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December 18, 1978

How far back in time should I go to start this letter?

Today I find myself in an interesting position, because we are in an interesting position. We, being the artists of this state.

All eyes turn to Texas.

There has been an awakening of the art consciousness of our society.

All eyes turn to the state of the arts.

I read the significant of this to mean the time is right for a show reflecting the state of the arts in our state.

Like all things, we are governed by circumstances. Our three largest cities, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston are looking for either a director or a curator. Which means that while the fuel is here, there is no one to strike the match.

So then, are we in a state of wait?

New thought. 
Several weeks ago I was asked by a few people at the Contemporary Arts Museum if I would be interested in presenting a proposal for an area artist show. Also some artists asked me if I would make a proposal to the Museum and try to convince them to do an area artist show.

Of course I am interested.

It is just that my interest reaches beyond Houston. 
So area has to be state. 

JAMES SURLS - CURATOR'S STATEMENT