The Surls + Locke Museum of Texas Art’s inaugural exhibition, Heard of G.O.A.T.s, opening on April 26 and runs through June 22, 2025. This landmark event celebrates the museum’s commitment to honoring exceptional Texas art and marks the beginning of its mission to inspire and connect communities through art and nature.
Curated by Malakoff, Texas, native and world-renowned artist James Surls, the exhibition features works by 21 of Texas’s most distinguished artists, representing a wide range of mediums, styles, and artistic legacies. Participating artists include Terry Allen, John Alexander, Lynn Randolph, Sherry Owens, Billy Hassell, Sharon Kopriva, Ellen Tanner, Helen Altman, Ann Stautberg, James Drake, Bill Haveron, Carlos Canul, Tracye Wear, Jack Massing, Julie Speed, Charmaine Locke, Melissa Miller, Jim Love, David McManaway, Paul Manes, and James Surls.
Together, these artists showcase the depth and vibrancy of Texas’s creative landscape. The exhibition explores themes of nature, psychology, and the human experience, presenting works that highlight the natural world, including birds, flowers, trees, and other organic forms. As a celebration of the legacy and vision of James Surls and Charmaine Locke, Heard of G.O.A.T.s is a testament to the most influential names in Texas art.
“Pileated Woodpeckers and Longleaf Pines,” by Billy Hassell
The event takes place on the grounds exhibition space on the 40-acre property in Splendora, Texas. This exhibition coincides with the closing event for A Gift from the Bower, a sculpture trail featuring works by Leticia R. Bajuyo, Susan Budge & George Tobolowsky, John Calaway, Carlos Canul & Rachel Gardner, Lina Dib, Alton DuLaney, Ronald L. Jones, Sharon Kopriva, Charmaine Locke, Jack Massing, Sherry Owens & Art Shirer, Patrick Renner, Kaneem Smith, and James Surls. This exhibition was produced in conjunction with the Locke Surls Center for Arts and Nature (LSCAN) and DiverseWorks, a Houston based multi-disciplinary arts nonprofit. A Gift from the Bower has been a part of ongoing programming put on by James Surls and Charmaine Locke for the benefit of their community.
As the first major initiative of the Surls + Locke Museum of Texas Art, Heard of G.O.A.T.s sets the stage for its long-term vision of establishing a 30,000+ square foot museum and sculpture garden by 2030.
“Endangered Species,” by Lynn Randolph
Visitors are asked to park and use the complimentary shuttle service to enter the property through Trailers of Texas, 12650 Cole Drive, Splendora, TX 77328. Guided tours are available of the exhibition and access to nature trails around the property.
The Piney Forests of Splendora, Texas, are home and studio space for James Surls and Charmaine Locke for five decades where they raised their seven daughters and built a legacy. Over years of stewardship of the property, the family’s connection to art and nature as a powerful agent for insight and growth led them to share this experience with viewers and makers of art in all forms including visual and performing arts, music, poetry, and conceptual.
The Surls + Locke Museum is adjacent to a family owned project called the Locke Surls Center for Art and Nature (LSCAN) which makes use of a former studio space converted to an artist residency program and gallery. Among many other amenities the expansive family land has to offer, this facility offers a partnership that to enrich the programmatic activities of the Surls + Locke Museum.
Learn more about James Surls in this County Line Magazine archive article.
