Dish-Houston

85 is starting out to be a big year for famed sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Having a years long friendship with MFAH director, Gary Tinterow, she was his second guest for his new series Conversations with the Director.  The tiny therapist (4'7") with the big voice popped out onto the stage with guidance but lifted herself into her chair with ease and from then on spoke and gestured with the alacrity and energy we all know and love. The talk was about an hour long with Dr. Ruth and Mr. Tinterow going through sex in art through the decades. There is a lot of it, after all and she is the expert and even authored the book The Art of Arousal: A Celebration of Erotic Art throughout History. Westheimer kept the audience inthralled and laughing as she gave her interpretations of what was happening in some of the pieces ranging from Manet to Picasso with Tinterow sharing the historical facts. Sometimes they differed but Dr. Ruth always held her ground, especially when discussing when a woman was clearly not looking satisfied. 

She shared some interesting facts about herself before the art talk began including the that she escaped Nazi Germany when she was a child and lived in an orphanage in Switzerland from the ages of 11 through 17. She then moved to British Mandate of Palestine where she was trained as a sniper. This is the place in her story where she told the audience not to mess with her because she can still put 5 bullets through the head circle and held up her hand in the "OK" sign. Tinterow wasted no time getting the talk underway and the pair capruted the audience and held them at their mercy for the hour. 

It was then time for the birthday celebration!! The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) welcomed the reading of a proclamation from Mayor Annise Parker’s office that declared June 4 as “Dr. Ruth Westheimer Day” in Houston and renamed for the day Farm to Market Road 1093 “Westheimer,” after the internationally known authority on human sociology and sexuality. Presented by City Council Member Melissa Noriega, an excerpt from Mayor Parker’s statement reads,

“Her writings, lectures and quick wittedness have informed and inspired several generations. Her boldness on topics once considered taboo have helped advance attitudes about sexuality, health and relationships. Dr. Westheimer’s great sense of humor helps us all believe that life should be exciting and as fun as we make it.”

Following the program, Dr. Ruth joined guests at a reception where she received a birthday cake and signed books.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Ruth’s 85th birthday and commemorate her achievements,” said Gary Tinterow, MFAH director. “As a longtime friend and colleague, I am pleased to welcome her to Houston from New York. Her appearance at the Museum and the mayor’s proclamation was a delight for all.” 

Conversations with the Director is a new public program at the MFAH that brings an eclectic mix of cultural figures to the Museum.