Feel the Art: Pearl Fincher Museum Opens Hands-On Summer Exhibit with Inclusive Programming for All Ages
This summer, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Spring, Texas, is offering a transformative experience with its newly unveiled exhibition, Art Unleashed: Creativity You Can FEEL! This family-friendly, fully interactive showcase redefines traditional museum norms by inviting guests to touch, feel, and immerse themselves in the art—creating a multisensory adventure ideal for all ages and abilities.
Art You Can Touch, Designed for All
Art Unleashed, on view in the museum’s Main Gallery, features a collection of interactive, tactile artworks from nationally recognized artists. “We are taking down the ropes,” said Nicole DeGuzman, director of the Pearl. “We are encouraging you to touch, to feel, to interact with art in a way you never have before.”
The inclusive focus of the exhibit especially benefits guests who are blind or have low vision. Among the highlights is the work of Dallas-based artist Tomas Bustos, who reimagines iconic paintings such as Mona Lisa, The Starry Night, and Girl with a Pearl Earring as detailed bronze reliefs. These pieces, designed to be experienced through touch, allow guests to connect with masterpieces in a whole new way.
This summer, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is proud to present, “Art Unleashed: Creativity You Can FEEL!” Also featured is a vibrant tufting series by Dallas artist Sam Lao titled In a Dish, developed exclusively for this exhibition. Lao previously led the creation of The Muses mural at Meow Wolf in Dallas. Other engaging contributions include wearable soft sculptures by Stephanie Metz, textured paintings by Rosy Sunshine Galvan, sculptural pieces from Found Fine Art in Bastrop, and whimsical fiber art by Marsha Borden.
“I’m especially excited to see new friends enjoying the Pearl,” shared Samantha Aguilar, Director of Exhibitions & Programs. “Museums are all about experiences and this summer exhibit is one you won’t want to miss!”
Family Fun and Accessible Programming
In addition to Art Unleashed, the Cole Gallery features The Realm of Smaller Things: A Storybook Adventure by Kent Knowles. Based on his own children’s book, this installation invites visitors to explore a life-sized storybook world through murals, sculpture, and playful photo ops.
Opening day for the summer exhibitions is Saturday, May 31, with free Family Day festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy a performance by Mad About Hoops, LEGO® building with the Houston Brick Club, a meet-and-greet with Tomas Bustos, hands-on art activities, and more. Registration is encouraged at pearlmfa.org.
Another highlight is a special ceramics class for individuals who are blind or low vision, led by Bustos himself on May 31 from 2 to 5 p.m. Registration is $50 and space is limited.
Interactive Maker Space and Wild Art Wednesdays
Thanks to the support of the AAUW North Harris County Branch, a large Maker Space will accompany the exhibition. Visitors can use sensory materials like buttons, pipe cleaners, and pom-poms to craft their own masterpieces, offering creative inspiration for all visitors.
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The Pearl is also bringing back Wild Art Wednesdays—free weekly art sessions from 2 to 4 p.m., open to families who pre-register for a 20-minute slot.
Inspiring the Next Generation with Summer Art Camps
For families seeking summer activities for children, the Pearl Fincher Museum is offering weekly Summer Art Camps from June 2 to August 1. Designed for ages 5 to 12, camp themes include Get Moving, LEGO® Brick Club, Mini Masters, and Fantasy, among many others. Kids will spend time in the galleries and return to studios inspired by what they’ve touched and seen.
Course descriptions and registration details are available at pearlmfa.org.
Registration is underway for Summer Art Camps at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts! Weekly camps Plan Your Visit
Located at 6815 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is always free, and donations are welcomed to support the museum’s mission of art, education, and community connection.
For more information on events, exhibitions, and programs, visit pearlmfa.org or call 281-376-6322.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.