• Benito Huerta and Maggie Adler discuss their collaboration at the Amon Carter tonight at 6. Details.
• Fresh Perspectives: Benito Huerta and the Collection is on view until Jan. 11.

What if an artist got to choose the works hung on the walls in museums?  At the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, assistant curator Maggie Adler teamed up with artist Benito Huerta for an unusual exhibition. Huerta sifted through the Amon Carter’s collection to choose pieces that spoke to him. Meantime Adler visited Huerta in his studio and home to select works from throughout his career.  Their picks make up the show,  called Fresh Perspectives: Benito Huerta and the Collection.

Getting a living artist’s take on the Amon Carter’s historic paintings gives those works a new twist, says Adler.  And showing Huerta’s contemporary political work near pieces like a watercolor landscape from the 1800s makes viewers think more deeply about Huerta’s technique.

“I am more than happy to work with an artist of Benito’s caliber, and to see what our collection can gain from being presented alongside his work as well as what his work can gain from an understanding of history,” she says.

Huerta says the show addresses an issue that makes artists grumble.

Photo: Christina Ulsh

“Many museums, not only in the Metroplex, but around the country, really don’t show the works of the artists that are in their own neighborhood. Even though those artists are showing nationally, and in some cases internationally.”

Best of all, combining two perspectives to the show encourages viewers to add their own.

“It’s great to have Benito’s perspective, the way things are put together Or what he sees in a work of art.  And that encouraged me to include my own opinion. And what that provides to visitors is the opportunity to see their voices are valid in the presentation of works of art. And that was the most exciting aspect for me.”

Watch Huerto and Adler discuss their choices:

The Flying Chalupa Loteria #28

The Flying Chalupa Loteria #27

The Flying Chalupa Loteria #25

The Flying Chalupa Loteria #29

Hollywood, Ed Ruscha

The End. Benito Huerta

Village Massacre, George Bellows

The Eyes of Benjamin Franklin, Benito Huerta

Old Apple Tree, George Inness