Any Free Wine?

_{An anonymous summary of opening night at random art galleries from across Houston.}

Passion Show

Marie Weichman's Studio Gallery nestled behind Heights Glass, and just off 19th Street, is a favorite of artists and art patrons alike. Mitch and Carolyn Cohen's Passion Show did a fine job of underscoring the notion that Marie's gallery is the favored place to be by all.

Despite the threat of bad weather, the gallery and grounds were packed throughout the night. In fact, I heard that when Marie and Chloe the wonder-dog were ready for bed, a sizeable crowd STILL remained and it took the collaboration and quick-thinking of Marie and Michelle Macy to diffuse a potential alcohol-induced-art-lover's-riot. Marie bribed the throng with some of the remaining bottles of wine and pork tamales, while Michelle graciously volunteered her house as a diversionary tactic, and all was well in the art-world for at least another three or four hours.

I caught a glimpse of Alexis Andrea posing for pictures in front of her fabulous abstract work. I think her piece was my favorite of the show. Perhaps I was simply in the mood for a really expressive abstract or perhaps it is just because Alexis is so hot…that of course, is for me only to know and you never to find out.

Folks let me tell you, the food and libations were as diverse as the art on display, which included Carolyn's art-guitar and Kurt Beswick's intriguing digital work. Champagne was liberally sprinkled about the crowd, and the participating artists seemed as passionate about the food offerings brought to the show as they did their art. Massoud's incredible homemade hummus and John Mercado's scrumptious carne asada were included in the crazy mix of edibles. I gorged myself on all the tempting goodies as any proper art-patron should.

My only complaint from the evening had to do with the shear number of flashbulbs flashing and video cameras with their super-bright lights. Suddenly and without warning I was momentarily blinded by the visual assault of a flash, tripped over someone, and fell face-first on the floor. As I lay sprawled on the floor gathering my thoughts and my pride together, someone stepped over me while wondering out loud if I was an installation regarding the oppression of women.

I marveled at Martin de Vore's little passionate pieces hanging on the wall, and as he came over to talk to me about his work I was saddened to see he seems to have retired his notorious orange t-shirt. If you don't ask me, an art show without Martin in his orange tee is like a day without (orange) sunshine!

Further along into the evening's proceedings I made my way to Marie's traditional fire-pit outside to see what sorts of conversations were taking place. Lord knows! I have heard some great stories about the fireside chats at Marie's. This night was no disappointment as I heard plenty of juicy gossip about the participating artists. For instance, did you know that Michael-Ann Belin is claustrophobic and insists shots of fine tequila are the only way to overcome her fears, and that Carolyn Cohen isn't capable of not smiling due to some rare facial affliction?

While hanging out close by the fire, chills went up my spine as I heard what sounded like a grizzly bear growling from the darkness behind me, when my wits returned, and upon closer inspection, I realized it was the artist Tim Dean Snider lurking. We effortlessly lapsed into a delightful conversation about art, life, philosophy, and forest-dwelling birds.

The evening began to wind down, and I had to decline the offer to go to Michelle's house as I had to get up early the next day and drop by the lab to check the status of my cultured meat-product experiment. However, I hear that much wackiness ensued, at times even bordering a wee-bit on the promiscuous-side. But I am not one to spread gossip, so I will have to let your imagination run with the rest of the details of the evening.

This is about all I can recall from the night, so until the next review, may your glasses always be full and may you always have clean Underoos to wear.

Jan 2006 Column Dec 2005 Column Nov 2005 Column