From August 4, 2012 to January 1, 2030
A major collection within the AMSET permanent collection is that of the larger than life totem-like sculptures of Felix “Fox” Harris.
For over 20 years, Harris crafted his sculptures of recycled materials and displayed them in his yard, creating a forest-like environment. Harris was inspired to make art by a vision from God telling him to set aside his old life and make a new one. God told him to “make somethin’ out of nothin,’” he said. Harris took this to mean that not only should he reform his ways, but that he should literally take found objects and give them new life. In time, Harris constructed a forest of totems, some as tall as 15 feet, made from scrap metal, old toys, street markers and other discarded objects.
These significant pieces of folk art were donated to AMSET after Harris’ death in the mid 1980s and have had a tumultuous history at the museum, through numerous installation locations, de-installations due to threats of inclement weather and subsequent long-term storage. Finally in August 2007, AMSET unveiled Somethin’ Out of Nothin’: The Works of Felix “Fox Hafoxcolor.jpgrris, a semi-permanent gallery and glorious new resting place for the Beaumont treasures.
500 Main Street
Beaumont, TX 77701