HERBERT RICHARD MEARS (1923–1999)

Born in New York City, Herb Mears was interested in art from a young age. He studied under Fernand Leger in Paris and went on to paint and study in various studios in France and Italy before his arrival in Houston in 1951. With colleague David Adickes, whom he had met in Paris, Mears decided to open an art school. Their Studio of Contemporary Arts finally settled in an old building on Main Street with Mears and Adickes hoping to give classes to potential students. However, money was tight, and Mears found himself as a draftsman for Houston Lighting and Power Company, a job he excelled at and enjoyed.

Later, Mears was involved in the Contemporary Arts Association, frequently making trip...