February 21 - April 25, 2020
A collection of portraits by former President George W. Bush on loan from Ambassador and Mrs. George L. Arygros Collection of Presidential Art at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, a non-profit organization whose Military Service Initiative focused on helping veterans and their families.
Growing out of President Bush’s personal commitment and the ongoing work of the George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service Initiative, Portraits of Courage brings together 59 full-color portraits and a four-panel mural, painted by President George W. Bush. Each one depicts members of the United States military who have served our nation with honor since 9/11 and whom Mr. Bush has come to know personally.
The paintings are also the subject of the hardcover book titled Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors. Each portrait is accompanied by a veteran’s story, which inspired the former president to honor their sacrifice through art.
Portraits of Courage visitors will
- Learn the stories of each of the warriors featured in the exhibit.
- Glean an appreciation for the service and sacrifice of those who serve in the United State military.
- Understand the impacts of the wounds of war – both visible and invisible.
Portraits of Courage will be on display February 21 – April 25, 2020 at the Julia Ideson Building Exhibit Hall located at 550 McKinney St., 77002. Visit houstonlibrary.org or call 832-393-1313 for more information. The exhibit is free and open to the public.
This exhibit is generously sponsored and presented by the ConocoPhillips, The William Stamps Farish Fund.
Opening Reception and Book Signing
Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Julia Ideson Building located at 550 McKinney St., 77002. Experience the exhibit, Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors, at an opening reception and book signing event. Several military veterans will be on hand to autograph copies of the book, which will be available for purchase, and engage with attendees during self-guided tours. An evening performance featuring Moores School of Music’s “Moores in the Town” opens the program, followed by remarks. Refreshments will be served. The reception is free and open to the public.
Visit houstonlibrary.org for information on parking.
About the George W. Bush Presidential Center
The Bush Center is home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, and the George W. Bush Institute, the nonpartisan, public policy arm of the Bush Center. The Bush Center is located on the campus of SMU in Dallas, Texas, and also includes a 15-acre park, a full-service restaurant, Café 43, and a museum store. For more information visit: www.bushcenter.org
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 37 neighborhood libraries, three HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
Reception: February 27, 2020 | 6–8 pm
Opening reception and book signing, Several military veterans will be on hand to autograph copies of the book, which will be available for purchase.
Julia Ideson Building - Houston Public Library
500 McKinney St.
Houston, 77002 TX
832-393-1662
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