The Czech Center Museum will host a reception for “From the Caribbean through The Gulf of Mexico to Texas.” This art exhibition contains a spirited selection from The Charalampous Art Collection, a private collection of Dr. Kanellos Charalampous. Dr. Charalampous is a renowned psychiatrist and professor who is now retired living in Houston, Texas. His collection spans countries from around the globe and his joy is in sharing this collection with others.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Charalampous started traveling to Puerto Rico every December to attend a professional meeting. The country was experiencing abject poverty, which was reflected in the country’s art. Dr. Charalampous was drawn to the authenticity of expressions, which he found mesmerizing and led him to enhance his experiences with visits to other Caribbean Islands. One of his first stops was the Island of Hispaniola in the country of Haiti. In Haiti, he was introduced to many indigenous autodiadactic artists whose beautiful works were characterized by strong colors, native scenes and subtle humor. Thus began a life-long journey of collecting the incredible pieces from various Caribbean works. Dr. Charalampous continued his love of art in his travels to other countries and has amassed a collection of art that has spanned more than five decades.

The exhibition, which includes the works of artists from Haiti, Cuba, Mexico and Texas, will reside at the museum through February 10 and is also co-hosted by The Consul of Greece, The Czech Consul, and the Hellenic Cultural Center.