Patron Groups

Celebrate the accomplishments of African American artists by becoming a member of the African American Art Advisory Association (5A). Founded in 1993, 5A has given vital support to the Museum’s collections, education programs, and community outreach. 

Art + Paper supports the collection and activities of the prints and drawings department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Membership in the group fosters a deeper appreciation for the graphic arts and encourages the understanding and collecting of works on paper through a series of exciting events with artists, collectors, curators, conservators, and other experts.

Art Crowd is a vibrant group of MFAH members in their 20s and 30s interested in expanding their experiences at the Museum. With this add-on membership, Art Crowd members can enjoy the perfect atmosphere for connecting with other young adults involved in Houston’s dynamic arts scene.

Collectors Studio encapsulates this mission and creates a personal access point where emerging art enthusiasts and collectors experience specially crafted programs to enhance their appreciation for art. Supporters receive special access to curators and renowned art-world figures, behind-the-scenes tours of the Museum, visits to Houston’s best art collections, and private travel opportunities. 

contemporary@mfah celebrates the multifaceted vitality of modern and contemporary art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Members are invited to participate in a series of events annually, including dialogues with Museum professionals, tours of private collections, exclusive exhibition viewings, and artists’ studio visits. 

Core Salon offers a meaningful way to engage with the Core Residency Program at the Glassell School of Art. Core Salon members connect directly with current Fellows through intimate gatherings, visits to private collections, and thoughtful discussions on contemporary art.

Design Council focuses on the defining role that art objects and design play in everyday life. The group offers a selection of activities designed to further cultivate a strong appreciation for the field. Throughout the year, members enjoy lectures, visits to private collections, behind-the-scenes exhibition tours, panel discussions and studio visits.

Film Buffs is the Museum’s membership group for movie lovers. Members of Film Buffs receive special perks, such as free admission and opportunities to meet industry professionals.

Friends of American Arts is a patron group offering social and educational programs with insight into the diverse field of American art. Focusing on the rich time period from the 18th century to WWI, the range of themes includes topics such as Colonial Era and Gilded Age portraiture, the American West, the Arts and Crafts movement, and the work of Native American and African American artists.

The Friends of Asian Art plays a leading and active role in developing the Asian art collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, one of the most rapidly growing collections in the Museum. Patrons enjoy lectures and private cocktail receptions to meet curators, scholars, dealers, and artists. 

Latin Maecenas supports the Museum’s renowned Latin American art department and the International Center for the Arts of the Americas. Members learn about the exciting field of Latin American and Latino art through visiting artist lectures and seminars with experts in the field, and with visits to some of the most prominent private collections in Houston and abroad.

Photo Forum supports the photography department and has made possible the acquisition of more than 500 modern and contemporary photographs. Patrons gain access to the Museum’s curators and renowned collection through behind-the-scenes seminars, special tours and exhibition receptions, artist lectures, and visits to prominent private collections.