HPL News

You’re Invited: Tuxs & Chuxs – A Red Carpet Gala Celebrating Music & Libraries 

The Houston Public Library invites you to Tuxs & Chuxs, a red-carpet fundraising gala honoring the power of music, creativity, and the cultural legacy of public libraries.

Join us in celebration of Make Music Day with a vibrant evening featuring a photographic exhibition by acclaimed artist Bennie The Shooter and historic images from the HPL Archives.

Guests will enjoy a curated cocktail reception with complimentary bites and beverages, plus the 2025 Honoree Awards, recognizing trailblazers in arts and culture: Mathew Knowles, Attorney Ricky Anderson, Ernest Walker, Barry Coffing, Tony Thomas, Terri Thomas, Madd Hatta, and Garcie Chavez.

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Julia Ideson Building, 550 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77002
Hosted by: L.O.U.D. Muzik & the Houston Public Library Foundation
Featuring appearances by community champions, library leaders, and special guests.

Step into the spotlight. Celebrate culture. Support your library.

Houston Public Library (HPL) is hosting three remarkable exhibits in June.

I Am Texas, the Guiness World Record™ holder for largest published book, is on display at Central Library (500 McKinney St., 77002) starting Saturday, June 7. The date was chosen to honor the 100th birthday of former First Lady and literacy champion Barbara Bush; HPL plans to further honor the former First Lady with system-wide storytimes featuring her favorite books at all library locations on June 7.

1,000 young people in over 80 school districts across Texas contributed stories, poetry, and artwork to create I Am Texas, an ode to their home state from a child’s perspective. The iWrite Organization and The Bryan Museum, along with New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, published I Am Texas with the help of official sponsor Phillips 66. The cover features illustrated versions of Texas heroes like Bessie Coleman, Juan Seguin, and Barbara Bush. The book stands seven feet tall and weighs 496 lbs. The giant book has traveled all over Texas since breaking the Guinness World Record™ in Houston in November 2022 and will be displayed at Central Library until November 14, 2025. The public is encouraged to take their pictures with I Am Texas and learn the behind-the-scenes process of its creation.

Al Otro Lado/The Other Side showcases the work of Raquel Natalicchio, a Houston-based visual journalist for the Houston Chronicle. Blending large-scale portraits, historical maps, and video interviews, this exhibit presents a visual dialogue between people and places. Natalicchio’s striking portraits of immigrants who now call Houston home are paired with historical maps from HPL’s archives, highlighting regions along the U.S.–Mexico border, Texas, and Houston. “This exhibit invites viewers to explore immigration through a thoughtful blend of portraiture, storytelling, and historical context. Rather than focusing on politics or policy, it centers on the lived experiences of individuals,” said Raquel Natalicchio. The exhibit opens Saturday, June 14 and will be on display in the The Dr. James and Betty Key Map Room in the Julia Ideson Building (550 McKinney St., 77002) through February 28, 2026.

The public is invited to a free Opening Reception for Al Otro Lado on Saturday, June 14 at noon in the Julia Ideson Building. Online registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

Opening June 30 in the Julia Ideson Building is The Great Restoration Adventure: Celebrating the Craftsmen of Notre-Dame de Paris. On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as fire engulfed the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the most treasured structures of the last seven centuries and a cultural landmark of universal value. The ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame on December 27, 2024, reinforced the importance of preserving and cherishing our global heritage for today, and for the future.

This exhibit celebrates the extraordinary skills of the craftsmen and artisans responsible for bringing the cathedral back to life. Because of their talents, Notre-Dame de Paris has been saved to inspire future generations. Exhibit partners include Archaeology Now, Villa Albertine - Consulat Général de France à Houston, Alliance Français à Houston, Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, Maison Luquet, Ateliers Perrault, Handshouse Studio, Houston Area Blacksmith's Association, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The exhibit is on display through August 2, 2025.

July 15, 2023 – September 27, 2023

Join us for the opening reception on July 15, 3-5 PM! Register here!

The Julia Ideson Gallery
550 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1313

In this powerful new collection of oil paintings and stories, President George W. Bush spotlights the inspiring journeys of America’s immigrants and the contributions they make to the life and prosperity of our nation.

The issue of immigration stirs intense emotions today, as it has throughout much of American history. But what gets lost in the debates about policy are the stories of immigrants themselves, the people who are drawn to America by its promise of economic opportunity and political and religious freedom—and who strengthen our nation in countless ways.

Out of Many, One: Portraits of America’s Immigrants is a collection of portraits by President George W. Bush on loan from the Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Argyros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization. The Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, part of the broader George W. Bush Institute, has an extensive portfolio of work on immigration.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

Preserve the Past and Remember the Glory: The History of the Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL)
The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School

1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440
July 1, 2023 – December 30, 2023

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) was established by the University of Texas in 1910 to make rules and settle disputes for academic and athletic competitions at white high schools in Texas. Recognizing a need for a separate organization for Black high school students, the Texas Interscholastic League of Colored Schools (TILCS) was created in 1920 by the Colored Teachers State Association of Texas and the Negro School Division of the State Department of Education. The TILCS changed its name in 1923 to the Prairie View Interscholastic League (PVIL) when it came under the control of Prairie View A&M College. 

Modeling itself after the UIL, the PVIL held its own competitions for Black high school students in athletics, typing, declamation, music, and extemporaneous speaking. Starting with 40 schools, the PVIL quickly grew to include 300 schools by 1927 and enrolled 500 schools at its peak. PVIL participants include Houston’s Barbara Jordan (Phillis Wheatley High School), the first African American U.S. Congresswoman from the Southern United States. In 1965, the UIL opened membership to all public schools and the PVIL was disbanded at the end of the 1969-70 school year.

This exhibition features documents, photographs, and vintage uniforms and trophies from the Special Collections & Archives Department (SCAD) of the John B. Coleman Library at Prairie View A&M University and the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association.

This exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery
500 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1300

The Houston Public Library presents an exhibition of needlepoint works inspired by paintings, created by local art historian, collector and writer Randy Tibbits. Tibbits describes his craft: 

“For me, paintings and drawings are food for the eye and the spirit. But I’m not an artist, making paintings and drawings of my own. I’m a craftsman translating the artistic creations of others—'appropriating' them in the Warholian sense—and making them into something a little bit mine, in wool yarn and canvas. I don’t know why I do this, except that stitching and the need to make are in my genes. I’ve been doing it for 50 years, off and on, but more recently I’ve worked many pieces as tributes to Houston art and artists of the past—another personal passion. Some of those pieces are exhibited here (and also a few that don’t have anything to do with Houston at all!).”

The exhibit is free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

February 11, 2023 – May 4, 2023

The African American Library at the Gregory School
1300 Victor Street, 77019 | 832-393-1440

AND Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery
500 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1300

Cover image: “Texas Queens” by Laura Casemore.

L-R: "When It's Time" by John Gilchrist; "Let Freedom Reign" by La'Toya Smith.

The biennial Citywide African American Artists Exhibition is a collaboration between the University Museum at Texas Southern University and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The exhibition offers all artists of the African Diaspora in the Greater Houston area the opportunity to show their work to a broader public and art-collecting community. 

The exhibition celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022 and was curated by Michelle Barnes, CEO of the Community Artists’ Collective. The artist prizes were juried by artists Earlie Hudnall, Jr. and Vicki Meek; and Anna Walker, executive director of Lawndale Art Center.

The exhibition is spread over two HPL locations. On view at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School are works by 47 different artists, including Curator's Choice Award winner La'Toya Smith, First Place winner James E! Walker, and Honorable Mention winners Janice McCloud Warren and AFI ESE. The Central Library's First Floor Gallery will display works by 25 different artists, including Second Place winner Eddie Filer, Jr., Third Place winner Shawn Artis, Honorable Mention winner Emmanuel Olaiyan, and 5A Choice Award winner Maria Modjo. 

In partnership with:
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The University Museum at Texas Southern University

Exhibits are free and open to the public. Exhibit dates are subject to change.

November 5, 2022 – February 2, 2023
Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery 
500 McKinney St., 77002 | 393-1313

Heart Gallery Houston is a powerful, traveling photographic exhibit. This community education and awareness initiative was created to help find forever homes for children in foster care awaiting adoption. With the help of professional photographers who volunteer their time and the support of local businesses, churches, and community partners, these heartfelt canvas photos show the faces of children that long to find a forever family and a life with stability and love.

Growing up in the Texas foster care system is a reality for thousands of children. More than 6,000 children in Texas wait for a family and a place to call home. Sadly, a disproportionate number are children of color; Hispanic children are two times more likely to be removed. The foster care system cares for children of all ethnicities and of every age, ranging from newborn to 17 years. Most of the children featured in the gallery are older children, sibling groups, and children with special needs – often referred to as "forgotten children." While statistics of this special population are astounding, Heart Galleries is working nationwide to change these grim numbers.

Heart Gallery Houston is a program of Be A Resource (BEAR) Houston, a 501(c)(3) organization working with Harris County CPS and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to offer unique programs and supportive services that provide comfort, dignity, and celebration of successes for abused and neglected children. 

To learn more about BEAR and their Heart Gallery Houston program, visit bearesourcehouston.org.

This exhibition is free and open to the public.

November 12, 2022 - January 28, 2023

The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School

1300 Victor St., 77019 | 832-393-1440

Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) emerged when the country was transforming from an agrarian society of farmers to an industrialized nation of factory and office workers. The BSA’s goal was to teach boys “patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred virtues,” as well as outdoor skills, values that critics thought were lost as families moved to cities.

The first Black Boy Scouts in Houston were organized in 1935 by Reverend J. H. M. Boyce. The following year, about a dozen men completed a training course for leaders and formed seven or eight troops in the city. Although interest in Scouting started small, with only about a dozen Black Boy Scouts per troop, by 1947, their numbers grew to almost 3,000 throughout Houston.

This exhibition features photographs, ephemera, and newspaper clippings from the Harrison Family Collection. Edwin Stafford Harrison (1912-1979) was a civic leader, Methodist minister, and the first Black Precinct judge and poll tax writer in Harris County. Harrison was a Scout Executive from 1944 until his retirement in 1975.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. Dates are subject to change.

August 6, 2022 – November 2, 2022
Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery 
500 McKinney St., 77002 | 832-393-1313

This exhibition features garments from Fashion Fusion, an annual competition presented by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the award-winning Fashion Design program at Houston Community College. For this year’s competition, HCC students and alumni designed original outfits inspired by items and artworks in the Museum’s permanent collection. The students and alumni entered their designs into one of four representative categories: Antiquities, Renaissance, Baroque, and Modernism.

Designers who drew inspiration from the antiquities collection were able to choose from the styles and subjects found in the art of the ancient Mediterranean and Middle East, a period of cultural history generally spanning from 4,500 BCE (the beginnings of Western Civilization) to about 450 CE (the beginning of the Middle Ages). The origins of the Renaissance (meaning “rebirth”) can be traced back to Italy in the late 13th century and continued to around 1650. Renaissance artists were influenced by nature, the effects of light, realistic depiction of the human form previously captured by the Greeks and Romans of classical antiquity, and pagan and religious iconography.

The Baroque period, which lasted roughly from 1600 – 1750, overlapped with the Renaissance, leading to some similarities in style and subject matter. However, Baroque art and architecture are characterized by drama, lavishness, and excessive ornamentation, designed to appeal to human emotion. In stark contrast to preceding art movements, Modernism (c. 1890 - c. 1950) rejected hyperrealism. This period encompassed various styles and art movements, ranging from the loose brushstrokes of Impressionism to the harsh lines of Cubism. It also includes the exploration of the subconscious worlds of Surrealism, finally culminating in non-objective abstract art.

In a departure from previous years, the sixth annual competition required the creation of an additional component: a coordinating face mask to demonstrate that fashion and health safety can exist hand in hand.

This exhibition is free and open to the public. Dates are subject to change.

This exhibition is in partnership with

Houston Community College, Fashion and Costume Design Department
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

And generously supported by

Houston Public Library
City of Houston