The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts invites the public to Exploring a Texas Legacy: Honoring Bill Cheek’s Contribution to Early Texas Art, a panel discussion on March 20 from 5:30–8 PM in the museum's Grand Hall. This event was previously postponed due to inclement weather and has now been rescheduled. 

Beginning in 2010 with a donation of lithographs by notable early Texas artists, art collectors and patrons Bill and Mary Cheek helped build SAMFA’s collection of Texas art (and the museum’s library and archives) with gifts from their outstanding collection. With Bill’s passing in 2025, the museum and the art community across the state are mourning his loss and also celebrating his legacy. In honor of Bill, this exhibit features approximately 60 works in SAMFA’s Permanent Collection that were graciously donated by Bill and Mary Cheek, along with other early Texas gems.

The tribute panel discussion will reflect on Bill Cheek's legacy as a patron, collector, and advocate for early Texas Art. Moderated by Michael Grauer, the panel will feature Rebecca Cheek Larkin, Judy Deaton, Bill Reaves, and Howard Taylor. This program is presented in partnership with CASETA (the Center for the Advancement and Study of Early Texas Art).

The panel also offers a final opportunity for visitors to experience the main exhibition Honoring a Texas Legacy: Treasured Gifts from Bill & Mary Cheek and their Friends, which features works from SAMFA's permanent collection generously donated by Bill and Mary Cheek. The exhibit only remains on view through March 22, 2026. 

Admission to the panel discussion is free and open to the public.