Ain't that the coolest? If you click it links to the creators page.

(:includeurl http://www.gravyballs.com/humanclock.html:) Ain't that the coolest? If you click it links to the creators page.

Attach:SHP_MitchBW.jpg|A recent me. How about an updated photo? My buddy Steve Harris from the arts market took this one. Check him out online here: www.steveharrisphoto.com No rhyme or reason to this blog/column. I just appear when I want. I'm real excited today though, Chris & Erica DelGardo are having their baby girl "Bella" Baptized. Its really exciting to such good friends so happy. Now, what to get them? You know, that will last longer than a year? Oy Vey! SO later, I'm going to a dinner party. I'm really excited about this but I can't say anymore. <<sigh>> Perhaps I'll post a photo or two here later.

Update: I bought Bella a KISS band jumper! Ain't she cute?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3010846129_0834f1661f.jpg

Attach:SHP_MitchBW.jpg|A recent me.

How about an updated photo? My buddy Steve Harris from the arts market took this one. Check him out online here: www.steveharrisphoto.com

Cheers! Mitch August 30, 2008, at 09:21 AM

Greetings! No rhyme or reason to this blog/column. I just appear when I want. I'm real excited today though, Chris & Erica DelGardo are having their baby girl "Bella" Baptized. Its really exciting to such good friends so happy. Now, what to get them? You know, that will last longer than a year? Oy Vey! SO later, I'm going to a dinner party. I'm really excited about this but I can't say anymore. <<sigh>> Perhaps I'll post a photo or two here later.

Cheers! ? August 30, 2008, at 09:19 AM

Recently I've been writing and blogging on my personal site, GravyBalls.com. Here's the latest.

Recently I've been writing and blogging on my personal site, GravyBalls.com Here's the latest.

Recently I've been writing and blogging on my personal site, GravyBalls.com Here's the latest.

 Recently I've been writing and blogging on my personal site, GravyBalls.com Here's the latest.

Attach:me_mug.jpg|A not so recent me.

I'm famous.

It's true I'm famous. Just ask anyone and they'll tell ya. Some people still want to keep it a secret. You can tell them apart because the ones that deny I'm famous are obviously not telling the truth. If you are reading this, you are famous by association! Cool huh? Try not to spread the word though, this is our party.

That famous guy June 23, 2008, at 10:24 PM

One word can change everything.

Sometimes I feel like I can see everything. Or rather everything just becomes clearer, and the world makes sense for a moment. What I see is the past and about when things transpired, with a little ah-ha moment. Not always good, just there to see. I can only take these "visions" if you will and learn something from them. Try to improve myself and grow. So if I were to have a word of the day I would choose reflect.

Mitch June 23, 2008, at 10:25 AM

• _{Recommended listening: - Banana Phone}

I'm not talking to MYSELF man.

When I was a young'n, when you saw somebody talking to themselves they were crazy and no one would argue that. Now everyone is talking to themselves! I still say they're crazy. How normal is it to walk around talking to some that isn't there? I don't care if you have an electronic device sticking in and out of your ear. If you are standing in line somewhere, hands in pockets, smacking on gum and talking to no one in particular, you frickin crazy bubba.

Even Lt. Uhura on Star Trek had the sense to put her hand to her ear when she was talking. SHE knew that even in the 24th century you can still look like a crazy if you talk to yourself.

Remember that if you notice people staring at you while your talking. They are thinking you are crazy!

Good day.

Mitch June 17, 2008, at 10:47 AM

• _{Recommended listening while your read: Johnny Cash - I've BeenEverywhere}

I rode the bus!

You know just last week I said I was going to write an article on walking and the benefits. With a slant towards what sights you can see around where you walk. For me in the Heights I just take off from my house. Lots to see and do within a mile! Well then as if the universe wanted to help me out, a radiator hose on my truck broke and guess what? I'm walking everywhere now! Started Friday night when I went to the WAS-H art opening.

Its kinda funny, in Houston its like taboo to take public transportation. In other cities I've visited, and I've been all over the U.S. and Europe, its like everyone takes public transportation. Some cities you are frowned upon for driving yourself! I love public transportation. For someone that thinks people watching is a hobby, the bus is way up there on the watching scale. Of course I'm talking about the bigger cities. NYC is one of the best. But I really enjoyed getting around Vancouver too. The trains there are above ground and its like a site seeing tour! And the people are from all over so its at least a 9 on the scale.

Well, I'm at work in West University today, I am going to check the Metro schedule to see what bus to take home this afternoon. It's extremely hot in Houston right now, if you must cool off, a buck will get you on one of those rolling freezers everyone else refers to as a bus. Plan a twenty minute walk from your stop to warm up.

Mitch June 16, 2008, at 09:32 AM

 http://gravyballs.com/uploads/friendsofrock.jpg

February 1, 2008 Woo Hoo! Ready for THE Art Market? Hell I am! Check out Kristin2Go from the Chronicle as she rode the shuttle around and then visited with us. Check it!

Check these guys out about 1pm:
This was shot at the Live With Lanny on Fox Morning News for Mistletoe Madness. The band is The Friends Of Rock-n-Roll, and they are scheduled to perform at the Feb. 2 art market. With the hula girls!

 Attach:friendsofrock.jpg

January 2nd The last year has been a roller coaster of a ride. I've even been threatening to write country western songs to chronicle the misadventures. But I won't. Lets just say the ride is over and I got off. (Anthony Newley? "Stop the World I Want to Get off?")

Attach:me_mug.jpg|A recent me.

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...and pretty much whatever else he feels like! He takes notes for this column here.

''Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...
he takes notes for this column here.\\

''Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...he takes notes for this column here.\\

You need to see her. 281-300-6006

Erica honed her skills at Yale Street Arts Market.

1025 studewood fri and sat : 11-6 pm sun: noon - 5 pm\\

Erica Del Gardo Jewelry Design - 365 W. 19th Street tucked neatly between Venus Hair & Carter & Cooley.\\

617 1/2 West 19th Street (Next Door to Heights Glass, 1 Block East of Shepherd) 713-868-6902

Erica honed her skills at Yale Street Arts Market.
The Homestretch My absolute favorite antique store ever. And I'm not just saying that because Maura, the shop owner, is a good friend. It really is my favorite. Just a couple of doors down from one of my other favorites, Vietnam Restaurant, The Homestretch has the kind of antiques that I like. Daybeds on old iron frames, stuff recycled from old factories turned into furniture. Mannequins! Scantily clad mannequins! Wait, scratch that last one, they usually are wearing t-shirts from hello-lucky. Once she had this really cool old marble bank sign turned into a big dining table. Check her out, say hello to Beethoven the lab, and husband Craig if your in late.
617 1/2 West 19th Street (Next Door to Heights Glass, 1 Block East of Shepherd) 713-868-6902

http://www.hello-lucky.com/images/sm-logo2.gif\\

http://ericadelgardo.com/framework/trelewtitle.jpg
Erica Del Gardo Jewelry Design - 365 W. 19th Street tucked neatly between Venus Hair & Carter & Cooley.\\

...I'd like to invite you to join me on this site. If you are an artist, or just love art and like writing about it, drop me a note at hey@artvalet.com and we'll talk. Maybe there's something else you'd like to do? Come on!

Cheers!

Attach:menew.jpg|A recent me.

Attach:menew.jpg|A recent me.

1025 studewood fri and sat : 11-6 pm sun: noon - 5 pm\\

Attach:menew.jpg|A recent me. The last year has been a roller coaster of a ride. I've even been threatening to write country western songs to chronicle the misadventures. But I won't. Lets just say the ride is over and I got off. (Anthony Newley? "Stop the World I Want to Get off?")

I'm on a new ride! Woo Hoo! Get on and lets see where we end up.

How about shopping? I'm just going to give you a quick rundown.

HELLO-LUCKY
1025 studewood fri and sat : 11-6 pm sun: noon - 5 pm www.hello-lucky.com Check the ladies out! I love all their Indie Art stuff.
Next door is Dori. She's the gal that used to setup her fabulous gypsy style tent at the
art market and work out all the artists neck knots. Dori is in the little green building.
You need to see her. 281-300-6006
Erica Del Gardo Jewelry Design - 19th Street tucked neatly between Venus Hair & Carter & Cooley.
So between getting your hair done and choking down the biggest/best Reuben in town you can buy
some fabulous sterling silver creations from Erica.
Erica honed her skills at Yale Street Arts Market.

Whoops. Thats the end of part I. I shall return!

Attach:mitchselfportrait.jpg | Self Portrait - In my mirror

Attach:mitchselfportrait.jpg | Self Portrait - In my mirror

Attach:mitchselfportrait.jpg|Self Portrait - In my mirror.

Attach:mitchselfportrait.jpg Self Portrait - In my mirror.

Attach:mitchselfportrait.jpg Self Portrait

Coming back... soon.

to hear, "What happened MITCH you said it wouldn't rain?!!!" I yelled back in my booming
voice 5 MINUTES. And six minutes later it stopped. At least to a light drizzle\\

Catch y'all later. The following photos are by Jeanne Haner. Cheers!

Attach:mitchandemily.jpg | Mitch with Emily of Ochid Obsession Attach:alittlerain.jpg |The show must go on!

Attach:mitchandemily.jpg | Mitch with Emily of Ochid Obsession Attach:alittlerain.jpg | The show must go on!

Attach:mitchandemily.jpg | Mitch with Emily of Ochid Obsession Attach:alittlerain.jpg | The show must go on!

Attach:mitchandemily.jpg | Mitch with Emily of Ochid Obsession Attach:alittlerain.jpg | The show must go on!

July 8, 2007

Yale Street Arts Market Well, the night was interesting. The sun came out for the entire
time we were setting up and I a little sunburn. Then a 5:54 pm the sky opened up
and everyone just hung out in there tents. Connie Hemley yelled out loud enough for everyone
to hear," What happened MITCH you said it wouldn't rain?!!!" I yelled back in my booming
overlord voice 5 MINUTES. And six minutes later it stopped. At least to a light drizzle
for little bit. That's when the first round of patrons came through, and they were ready with
umbrella's in hand and raincoats on. Was wild. The artists rock, there work is amazing and attitudes
are just fabulous. Not one complaint, at least not serious! Duke brought his band, The Rocket City Jukes
and Amy his girlfriend got to play her first gig ever! You rocked girl! I have to go air dry some tents.
Catch y'all later. Cheers!

Attach:mitchandemily.jpg | Mitch with Emily of Ochid Obsession Attach:alittlerain.jpg | The show must go on!

July 3, 2007

Birthdays - Corn Chowder - the Shiloh?

Howdy folks! Just a quick note to say hello. Seems like life has kept me busier than ever and it just
keeps getting faster! Gearing up for White Linen Night in the Hights is becoming seriously full time now.
It is a lot of fun though. I got Yellow Cab to sign on a few weeks back, and they will offer rides anywhere in the Heighs
not to exceed $6. Cool! You might catch me rolling around in the V.I.P. Yellow Cab Hummer!

Birthday- our buddy Walker has advanced in age once again ahead of me. The big 4-2, he does that every year.
At his request we had a beer on the deck at Shiloh on Studewood near our house. Carolyn and I used to joke that you couldn't
get in there until after "toothless thirty." So we're stepping out onto the deck and he asks me, if I frequent the place more
now. I say no, step onto the deck and see Molly and say "Hello Molly," she responds "Hey Mitch!" Walker just snickers, "Not often huh?"
Happend 3 more times before we finished our beer. Hey its close right! Whatever.

Had a great Corn Chowder at Berry Hill in the Heights Sunday afternoon. You know I really like that restaurant, its close,
there are always folks in there you know, and the service is fast and friendly. The fish tacos are still awesome too.

Gotta scoot, I'll see what I can do about getting back here quicker than 2 months! Cheers!

Haven't had the writing bug lately, so how about a little history? When Carolyn and I first started the market we took it very seriously. Still do! That's me on the left walking with a measuring wheel loaned by our friend Gonzalo Comacho. Gonz helped me make a detailed map of the market area behind Kaplans. We knew exactly how many tents could fit there.

All that space seems so luxurious now! I love our new spot at Wind Water Gallery, but there are so many artists that can't show every month now. Does keep everyone on their toes though.

A few years before Carolyn and I dove head first into the Heights activities and the whole arts scene, we spent a couple months out of the year painting this truck, friends cars and other wheeled vehicles for the Art Car Parade. I think we entered a total of 6 or 7 times and actually participated at least 9 years in a row!

This photo shows the truck during its "Pet at Your Own Risk Jeep" stage. It was also the woody, the Flag Jeep, the Scary Jeep and the beginning of the flower jeep. I think now its a "Hunting Jeep." I sold it a few years ago.

The Art Car Parade is this weekend. I don't care what you are doing, you should change your plans and go! Details are online at www.orangeshow.org

May 8, 2007

Ahem! Right. Hello there! http://farm1.static.flickr.com/81/225355347_e1af14ccef.jpg | Around Jan/Feb 2004 Haven't had the writing bug lately, so how about a little history? When Carolyn and I first started the market we took it very seriously. Still do! That's me on the left walking with a measuring wheel loaned by our friend Gonzalo Comacho. Gonz helped me make a detailed map of the market area behind Kaplans. We knew exactly how many tents could fit there. All that space seems so luxurious now! I love our new spot at Wind Water Gallery, but there are so many artists that can't show every month now. Does keep everyone on their toes though.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/75416022_8b3f04c1e4.jpg | 1965 Jeep Gladiator - as painted by Carolyn Cohen 1999 A few years before Carolyn and I dove head first into the Heights activities and the whole arts scene, we spent a couple months out of the year painting this truck, friends cars and other wheeled vehicles for the Art Car Parade. I think we entered a total of 6 or 7 times and actually participated at least 9 years in a row! This photo shows the truck during its "Pet at Your Own Risk Jeep" stage. It was also the woody, the Flag Jeep, the Scary Jeep and the beginning of the flower jeep. I think now its a "Hunting Jeep." I sold it a few years ago.

If you click the jeep photo you can see the other versions on my flickr.com account.

Cheers!

March 11, 2007

Attach:mitchandjeanne.jpg | Me & Jeanne Haner at M2 Wow 3 months since I last visited here! A lot has happened in that time. For one I got myself employed! First time since 1993, when I waited tables at Little Pappas Seafood on Sheperd. I still have my last paycheck which amounted to something like $22.00, that probably motivated me to talk Carolyn into starting our own business. Since starting the Yale Street Arts Market I've really taken a liking to marketing and PR. One day an email came requesting someone with the marketing skills and experience of all the things I do monthly for the market. Epiphany! "I could make a living at this stuff!" I wrote up a resume, and applied to exactly two companies. At the second company, a full fledged marketing firm, I was given two writing assignments; before I heard back, one of my references interviewed and hired me. Now I am the Media & Community Liaison at Karen Derr & Associates! The hardest part about that job is remembering how to spell liaison! Ha just kidding. Karen Derr & Associates Realty is a great company, "small" and professional. You'll be hearing more about them if I do my job right. And I fully intend too!

More later...

Wow 3 months since I last visited here! A lot has happened in that time. For one I got myself employed! First time since 1993, when I waited tables at Little Pappas Seafood on Sheperd. I still have my last paycheck which amounted to something like $22.00, that probably motivated me to talk Carolyn into starting our own business. Since starting the Yale Street Arts Market I've really taken a liking to marketing and PR. One day an email came requesting someone with the marketing skills and experience of all the things I do monthly for the market. Epiphany! "I could make a living at this stuff!" I wrote up a resume, and applied to exactly two companies. At the second company, a full fledged marketing firm, I was given two writing assignments; before I heard back, one of my references interviewed and hired me. Now I am the Media & Community Liaison at Karen Derr & Associates! The hardest part about that job is remembering how to spell liaison! Ha just kidding. Karen Derr & Associates Realty is a great company, "small" and professional. You'll be hearing more about them if I do my job right. And I fully intend too!

More later...

Attach:mitchandjeanne.jpg | Me & Jeanne Haner at M2

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/356894723_2c969c2dc1.jpg | Mitch, John, Gordon, and Terrence - flickr.com

Attach:mitchandjeanne.jpg | Me & Jeanne Haner at M2

Attach:mitchandjeanne.jpg | Me & Jeanne Haner at M2

March 11, 2007

Wow 3 months since I last visited here! A lot has happened in that time. For one I got myself employed! First time since 1993, when I waited tables at Little Pappas Seafood on Sheperd. I still have my last paycheck which amounted to something like $22.00, that probably motivated me to talk Carolyn into starting our own business. Since starting the Yale Street Arts Market I've really taken a liking to marketing and PR. One day an email came requesting someone with the marketing skills and experience of all the things I do monthly for the market. Epiphany! "I could make a living at this stuff!"

Update- Christine of Fresh Photography has informed me of the following-
... the name of the place with the Greek name on Westheimer?
Agora. "A gathering place, esp. an ancient marketplace [Gk]" - if that
is the right place, they have a stone like plaque on the door that says that.
-Christine www.FreshPhotography.com

 Thanks!  Mitch January 25, 2007, at 07:51 PM

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...
and pretty much whatever else he feels like!

 January 25, 2007

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/157/356894723_2c969c2dc1.jpg | Mitch Cohen, John Mercado, Gordon Tillman, and Terrence Boggs - flickr.com

What's New?

Happy New Year! Good thing I don't get paid to write this column or I'd have been fired months ago. Been a little inconspicuous lately for some odd reason and just haven't had the "go" to sit down and write. Then again, I can't say I've been out and about enough to tell you much. Then again I'm always out doing something, and you just might think that's enough! So with out further adieux, my notes and whereabouts since October 13, 2006.

I want to start with this website and some of the recent changes and additions. First the Events page now has a form that makes it SO easy to add your own event. It is moderated, but only to keep the rif raf out, I try to check it every day. Gordon Tillman set it up for us. Thanks Gordy! One note about the listings is the end date of shows is also when the listing will automatically delete itself. So go and promote yourself, Art Valet is still a favorite with the search engines. The sidebar links is now the same on all the pages except music. That's next.

FUN! Some fun websites to report to you this week. Starting with your first time. That's right I said your first time and I am not talking about THAT! Your first "art time." www.ArtIsGoodForYou.com is a site set up to tell your story about your first experience with art. I've got something I'll be sending in. There is also a fun set of links on the site all grouped together, and the visitor is encouraged to just pick one at random. Try it! THEN, there's a classified section that may just give Craig's List and eBay a run for there money. It's called www.WhoIsMyArtist.com, and both patrons and artists are invited to describe the artist/patron they are looking for and contact info. I like that one, Carolyn posted something. I might be interested in posting a request for a patron to cover this years living expenses. What kind of response do you think I'll get out of that?

Hmmm. Ah the Heights! As a regular at many of the finer establishments in this 100 hundred plus year old neighborhood, news is afoot. The Squash Blossom Shop in the Yale St. Grill is closing its doors forever. (at least there) Proprietor and good friend Kathy R. is now engaged to marry, and is packing it in and moving to L.A. We're gonna miss you Kathy, you'd better come back and visit! I haven't heard that the other tenants plan to take over the lease so, if you need a large retail space.......call them! The Yale Grill is the old Yale St Pharmacy. It's pretty tasty and they even have a soda fountain! You can usually find me there on Sunday mornings at Max and Michael's table. If you don't see me, at least say hello to Barbara at the cashiers desk! And try the gravy! (Got Gravy? www.GravyBalls.com)

Where you've missed me lately: The Glass Wall, The Shiloh, Boom Boom Room... OH listen, a bunch of us went to the Boom Boom after the Go Figure show and Jackie's husband Wally was at the piano. MAN 'O MAN that guy is good! Friday and Saturday nights, I highly recommend seeing him. And try the Martini Paninis. If you have to ask, just trust me on this one. ... The Heights Library on Heights at 13th St. (we love going to the library, did you know they have wireless now?) The A...uh...that place....damn! Okay on Westeimer almost across the street from Brazil coffee and pretty much next door to Galerie Mado Chalvet is this awesome coffee house/bar! It has a Greek name and I don't. think I've ever seen it because I'm always driving on Westheimer, and if you take your eyes off the road in the Montrose, a Kia or Scion or scooter is liable to run you down. This day Carolyn, Cindy and I were walking though and just stumbled right in. It has vines growing all over the front gates so you can barely see it walking. Aegean? Help me out here will ya? Great place for a happy hour, but I think we'd better show up happy already, seem to recall the beer prices were kinda high. Everything is painted to look like old stone and marble. Fun! Where else.....Katz's Deli and Kenny & Ziggy's too. Had a run of colds in our house and had to get some good ole Jewish food and soup. I'm telling you it works. Just watch out for those fried pickles at Katz's, they can't be good for you.

Okay. I need a break now. But I'll be back to add links and correct my spelling and all that.

Stay tuned for an all new Mitch Notes! Coming soon! -Mitch

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...and pretty much whatever else he feels like!

"Our Little Gallery"

http://static.flickr.com/96/266206426_3b8f8d38d8.jpg | Carolyn & Mitch by Bonnie Blue Click to see more art!

Howdy!

Recently, while showing a visitor around our house, I realized from their comments how much artwork we have. Not just our own, but what we've purchased or received as gifts from artists. A lot of what we have has come from Yale Street Arts Market, but also on occasion as birthday presents and thank you gifts for something. The thank you gifts of art are my favorite because those are always unexpected and like found treasures!

Last week I started taking photos of all the work and have put them online for everyone to see! The portrait of Carolyn and myself was done by Bonnie Blue "The Rock Lady." You may have seen her crazy "Women That Rock" van at our market. Bonnie does instant caricatures right out of the back of her van/studio at festivals and events. This one is a thank you gift after her work was personally aired on Fox 26 Morning News after a referral for an awards event. Bonnie was hired to paint the morning newscast and producer on her rocks as gifts, then the anchors of the morning news showed off their "rocks" to the world the next day! That was such a hoot!

http://static.flickr.com/90/242277559_6b8f6ad5dc_o.jpg | Max & Mitch at Compelled Show photo by Gordon Tillman

http://static.flickr.com/90/242277559_6b8f6ad5dc_o.jpg | Max & Mitch at Compelled Showphoto by Gordon Tillman

What happened to summer?

Okay. One more and I'm done, need some more coffee here. I can't believe I'm going to say this but: BEER ISLAND. There I said it. I've been about 4 times now. At first I said I would never, EVER go anywhere in the Heights with a name like Beer Island. An invitation brought me there tho, and I like it. It's kinda odd though, it looks like a sports bar in one our neighborhoods old gas stations, but you have to look over the juke box carefully. Then you'll know this place fits right in. Carolyn and I were sipping a beer late yesterday, contemplating our lives when all of a sudden "I Want to BEEE and AMER EE CAN" comes blasting out of the speakers! You know West Side Story. Hilarious. They have daily beer specials, and $10 steak and potato on Thursdays. Awesome hamburgers on Sunday afternoons. We need to have an artists gathering there soon. Those hamburgers rock! Beer Island is located on the corner of Studewood and White Oak on the Southeast corner. Can't miss the sign. I want a T-Shirt that says: I survived Beer Island!

Rumor: The building on 19th between Heights & Yale will be a bank. YIKES! Just what we need here, another bank. Ah well. Whole Foods is scouting our area for a store. Starbucks will have 8 locations surrounding the Heights by years end. Martin de Vore was spotted shopping in Whole Foods on Kirby. (highly unlikely) Martin was also spotted at Elder St Lofts before the Compelled show. Someone is trying to buy the Yale St Coffee House on Yale St and turn it back into: a coffee house. That's all I got.

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...and needs a personal spell and grammar checker. Apply within!

Sept. 13th! Howdy! The FABULOUS photo on the left was taken at Susan & Terrence's Compelled show this past Saturday at their Elder Street Loft apt. I love shows put on by artists. This was a good one, and the artists that participated can be found HERE.

http://static.flickr.com/90/242277559_6b8f6ad5dc_m.jpg | Max & Mitch at Compelled Showphoto by Gordon Tillman

Sept. 13th! Howdy! The FABULOUS photo on the right was taken at Susan & Terrence's Compelled show this past Saturday at their Elder Street Loft apt. I love shows put on by artists. This was a good one, and the artists that participated can be found HERE.

So um, lets see where have I been? I seem to be revisiting the same places lately. Boom Boom Room at 2518 Yale St is a favorite. I think I mentioned this already, but it is an awesome little wine/coffee/panini bar. There is little chance you happening by when they're closed too. Open from 7am to 2am daily! Oh, 8 on Sat & Sundays. Start with one of their great coffees in the morning with Shanoah (I have NO idea how to spell that! Carolyn said it rhymes with: "Getting to know-a Sha no ah!") They have scones from Monica Pope's restaurant, breakfast paninis and bagels and lox. Evenings are great for people watching and lounging with an awesome wine and beer selection. This place is Sinatra style classy. With live jazz! Piano and percussion!

The other place we've been frequenting is the Glass Wall Restaurant on Studewood. This is an upscale, American new VO, (I'm writing this to early to care about spelling) place with a great bar. Which is where we sit....Friday nights. You can order very reasonably priced appetizers from the bar. This place is wild for people watching. I've seen regulars from some of the Heights' Ice Houses sitting next to executives from River Oaks. That's the Heights right? Tell the bartender (Sha-Ree) I said hello. (just not my day for names)

Okay. One more and I'm done, need some more coffee here. I can't believe I'm going to say this but: BEER ISLAND. There I said it. I've been about 4 times now. At first I said I would never, EVER go anywhere in the Heights with named Beer Island. An invitation brought me there tho, and I like it. It's kinda odd though, it looks like a sports bar in one our neighborhoods old gas stations, but you have to look over the juke box carefully. Then you'll know this place fits right in. Carolyn and I were sipping a beer late yesterday, contemplating our lives when all of a sudden "I Want to BEEE and AMER EE CAN" comes blasting out of the speakers! You know West Side Story. Hilarious. They have daily beer specials, and $10 steak and potato on Thursdays. Awesome hamburgers on Sunday afternoons. We need to have an artists gathering there soon. Those hamburgers rock! Beer Island is located on the corner of Studewood and White Oak on the Southeast corner. Can't miss the sign. I want a T-Shirt that says: I survived Beer Island!

I still say the best steaks are served by April & cooked up by Jack at Onion Creek Wednesdays.

Rumor: The building on 19th between Heights & Yale will be a bank. YIKES! Just what we need here, another bank. Ah well. Whole Foods is scouting our area for store. Starbucks will have 8 locations surrounding the Heights by years end. Martin de Vore was spotted shopping in Whole Foods on Kirby. (highly unlikely) Martin was also spotted at Elder St Lofts before the Compelled show. Someone is trying to buy the Yale St Coffee House on Yale St and turn it back into: a coffee house. That's all I got.

Yep, it's still August...

08/25/06 Howdy there folks! I am SO glad it's Friday! Woo HOO! So what are your plans this weekend? ME? Heck I'm just glad to have two official days off, though I'll still do some work, just always seems more leisurely. Tonight Maranda Pleasant has an opening, Saturday there's a great looking show at M2 Gallery, and I'm sure a bunch of other things. For one, the Art Car Museum is accepting entries for there Skeleton or Bones show tomorrow starting at 11AM, I bet since they're only taking 50 or so works that it might look like a rock concert campout. Maybe I'll swing by.

I have to thank you Gordon Tillman for the awesome job he did fixing up the events listing on this site. THANK YOU GORDY! It's so simple now to add your event. Check it out!

Carolyn and I finished a job last weekend for the San Antonio Children's Museum. That was tough only because we were out of town so often. And during the whole organizing time for White Linen Night. It's a great exhibit, funded by the Edwards Aquifer Authority, it shows children where their drinking water comes from. So we painted everything from the sky to the underground caves. Next week or two I'll post the installed exhibit with progress photos in our online portfolio.

SO I'm supposed to tell you where I've been around the Heights right? And since I haven't really truly written here since like May...I think I'd go mad trying to tell you every place. I don't know how, but I do seem to get around here a lot. Let's see...

Well, better get to work, I'll check back here again soon. Cheers!
Mitch August 25, 2006, at 09:19 AM

http://static.flickr.com/63/219909795_8c9ccb071e.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/63/219909795_8c9ccb071e_o.jpg

Greetings! What's it been like, 3 months? SORRY! I've neglected my writing here. Like the new doo? Debbie Folsom calls me the "White Linen Knight!" Love that! I have had fun, and I will fill you in on all the highlights really soon. Carolyn and I have been very busy working and preparing for White Linen Night last Saturday.

http://static.flickr.com/59/210896852_90c2acd093.jpg Greetings! What's it been like. 3 months? SORRY! I've neglected my writing here. Like the new doo? Debbie Folsom calls me the "White Linen Knight!" Love that! I have had fun, and I will fill you in on all the highlights really soon. Carolyn and I have been very busy working and preparing for White Linen Night last Saturday.

http://static.flickr.com/59/210896852_90c2acd093.jpg Greetings! What's it been like 3 months? SORRY! I've neglected my writing here. I have had fun, and I will fill you in on all the highlights really soon. Carolyn and I have been very busy working and preparing for White Linen Night last Saturday.

August 13

http://static.flickr.com/59/210896852_90c2acd093.jpg Greetings! What's it been like 3 months? SORRY! I've neglected my writing here. I have had fun, and I will fill you in on all the highlights really soon. Carolyn and I have been very busy working and preparing for White Linen Night last Saturday.

Tonight tho...I met Gordon & Mikie and Martin de Vore over at Beer Island. YES I said it, BEER ISLAND, the Heights' very own tropical paradise. Mikie & Gordy arrived after a 17 mile "Scooter Run" with Scooter Smith! Check them out- http://www.scootersmith.net then come back here and I'll fill you in on the rest of my life!

Here are some recent photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/artvalet/ click on White Linen Night and what we've been working on the last month painting is here.

http://static.flickr.com/50/144384489_945c17f0d4_m.jpg| See Martin's Bacchanalian Frenzy!

 What a night! Surprises all around, just wait till you see the photos.

http://static.flickr.com/55/144024265_2a70e9d2f9_t.jpg Hit me!

http://static.flickr.com/55/144024265_2a70e9d2f9_t.jpg | Hit me!

May 10

TONIGHT! Wed, May 10, 6pm

 Join Martin de Vore of the Tribe Report tonight @ 6
 for coffee, sodas, beer and the best Steaks in town!
 Talk about your art projects,  upcoming events, the weather,
 me (strike that) or just  make plans to take over the world (my fave).
 I will join you around 7.
 (I'll be in a White linen night meeting, same time & place)
 WHICH by the way, you will want to participate in August 5th.

 TIM SNIDER: Thanks again to all who have donated items
 to the Snider family, I will continue collecting tonight too.
 TIM really really needs a table.  Preferably round.  Anyone?

 Artists AT LARGE- Steak Night & Happy Hour
 Onion Creek at 6pm on the deck
 3106 White Oak Dr, Houston, 77007 - (713) 880-0706
 www.onioncreekcafe.com/

See ya tonight! Cheers!
Mitch

May 9

http://static.flickr.com/49/143069445_0d769de4b7.jpg | Carrie Ann Buchanan & the Apocalyptics, performed Sunday at Yale St.

May 8

Howdy! Today I am just worn out. I had to cancel the market Saturday due to horrible weather forecasts that didn't happen. Sunday's rain date was okay but they are never the same. Tell you what, the artists that come to the market are among the nicest and optimistic people in the world. We couldn't ask for a better crowd to be hanging out with! We have what I call "The Hospitality" tent every month, it's basically just our info tent stocked with drinks and some beer on occasion. When your outside all day long, an ice cold beer really tastes good! Some of the artists want a margarita machine for our evening markets. I'm wondering if they've ever had to clean one of those! Might try it, what do you think?

June 3rd begins the Yale Street Arts Market evening hours for the summer. Everyone is very excited about that. I think it'll be great having art at night with all the lights on, and people coming by before or after dinner. Or heck, FOR dinner! We do have Lorna.

Okay, gotta git. Just thought I'd jump in here and say hi! HI!
Come by Onion Creek on Wednesday night at 6pm for Steak Night Happy Hour! Martin de Vore will be the honorary Tribesman Overlord while I meet with some folks about White Linen Night. (I'll be there, just not socializing for the first hour)

Cheers! -Mitch

http://static.flickr.com/47/134611909_1eb75cd332_t.jpg

The Chronicle had a great story about Mr. Long in Sunday's paper. Susan put it up on her site with photos too. Here it is: http://www.venushairhouston.com/huey.html

April 26th

Okay okay! I'm kinda back! Went to Huey Long's 102 birthday party last night and had a blast! All the sponsors, M2 Gallery, Venus, Mandy & Philip of Earth Gallery and a long list of others went all out for this. If I didn't know any better I'd say that the older you get, the wilder the party. Huey had his own paparazzi when he arrived in a white stretch (and I mean stretch!) limo. His barbers chair from Venus Hair was setup and the birthday cake was the biggest I have ever seen. I'd guess there were easily 400 people in attendance and it was crowded from the time I got there at 5:45 till late.

Our Yale Street Arts Market was one of the sponsors, so I got to go early. Thought, you know, the early birds get to shake Huey's hand. Wrong! Just way to many well wishers. Sheila Jackson Lee phoned in and proclaimed yesterday "Huey Long 102 Happy Day" from the floor of the U.S. Congress. That was a hoot. Happy Birthday Huey!

If you would like to meet Mr. Long, drop by Venus Hair on 19th Street any Saturday. He's always there, selling his CD's and telling stories. 361 West 19th. www.venushairhouston.com/

http://static.flickr.com/54/134611894_00a94dbcbf_m.jpg

Monday, April 24

Union Break! I'll be back later. Read Martin's column: TribeReport

http://www.artvalet.com/newimage/boardmitch.jpg

Some of My Favorite Places
More about Me
Mitch Notes Archive

http://static.flickr.com/47/128361004_8b954dab29_t.jpg

Friday, April 14th
What happened to March? Time really flies when you aren't paying attention. Seems like I've done so much in the last few weeks that I really have no idea where to begin! Hmmmm.....how about that lovely photo of me on the left? That was taken last Saturday night at Miller Theatre after "The King and I." A fabulous show put on by the folks at HITS Theatre. Carolyn my beautiful bride is the stage manager!

I'm on my way to work, so truth is, I saw this page and couldn't leave it like that and decided to archive it! I'll be at the show tonight! And tomorrow too! Come out and sit on the hill, sip some wine (bring it if you want it!) and marvel at the talents of people under 4 feet tall! I'll pop in later with more stuff I've done the past few weeks. Promise.

From the HITS website: WEB

The King and I

will be presented

APRIL 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th & 15h

FREE!

at MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE at 8 PM

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West and he seeks Anna's assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story.

FOR TICKETS, GO TO THE MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE BOX OFFICE ON THE DAY OF THE SHOW. THE BOX OFFICE IS OPEN FROM 11:30 TO 1 PM.

These are FREE TICKETS FOR RESERVED & NUMBERED SEATS. All unoccupied seats are released at 7:55 PM.You don't need a ticket to sit on the hill!

Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights...and beyond!
Mitch Links
Mitch
{Mitch Notes Archive}

http://static.flickr.com/48/117046920_9f168f086c_m.jpg|Have you seen this paint? Tell me!

Thursday, March 23rd No news, not really

Well, back to Carolyn, the weather hasn't exactly helped her progress much this week. So I'll get some of those photos up later...rather than sooner.

The Bayou City Arts Festival is this weekend, and a ton of other events, I think I spent an hour updating the Event Listings last night. Check it out! There are some great shows coming up. If you are out and about this weekend, I highly recommend Houston Studio Glass' open house and demonstrations. I think it is one of the only full fledged glass studios in Houston. I've been there and it is quite amazing. Dick & Kathy are the owners, and have a story to tell too! Go ask them. Details are on events or visit their website here.
Have a great weekend! I'll be back here Monday or Tuesday with a full written report!
Mitch March 23, 2006, at 07:36 AM

Tuesday, March 21st Tootin my horn

http://static.flickr.com/38/115826602_7ac431d7f9_s.jpg | Walnut For a living, Carolyn and I paint decortive finishes. We've been at since 1993, and used to have a pretty extensive website for our business. I've been working on a page for us on this site, but it keeps getting pushed back down the priorty list. SO thought I'd toot our horn today and show you what's kept us busy lately. This first photo is a walnut finish that we did together last month. That is all paint. There are a total of about 10 coats of glazes and graining layers to get this look.
http://static.flickr.com/52/115831828_e019529741_s.jpg This column Carolyn and I gilded, distressed and then I put a light marbled finish on the main part. There were a total of four, and I still find gold flakes floating around that house!
http://static.flickr.com/38/115831798_811087f72c_s.jpg The distressed finish on the left is what I'm working on now. The wood on top half of the panel is very old and distressed oak, on the bottom it is all new and very smooth poplar. Which has no grain. To get these very dissimilar woods to look good together, I am using Old Fashioned Milk Paint. It comes in a powder and you add water. So after two coats, I sand the paint back, then apply a tinted wax to antique and seal. In the big photo, look at the bottom right and you'll see the completed finish. Almost done with my first coat of paint, so I'll post more when I'm done.

Carolyn is painting a garage door! I don't have photos yet so I'll tell you it will be fabulous! It's a garage apartment and Carolyn is painting two windows, shutters, topiaries and I think a little dog named snowball! Carolyn is also stage managing for HITS Theatre again this year. The show is The King and I and will be at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in April, I think the 2nd and 3rd weekends. I expect all my friends and family will join me each night on the hill! Bring some vino too!

On a much more somber note, one of my friends from college passed away Sunday. Myk McGinn. Quite a shock for me. Myk taught me what "nonconformist" is all about and we praticed it on a regular basis. Myk, don't give them to much trouble up there. We're going to miss you.

-M

On a much more somber note, one of my friends from college passed away Sunday. Myk McGinn. Quite a shock for me. Myk taught me what "nonconformist" is all about and we praticed it on a regular basis. Myk, don't give them to much trouble up there. We're going to miss you.

On a much more somber note, one of my friends from college passed away Sunday. Myk McGinn?. Quite a shock for me. Cheers Myk! We're going to miss you.

-M

http://static.flickr.com/52/115831828_e019529741_s.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/38/115831798_811087f72c_s.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/52/115831828_e019529741_s.jpg This column Carolyn and I gilded, distressed and then I put a light marbled finish on the main part. There were a total of four, and I still find gold flakes floating around that house!
http://static.flickr.com/38/115831798_811087f72c_s.jpg The distressed finish on the left is what I'm working on now. The wood on top half of the panel is very old and distressed oak, on the bottom it is all new and very smooth poplar. Which has no grain. To get these very dissimilar woods to look good together, I am using Old Fashioned Milk Paint. It comes in a powder and you add water. So after two coats, I sand the paint back, then apply a tinted wax to antique and seal. In the big photo, look at the bottom right and you'll see the completed finish. Almost done with my first coat of paint, so I'll post more when I'm done.

Carolyn is painting a garage door! I don't have photos yet so I'll tell you it will be fabulous! It's a garage apartment and Carolyn is painting two windows, shutters, topiaries and I think a little dog named snowball! Carolyn is also stage managing for HITS Theatre again this year. The show is The King and I and will be at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in April, I think the 2nd and 3rd weekends. I expect all my friends and family will join me each night on the hill! Bring some vino too!

Cheers! -M

Tuesday, March 21st Tootin my horn

http://static.flickr.com/38/115826602_7ac431d7f9_s.jpg | Walnut For a living, Carolyn and I paint decortive finishes. We've been at since 1993, and used to have a pretty extensive website for our business. I've been working on a page for us on this site, but it keeps getting pushed back down the priorty list. SO thought I'd toot our horn today and show you what's kept us busy lately. This first photo is a walnut finish that we did together last month. That is all paint. There are a total of about 10 coats of glazes and graining layers to get this look.

http://static.flickr.com/44/115325267_0f2c26c125_s.jpg | Gabriella

http://static.flickr.com/44/115325267_0f2c26c125_s.jpg | Gabriella

MONDAY! Oy, what a great day huh? Rainy...so yesterday on a trek to find a place to have some breakfast that isn't oh, mainstream(?) we went to- Bamboo House! Yep, they open at 11am on Sundays. I know Asian isn't what you'd normally think of for breakfast, but we'd already been up for awhile. That place still rocks! Everything we have had to date tastes as fresh as you can get it. Carolyn had Pho, a noodle/soup dish with beef steak, bean sprouts, mint, basil, cilantro and onions. That mint makes the dish, it is GOOD. SO I had the Shrimp Tempura Udon, another noodle/soup based dish. The shrimp tempura is served on the side. We're thinking we need to go back next Sunday with all of our friends. Wanna join us? Say 11:00am Sunday the 26th? Next weekend is the Bayou City Arts Festival too, we could head over there after and visit John Mercado at his booth. You know, I have no idea who else is there from Artists At Large. I think Jimmy McDonald may be. Let me know if you are!\\

MONDAY! Oy, what a great day huh? Rainy...so yesterday on a treck to find a place to have some breakfast that isn't oh, mainstream(?) we went to- Bamboo House! Yep, they open at 11am on Sundays. I know Asian isn't what you'd normally think of for breakfast, but we'd already been up for awhile. That place still rocks! Everything we have had to date tastes as fresh as you can get it. Carolyn had Pho, a noodle/soup dish with beef steak, bean sprouts, mint, basil, cilantro and onions. That mint makes the dish, it is GOOD. SO I had the Shrimp Tempura Udon, another noodle/soup based dish. The shrimp tempura is served on the side. We're thinking we need to go back next Sunday with all of our friends. Wanna join us? Say 11:00am Sunday the 26th? Next weekend is the Bayou City Arts Festival too, we could head over there after and visit John Mercado at his booth. You know, I have no idea who else is there from Artists At Large. I think Jimmy McDonald may be. Let me know if you are!
Okay then it's a date.
Sunday, March 26th @ 11am
Bamboo house, 540 Waugh Dr., Houston TX 770019 Tel: 713-522-3442
If your coming, email me here: hey@artvalet.com
Don't want to overwhelm them with a surprise visit of huge proportions eh?

http://static.flickr.com/42/114339558_3388b72fd8_s.jpg

Want a piece of Kaplan's Ben Hur memorabilia? Martin Kaplan and Rex Bass have been pretty busy cleaning up the store and have put all the cool things they find on eBay! Check it out here. Rex, known around these parts for his tall copper fountains, has a new website too. www.farmarmy.com/

I know there are typos and no links...they're coming too.
Katz Coffee: Find it here too.

...check out these photos from the M2 Gallery opening last Saturday by Michael Ann Belin: Click Here. I'm really proud of the new location for the Yale Street Arts Market, have a look at some photos Click here.

Last week we went to the Spanish Flowers restaurant twice and happened to be waited on by the two most senior waiters. Know who I'm talking about? As long as I've been going to Spanish Flowers these two have been there. I can't begin to tell you the gentleman's name, but chances are good he's waited on you before. Now then for breakfast Sunday on the patio, Dolores (I hope that's her name!) said she's been there for 20 years! And this week is her birthday! So go in, ask for her and wish her a happy one!

I'm a Heightsite. I live, shop, socialize and wish I worked more in the Heights. To define a Heightsite I'd say that was someone adamant about supporting local small businesses as well as the whole concept of our small town within a city. That's what we do here. So you want coffee? Drink Katz's coffee! Katz Coffee is roasted here in the Heights, it's Kosher, fair trade coffee! Onion Creek and McCain's Market sell and serve it. Both open at 7am too. Then there's Dry Creek over on Yale and White Oak in a remodeled gas station. That place is cool! And I might add, the hamburgers are awesome! The original (I presume) gas pumps are still in there too. Yes I said inside! Then there's one of my favorite spots for coffee and that's Shipley's Donuts on North Main St. You can't sit down and drink it, you are pretty much encouraged to buy and get on your way. And unless you indulge in a couple dozen donuts and or koloches, you should escape with a coffee and something sweet for under three dollars! Plus, you can watch them MAKE donuts! Yep, they still do that right next to the counter. They always make it look like they're having more fun at their job than you will at yours.

Last Friday night (the 10th) I went to Sippora for the Mother Earth show. Awesome! Get over there and check out the artwork by John Mercado, Salli Babbitt, Crystal Owens, Azar Halabi-Fisher, and Christopher Turnbow. Christopher has his Bonsai Trees on display. They are just amazing! I don't know if any of Crystal Owens' work will still be available, I saw a lot of red dots on hers. Her work is amazing though, very colorful and there is a glossy finish on the canvas that makes her bold brushstrokes just come alive. I'm sorry our Tribe Man "Martin de Vore" was out that night to truly tell you what it was all about. I'm not even going to go there! I saw a lot of folks, great art, Amy and Maia greeted me and I was happy! Especially that John Mercado finally had his work showcased outside of a tent! Congratulations John!

So from Sippora I drove on to M2 Gallery passing the Art Car Museum on the way. I should have stopped because Kim Enloe has his book on display for FotoFest. Well the IMAGES from his book. I have a copy! It's really cool. Kim skates and noticed awhile back little things embedded in the pavement. Many flattened out by years of tires going over them. Well Kim now photographs these unique embedded treasures and makes prints out of them. I really like his work. Go to the Art Car Museum and check it out. Kim also is a regular at the Yale Street Arts Market.

http://static.flickr.com/26/110926864_279ce9b6a0_t.jpg %newwin%M2, pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that one of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

http://static.flickr.com/26/110926864_279ce9b6a0_t.jpg M2, pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that one of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

http://static.flickr.com/26/110926864_279ce9b6a0_t.jpg M2 pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that one of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

http://static.flickr.com/26/110926864_279ce9b6a0_t.jpg M2 pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that one of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

Okay I'm guessing if I'm going to write about my "adventures" I should take notes huh? I'll start tomorrow! Let's see.....I picked Carolyn up yesterday from work to get a coffee at Starbucks on W. Gray and Sheperd. Occasionally I take Memorial to work and stop in at the Starbucks near Birdsall and I always run into Myra Logan, the Pet Psychic that comes to our market. Myra goes to that one her way home from running the park. So I walk in there's Myra in street clothes! Said she didn't run that day and this Starbucks is closer to home. Myra's great, make an appointment with her at the next market. The thing that gets me is when you look out the window from this W. Gray location, your looking at another Starbucks across the street! Come ON! How convenient does coffee have to be?

M2 pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that one of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

M2 pronounced MSquared had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that on of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

OKAY! I've got my little Mole Skin book with me and I promise to deliver more notes sooner and with less fluff and more details. I'll keep an eye out for you this weekend!
I know there are typos and no links...they're coming too.

http://static.flickr.com/37/110927922_27eb86419d_m.jpg

While you are waiting for me to say something...check out these photos from the M2 Gallery opening last Saturday by Michael Ann Belin: Click Here. I'll be back.....promise! ...back! I'm really proud of the new location for the Yale Street Arts Market, have a look at some photos Click here.

While you are waiting for me to say something...check out these photos from the M2 Gallery opening last Saturday by Michael Ann Belin: Click Here. I'll be back.....promise! ...back!

Thursday, March 16th
Last week we went to the Spanish Flowers restaurant twice and happened to be waited on by the two most senior waiters. Know who I'm talking about? As long as I've been going to Spanish Flowers these two have been there. I can't begin to tell you the gentleman's name, but chances are good he's waited on you before. Now then for breakfast Sunday on the patio, Dolores (I hope that's her name!) said she's been there for 20 years! And this week is her birthday! So go in, ask for her and wish her a happy one!

Okay I'm guessing if I'm going to write about my "adventures" I should take notes huh? I'll start tomorrow! Let's see.....I picked Carolyn up yesterday from work to get a coffee at Starbucks on W. Gray and Sheperd. Occasionally I take Memorial to work and stop in at the Starbucks near Birdsall and I always run into Myra Logan, the Pet Psychic that comes to our market. Myra goes to that on her way home from running the park. So I walk in there's Myra in street clothes! Said she didn't run that day and this Starbucks is closer to home. Myra's great, make an appointment with her at the next market. The thing that gets me is when you look out the window from this W. Gray location, your looking at another Starbucks across the street! Come ON! How convenient does coffee have to be?

I'm a Heightsite. I live, shop, socialize and wish I worked more in the Heights. To define a Heightsite I'd say that was someone adamant about supporting local small businesses as well as the whole concept of our small town within a city. That's what we do here. So you want coffee? Drink Katz's coffee! Onion Creek and McCain's Market sell and serve it. Both open at 7am too. Then there's Dry Creek over on Yale and White Oak in a remodeled gas station. That place is cool! And I might add, the hamburgers are awesome! The original (I presume) gas pumps are still in there too. Yes I said inside! Then there's one of my favorite spots for coffee and that's Shipley's Donuts on North Main St. You can't sit down and drink it, you are pretty much encouraged to buy and get on your way. And unless you indulge in a couple dozen donuts and or koloches, you should escape with a coffee and something sweet for under three dollars! Plus, you can watch them MAKE donuts! Yep, they still do that right next to the counter. They always make it look like they're having more fun at their job than you will at yours.

Last Friday night (the 10th) I went to Sippora for the Mother Earth show. Awesome! Get over there and check out the artwork by John Mercado, Salli Babbitt, Crystal Owens, Azar Halabi-Fisher, and Christopher Turnbow. Christopher has his Bonsai Trees on display. They are just amazing! I don't know if any of Crystal Owens' work will still be available, I saw a lot of red dots on hers. Her work is amazing though, very colorful and there is a glossy finish on the canvas that makes her bold brushstrokes just come alive. I'm sorry our Tribe Man "Martin de Vore" was out that night to truly tell you what it was all about. I'm not even going to go there! I saw a lot of folks, great art, Amy and Maia greeted me and I was happy! Especially that John Mercado finally had his work showcased outside of a tent! Congratulations John!

So from Sippora I drove on to M2 Gallery passing the Art Car Museum on the way. I should have stopped because Kim Enloe has his book on display for FotoFest. Well the IMAGES from his book. I have a copy! It's really cool. Kim skates and noticed awhile back little things embedded in the pavement. Many flattened out by years of tires going over them. Well Kim now photographs these unique embedded treasures and makes prints out of them. I really like his work. Go to the Art Car Museum and check it out. Kim also is a regular at the Yale Street Arts Market.

M2 pronounced MSquared? had a great show! As evidenced by the photos Michael-Ann took. Ignore the ones of me please, I really didn't have THAT much fun! Okay I did. Still, it's about the art right? Carolyn stayed in that night and called me while watching the news to tell me that on of the artists, Fred George, was on the news being interviewed for his incredibly controversial artwork hanging about ten feet away from me. "What? I thought the biggest controversy was my appearance that night without YOU!" Well, it was an interesting piece but newsworthy I'm not sure. Go see for yourself and tell me. While you are there check out Michael-Ann Belin's work. My all time fave for the night. The theme for M2 FotoFest exhibit is Artists Respond to Violence and I think Michael-Ann captured it perfectly to today's deluged society of news watchers. Go!

OKAY! I've got my little Mole Skin book with me and I promise to deliver more notes sooner and with less fluff and more details. I'll keep an eye out for you this weekend!

While you are waiting for me to say something...check out these photos from the M2 Gallery opening last Saturday by Michael Ann Belin: Click Here. I'll be back.....promise!

Here's a tip: Cut out the ad for the Yale Grill (In this weeks Leader Newspaper) for breakfast or lunch and get over there quick! Awesome deal, and quite tasty too! The new owners are trying out advertising for the first time, let's show them how well it works eh? If you go in for lunch, pop in to the Squash Blossom Shop and say hello to Kathy. You won't miss it.

Friday, March 10th

Showtime!

FotoFest is here woo hoo! Check the Events page for more, or go to their website http://www.fotofest.org/ I can tell you where I'll be...Sippora Gallery and M2 Gallery. John Mercado will be showing his work at Sippora, and Michael Ann Belin will be at M2.

Here's a tip: Cut out the ad for the Yale Grill for breakfast or lunch and get over there quick! Awesome deal, and quite tasty too! The new owners are trying out advertising for the first time, let's show them how well it works eh? If you go in for lunch, pop in to the Squash Blossom Shop and say hello to Kathy. You won't miss it.

Well, all my worry about the Yale Street Arts Market squeezing into the new space was just silly. The place is AWESOME! If you didn't get by there don't miss the next one on April 1st. The market looked and felt like a European market place! We had an awesome day. And don't worry about us melting this summer, we are going to be open ONLY at night! That's right, night. Probably from about 6pm to 10pm with lights, great music and art! So have some dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and stroll on over! I recommend all of them. Vietnam across the street, the new Thai Spice, Collina's (spelling?) or Shade. Don't forget the Heights is dry, so bring your own adult libations. Okay, gotta go work now. Cheers!

http://static.flickr.com/45/107883987_2ca3bb7482_m.jpg

After Martin De Vore explained to everyone last week in his Tribe Report..."homage to Overlord Mitch with the old Roman clinched-fist salute..." (I do not by the way like that by the way), I decided to pay tribute back to Martin in my own way. With your help this will become a great success! Since our man Martin is seen all over town I have created a page entitled, Where's Martin? Just send your Martin sightings to I Saw Martin! @ artvalet.com with or without photos and your sighting will be posted forthwith! There are couple on there now, have a looksy: Where's Martin?
Okay then, happy hour again this Wednesday at the Onion! See ya there! -MC

Monday the 27th Well dang, what a bittersweet day it was. This afternoon I swung by the old site for the Yale Street Arts Market to pick up our "stuff." When I arrived, Martin Kaplan and Rex Bass were waiting by a huge pile of tents, signs, balloons and various other things we used every month. Was nice of them to pull all that stuff out of the building for me though! Martin, true to form reminded me that at 39 minutes after 5, that I was being charged by the minute for being late! Thanks Martin!

This Saturday is the big day though! And it's going to rock, we've got some great new artists and all our favorites returning too. I've got most of the artists attending up on the site now, have a look here.

After Martin De Vore explained to everyone last week in his Tribe Report that I enjoy being saluted with fist from your

Tuesday the 21st Hey relax, I can't write EVERY day! I'll tell ya this, we're going to Onion Creek next Wednesday the 1st for anonther Happy Hour! Then on March 15th, Marie Weichman is having a Happy Hour and Put Kinky On The Ballot over at the Mucky Duck. THAT will be fun! I'll post the details on the site soon. I sure hope all our friends can make it to Marie's this Saturday too. She's got a show and from what I got to see yesterday it is worth the look. I did post that one on the Event listing...just click Events on the left...Carolyn and I have been wrapping up a big job of faux walnut wainscoting (is that with two T's?), and getting ready for the next market. The deadline is still not till this Friday and we're almost full! From what I've seen of the registration forms so far this is going to be an awesome Yale St. And yes, to those of you that keep asking, we are keeping the name Yale Street Arts Market even though we'll be on 19th St. ...see ya later! -MC

Quick note. I ran into two gallery owners yesterday. First up was Navid, owner of Mind Puddles on Dunvale. Navid told me that his coffee shop is close to being finished in the gallery and will be open soon! I can't wait for this one, it'll be open on Saturday's till midnight. Then last night I went over to the Karen Derr's office on Heights for their office Mardi Gras party and Bering & James art viewing. Austin and Blakely told me about their upcoming opening preview of the new space this Thursday and how the gallery is coming along. Sounds top notch! I'll post their upcoming events soon.

Quick note. I ran into two gallery owners yesterday. First up was Navid, owner of Mind Puddles on Dunvale. Navid told me that his coffee shop is close to being finished in the gallery and will be open soon! I can't wait for this one, it'll be open on Saturday's till midnight. Then last night I went over to the Karen Derr's office on Heights for their office Mardi Gras party and Bering & James art viewing. Austin and Blakely told me about their upcoming opening preview of the new space this Thursday and how the gallery is coming along. Sounds top notch! I'll post their upcoming events soon.

Sunday...
Quick note. I ran into two gallery owners yesterday. First up was Navid, owner of Mind Puddles on Dunvale. Navid told me that his coffee shop is close to being finished in the gallery and will be open soon! I can't wait for this one, it'll be open on Saturday's till midnight. Then last night I went over to the Karen Derr office on Heights for their office Mardi Gras party and Bering & James art viewing. Austin and Blakely told me about their upcoming opening preview of the new space this Thursday and how the gallery is coming along. Sounds top notch! I'll post their upcoming events soon.

Well, I suppose this is more of a blog type thing than a column, so if you don't mind, I'll just keep going that way. More later! -MC

http://static.flickr.com/30/98761542_5b84bdd76b_m.jpg

February 18th,

Lazy-butt here. Just wanted to sneak in here and say that I will have a new entry this weekend. Not only will I tell you all about my adventures, I will also write a thing or two about Martin de Vore's suggestion on how to greet me in public! I might have an idea on how you should greet Martin!
Ya ya, well I have to go paint a checkered floor, be back later today!
Promise!- MC

http://static.flickr.com/34/92649661_ce6ef00b28_m.jpg

Not much to report this week...yet. Seems like we spent all of our time working, and then donated a generous amount of our income to the mechanics that "fixed" our vehicles. I just hate that! This is a busy weekend, so check back Sunday for photos of Martin in a Toga and other wild antics of the Tribal art world.

http://static.flickr.com/13/88459157_fc9d95634b_m.jpg

January 20th,

Not much to report this week...yet. Seems like we spent all of our time working, and then donated a generous amount of our income to the mechanics that "fixed" our vehicles. I just hate that! I'll see what I can do about get a couple of adventures going to get you the latest.

Mitch Links

http://static.flickr.com/9/77574750_881c0a6f94_t.jpg

January 16th,

Haven't had the adventures of late that my by-line claims. I did get out Saturday night to the Blages show at Gallery 101, The Studio Gallery and finally to M2 on 19th. Awesome art and a great time visiting with all the artists. I can't describe it better than Martin de Vore in his Tribe Report, or the anonymous wine & food critic from the Any Free Wine? Column. Have a look.

What I have to say is about food. Sunday afternoon Carolyn and I decided to try the new Thai Spice on W. 19th on Nicholson. It was closed! They were getting ready for the Opera in the Heights fund raising party, and though it was a good cause and sounded like fun, our tummy's wouldn't wait. So off we go, debating where to try to get our fix for some good Asian food. Vietnam Restaurant is closed Sunday's or we would've gone there. They are always good. We ended up at Pei Wei at 1005 Waugh St. between W. Dallas & W. Gray. Looked very chic, nice décor and an interesting menu. Warning bells should have gone off though when we had to order and pay first, kind of like a cafeteria, but most of cafeterias even let you eat before you pay. We were greeted by an expressionless young lady who instead of saying hello slapped a round disc with the number “99” on the counter and asked us what we wanted to order...okay...2 spring rolls, an order of Kung Pao Beef for Carolyn and Spicy Korean Pork for me (no, that is not kosher). We get our own drinks and sit down with our “number.” The spring rolls arrived pretty quick and we enjoyed those. We're thinking better sign for things to come.

OH THE HORROR! My dish was supposed to be spicy and it tasted like they substituted the salt for the spice. Same with Carolyn's, and nothing tasted fresh or looked it. The rice had clearly sat out for awhile because it was dry and not even remotely sticky. We were so mad, we just looked at each other and agreed to leave. We didn't even stop and ask for our money back. I normally would, I just had to get out of there. I think I'll send them a copy of this column and the latest web statistics instead.

So. We drove back down towards Allen Pkwy and went to Bamboo house. You read that right, we went to ANOTHER restaurant! We had to eat! And it had to be Asian. Well this time we were greeted properly, “Hello, two to dine?” This place is pretty new too, and the décor was very nice. Modern Asian with clean lines. The waitress, YES a waitress came right over and offered us a wine menu!
Well, we were very pleased with Bamboo house. Service was great, the prices were moderate and the food (important part) incredible!

We decided to have two more spring rolls and they were great, served with big fresh lettuce leaves and that fish sauce with julienned carrots. We looked over the menu a long time, trying to talk each other into ordering different dishes so we could still sample “our” second choice. Finally I settled on Pad Thai Noodle, and Carolyn ordered the Thai Curry Chicken (score!). Awesome! What a difference!

This food was prepared by someone that loves to cook! My Pad Thai had wonderful hints of seasonings that I still can't place. Ginger? It had fresh basil, cilantro, chicken and the best shrimp I've had in awhile. The noodles are just awesome, thick and only coated with all the seasonings without a hint of oil that you might find at other restaurants. Carolyn's curry was amazing. I actually had the honor of being quite well fed as a teen by my friend's Mother's curry. They are from Singapore and I've always compared future curries to hers. This one could've been one of her recipes. The dish was served in a bowl with lots of different peppers, fresh string beans and egg plant. The curry was prepared as broth with great texture. The egg plant was gooooood. So we got our fix, and now have a favorite new restaurant, and a warning about the first. You MUST go to Bamboo house, you and your tummy will be glad you did. One bit of advice first, order more than you can eat, you will want some more later! Oh, and call us.

Bamboo house, 540 Waugh Dr., Houston TX 770019 Tel: 713-522-3442

Mitch Links!!Mitch Notes!

1/03/05

Well Happy New Year! What a way to end a year, our 'ole faithful Dell computer ended 2005 with a whimper and conked out on us last Thursday night. It is gone! We (mostly I) haven't had life without a computer about the house in over 10 years. This week I've learned to my horror how much I rely on the computer for communication. Gonna have to change that!

I'm really disappointed because I had some great end of the year notes about some weekend activities to share with you. Ah well, enough complaining. So last Friday I stopped into a new place that opened on Studewood, that street is starting to hop, and the street isn't even done yet. Valerie's Gallerie at 1024 Studewood. Very modern interior in an old Heights bungalow, Valerie's Gallerie is an African Art importer with wooden sculpture and paintings. What I like about the gallery is that Valerie, the proprietor, goes to the trouble of finding the artists that created the works and let's you know who they are. I even noticed an email address on the back of one painting. Valerie tells me she does plan on hosting local artists soon, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that. Be sure to stop in and shop!
Valerie's Gallerie 1024 Studewood 713-868-2050.

Now just down the street at Oolala, the new driveway and sidewalk are down so you shouldn't have any trouble parking. Studewood now runs North from 6th (or White Oak) on the newly paved southbound side.

Everybody knows that Kaplan's Ben Hur is going out of business and the big question is what's going to happen to the market? I keep saying nothing! We're mobile right? Thanks to all of the suggestions, tips and advice on moving.

We have a place. Wind Water Gallery, on the corner of 540 W. 19th St. and Lawerence will be the new home of the Yale Street Arts Market. And no, we are NOT changing the name. Heck, there's Alabama Furniture on Yale and 22nd, nothing wrong with moving Yale around the corner? Send me your thoughts! Email Me!

Ross & Kathy Clark of Wind Water are super nice folks and their new store is an awesome space. The market will be located on the lot between the old and new buildings. A little smaller but an awesome location. We're planning on heading over there on March 4th.

This weekend our featured artist at Yale St. is Mary Wilkinson. Mary has been coming to the market almost from the beginning and if my memory serves, she's only missed one since. Mary does some incredible work, have a look here. Gotta throw in my two cents worth because Mary really is an awesome artist. Her paintings, particularly of bromeliads, have an almost abstract look about them up close. But I first saw her work from a distance after she had set up for the market and they looked crisp and real. As I'm talking to Mary about her technique and she revealed to me that she is legally blind, and works six inches from the canvas! Mary is an amazing artist creating her own cut block prints too. Stop at Mary's booth and have a look at her work, I bet one them has your name on it!

We'll be out at Kaplan's this Saturday, Jan. 7th, and again February 4th, so come on down! (Kaplan's is still open, run in and say hi & bye! And then buy some of that wonderful coffee they sell, you'll be hard pressed to find it anywhere else.) Kaplan's will be missed in the Heights and Houston. We can't thank the Kaplans' enough for their generous support of the Heights, local artists and to us at the Yale Street Arts Market. Thank you!

Our computer troubles should be ending in a day or two with a delivery from the U S Mail service, and I'll get back to e-blasting everyone then!

Don't forget Passion on January 28th!

Cheers!
Mitch

Thought I'd share my favorite Christmas gift with you this year. An elephant! So I went back through all my old emails and found that Elephant Stew recipe that's been cirulating the internet since the beginning of time and got to work. In about two months, I'll have a party and share this awesome stew with 3800 of my closest friends. Keep an eye out for your invite!

12/30/05

http://static.flickr.com/38/79346569_cb4f43a19d_m.jpg | Party Time!

Thought I'd share my favorite Christmas gift with you this year. An elephant! So I went back through all my old emails and found that Elephant Stew recipe that's been cirulating the internet since the beginning of time and got to work. In about two months, I'll have a party and share this awesome stew with 3800 of my closest friends. Keep an out for your invite!
Oh, and Happy New Year!

More about Mitch
{Mitch Notes Archive}

Stopped at `McCain's Market on my way home too. Have you been yet? Love this place, the Heights has needed a store like this for years. Anyway, they have 3 Chef's onsite, a full deli and take out hot lunches! (I asked) Best part is they're open at 7am, I'll have to go back and see about breakfast...anybody know?

http://static.flickr.com/36/78649847_5e36830243_t.jpg Mitch writes about his travels throughout the vast neighborhood known as the Houston Heights.

12/29/05

4pm- Okay, so I stopped at the place I mentioned earlier. I was looking for something for a customer, and Maura of The Homestretch told me about this store. It's called Installations and located at 611 West 22nd Street. This place is AWESOME! Off the beaten path, the I love to shop. The store has antiques from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France. But the best part is that it feels more like you're in an art gallery/museum. Or someones house! Are you one those to flip through high end design magazines? That's what it looks like inside.

Easy to find too, on 22nd Street between Lawrence and N. Shepard, in fact, you can get there from 19th St. by taking Lawrence from Vietnam Restaurant north to 22nd and turn left. You won't miss it.
installations- 611 west 22nd street. european primitives, industrial design, american classics. (Heights Classic too!} map.

7am- Greetings! 1st time here? Welcome!\\

12/22/05

12/13/05

12/12/05

11/17/05\\

http://static.flickr.com/36/78649847_5e36830243_t.jpg 4pm- Okay, so I stopped at the place I mentioned earlier. I was looking for something for a customer, and Maura of The Homestretch told me about this store. It's called Installations and located at 611 West 22nd Street. This place is AWESOME! Off the beaten path, the I love to shop. The store has antiques from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France. But the best part is that it feels more like you're in an art gallery/museum. Or someones house! Are you one those to flip through high end design magazines? That's what it looks like inside.

Some of the pieces that stand out in my amnesiac like memory were several huge old signs, a car door from the '40s, 2 airplane wings stripped of the skin and turned into giant pieces of wall art/lamps. Becki and her artist husband own the store in this old building. (Sorry, his name vanished) They're open Wed thru Sunday from 11am to 5pm including this Sunday, New Years Day. Stop in see this great Heights secret. Here's a map.
Easy to find too, on 22nd Street between Lawrence and N. Shepard, in fact, you can get there from 19th St. by taking Lawrence from Vietnam Restaurant north to 22nd and turn left. You won't miss it.

Greetings! 1st time here? Welcome!\\

http://static.flickr.com/36/78649847_5e36830243_t.jpg Greetings! 1st time here? Welcome!\\

12/29/05

Greetings! 1st time here? Welcome!
I've got some great news coming up on the Yale Street Arts Market and a couple of new places I've found in the neighborhood.
Plus a new restaurant opening on Studewood called the Glass Wall. That will be in the old Zocalo location at 9th. Heard from a reliable source the other day that Tillman F. of Landry's has purchased the lot on Studewood and 11 1/2 behind SomeBurger. We'll have to keep an eye on that spot.

Gotta go faux...check back before the weekend for more! -MC

http://static.flickr.com/36/78649847_5e36830243_t.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/9/77574750_881c0a6f94_t.jpg

http://www.artvalet.com/newimage/cface.jpg|One of my favorite paintings by Carolyn

Mitch Links

Mitch Links

• Oolala Map 713-862-9800

Now for coffee! The Heights answer to gourmet grocery shopping has arrived at the corner of Heights Blvd. and White Oak; McCain's Market! I was nervous when I saw this place getting built out because all I could see were coffee stand type stuff. Kept praying, please not Starbucks...please not in the Heights. Well I got more than prayers answered! The store is locally owned, serves up local roaster Katz's coffee, and has the best looking meat and fish selection I've seen in a long time! An incredible selection of gourmet items for the cook in your house and plenty of gift items. They also cater!\\

It's almost time! Are ya ready? You know of what I speak, too. Here's the latest of my short adventures around the 'hood.

On 19th Street there is a new treasure of a store called the Home Stretch antiques at 617 1/2 W. 19th Street. Just to the left of Heights Glass and a few doors down from Vietnam Restaurant. The Home Stretch moved over from Houston Ave just before the 19th Street party a few weeks ago. Awesome eclectic antiques such as partial wine barrels from France, old marble signs turned into coffee tables and custom upholstered furniture. There's some original local art in the Home Stretch too.

In fact, as I was browsing about I noticed several folk art pieces by New Orlean's artist Simone! I sport one of Simone's T-Shirts on occasion. Maura Cannon, the owner, told me she had acquired Simon's work from a restaurant that was remodeling. She had no idea his work was a staple on Magazine St. in New Orleans before Katrina! She was at a trade show and Simone's colorful work was on display when the woman in the next booth introduced herself as Simone's wife! Apparently, the warehouse where Simone stored his work was flooded, so these pieces may go fast.

On the web: `McCain's Market\\

Oh hey, a sidenote here. I ran into Wayne Gilbert of Gallery 101 and he made the news official, he is moving his gallery to the antique space next to Redbud Gallery on 11th! Wow, the opening nights will be really wild now! I'm going to hold off on telling you the new name until I hear how Wayne's poll has gone! The name will stop most folks in their tracks.

Oh hey, a sidenote here. I ran into Wayne Gilbert of Gallery 101 and he made the news official, he is moving his gallery to the antique space next to Redbud Gallery on 11th! Wow, the opening nights will be wild now! I'm going to hold off on telling you the new name until I hear how Wayne's poll has gone! The name will stop most folks in their tracks.

It's almost time! Are ya ready? You know of what I speak too. Here's the latest of my short adventures around the 'hood.

On 19th Street there is a new treasure of a store called the Home Stretch antiques at 617 1/2 W. 19th Street. Just to the left of Heights Glass and a few doors down from Vietnam Restaruant. The Home Stretch moved over from Houston Ave just before the 19th Street party a few weeks ago. Awesome eklectic antiques like half wine barrels from France, old marble signs turned into coffee tables and custom upholstered furniture. There's some original local art in the Home Stretch too.

In fact, as I was browsing about I noticed several folk art pieces by New Orlean's artist Simon! I sport one of Simon's T-Shirts on occasion. Maura Cannon, the owner, told me she acquired Simon's work from a resteraunt that was remodeling. She had no idea his work was a staple on Magazine St. in New Orleans before Katrina! She was a trade show and the Simon's colorful work on display when the woman in the next booth introduced herself as Simon's wife. Apparently, the warehouse where Simon stored his work was flooded, so these pieces may go fast.

The Homestretch, 617 1/2 W. 19th (Map)

On the web: `McCains Market\\

Okay then! Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and I'll see you here next week! We'll be spending most of our time getting ready for our Passion show. -Mitch

12/22/05

It's almost time! Are ya ready? You know of what I speak too. Here's the latest of my short adventures around the 'hood.
On 19th Street there is a new treasure of a store called the Home Stretch antiques at 617 1/2 W. 19th Street. Just to the left of Heights Glass and a few doors down from Vietnam Restaruant. The Home Stretch moved over from Houston Ave just before the 19th Street party a few weeks ago. Awesome eklectic antiques like half wine barrels from France, old marble signs turned into coffee tables and custom upholstered furniture. There's some original local art in the Home Stretch too. In fact, as I was browsing about I noticed several folk art pieces by New Orlean's artist Simon! I sport one of Simon's T-Shirts on occasion. Maura Cannon, the owner, told me she acquired Simon's work from a resteraunt that was remodeling. She had no idea his work was a staple on Magazine St. in New Orleans before Katrina! She was a trade show and the Simon's colorful work on display when the woman in the next booth introduced herself as Simon's wife. Apparently, the warehouse where Simon stored his work was flooded, so these pieces may go fast.

Now for coffee! The Heights answer to gourmet grocery shopping has arrived at the corner of Heights Blvd. and White Oak; McCain's Market! I was nervous when I saw this place getting built out because all I could see were coffee stand type stuff. Kept praying, please not Starbucks...please not in the Heights. Well I got more than prayers answered! The store is locally owned, serves up local roaster Katz's coffee, and has the best looking meat and fish selection I've seen in a long time! Lot's and lot's of gourmet items for the cook in your house and plenty of gift items. They also cater!
On the web: http://mccainsmarket.com | McCains Market
550 Heights Blvd. They're open from 7am to 7pm during the week too!

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.

12/13/05

Welcome to Art Valet! This site is no longer just run by me...but several artists. 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

More about Mitch

http://static.flickr.com/34/73031467_14e6ae959b_m.jpg|Martin & Alexis at M2

• M2 Gallery?

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.

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.

Links:

• The Squash Blossom Shop
• The Artful Corner
• Oolala Map

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.

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 we said hey!

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.

http://www.artvalet.com/graphictests/yalestreet_3.gif

I'll come back tomorrow when I'm witty!
Meanwhile, enjoy some photos from last month at the Yale St. Arts Market.
These were taken by Michael-Ann, thanks Mikie!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael-ann/sets/1306097
Preview: http://static.flickr.com/24/60444719_fc40ca88c5_s.jpg

11/17/05\\

11/17/05 So. I should start off with something witty, you know an introduction that will keep you coming back for more all the time right? Okay. I'll work on that.

I expect you'll get here what I use to write in our email newsletters. Somehow, the grapevine always seems to find me when I'm listening and I just love sharing knowledge like that! Stuff like what shops are opening up, or news on artists, that sort a thing.

Maybe I'll just rant about nonsense here...naw, bad idea. I'll come back tomorrow when I'm witty!

Cheers!

Mitch Notes

http://www.artvalet.com/newimage/cface.jpg

 !! Mitch Notes!

Stay tuned...

http://www.artvalet.com/newimage/cface.jpg by Carolyn Cohen

http://www.mitchandcarolyn.com/YaleStreet_July2/images/image047.jpg

Mitch Notes!

Stay tuned...