A Portrait of a Postman Saturday, August 16, 2025 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

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Discussions with filmmaker Christopher Charles Scott and guests follow each screening.

This fascinating new documentary—winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Texas Feature at the 2025 Dallas International Film Festival—profiles Texas artist Kermit Oliver (born 1943 in Refugio). An alumnus of Texas Southern University who was mentored by professor and muralist Dr. John Biggers, Oliver created a remarkable body of work includes paintings, works on paper, designs for Hermès silk scarves, and commissions. For much of his career, Oliver worked full time as a postman. His art is included in the permanent collections of institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Filmmaker Christopher Charles Scott vividly chronicles the artist’s journey, featuring comments by Oliver’s family, colleagues including art historian Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw and artist Earlie Hudnall, art collector Tina Knowles, and many others. The story also takes a riveting “true crime” detour, covering a personal tragedy that profoundly affected Oliver and his late career creative output.

Tickets Available Soon

• $9 general admission; $7 MFAH members, students with ID, seniors (65+)

Plan Your Visit

• This screening takes place in Lynn Wyatt Theater in the Kinder Building.
• Parking Information | Museum Hours | MFAH Campus Map