We’ll visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, to celebrate two important exhibitions: the first US solo presentations of Bernhard Schobinger and Dorothea Prühl, both key figures in avant-garde art jewelry. Each exhibition spans nearly 50 years of work. Beyond the museum, Houston offers a dynamic and deeply layered cultural landscape. As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the US, it brings together major institutions, artist-run spaces, and an energy shaped by its global communities. Our program will include visits to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, along with artist studios, museum collections, and other stops that reflect the breadth of the city’s creative life.

The trip will start with a welcome dinner on Wednesday, September 23, and end after dinner on Saturday, September 26.

Program highlights include (subject to change):

• Welcome dinner to kick off the festivities
• Private tours at MFAH: Glassell School of Art jewelry and metalsmithing studios, Prühl, Schobinger, Bertoia, For Your Eyes Only
• Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Tour the Material Inheritance: Silver Anniversary and Iconoglass exhibitions; meet the residents; view jewelry by artists from the Houston Metal Arts Guild—all arranged just for AJF
• A visit to two private collections of contemporary jewelry—an experience for AJF members only
• Ismaili Center tour: Voted the best architectural building in the country, Houston’s Ismaili Center is an architectural landmark designed for prayer, cultural exchange, education, interfaith dialogue, and civic events. We will experience the uniqueness of this very special place, with its contemporary design, rich architectural heritage, and nine acres of gardens
• A breakfast meet-and-greet with AJF friends and members before the MFAH symposium
• MFAH symposium featuring leading voices in the field, followed by a reception celebrating these two exhibitions—an opportunity to gather with fellow collectors, artists, and enthusiasts. Attend as many talks as you’d like!
• MFAH symposium reception: Mingle and celebrate your favorite artists over drinks and nibbles
• (Optional) Turrell Sky Space: The roof is open for visitors to watch the colors of the sky change as the sun drops below the horizon
• Farewell dinner: For our final time together, indulge in delicious Southern cuisine
• We will also share suggestions for your free time in the city