Art Valet | Column / MitchNotes121205

Mitch Notes Past

12/13/05

Welcome to Art Valet! This site is no longer just run by me...but many artists and writers. Check the Contributor link in the sidebar. The site is designed by artists as a way to promote themselves, events and interests. Art Valet has just come together since October and is growing fast. On MitchandCarolyn.com I was always frustrated with updating the site with new events. Here we are using a web based open-source software called pmWiki. The purpose is for many contributors to edit, create and maintain a web site. THAT is very exciting!

As I was looking for a way to expand our reach on the web, and include as many artists as possible, pmWiki paved the way. First thoughts were leaning toward an eZine. And that's kind of what we have here with more. Since anyone can ad content from anywhere in the world, this could turn into something quite different.

So with that, keep an eye on us! Come back often to see where all the shows are, and how fast ArtValet.com grows.

The sidebar on your left will stay with you as you browse this site. In some areas, the top links will move down and be replaced by relevant links for that section. Such as in the "Call To Artists" section and soon the Poet's Corner. Keep an eye on the Poet's Corner too, I suspect that will become a popular stop.

Oh, and if you remember my old "In The Loop!" emails, where I rambled on about stuff, this is where I'll do that now! For the time, my most previous uh, rambles are below. Which I'll archive soon. Enjoy! There is some incredible talent here. I am humbled!

Special thanks to Michael-Ann & her husband Gordon for helping me out so much with this site.

Cheers! Mitch

12/12/05

Boy, this time of year is nonstop isn't it? This past Saturday night was tough on the socializing, art hopping junkies such as myself. In the end, guests kept me in tow and we did our annual jaunt to the Lights in the Heights. If you've never been, make a point of going next year. It's always the second Saturday in December. The neighborhood blocks off two streets to traffic, and everyone decorates their houses for Christmas, hosts bands, carolers, rampaging Santas are about. Its just crazy. The biggest free party in Houston. Usually it's off Highland or Bayland and one other street off Studewood.

Martin & Alexis at M2

After that we went to the M2 Gallery for the group show that I helped jury. By this time, I was feeling the libation and merriment impair my better senses, so like you, I'm looking forward to reading the Tribe Report tonight to see just what went on there! I already knew the art was fantastic, and judging from the crowd at ten o'clock when we arrived, all the artists, their friends and family showed up! Saturday was Micah's birthday, so we joined his entourage at the Social Club for a bit after the opening. The Social is just packed all the time now. And assuming you don't know what it is, it's a club/lounge housed in an old gas station! I'm glad the station didn't get torn down, but on a Saturday night like that, who'd know where you are. Must have been all of Micah's friends! Happy Birthday Mister!

There are some new galleries that have opened in the Heights recently. The Artful Corner is on White Oak at Courtlandt St. Artist At Large Gloria Sanchez's sister Margaret opened this up. You may recall last year at this time Margaret and Gloria hosted a Holiday Heights Arts Market on the lawn and inside this Heights Bungalow. Very cute gallery featuring fine craft from mostly local artists.

The other gallery is on 19th just to the left of Venus Hair. It's called the Earth Gallery and features signed lithographs from Picasso and other notables. They told me the only original local art is by the contractor that built out the place. Worth a look for that alone.

So if your still lacking in the gifts department for this shopping season, I of course recommend the Heights! Who do you want to hand your money over too is my thought on this. A big chain store that has the same inventory here as they do all over the country? OF COURSE NOT! Be original! In the Heights, almost all the stores are owned by the same people you'll meet at the counter! We must have the highest percentage of self-employed folks in the city!

Here are a couple of places to check out that are all off the beaten path. Guess I favor them because like our art market, we are kind of hidden. The Squash Blossom is inside the Yale Grill on Yale at 21st, right across from where our art market is. Jewelry, accessories, original art and hey! Where else can you get an old fashioned shake, cheeseburger and fries and shop for that perfect gift? Nowhere! Tell Kathy and Gene I said hello!

Second place I want you to check out is Oolala at 833 Studewood @ 9th Street. Oolala is a coop store with almost all original fine craft, clothes and jewelry. Studewood has been completely torn up forever as it gets redone, and this store is unfortunately in the middle of this mess. I drove (more like hobbled) passed Oolala the other day and saw that the contractors have paved a new sidewalk and parking area in front, so you should have no problem getting in. Judy is the owner and always there, tell her I said hey!

Okay...I'll get back to you soon with more! One side note- Rumors are out that a new art gallery is moving into the Heights! I ain't saying where, but I'll definitely holler when I get the "go" word.

Links:

12/09/05

FRIDAY! Woo Hoo! Went to the Sippora "Red" show last night and had a great time. The art was good, awesome crowd and Aaron L. was playing in the background. That musician is great in my opinion. I'll have to see if he'll play the market! Gotta run! Keep an eye out for the new Tribe Report next week.