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The Names I Carry. Brown from my mother’s family. Renfro from my father’s family. Two artists, one remarkable connection, and a legacy I was called to carry forward. Standing beside my story inside the exhibition is a moment I will never take for granted. I am the granddaughter, the great niece, the researcher, and now the curator entrusted with bringing Professor Leon Renfro and Bruce Brown’s art back into the light. This is more than an exhibition. It is proof that our fami

Last week, I had the honor of being invited to speak with Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw’s Museum Studies class about Brown Renfro: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. and my experience bringing this exhibition to life as its curator. Standing inside the exhibition and sharing the story of my grandfather, Professor Leon Renfro, his student Bruce Brown, and the research and responsibility behind carrying their artistic legacies forward was a full-circle moment for me. Dr. Wardlaw i

Thank you, Chandra Higginbotham, for beautifully capturing and sharing these special moments with Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw as she spoke about Brown Renfro: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Wardlaw for her vision, support, and commitment to preserving and presenting this important legacy. We invite everyone to experience the extraordinary imagination of Professor Leon Renfro and the research and curatorial vision of his granddaughter, Avery El

HAPPY SATURDAY MORNING, HOUSTON! What a beautiful day to visit the museum! Whether it’s part of your Saturday morning stroll, a date, a family outing with the children, something to do with out-of-town guests, or simply a quiet moment to experience art and history, come visit Brown Renfro: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. There is something special about seeing this work in person. This is art created from mind to hand. Before today’s digital tools, every line was dra

Opening night was only the beginning. The art is on the walls, and we’re carrying it on. If you missed opening night, you have not missed the exhibition. We still have so much programming tied to this exhibition, and we invite you to join us. We will be adding dates for upcoming programs and special events soon. Until then, we will be sharing photos, videos, behind-the-scenes moments, opening night highlights, and more of the story behind this very special exhibition. Please

I’m so grateful for Mr. Tremain. From the electrical panel to the black track lighting, he made sure every detail was done with care and done right. But he did so much more than get us ready to roll. He brought the power, helped us see the light, and taught us so much along the way. There’s something special about watching a master at work. Mr. Tremain is a Master Electrician and truly a master of his craft, and throughout this process, he didn’t just do the work. He took the

“Our curator, beautifully dressed in TSU maroon, pays homage to the university that shaped the legacies of her grandfather and great-uncle.” Texas Southern University Join us today, Friday, August 28, from 6 to 8 PM for the opening reception at the University Museum at Texas Southern University. We don’t just hang the art. We carry it on. www.brownrenfro.com TrufacebyGrace

Today I had the honor of joining Dr. Alvia Wardlaw at KTSU 90.9 FM to share the story behind Brown Renfro: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. I am so grateful for every opportunity to speak about my grandfather’s legacy and the journey that brought this exhibition home to Texas Southern University. Join us tomorrow, Friday, August 28, from 6 to 8 PM for the opening reception at the University Museum at Texas Southern University. We don’t just hang the art. We carry it o

The moment we have been preparing for is almost here. This Friday, I have the honor of bringing together the work and legacy of my grandfather, Professor Leon Renfro, and my great-uncle, Houston artist Bruce Brown. Two sides of my family connected through art long before I was born, and now their stories will meet again at Texas Southern University. Please join us for the opening reception of BROWN RENFRO: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. Friday, August 28, 2026 6:00

This journey has taught us so many lessons about faith, patience, perseverance, family, and what it truly means to carry a legacy forward. How fitting it will be to have the incomparable Mr. Eric Roberson with us live to perform his beautiful song “Lessons” during the opening reception. Join us Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Texas Southern University Museum. Every lesson becomes part of the legacy. We don’t just hang the art. We carry it on. www.BrownRenfro

What a beautiful honor to see Professor Leon Renfro’s life, art, and legacy featured on Great Day Houston. We are deeply grateful to Deborah Duncan and KHOU 11 for helping us share this extraordinary story with Houston. His legacy lives on through his family, his students, and every life touched by his work. Join us for the Opening Reception of Brown Renfro: The Professor. The Student. The Curator. Friday, August 28, 2026 6:00–8:00 PM Texas Southern University Museum We don’t

One of the greatest honors a teacher can receive is to see themselves through the eyes of their students. This portrait of my grandfather, Professor Leon Renfro, was created by one of his Texas Southern University students, “A. Thibodeaux,” whose name is inscribed on the artwork itself. That makes this piece even more meaningful. It is not simply a portrait. It is a tribute from a student to a professor who left a lasting impression. Looking at this painting reminds me of the