Anita Smith

Anita Smith and Gerald Smith, both lifelong Houstonians, have been married for 28 years, and since tying the knot have amassed a notable collection—ranging from Harlem Renaissance collages and paintings by artists like Romare Bearden to works by the famous Georgia O’Keefe. They’ve also donated pieces to the art collections at several Texas universities. And the couple is well-known for recognizing and supporting up-and-coming artists, such as Angelbert Metoyer, and leading local organizations. Anita serves on the board of the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Memorial Park Conservancy and Project Row Houses. Gerald, CEO of investment-advisory firm Smith, Graham and Company, has held a seat on the Museum of Fine Arts’ board of trustees and was a founding chairman of the Houston Museum of African American Culture. Their four children—Marcus, Jackson, Jordan and Joy—have also discovered the muses. The oldest son, Marcus, who has worked for his father’s firm, even made a business out of collecting and dealing pieces. And the youngest, Joy, a student at Episcopal High, is an avid collector of retro vinyl and currently plans to become a film director.