapse of artist Anat Ronen creating a special mural honoring front-line workers.

Despite reopening, the Pearl Fincher MFA will continue to offer newly created virtual offerings such as virtual tour videos, highlights from current exhibits, Pearl at Home and the Pearl At Home Art Challenge.

According to the release, the latest information about the museum's summer camps can be found online as plans are continuing to evolve with the pandemic.