the obamas are coming

Famed Barack and Michelle Obama portraits head to Texas museum

Get ready, Texas: The Obamas are on the move and will be making a temporary home in 2022 at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts.

Okay, technically the real 44th U.S. president and first lady aren’t measuring the drapes for an art-vacation; instead the acclaimed “President Barack Obama”portrait by Kehinde Wiley and the “Michelle Obama” portrait by Amy Sherald will take up residence at the Houston museum March 25-May 30, 2022.

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery just announced a five-city tour of the famed portraits and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston becomes that last stop on the tour, the only museum in Texas and the southwest region. The tour begins in the Obamas' hometown of Chicago and makes stops at the Brooklyn Museum, New York; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the High Art Museum in Atlanta before coming to Texas.

The first African-American artists selected for a National Portrait Gallery’s official portraits of a president or first lady commission, Wiley and Sherald’s portraits became instant sensations when first revealed in early 2018.

“We view the country as our community,” said Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Gallery in a statement made upon the announcement of the tour. “Since the unveiling of these two portraits of the Obamas, the Portrait Gallery has experienced a record number of visitors, not only to view these works in person, but to be part of the communal experience of a particular moment in time. This tour is an opportunity for audiences in different parts of the country to witness how portraiture can engage people in the beauty of dialogue and shared experience.”

In addition to the paintings, the tour will include an audio-visual element, Portrait Gallery-led teacher workshops, and curatorial presentations in each location. In anticipation of the tour, the Portrait Gallery is also publishing a book in partnership with Princeton University Press. The Obama Portraits will be released February 11.

Up close with the Obama portrait at the National Portrait Gallery.

National Portrait Gallery 2018/Obama Portrait

Photo by Tarra Gaines

Up close with the Obama portrait at the National Portrait Gallery.

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Weather News

Saharan dust sweeping across Texas could hit Dallas this week

Photo by Brianna Caleri

The Saharan dust cloud causes vibrant sunrises and sunsets, like this one caused by the dust in 2020.

An annual meteorological phenomenon called the Sahara Desert dust cloud has made its way to Texas, bringing hazy skies to the south part of the state and making Texas’ vibrant sunsets even more spectacular.

The bad news is that air quality might worsen. The good news is that locals can expect a week of Technicolor twilights.

According to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the dust is caused by the 2.5-mile-thick Saharan Air Layer, which is lifted into the atmosphere by storms in the Saharan Desert and transported across the Atlantic Ocean to the U.S.

Saharan dust can wreak havoc on health. The fine particulate matter can trigger symptoms for locals with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues. Those sensitive to atmospheric irritation may experience sneezing, coughing, a scratchy throat, or shortness of breath. Some studies have even linked it with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that people with underlying conditions stay enjoy the vibrant red, orange, and yellow skies from indoors.

The vivid dusks and dawns are caused by the sun’s rays scattering the dust particles in the atmosphere. Sunrises and sunsets typically take on warmer hues as low-angle sunlight passes through the atmosphere, but the dust particles enhance the striking effect.

The Sahara dust can also cause some of the hottest days of the year. NOAA says that is because the thick cloud can stifle cooling afternoon thunderstorms.

While the dust has reached southern parts of Texas, it is not guaranteed to hit Dallas-Fort Worth due to a cold front that could stall the dust plume in the south. If it does come to the area, it will be on July 1-2 and is expected to dissipate by the end of the week.

sahara dust health meteorology sunsets air quality sunrises weather