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OBSESSIONS. DECORATION. SALIENT FACTS. The artist's Hermès scarf Faune et Flore du Texas (Wildlife of Texas), 1986. Kermit Oliver's Armillary, 2014. Kermit Oliver's Hermès scarf Pani La Shar Pawnee, 1984 Not only is Native Texas artist Kermit Oliver the first and only American to design scarves for Hermès, but his designs are among the most coveted and collectible. His original artwork and scarves commissioned for the French fashion house will be on display starting this month in "Kermit Oliver & Hermès: Storytelling on Silk & Canvas" at The Bryan Museum in Galveston (March 8 – June 22). While the narratives expressed by his art are compelling, Oliver's own story is just as fascinating. After his graduation from Texas Southern University, Oliver — the son of a cowboy — became an acclaimed artist in Houston in the '70s, with collectors and socialites attending his exhibitions. He has dubbed his work "symbolic realism," as it expresses themes of mythology, religion, and heritage, with people and animals realistically drawn in surreal juxtapositions. Lawrence Marcus, the son of Herbert Marcus of Neiman Marcus fame, Hotel Granduca's Gorgeous Glow-Up H ouston's only all-suite luxury hotel, Hotel Granduca, will soon debut its multi-million- dollar renovation, i n c l u d i n g a n e w signature restaurant, Remi, thanks to new owners Transwestern Hospitality Group. Houston interior designer Kara Childress, who's known for crafting soulful interiors that comfortably balance old with new, has been tasked with reimagining the Uptown Park hotel to create a charming European-inspired estate imbued with warm Texas hospitality. The lobby, event spaces, and casual fine dining restaurant, Remi, by Episcope Hospitality and David Morton of Morton Steakhouse, unveil later this month. Adjacent to the restaurant is Bar Remi, ideal for morning coffee or evening cocktails. A renovation of the 121 suites — incorporating reclaimed European wood floors, textured plaster walls, and antique furnishings — will follow later this year. Hotel Granduca, 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., granducahouston.com. Anne Lee Phillips Texas' Fabled Artist Kermit Oliver and Hermès took note of Oliver's work at now-shuttered DuBose Gallery, Houston, in 1980 and recommended him to his friend Jean-Louis Dumas, creative director of Hermès, who was seeking a designer to produce scarves with Southwestern American themes. In 1984, the 90 x 90 cm scarf Pani La Shar Pawnee, which depicted an indigenous chief holding a sculpted peace pipe surrounded by galloping horses, was released. Oliver went on to design 17 scarves (all of which are in the exhibition), including Faune et Flore du Texas (Wildlife of Texas) and Kachinas. While the originals are highly collectible, the French house sometimes reissues Oliver's designs in coveted new colorways and sizes. Adding to his lore, the ever-humble Oliver held a day job at the post office for decades during this time to provide a steady income to his family. Oliver's work is collected by the Dallas Museum of Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture. The Bryan Museum, 1315 21st St., Galveston; tickets, thebryanmuseum.org. Anne Lee Phillips Rendering of the Hotel Granduca renovation designed by Kara Childress COLLECTION MARTIN MUSEUM OF ART, BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 12