For any reader interested in the history of Houston during the final quarter of the 20th century, and most particularly in the intersection between the arts, general culture, higher education, and the startling evolution of this remarkable city's success, Pete Gershon's latest contribution is invaluable. Thoughtfully written, clearly stated, and full of wonderful anecdotes, it is a luxurious reading adventure through some of the Southwest's most intriguing decades."" - Chancellor, University of Houston, Retired, Chancellor Emeritus - California State University System, Former President & CEO J Paul Getty Trust
""You don't have to be from Houston to enjoy this uniquely Texan tale, a microcosm of the trials and tribulations of any ambitious city's art scene. Part regional history, part institutional critique, always sympathetic to artists, Collision is a well written, fast moving, and entertaining fusion of archival detail and artworld expose."" - Lucy R. Lippard, art critic
""Pete Gershon is clearly not afraid of big personalities and their grand personal mythologies. In tackling the history of art, artists, and nascent institutions in Houston, Gershon has found clear narrative lines in the cast of thousands that built the culture here. . . .The scene kings, like James Surls, Jim Harithas, and John Alexander share the pages with grassroots organizers who built support structures that continue to make this a great city to make art in. . . . Collision also functions as a case study and how-to guide for building sustainable cultures outside the glare of New York."" - Bill Arning, Director, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
""Pete Gershon puts you in the middle of this wild, dynamic scene, which is exactly what you want from this kind of book."" - Cheech Marin, entertainer and Chicano art advocate
