In MemoriamOctober 2023A Tribute to Jim Harithas

Terry Allen

Portrait of Jim Harithas. Courtesy David Ross.
Portrait of Jim Harithas. Courtesy David Ross.

Jim,

It’s been a long time since we’ve connected. I heard you’ve been sick and just wanted to write and tell you I’m thinking about you and hope you’re feeling better. I don’t know if you’re in Houston or not…Marilyn said you might be in LA. I think the last time we crossed tracks was when Luis Jimenez and I came over to your place and we had a fine evening cussing every fucking thing we could think of…either then, or when Jo Harvey and I saw you at Station when you had up that stunning Palestinian sneaked-in–under-the-radar-hell war show. I will never forget those pieces.

I think both visits took place around the same time…when Luis was doing his last teaching stint at Univ. of Houston and Jo Harvey and I were doing a residency and theater piece there in conjunction with my Dugout show at the Blaffer. I’m really sorry we haven’t got to spend more time together since then…and before then.

One of the things I’m most sorry about is never getting to work with you. It almost happened at the CAMh, then you got your ass fired and I inherited Schimmel. Which turned out good even though he kept saying shit like “Do you know I’m the youngest Curator in America?” and I’d have to keep saying ‘Quit fucking acting like it.” Anyway, It worked out good, but I still missed you not being in on it, even though you were floating around in the wings. I thought one of the greatest things you ever did was make all those ex-con guards curators. It was a sweet, perfect truth for those sad beautiful daze. Sorry it didn’t pan out so well.

Another fond memory is the first time we met you at a party at your house and you punched out the Director of the Museum of Fine Arts. It was a big relief to me to be in that Houston scene for the first time and realize I was among fellow travelers. I guess I could go on recollecting all the memories flying through my head right now, but I’ll spare you. I just want you to know I’ve always thought you were one of the most courageous and true-hearted museum curators I’ve been honored to know and I hope you get your ass back on your feet fast.

And please,
if I can do anything for you,
let me know.
I mean that total.
Love to you and all of yours.

Your friend,
Terry Allen

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