Tribe Report April 4, 2007

Martin de Vore

Peas Porridge Hot....

Print

Looking Into History Back

A busy week it was this past week. Thursday began with me driving into town to try to accomplish a variety of tasks in a four-hour period. I mostly suceeded. Mostly. My first stop was at Gallery M2 in The Heights to see Max Boyd Harrison for a second. But no..... Skunked again! Max was in Lubbock as part of a Houston art entourage which was invading The Panhandle as part of some dark nefarious purpose. Well, probably not but it is more colorful than saying he was up there looking at alfalfa or dusting for weevils. Anyway, no Max. So, I chatted with Michael Kubis for a few minutes and Michael brought me up to date on the goings-on at M2. Which I will relay to you all at the appropriate time coordinates. From M2, I journeyed to Booker-Lowe Gallery located at 4623 Feagan Street to visit with Karen Rezai and to check out some superb Australian Aboriginal art. I also had an interesting visit with Nana Booker noting the convergence between Native American artwork, production and marketing in New Mexico and that of Australia's Aboriginal population. Fascinating discussion! If you haven't been to Booker-Lowe before, I recommend that you check it out. Following my departure from Booker-Lowe, I headed over to Eastman-Smith Gallery to pay Stäcy Smith a surprise visit. I must have resembled a magazine salesperson because nobody ever answered the door. So, it was on to my next destination. That was Aimi Dunn's house. I had to drop off some copies of newspaper articles that Aimi was featured in but -- you guessed it -- no Aimi! In this case though, I at least talked to Aimi on her cell and accomplished my goal by dropping the newspapers through her front door mail slot. Still, three strikes and it wasn't even 11:30 a.m. yet. But, I still had two more hours of time allotted for my Houston visit so it was on to the next scheduled stop -- Sorange Castillo's house. Finally, success! I visited for awhile with Sorange discussing her next five paintings, the upcoming March Colors art show and future joint painting days. Before I knew it, it was 2 p.m. and time to start heading back toward Humble. But there was still one more stop -- Elder Street Gallery to visit with Terrence Boggs and Susan Goettsche for a minute. We also discussed the upcoming March Colors show and Terrence's decision to serve Boggs Coneys in addition to Boggs Burgers to any of you all whenever you drop by Elder Street for an impromptu visit. At the end of that culinary conversation, it was time to return to Humble to rest up and prepare for Saturday's events.

Saturday began with a light rain in Humble -- perfect traveling weather. After a short two-hour day at work, I headed toward Elder Street Gallery since I was one of the artists in the March Colors show which was part of the Inner Art Corridor's Open Studios Tour 2007. On the way, Michelle Graczyk called me from Jerry's Artarama and said that she would be arriving at Elder Street at about the same time. As did Aimi Dunn. When we entered the gallery, Terrence Boggs and Susan Goettsche were finalizing last minute preparations. Xsemaj Patterson was also there, adjusting his artwork. After some quick hellos, Aimi and I convinced Michelle to drive us to Winter Street, since we knew that once the show was underway we wouldn't be able to easily escape. Upon arrival at Winter Street, we visited with Richard Varela and John Mercado. As we were leaving, Carrie Mercado arrived and so we got to visit with her for a second before heading upstairs. On the second floor, we visited with Solomon Kane, Alex Wilhite and Alix Dunn. Solomon's new studio was really nice and Alex and I discussed the best way to make metallic flake green paint - -oil and acrylic. At Alix Dunn's studio, Aimi Dunn savored the moment of the historic meeting of the area's two "A. Dunns."

Then it was back to Elder Street for the March Colors show. By that time Christian Perkins and Tom Callins had arrived and Christian and Michelle soon became fast friends. During a lull, Aimi, Michelle and I quickly took a quick trip upstairs to see the rest of the Elder Street artists who were having open studios. Among those we visited were Iskra Ivanova and Monica Kressman. Upon returning to our own show, we were greeted by the familiar sight of the Overlord Mitch Cohen who was trying to visit as many places as possible that day. Later, Lacey Crawford popped in and she and I got to discuss my upcoming gooing at her hands in the near future. Lacey and Xsemaj also got to visit for awhile and discussed Xsemaj's Web site woes.

Traffic was steady throughout the entire seven hours of the show which left Terrence Boggs looking rather pleased -- a rare event! However, since I was starving by that time, what pleased me was the timely arrival of the caterer -- Acadianne Catering Co. I was to be even more pleased very soon. Let me tell you, if you go to enough art events, you know when the food is extra special. As in this case. Fried shrimp. Shrimp Creole. Gumbo. Cornbread. Treats. It was a superb repast! The food never ran out until the very end of the show and the Acadianne Catering folks never abandoned their posts. A totally professional job -- great service and great food. If any of you gallery folks out there are planning an event, you might want to consider these folks. Acadienne Catering Co. can be reached at jseymour@petrohawk.com or via phone at (832) 212-7483. If they cater your show, let me know and I'll be sure to attend!

As the show progressed, sales were made, deals were struck and possibilities were explored. The Overlord Mitch Cohen returned for a second visit, accompanied by Michael-Ann Belin and Capt. Gordy Tillman. It was great to see Mikie and Gordy out making the rounds and their visit was much enjoyed by all who were there.

At about 7 p.m., Sorange Castillo arrived and took her position by her artwork, answering a multitude of questions about her art and visiting with her fellow artists. By this time, Lacey Crawford had returned from her travels for a second visit as did Michael Dunn. Finally, 9 p.m. arrived and it was over. Terence, Susan, John Mercado and others went to the post-event party downtown. I think that the rest of us returned home to consider the show. It was a good one. Two artists got invited to a gallery to discuss possible solo shows, several artists had sales and there was much exposure of us all in the public eye and media. A good show indeed!

Needless to say though, as good of a day as it was, it did leave me rather tired. So today, Tuesday, I am just now beginning this week's Tribe Report at 11:44 p.m.

So let's see what's happening in our tribal territories this week, shall we?

Coming Up....

Yale Street Arts Market

How does the Overlord Mitch Cohen spend his Saturdays? Well, if it's the first Saturday of the month (such as this Saturday, April 7), you'll find The Overlord holding court at his Yale Street Arts Market empire along with approximately 50 artists who will be set up under the white canopied tents at 548 W. 19th St. on the Wind Water Gallery parking lot. This month's Yale Street Arts Market will host JetBlue's Blue Betty, a 40-foot recreational vehicle outfitted with the amenities of JetBlue's luxurious airline cabins. JetBlue's 1992 Airstream vehicle is called Blue Betty and she gives visitors a taste of the in-flight JetBlue experience, complete with leather seats, XM Satellite Radio and Direct TV. Attendees can also learn more about JetBlue's routes and brand through the onboard interactive 57-foot touch screen. The vehicle is fully staffed with four brand ambassadors, who will be engaging event attendees, talking to them about JetBlue, inviting people to take a tour inside the vehicle, and encouraging people to sign up for two roundtrip tickets from Houston to any nonstop JetBlue destination. Each month the market features a different artist as part of The Heights First Saturday events. Cindy Babbitt was among the two dozen local artists that set up at the first Yale Street Arts Market three years ago. Babbitt's art background includes photography, mural painting, graphics, medical illustration, floral design and teaching art. With clay as her primary medium, Babbitt creates traditional pottery with functional designs and figurative sculpture. Babbitt's current challenge is the human body and face, working daily to improve in the area of clay sculpture; face masks to hang and clay pieces including the human body are just a few of the clay designs she is making right now. Each one is a full expression and one-of-a-kind. Green Mountain Energy is a music sponsor at this monthly mini art festival and this month Smythe & Taylor return to entertain at 1 p.m. Their latest CD, Maybe it's Because I'm Missing You, was nominated in four categories of the 2006 Texas Music Awards and won the prestigious Woody Guthrie Songwriting Award. April is "Earth Month," and what a perfect time to find out what cleaner electricity is all about, surrounded by art, music and festival food. The Yale Street Arts Market is a monthly fine arts market located at 548 W. 19th St. on the Wind Water Gallery parking lot and open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. October through May. During the hot months of June through September, the Market is open in the cool summer evenings. Admission is free. Free rides on the Heights First Saturday shopping shuttle run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.YaleStreetMarket.com or call (713) 802-1213.

G Marks The Spot...A Lott Is A Lot!

It wouldn't be a Saturday evening in The Heights without an artistic offering from Wayne Gilbert and Ggallery. In this particular case, The Artworks of Jesse Lott will be on view at the G-Spot beginning on Saturday evening, April 7, from 6-9 p.m. It looks to be another great Ggallery show. One thing though Wayne...did you notice how Jesse's art on your Web site promoting this show resembles Dick Cheney? Wow! The show will be on view through April 29. For more information about Ggallery's upcoming events, hours of operation or future projects, check out the Ggallery Web site at http://www.ggalleryhouston.com or e-mail Wayne at wayne@digimag.com. Or, you could call (713) 869-4770. Ggallery is located at 301 11th Street in The Heights.

It Works For Me

What's better than Old Works? Why, New Works of course! Gus Kopriva thinks so too. That is why Redbud Gallery is presenting "New Works by Bernd Baumgart from April 7 to April 30. The opening reception for this show is Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. Just a fair warning: if the Kopriva Cookies'' are on hand, and if I am hungry, then I assume no responsibility for the mayhem that will result if my way to the cookie table is blocked! Just thought I should mention that. Redbud Gallery is located at 303 E. 11th St. in The Heights. Gallery hours are from 12-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. For more information please call Gus Kopriva at (713) 862-2532 or visit the Redbud Gallery Web site at http://www.redbudgallery.com

Into the Air

On Saturday, April 14, Gallery 19 will feature a Group Exhibition of Local Artists from 8-11 p.m. Meet the artists and partake in wine, hors d`oevres and music! Body art by www.abcbodyart.com will be on display and the Dru Rey Ensemble will present Art in Motion. A $5 suggested donation should take care of things. And, on April 7, let's not forget 19th Street's version of the Battle of Shiloh, the Gallery 19 Art Battle, and live music every first Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Register by 3:30 p.m. to participate in this artistic engagement. If you are interested in playing a set, or battling, call Gallery 19 at (713) 426-2414 or e-mail at g19heights@sbcglobal.net. Gallery 19 is also currently looking for new artists. Log on to http://www.gallery19heights.org, send your info and Gallery 19 will call you to set up an appointment.

Currently On View....

Walk In The Woods/Atmospheric Landscapes

Want to take a nice Walk in the Woods or would you prefer to sit back and view Atmospheric Landscapes? Well, why not do both? And at the same time! Through April 15, architect/artist Bede Van Dyke presents new works to the public at M2 Gallery. Van Dyke's works will appeal to both left and right-brained individuals. Walk In the Woods offers the viewer a safe, reality-based body of work. Logic, math and science lead the individual on a stroll where facts rule. Out of chaos comes order -- pattern and knowledge emerging to engulf the viewer and keep them grounded. Atmospheric Landscapes leads the viewer into the big picture of intellectually-based possibilities. The viewer is forced to rely on feelings, philosophy and imagination. Beliefs, special perception and future potentials project the viewer into the realm of inner self where tranquility, peace and true bliss await. Both bodies of work co-exist and represent what it means to be a physical and a non-physical being. Van Dyke's work has been sought after and purchased by many individuals as well as corporations including: Herman Miller, Inc., Zeeland, Michigan and Trendway, Inc., Holland, Michigan. His work has been shown numerous times at the Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, Michigan, the Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, Michigan and The Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake, Houston, Texas. For more information, contact M2 Gallery at (713) 861-6070 or via e-mail at m2-houston@sbcglobal.net. M2 Gallery is located at 325 W. 19th Street in The Heights in Houston.

Martin Notes

• To Fatima: Thursday?
• To Lacey Crawford: I'll get the goo Wednesday or Thursday.
• To Mike Dunn: AGAIN, remember to check the Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday papers for the next four weeks.
• To Mehak Bagai: I am so sorry I ditched you last Thursday. I apologize. Here for all to see. My scheduling was a MCF that day! I need to do a better job of planning a route. now, get back to painting!
• To John and Carrie Mercado: It will suck when you are in New York. It won't be the same without you around.
• To Michael-Ann Belin and Gordy Tillman: It was great to see you again.
• To Jerrie Glidden: Are you back yet?
• To Bridgett Vallery: See you soon.
• To Aimi Dunn: I'll tell Jennifer you said yes to Harry and Hermoine.
• To Duke Jones: Where have you been lately?
• To Terrence Boggs: OK Terrence, as you asked, i have let everyone know that if they come yo see you that you will prepare Boggs Burgers or Boggs Coneys for them.

Tribal Drums

The skinbeaters have been pounding away so loud this week that I thought my truck threw a rod traveling on Highway 59!

• From Ray Phillips: Hey Everyone, I'm selling the Bronco : ( Check it out at http://rayphillips.com/bronco/ .If you know anyone interested, pass along the link or have them contact me at ray@rayphillips.com or at (713) 927-9808.
• From Bridgett Vallery: The Watercolor Art Society-Houston has a new art exhibit for April. You are invited to join the WASH Board in honoring its exhibiting artists at the next Gallery Reception on Friday, April 13, from 6 – 8: p.m. Admission is free…wine and refreshments are served. The theme for the exhibit is Experimental and artists are encouraged to go with their creative thinking. Well-known local artist John Palmer, was the guest juror for judging the 113 paintings. Come immerse yourself in very interesting, creative, and out of the box thinking artwork. The Watercolor Art Society-Houston located at 1601 West Alabama Street (at Mandell) in Houston. Call (713) 942-9966 for directions.
• From Michelle Graczyk: I just want to add that I enjoyed everyone's company on Saturday, and that Elder Street was full of fun things...like meeting those fashion designers and meeting the rock lady. Aimi and I got rocks down! WOOT WOOT.
• From Kurt Beswick: My only news is that I've updated my fine art showcase site: http://www.kurtbeswick.com/art/
• From Dune Patten: Recently I have been blessed with the situation of being given a monetary gift for a newly commissioned work of art [of total originality]. Turns out, the wonderful clients are not able to possess the work and are leaving the country on urgent family business. As unfortunate as that is, it was by their humble request to put the work on the market so, in the words of the distressed clients, "Someone should possess this wonderful piece of art. Unfortunately, due to our present dilemma, we cannot. So, just look at our payment as a blessing for you and your family. We love you Dune." Therefore, I am putting the work on the block at a price lower than market value [original value is $2108]. The statement of provenance is this: Barcarolli - un[F]nished Composition (My Love is Broken for You), Mixed media on wood, 3.5 ft x 3.5 (approx), circa 2grand7, URBAN EXPRESSIONISM, Dune-Micheli Patten, $1156.
• From Stäcy Smith: Eastman-Smith Gallery has a only a few spaces left for artists to display their work at our upcoming Abstract Thoughts Art Show, The opening is on April 12 followed by an Evening with the Artists on April 20. Both events are from 6-10 p.m. and are open to the public. This is also a charity event for the Imperial Court of Houston which supports the Legacy Community Health Services which help patients with HIV/AIDS. Both opening receptions will have live entertainment including guitarists Keith Serba, Dan Ennis and the musical duo Larry & Dino and the topper will be Ginger Vitus and Friends. Come out and support your local artists and enjoy complimentary adult beverages while looking at fantastic artwork. Also, I am now booking space for the upcoming Mini-May show in which there will be a feature wall for works 24"x24" or smaller. E-mail me at at EastmanGallery@sbcglobal.com for more information, or set up an appointment by calling the gallery at (713) 862-6969. Another note: Eastman-Smith Gallery artists are being featured at The Galleria for Primavera. During this 10-day event, Phyllis Hall, Rosemarie Moore, Stäcy Smith, Kim Barber, Ed Papin, Marchita Priest, Joyce Dorn, Trish Klenow, Melinda Patrick, Tony Briones, Liz Ortiz, Nicole Bent, and Gillian Conoscenti are displaying, selling and demonstrating their talents at The Galleria. This event continues through Saturday, April 7.

Do you have something you'd like to send along? If so, get out those digital drums and e-mail me at: mldevore@gmail.com.

Tribal Drums To The 11th Power

These messages are definitely worth multiple hearings....

• From Wayne Gilbert: Hi folks, Well it's time again to let everybody know what was and will be. For starters, check out the Ggallery Web site at http://www.ggalleryhouston.com. The Artworks of Jesse Lott opens on April 7. Another few tidbits for your viewing pleasure.... Ulterior Motifs # 10 opens at the Arlington Museum of Art on April 13 and features the following artists: Franklin Ackerley, Bale Creek Allen, Jo Harvey Allen, Terry Allen, Dan Mitchell Allison, Mel Chin, Michael Roque Collins, James Drake, Ryan Geiger, B.C. Gilbert, Wayne Gilbert, Art Guys, Bill Hailey, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Ann Harithas, Linda Hofheinz, Luis Jimenez, Daniel Johnson, Sharon Kopriva, Ken Little, Yang Jin Long, David McGee, Patrick Medrano, Angelbert Metoyer, Neva Mikulicz, James Porter, Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Robert Rauschenberg, Peter Saul, Hills Snyder, Al Souza, Julie Speed, James Surls, Bonnie Young, Bryan Wheeler, Jeffrey Wheeler, and Ed Wilson. Then, check out http://www.gpgallerydallas.com for information on a corresponding exhibition on April 20. And if that isn't enough, Ulterior Motifs # 10 will the travel to the Wichita Falls Museum of Art after its successful Arlington showing. Curtains close. Thanks and contact me at Ggallery or via e-mail at wayne@digimag.com if you have any questions.

• From David A. Brown: Hi folks -- I need your help! I was nominated for a community service award from the Houston Grand Opera. There is SMS or text voting that opened today. Please text the phrase "everafterhim" to 66937 then select "a" for me. Thanks!

• From MaryAnn Lucas: I have landscape and nature paintings -- framed originals and matted prints -- on sale through April at Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Mercer Arboretum is located at 22306 Aldine-Westfield Rd. in Humble (but actually much much closer to Old Town Spring than it is to Humble), 1 mile north of FM 1960. Mercer is open daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• From Marie Weichman: Hey everyone, three of my recent pieces will be included in the Las Cruces Museum of Art's juried exhibition From The Ground Up XXIII -- Chocolate Bar, Incubation and Stripped. The show opens May 4 and runs through June 30. If you plan to be in New Mexico during that time, be sure to check out the show! You can go to my Web site to see the accepted works at http://www.mwstudiogallery.com .

• From Julie Zarate: These are shows I'll have my work in:
• National Sor Juana Festival: A Tribute to Mexican Woman, through April 29 (visual art exhibit at MECA, 1900 Kane Street, in Houston)
• Art On Loan: City of Houston: Thursday, April 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Annex building
• Cosmic Duality: The Art of Mark Pinon and Julie Zarate on Tuesday, May 1, 6- 9 p.m. at Bohemeo's, 708 East Telephone Road. For more information, check out http://www.bohemeos.com
• Additionally, I've just opened my own etsy shop where I sell unexhibitables, if you will. They're mainly small crafts and art trading cards. I put just as much heart and time into these small creations as I do in my larger canvas pieces. For more information, visit http://six06.etsy.com
• And, a solo show at Talento Bilingue de Houston is on the 2008 horizon!

• From Keith Hollingsworth: For The Love Of Art featuring work by Keith Hollingsworth, Brian Zievert, Bettie Donovan, Shizuka Laurent and Jeff Brailas is currently on view through April 29 at the ArtCar Museum, located at 140 Heights Blvd. For more information, call (713) 861-5526.

• From Lilibeth Andre: The Houston Civic Arts Association hosts its second auction, Viva El Arte!, on Thursday, May 3, at 7 p.m. The first one was memorable and this one is expected to be even better. In addition to works from the talented members, paintings will also be available from such notable artists, two of whom I have had the opportunity to study with: William J. Kalwick, Jr., and Bruce Williamson (one of his paintings is in my personal collection); as well as artists Fran Ellisor, Judy Crowe, Steve Parker, Carol Slobin, Mary K. Forshagen, Rose Hohenberger and Nancy Paris Pruden. The silent auction will be held at the HCAA Gallery at 5202 Bissonnet, in the Bellaire triangle. The auction will benefit HCAA and its benevolent activities including the scholarship fund helping to support Bellaire High School students who continue in an art career. The color catalog for the auction will be your admission. Catalogs will be available beginning April 9, for $15.00, at HCAA, and can also be purchased at the door. Raffle tickets for Old Bait Camp, by William J. Kalwick, Jr., will be $5 each or six for $25, and are available from now until the night of the auction. Let me know if you want any of these items in advance. Here's your opportunity: In order to be included in the auction’s color catalog, paintings must be submitted Thursday or Friday, March 29-30, between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please bring your paintings to HCAA framed, wired and ready to hang. HCAA is seeking donations; however, you may elect to receive 60% of the proceeds from the sale of your painting. The selection process will take place over the weekend, and paintings must be retrieved on Monday, April 2. Donation specifications and forms are available on the HCAA Web site http://www.houstoncivicarts.org. The Houston Civic Arts Association is a nonprofit organization with 501 (c)(3) status, and is dedicated to the promotion and education of visual fine arts. The organization offers classroom space as well as gallery space for artists to display their work, holds judged and juried shows several times a year, and co-sponsors the Bellaire Arts Festival with the Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Houston Civic Arts Association at (281) 804-2387.

Coda

Remember, I am not Miss Cleo, so if you have a show or event coming up that you want me to mention you have to send it to me at: mldevore@gmail.com

That's it for now.

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 once again living in Humble. Martin is a member of the Artists At Large and Post-Diversionist tribes and is currently faced with the same type of choice that Prince Paris of Troy faced between rival goddesses that was the real trigger of the Trojan War.

The Tribe Report Archives