Tribe Report

'Martin de Vore'

Tribe As You Might

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Happy New Year! Have all of you tribes been getting ready for 2006? There's a lot coming up, beginning this month. So, just to be a little different, this week, I decided to cover the upcoming events first and have our tribal lore follow.

A Box Full Of Art

There will be a closing reception for the artists of the $100 Box Show on Thursday, Jan. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mind Puddles Gallery. Dune Patten says that this is the reception where the checks will be presented to the artists and where unsold boxes will be returned to the artists. Mind Puddles is located at 2305-A Dunlavy (at Fairview), next door to Discover Scuba.

Here's...Bale...!

Redbud Gallery will be featuring new works from Austin's Bale Allen from Jan. 7 through Jan. 29. This should be an interesting exhibit that everyone should check out if they get the chance.

Located at 303 E 11th Street, at the corner of East 11th and Cortlandt Street, adjacent to Texas Collaborative Fine Arts Printmaking and the Sharon Kopriva Studio, Redbud Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment. For more information, call (713) 862-2532 or visit the Web site at www.redbudgallery.com

Yale Street Arts Market Kicks Off Another Year

On Saturday, Jan. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., one of the last Yale Street Arts Markets at the Kaplan's - Ben Hur location at 210 W. 21st Street will take place. In March, the Market will be moving (probably) to a new location at 548 W. 19th St. on the Wind Water Gallery property. Mitch says that the trolley will still stop at the new Market and that some added attractions are that it will be surrounded by businesses and be visible from the street -- not to mention...no ants! In the meantime though, come out and enjoy one of the last Markets at the old location. There will be music and art to suit just about anyone's taste. For more information, call Mitch or Carolyn at (713) 802-1213 or visit the Yale Street Arts Market link on this Web site at www.artvalet.com

I won't be showing at this Market. But, I will be there assisting Mitch and Carolyn, like I did in December. So, I should see most of you at some point during the day. I do hope that my thermoregulator (LKC) makes an appearance and I also hope that she forgives me for missing her New Year's Eve Lock-In. Maybe she could lock me up for Hastings Day or St. Crispian's Day instead.

Amelioration

From Jan. 7-21, The Studio Gallery will present "Amelioration" -- a show featuring the work of the HBU senior semester students -- Megan Wright, Heather Kesner, Allyn Kraig, Peter J. Suprean, Dana Garrison, Nubia Landaverde, Liz H. Rodriquez, Kara Frank, Jeremy James and Robyn Tolliver. As Marie puts it, "Check out what the next crop is producing!" Good advice there from Ms. Weichman. So make an appointment to view their work too! The opening reception for this show is on Jan. 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is something that, as artists, we all should try to attend. The Studio Gallery is located at 613 1/2 W. 19th Street, (behind Heights Glass). For more information, or to make an appointment, call 713-869-2551 or visit the Web site at www.mwstudiogallery.com.

My Gold Pocketbook

On Saturday, Jan. 14, be at M2 for the debut of "My Gold Pocketbook." According to Max Boyd Harrison, "My Gold Pocketbook" is going to be a "mini flashback." Clothing, furniture, art and accessories from the past will be on display and for sale from Jan. 4 until Jan. 29.

Drawings by Gracie Marks will be available as will paintings by Jet Whitt. Diane Hester of Houston Vintage & Costume will be displaying vintage home furnishings and fashions from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. And, Sam VanBibber? from Wear it Again Sam will offer selections in vintage fashions and accessories from the 40s through 70s.

This event, which runs from 7 p.m. through 10 p.m., should be like most M2 events -- full of interesting people, excellent victuals and viands, libations to warm the soul, sparkling conversation and that great punch! At this point, I do not yet know whether Capt. Morgan's successor, Capt. Tillman, will be manning the bar or not. I'll let you know.

M2 is located at 325 W. 19th in The Heights. For more information, call (713) 861-6070 or visit the M2 Web site at www.m2-houston.com

Wayne's World

What's Wayne Gilbert been up to lately? Quite a bit. The "Blages" show, featuring assemblage pieces by six artists, will debut Jan. 14 at DIG101? Gallery (a.k.a. Gallery 101) located at 101 Franklin. As many of you know, Wayne is also heavily involved in the Kinky Friedman campaign and has been working on the big fundraiser party set for Feb. 11. at 6 p.m. that will feature live music, kinky art and tons of people. Yes, Kinky will be there. You should be there too! Tickets will be on sale soon and there will be a call for art donations that will be sold at the price set by you -- the artists. Another thing that is probably occupying Wayne's mind is the G Spot (or whatever he finally decides to call his new gallery). I'm sure Wayne is aware that many are eagerly anticipating access to the G Spot and are awaiting the opportune moment. Personally, I hope that Wayne gets a Web site soon that we can refer people to for more information. In the meantime, check here and we will try to keep you as posted as we can on Mr. Gilbert's activities.

Ancient Language

Well, the buzz is definitely out there now about this one. I think it's because I've already gone out on a limb and proclaimed I would wear a toga. Film at 11. I only hope that I have an appropriate consort for the evening. Now let's see...which lucky female artist would I like to have walking around with me decked out like a Egyptian priestess of Bast.... Could it be -- ? Submit your suggestions or guesses to me at mldevore@gmail.com. I will forward the most intriguing suggestion to the person you suggest. I suppose if I am really in the gods' good graces, that person would agree to it!

Oh well, now to the business at hand....

"Ancient Language" will feature the art of Ray Phillips, Lacey Crawford, and Pam Knox. So translate that "Ancient Language" into a good time on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sippora. Amy's events are always packed, fun and a great place to be. Come see for yourself! Sippora Gallery is located at 234 West Gray, between Montrose and Downtown Houston. For more information, call Amy at (713) 520-1085 or visit the Web site at www.sippora.com

Passion

On Saturday, Jan. 28, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., discover "Passion" at The Studio Gallery. That would be a decided improvement in my life. I'm there, Marie! But alas, this particular passion refers to "Ten artists who will display their "passion" for creating through imagery and form in this group exhibition." Still, that's a pretty good way to lift one's spirits and become one with the creative forces of the universe. "Passion" is generously hosted by Marie Weichman and the product of (and curated by) that artistically altruistic pair -- Mitch and Carolyn Cohen. The 10 participating artists include: Michael-Ann Belin, Tim Dean Snider, John Mercado, Martin de Vore, Alexis Andrei, Marie Weichman, Michelle Macy, Kurt Beswick, Mitch Cohen and Carolyn Cohen. Most of you know at least one of the artists in this show and probably know at least a few others by reputation. That being the case, I think you'll agree this could be one of the more unusual shows of the season that could be deliciously revealing about the participating artists. So go see it. The art should be first rate. And besides, it's at Marie's place. And that means good food, good drink and a chance to scratch Chloe the Wonder Dog. Most of the artists will be on hand to answer your questions about what really turns them on. Just think how much fun you can have asking that! Be creative when you ask. You get extra points (and probably drinks) for making them blush.

The Studio Gallery is located at 613 1/2 W. 19th Street, (behind Heights Glass). For more information, or to make an appointment, call 713-869-2551 or visit the Web site at www.mwstudiogallery.com.

Winter Street

Keep an eye out for more information about the Texas Children's Hospital Fundraiser in The Gallery at Winter Street on Feb. 25. Winter Street is home to a lot of artists from our tribes that we all know including (but definitely not limited to) John Mercado, Jerrie Glidden, Richard Varela, Solomon Kane, Amy Ferrari, Alex Wilhite, Nicola Parente, Van McFarland?, Dan Fischer, Alix Dunn and many many more.

Winter Street Studios is located at 2101 Winter Street in Houston. For more information, call (713) 862-0082 or visit their Web site at www.winterstreetstudios.com

Tribes, Tribes...Everywhere A Tribe

Despite several New Year's Eve parties that I was invited to, this past weekend was somewhat subdued as far as tribal news goes.

On Saturday, Dec. 31, I stopped by M2 for a few minutes and visited with Michael and Mark. They were discussing the takedown of the M2 Group Show and the preparation for "My Gold Pocketbook."

From there, I headed over to Mitch and Carolyn's and wound up staying for several hours. Watched part of a movie, had a coke, scratched those enormous cats of theirs, looked at art and discussed upcoming events for 2006.

After I departed Mitchville, I traveled to Texas Art Supply to use my gift certificate that my cousins had given me for Christmas. I bought a jar of Golden titanium white acrylic and a bunch of itty-bitty canvases that you will see covered with paint shortly. I didn't run into any of our fellow tribe members there, though.

From Texas Art Supply, I traveled to the park next to the Menil Collection to visit Maranda Pleasant. While there, she introduced me to another artist, Sorange Castillo. Maranda was planning her art itinerary for the upcoming year so Sorange and I chatted, and Maranda would join the conversation periodically. We visited for about two hours I guess and then I headed back north to beautiful downtown Humble.

New Year's Day, all I really did was to go to Starbucks a few times. BFD.

Monday, Jan. 2, I met Sorange for lunch at Auntie Chang's on Westheimer and Shepherd. She brought some of her art to show me and I was quite impressed. One piece was an intensely personal piece with the subect and colors reminding me a lot of Frida Kahlo's work. She also brought several figure works which were quite good. Whatever tribe winds up with Sorange as one of their members will do well.

And...Here's Some Tribal News From...

Mary Wilkinson

Mary will be the featured artist at the Jan. 7 Yale Street Arts Market.

Jerrie Glidden

Pastel maestro Jerrie says that she is doing a show in February and hopefully at the end of the month. Then, she has a show in Austin, in March, at the beginning of the month. She is on stand by for The Woodlands in May and then her big show is at Padre Island in July. She also entered the Pastel Journal's competition. Jerrie says that she is hoping to be at the Yale show on the 7th.

Michael-Ann Belin

As far as I know, Michael-Ann will be showing at this Saturday's Yale Street Arts Market and she will definitely be one of the 10 artists whose work will be on display in the "Passion" show at The Studio Gallery on Jan. 28. Mikie was featured in an article in the Houston Chronicle's Neighborhood section last week. Here's the link if you'd like to see a scanned version: http://static.flickr.com/43/79508671_6850f23b39_o.jpg

Tim Dean Snider

Tim has been quite busy. Tim's work will be appearing in the Passion show on Jan. 28 at The Studio Gallery and Jan. 14, 2006 in the 'Blages' opening at DIG101? Gallery (aka Gallery 101) located at 101 Franklin. Tim's work "Laura" is on view at the Houston Municipal Arts Commission show at Houston City Hall through September and he was the featured artist last week on the Fox 26 Morning News.

John Mercado

John Mercado already has an active schedule for the first part of the year and the year is not even a week old yet! In January, John will be at Yale Street on the 7th and in the Passion Show at The Studio Gallery on the 28th. From Feb. 4-5, John will be at the Pharr Spring Invitational in Pharr, Texas. March finds John on the waitlist for the Bayou City Art Festival and in the FACET Show in Austin from March 11-12. From April 7-9, John will be at the Deep Ellum Art Festival in Dallas and three weeks later he will be at Art in the Square in Southlake, Texas, from April 28-30. May finds John going for the trifecta -- the Cottonwood Art Festival (pending) in Richardson from May 5-6, The Woodlands Waterway from May 19-21 in The Woodlands, and the Texas Arts and Crafts Festival in Kerrville to close out the month from May 26-29. A busy first part of the year indeed for Mr. Mercado. But wait, there's more...John is already booking the second half of the year. On July 15-16, he will be participating in the Beachcombers Art Festival from July 15-16 on South Padre Island.

What's going on with...?

I haven't heard in awhile what the following artists are up to: Alexis Andrei, Michelle Macy, Lilibeth Andre, Maia, Julie Zarate, Susan Goettsche, Jill Griffith, Xsemaj, Nathaniel Donnett, Robert Barrientes. Amy Ferrari or Solomon Kane. I'd like to know what all you have coming up. So would a lot of other people. Let us know.

Well, I guess that's it.

Until then, keep creating art, viewing art, buying art and supporting your fellow artists of all tribes.

Martin L. de Vore is an artist and journalist living in Humble, TX. Mr. de Vore is a member of the Artists At Large and Post-Diversionist tribes and enjoys spending gift certificates at Texas Art Supply on itty-bitty canvases and spending time in parks talking with the multi-talented Sorange Castillo about art, the universe and everything.

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