Life Lines
Original works of Gwen Cowden spanning 80 years
Thursday, November 5, 2026
ATTIRE: Jacket; tie optional.
PHOTOGRAPHY IS WELCOME — PLEASE CAPTURE THE EVENING WITHOUT INTERRUPTING IT
Questions: email rsvp@rooseveltlibrary.com
Roosevelt Library presents Life Lines, an exhibition of original works by Gwen Rhea Cowden, known professionally as G. Rhea. Spanning eight decades, the exhibition traces Cowden’s lifelong artistic journey and her enduring fascination with the human face and figure through watercolor, pastel, oil, Conté crayon, monotype and acrylic.
The evening begins with the exhibition and reception at 6:00 PM, followed by Life of the Artist at 7:00 PM. Guests may continue the evening at 8:00 PM with an optional seated dinner with the artist.
Gwen Rhea Cowden
A lifelong artist, Gwen Rhea Cowden, who exhibits as G. Rhea, sold her first painting at the age of thirteen. As a teenager living in Europe, she studied in Stuttgart, Germany, with the Russian portrait painter Jablonski.
Cowden began her college studies at Newcomb College in New Orleans, where she majored in art. She later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and worked professionally for several years as a fashion illustrator and designer.
Throughout her career, Cowden continued her artistic education with Michael Collins, Chapman Kelly, Marie Leterme, Hiroki Morinoue, Ruth Munson, Charles Schorre and Frederic Taubes. She has also shared her experience with others by teaching drawing and painting in Houston.
Cowden has been the subject of several major solo exhibitions in Houston and San Antonio. Working in watercolor, pastel, oil, Conté crayon, monotype and acrylic, she has maintained an enduring fascination with the human face and figure, as well as the people and objects encountered in everyday life. Her work is held in numerous collections throughout the United States, Germany, England, Spain and Mexico.
“When I was eighteen, my art professor at Newcomb College warned me that my style had come too soon—that it could become a ‘crutch.’ She said that I had to train myself to look and remember what I saw before me. As a result, I continue to be fascinated by the human face and figure and by the things I see each day.”
PARKING AT THE ROOSEVELT LIBRARY
The Roosevelt Library has about 50 complimentary self-parking spaces available to guests. Street parking is often available. Vehicles are not to be left in the Roosevelt Library parking lot overnight. An off-duty SAPD officer will be monitoring the parking lot throughout the event. The Roosevelt Library will not be liable for theft or damages to vehicles or the contents of vehicles.
Enjoy an evening viewing Gwen Rhea Cowden’s original works spanning eight decades. Your ticket includes passed hors d’oeuvres, hosted wine and beer, and Life of the Artist at 7:00 PM.
Tickets are non-refundable; transfers permitted.