The Brooklyn Rail

James Harithas was a visionary museum director and curator whose passion for art and culture enriched countless lives in the cultural landscape. With profound sadness, we remember a person whose dedication and innovation transformed our understanding of creativity and its profound impact on society. It should be noted that he along with his partner Ann Harithas, together, constituted a formidable force in the Houston arts scene whose legacy continues to resonate deeply.

James Harithas's life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity and sharing it with the world. His distinctive approach to curation went beyond the conventional, daring to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. His exhibitions were not mere displays of artworks; they were immersive journeys that invited viewers to engage with the pieces on a profound level, sparking conversations that lingered long after leaving the galleries. With an unerring eye for artistic excellence, he brought together works that ignited conversations, stirred emotions, and sparked inspiration.

In addition, Jim was a mentor and guide to aspiring artists, museum professionals, and enthusiasts alike. Through his tireless efforts, he created platforms for artists to express themselves freely, fostering an environment where creativity knew no limits. His commitment to inclusivity and accessibility ensured that art was a gift meant for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. His generous spirit and willingness to share his knowledge made him a beloved figure in the Houston art community. His ability to see the potential in emerging and established artists and give them a platform demonstrated his commitment to fostering creativity at every stage. He had a genuine interest in the stories and ideas of those he encountered and an uncanny ability to make everyone feel heard and valued, fostering an environment where creativity and collaboration flourished. Harithas fearlessly pushed boundaries, challenging conventional norms and championing artists whose work might have otherwise been overlooked. His legacy lives on through the countless careers he nurtured, the exhibitions that continue to inspire, and the enduring impact he had on the Houston & global art communities.

His tenure as the Director of the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston (CAMh), is a part of Houston arts’ history, legend, and lore. Those stories can only be shared over drinks while listening to the blues. Years later, after a he left CAMh, a dear friend of mine who worked there was making arrangements with Yoko Ono for her visit to Houston for an exhibition she was doing at the Contemporary. Ono’s only requirement was that there was time built into her schedule to visit Jim. “I have to see Jim.” His dedication and hard work touched many artists, from the renowned to the lesser-known in the same way.

When Jim and Ann opened the Station Museum of Contemporary Art, they changed the landscape of Houston’s art scene. New and challenging works started being shown that other Houston institutions would not exhibit. Voices that had been marginalized were now being seen and heard. And the physical space of the museum was always transformed with each new exhibit. The audience could always anticipate and be assured that every exhibition at the Station would be thoughtful, challenging, engaging, and exciting to the public. The Station Museum of Contemporary Art was a Houston treasure unlike any other.

I first crossed paths with Jim a few decades ago, during the later phase of his career. It was at a time when I was deeply engrossed in a project that questioned the US engagement in the Middle East post 9/11. The times were marked by heightened US military preparations and saber-rattling. During my discussions with curators regarding this project, a recurring theme emerged from their reactions. One curator openly put into words what others were undoubtedly thinking. “Prince, this is strong work, but in our current political climate, we can’t touch this.” As an artist, such feedback was profoundly disheartening, revealing the frustrating reality that one's artistic expression might be stifled, unheard, in the face of gatekeepers.

On a whim, I reached out to Jim. His response was warm and receptive to my creative endeavors. He resonated with my intentions. He understood. He got it. Jim extended to me the opportunity I was so desperately in search of, initiating a collaborative partnership that led to additional exhibitions over the years. Jim dared to take chances. He displayed courage. He presented a platform to countless artists, enabling them to display complex and thought-provoking works that provoked cultural, social, and political dialogues often pushing boundaries that other art establishments were hesitant to breach. His passing leaves me both appreciative and sorrowful, forever cherishing the impact he had on my journey.

Who will be courageous and bold enough to step in and fill the void that Jim has left in the Arts?