Blaffer Art Museum Faces Leadership, Exhibition Changes

The Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston has experienced significant shifts in its leadership and exhibition schedule. These changes include the termination of a curator and the cancellation of several planned artist exhibitions. The museum's new director, Dr. Laura Augusta, began her role in October 2024, following a period of interim leadership.

Leadership Transition and Program Adjustments

The Blaffer Art Museum has seen considerable changes over the past year. Former Director and Chief Curator Steven Matijcio departed in January 2024. This led to a 10-month interim period under Linda Shearer. Dr. Laura Augusta then took over as the Jane Dale Owen Director and Chief Curator in October 2024.

Upon Dr. Augusta's arrival, the museum began reviewing its exhibition program and staff. This review led to major adjustments. One key change was the termination of Erika Mei Chua Holum, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Associate Curator, in July 2025.

Cancellation of Guadalupe Maravilla Exhibition

In February 2025, the Blaffer Art Museum canceled the planned exhibition of Guadalupe Maravilla’s "Mariposa Relámpago." This exhibition was scheduled for November 2024 through April 2025. According to Dr. Augusta, the cancellation was due to conservation issues and a large construction project on the University of Houston campus.

The construction, part of the university's 2027 Centennial Project, affects Wilhelmina’s Grove, an outdoor space near the museum. This area is currently blocked off to pedestrian traffic. Additional construction near the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design and on Entrance 16 has also limited public access to the museum.

"This information has not changed, and our priority remains safeguarding the integrity of every artist’s work and ensuring that any presentation meets the highest standards," Dr. Augusta stated to Glasstire, reiterating her reasons for the cancellation.

Andrew Davis, Dean of the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts and Dr. Augusta's supervisor, supported this decision. He stated that the exhibition was canceled due to "circumstances beyond the control of the Blaffer Museum and the McGovern College."

Ms. Chua Holum, who worked with Mr. Maravilla for two years on the project, disagreed with the cancellation. She believes the installation could have been realized despite the challenges.

Ja’Tovia Gary Cancels Exhibition

Artist Ja’Tovia Gary canceled her solo exhibition, which was planned for May through August 2026. Ms. Gary told Glasstire that negotiations with Dr. Augusta regarding the exhibition's scope and budget "broke down." She felt it was necessary to cancel to maintain the integrity of her work.

No written contract had been signed between Ms. Gary and the museum for this exhibition. Ms. Gary noted that the initial plans were significantly reduced. She found it difficult to work with the new leadership.

"What we initially planned was truncated significantly, which to me, should have been a discussion. It was just very difficult to work with the new leadership there," Ms. Gary explained.

Ms. Gary also mentioned that the cancellation of Mr. Maravilla's exhibition influenced her decision. She expressed surprise at that cancellation, noting that any institution would benefit from such a show.

Dr. Augusta countered that Ms. Gary’s exhibition was still in development. She stated there was no final agreement on scope, installation details, or an approved budget. She explained that it is standard for museums to have many exhibitions in various stages of development.

Curator Termination and Budget Disputes

Erika Mei Chua Holum was terminated from her position on July 18, 2025, soon after Ms. Gary's decision to cancel her show. The University of Houston declined to comment on personnel actions.

Ms. Chua Holum stated that one reason given for her termination was the alleged inflation of previously agreed-upon exhibition budgets. She disagreed with this, asserting that budgets were set under former director Mr. Matijcio's leadership. She believed full funding for the projects could be secured.

Mr. Matijcio confirmed that exhibition budgets were typically attached to proposals and considered feasible. He said the shows developed with Ms. Chua Holum, though ambitious, were planned within the context of the Blaffer's 50th-anniversary celebrations, which included successful fundraising efforts. The museum's 50th-anniversary campaign and gala in December 2023 raised nearly $500,000.

Mr. Matijcio, who hired Ms. Chua Holum in 2022, praised her vision for an international program rooted in the local community. He noted her growth in the role despite her relatively limited prior curatorial experience.

Dean Andrew Davis confirmed that he approves budgets submitted by Blaffer directors. Mr. Matijcio recalled the Blaffer's yearly exhibition budget being between $200,000 to $250,000. A source familiar with the matter estimated Ms. Gary's exhibition costs could range from $150,000 to nearly $300,000, potentially exceeding the museum's capacity.

Mr. Matijcio explained that Ms. Chua Holum often used a collaborative budgetary model. This involved inviting other institutions, like the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, to partner and co-fund projects. This approach allowed for additions to standard exhibition budgets.

Kenneth Tam Exhibition Status

Kenneth Tam, an Assistant Professor of Art at Rice University, claims his solo exhibition was canceled by Dr. Augusta after Ms. Chua Holum's termination. The exhibition was initially planned for fall 2026, then postponed to 2027 with his agreement. It was set to include new artworks, a monograph, performance events, and a Mitchell Center fellowship.

Both Dr. Augusta and Dean Davis dispute Mr. Tam's claim of cancellation. Dr. Augusta stated that the proposed Tam exhibition was in early development and not finalized. She explained that assessing which projects move forward is a normal part of a leadership transition.

A University of Houston spokesperson added that the fall 2027 slot was a tentative proposal. They said the exhibition lacked a checklist, budget, contract, fundraising plan, associated programming, or a catalog proposal.

Mr. Tam had been working with Ms. Chua Holum on the exhibition since October 2023. He learned of its cancellation indirectly, after Ms. Chua Holum informed him of her termination. He expressed disappointment that Dr. Augusta offered to collaborate on a different project without acknowledging the previous work.

A source close to the situation indicated that Ms. Chua Holum's departure was the primary reason Mr. Tam's exhibition did not proceed, as it was in very early stages. The artist reportedly did not wish to continue the project with a different curator.

Ongoing Exhibitions and Director's Vision

Dr. Augusta maintains that only one confirmed exhibition, Ms. Gary's show, was canceled by the artist before a contract was signed. She asserted that all other inherited exhibitions remain on the Blaffer’s calendar and are moving forward.

The Blaffer follows standard museum practice, executing contracts nine to twelve months before an opening. These contracts rely on a complete production plan, exhibition checklist, technical specifications, and a confirmed budget.

Dean Davis confirmed that the Blaffer is planning or has completed all six exhibitions Dr. Augusta inherited from the previous director. In total, eleven exhibitions are in development for October 2025 through August 2027.

Houston artist and curator Doug Welsh, whose exhibition "a way to mend" is on view at the Blaffer through September 27, expressed strong support for Dr. Augusta. He described his experience working with her as "wonderful," feeling supported and encouraged.

Bay Area artist Saif Azzuz, whose exhibition "Saif Azzuz: Keet Hegehlpa’ (the water is rising)" is on view until December 20, expressed sadness about Ms. Chua Holum's termination. He valued her local knowledge and dedication to his exhibition, which focuses on Buffalo Bayou's history and colonization's effects.

Thania Petersen, a South African artist, reported difficulties with communication from current Blaffer leadership regarding her exhibition, planned for June through December 2026. She stated she has spent at least $25,000 of her own funds on production, expecting timely reimbursement. Ms. Chua Holum had stated the Mitchell Center agreed to reimburse this amount.

The university spokesperson declined to comment on ongoing disputes. Ms. Petersen confirmed that after multiple attempts to contact Dr. Augusta and Dean Davis, she received an email confirming her show, followed by silence. As of publication, she had not received a further response or a contract.

Dr. Augusta stated that Ms. Petersen’s exhibition remains in development, with details like scope, technical specifications, and budget still under discussion. Production payments are linked to finalized agreements and approved budgets.

Dean Davis expressed full support for Dr. Augusta, highlighting her ability to connect the museum with university faculty, students, and the wider community. He praised her cultural competence and vision for the Blaffer.

Dr. Augusta envisions the Blaffer as a space for "rigorous conversations about the most important ideas of our time." She believes university museums foster collaborative thinking, advocate for artists, and support new works and ideas.

Ms. Chua Holum appealed her termination, but the university upheld the decision on September 11, making it permanent. Mr. Matijcio expressed hope that the exhibitions planned with Ms. Gary, Mr. Tam, and Ms. Petersen could be realized elsewhere, calling them worthy and important artists. He also praised Ms. Chua Holum's curatorial talent.

The Blaffer’s website currently lists six upcoming exhibitions, including projects by Chilean-American artist Soledad Salamé, a ceramics group show curated by Sso-Rha Kang, "Mud + Corn + Stone + Blue" (curated by Dr. Augusta at the Rubin Center), UH’s annual MFA thesis and student exhibitions, and a project by Texas artist Adriana Corral for fall 2026.