The LEAP Center follows many artists, but one in particular that every Ambassador admires not only for his work but also because of his local connections is David Adickes. Sadly, he passed away on July 13th, 2025, but his work is still cherished across Texas and the United States.
Fortunately, admirers have a chance to see many of his works across diverse media and eras at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Walker Education Center through May 31.
The show was introduced by Tod Lawlis, Curator of Exhibits, who started his job shortly before the exhibit began!
He and Adickes’ long-time partner, Linda Wiley, did a wonderful job providing an overview of the show, and describing why this exhibit is both special and appropriate for Adickes and his legacy.
The exhibit showcases approximately 40 of his works, including sculptures, maquettes, studies, enhanced giclee prints, and original pieces of art. The exhibit title, however, derives from a song Adickes wrote, “Remembering You,” before he enlisted in the Army.
The works ranged from the 1950s through the 2020s, surely making Adickes one of the longest-working Texas artists in history.
We all had a chance to look at the pieces, select our favorites…
…review them some more, and revise our favorites list!
One of the joys of the event was speaking with many of our fellow attendees. We met descendants of Sam Houston, caught up with old favorites such as the Peases, Woodwards, Lee Jamison, and, of course, had a chance to meet or catch up with Linda Wiley.
Linda spoke lovingly of David, his career, and his vast legacy in the arts world, while also emphasizing that this was a celebration of David’s life and work.
She also took great care to include pieces in the show at difference prices, allowing many people the opportunity to purchase their own David Adickes, a strategy that proved helpful to some of the recent graduates in attendance!
It was a great showing, one befitting an artist who did much for the art world and the arts community.
And it was a particularly nice time for us–for many of us, our first art exhibit–learning more about the work of Adickes, Linda’s involvement in his life and work, and the community to which he contributed much.
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