HOUSTON, April 3 — The University of Houston Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts welcomed patrons, artists, alumni and civic leaders to its 2026 “Arts in Motion” Gala on March 26 at POST Houston — an inspiring evening celebrating creativity, community and the transformative power of the arts.
Marking both a decade of impact for the college and the approach of the University’s
100th anniversary, the gala officially launched a yearlong anniversary campaign aligned
with the University of Houston’s Centennial Campaign.
Supporting students, spaces and the arts that move people and communities, this initiative
invites supporters to invest in student scholarships, transformative spaces and bold
artistic innovation — fueling the next century of creative leadership and impact.
The evening honored Beth Madison, whose leadership and philanthropy have made a lasting impact on the arts. In a defining moment of the night, Madison made a matching gift of $50,000, becoming the first major contributor to the anniversary “Arts in Motion” campaign and setting the tone for a night of generosity and momentum.
Additional honors included distinguished alumnus Kenneth Radnofsky and the college’s “Alumni on the Move:” Alexis Pye, Jacob Shideler, Kenneth Broberg and Alex Montoya — each recognized for their outstanding contributions across the arts and cultural sectors.
A centerpiece of the evening was “Through the Moving Press: An Exhibition and Print Sale,” a dynamic showcase of works by students, alumni and faculty. Featuring live printmaking demonstrations and limited-edition works available for purchase, the exhibition embodied the gala’s theme by highlighting art as a living, evolving force. Proceeds from the print sale directly benefited student scholarships, reinforcing the college’s commitment to access and artistic excellence.
The gala raised over $250,000 in support of the college, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships, faculty initiatives and future-facing programs. Through a variety of giving opportunities — from annual funds to endowed scholarships and unrestricted support — the campaign emphasizes both immediate impact and long-term sustainability for the arts at UH.
“As we celebrate 10 years of the college of the arts and look toward the University’s centennial, this campaign represents an investment in creativity as a driving force for innovation and connection,” Dean Andrew Davis said. “The generosity of our community ensures that the arts will continue to thrive at the University of Houston and across the city.”
As Houston continues to grow as a global arts destination, the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts remains a vital cultural engine — empowering artists, enriching communities and shaping the future through creativity in motion.
For more information about the College’s “Arts in Motion” campaign or to make a gift, visit https://kgmca.shorthandstories.com/arts-in-motion-ways-to-give/index.html.