Tribe Report Archives June 12, 2006

Martin de Vore

Summer of Art

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This summer, the local art scene is not slacking off. There actually seems to be MORE in the way of openings, shows and exhibitions. So, let's see what's coming up....

g marks the Spot

What are you doing on Saturday, June 17? Aha! I suspected as much. Let me tell you what you should be doing then. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., you should head over to Wayne Gilbert's g Gallery at 301 East 11th Street in The Heights to see Bert L. Long Jr. -- Off Canvas. Events at g Gallery always feature top quality art, large crowds and sometimes a touch of the unexpected. Come see for yourself! Bert L. Long Jr. -- Off Canvas runs from June 17 through June 29. For more information, contact g Gallery at (713) 896-4770.

Bring It On BBQ for Kinky

From Wayne Gilbert: As you know the greatest problem in running for office is acquiring the money necessary to run the campaign. TV, media, print, travel, promotion etc. cost a lot. At last count we were only roughly $18,000,000 behind. We need a fresh new direction in Texas politics, and the ordinary folks in Texas will respond out of recognition of this need.

So, I have decided to have a small BBQ at my Studio/Home on July 8, 2006, for the first 125 people who contact me and submit payment. The cost of the "Bring It On BBQ" fundraiser will be $250 per person. You will make out your checks to "Kinky Friedman for Governor Campaign" or have the option of paying by credit card. The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. P.S., Kinky will be there Talkin’, Eatin’ and Speakin’.

The fixin's will be by Crawford’s Custom Catering and the music will be provided by Dan Workman Productions. Ad Work by "Chuck Carlberg.” There will also be a raffle for a piece of art.

You can contact me at my e-mail address at wayne@digimg.com, mobile 713-822-4842, or daytime 713-802-9466.

P.S., I need to have your info ASAP!

-- Wayne

Whole Foods Market sponsors "Feeding the Arts Day" to benefit Spacetaker

In an effort to “Feed the Arts,” Whole Foods Market will donate 5 percent of the day’s sales from four Houston markets on Wednesday, June 21 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Spacetaker is a Houston-based cultural arts organization, committed to providing access to the richest cultural arts to Houston, by bringing local artists and citizens together.

On the day of the event, representatives from Spacetaker will be available at all Whole Foods Market Houston stores to answer customers’ questions regarding the organization, provide a detailed calendar of local arts events, and discuss its educational outreach programs.

“The “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” program is a perfect match for Spacetaker’s community giving program. Spacetaker will use the funds from the Whole Foods Market 5% day to support our work with individual artists in the Houston Area.... artist profiles, the artist registry and our computer resource lab that open in Q1 07,” said David Brown, director of Spacetaker.

Since 1993, Whole Foods Market Community Giving Days has given back at least five percent of its profits for one day to a nonprofit community partner. This is the first year that Spacetaker has been recognized as a community partner. For more information, call David Brown at (713) 416-2633 or david@spacetaker.org

Overlord Mitch's NEXT Bacchanalian Frenzy

Tribe members, Overlord Mitch Cohen feels your pain as you are expiring of thirst, hunger and old age while waiting for one of his Wednesday Night Bacchanalian Frenzies, but he sometimes needs reminding to squeeze you -- his loyal subjects -- into his busy schedule. As many of you are aware (and all of you are welcome to attend) on those festive occasions, Overlord Mitch holds court at Onion Creek (3106 White Oak in The Heights) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. on the deck. E-mail Mitch at artistsatlarge@gmail.com and let him know that he needs a little recreation in his life and that we -- his thirsty and hungry subjects -- appreciate it.

Eccentricities - New work in Chinese Ink

On June 21, with the official arrival of summer, M2 Gallery presents a cool alternative to the regular summer art scene with the arrival of Sandi Gardner's "Eccentricities - New work in Chinese Ink." The opening reception for the show will be held at the gallery on Friday, June 23 from 7-10 p.m. The exhibition will run from June 21-July 9. In addition, Sandy will be working on the 1000 Character Essay in M2 Gallery wednesdays through Sundays, from 12 noon-2 p.m. throughout the exhibit. M2 Gallery is located at 325 W. 19th Street in The Heights. For more information on this show or other upcoming M2 events, visit the Web site at http://www.m2-houston.com/ or call (713) 861-6070.

Kaleidoscope

"Just as the Kaleidoscope creates a unique image based on the interplay of light, reflection, and color, an effective artist constructs a painting through the blending of natural curiosity, thoughtful reflection, and creative invention." Yep. Well said, Amy. Folks, this is Sippora's last show. It should be a good one. Featuring the art of Allan Rodewald, Ron Gordon, and Jim Leen, this show will also feature Maia's live, nude, body-painted models as they stroll for the final time through Amy's abode. The festivities kick off on Friday, July 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information on the Kaleidoscope show, call (713) 520-1085 or take a look at the Sippora Web site at http://www.sippora.com

Art Marketing

After much thought, I've decided the best way to approach the art marketing topic that I have been procrastinating writing about is to have an open forum. So, I will e-mail gallery owners, artists, festival/event promoters and art marketing folks to invite them to submit a paragraph or two on their view of art, its sale and its promotion. Should be interesting to hear what everyone has to say. I think it will be a mid-week Tribe Report Special.

Tribal Drums

From Maranda Pleasant: On Friday, June 16, from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., Xnihilo Gallery has the pleasure of hosting recognized Houston artist Maranda Pleasant with debut Houston artist, Matt Messinger. Enjoy wine and cheese at the opening reception with a chance to meet the artists. Be sure to bring your friends; you don't want to miss out on this show. There will be free drinks, food and fun! The show, Abstractions, will run from June 9-July 21. This show features abstract paintings exploring the soul. All the pieces in this show are available for purchase, please call or e-mail Jessica Martin-Weber to set an appointment to select the piece or pieces that would bring just the right touch to your home, office or as a unique gift. The gallery is open from 9-10 Sunday-Thursday and 9-12 Friday- Saturday for viewing and purchases can be made at the coffee shop counter during those times. Xnihilo Gallery is lkocated at 2115 taft in Houston. For more information, contact Xnihilo Gallery at (713) 522-3533 or visit the Web site at http://www.2115Taft.org

From Marie Weichman: The Kinsey Institute, housed at Indiana University has been collecting erotic artwork for more than 60 years and all of it has been donated. Dontations are not always accepted so I am very thrilled at the quick response from to my offer. They are accepting three of my pieces from the MIDNIGHT SNACK show at Redbud. I will be donating Patriotic Brides, Reclining Gnome and Sweet Lady. They have asked that I try to ship them out within the month so that one or all of the pieces can be included in the upcoming exhibition, SEX OBJECTS. It will be a show of selected works from their 3-D collection.

From Lacey Crawford: Yes, mi compadres, there has been yet another date change for the art opening that I will be a part of in July at Mind Puddles. July 6 (just like before!) from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Two days after July 4th, so you'll be all primed and ready for another party!!! Uh...right? I will see you there but, if I don't, I will certainly understand. Who can blame you? This is insanely fabulous fun, all these date shuffles! My apologies. The Mind Puddles site (http://www.mindpuddles.com) still lists the show as July 13, but the owner of the gallery, Navid, has issued a broadcast stating the show to be on July 6. Thanks for your patience, your attention and your humor.

From Van McFarland: Here is the start of my Web site. Pics are taking a long time to upload. More content to come -- http://www.vanmcfarland.com

Odds and Ends

On Saturday, June 24, Mary Ann Lucas will be exhibiting the entire range of her art in a one-woman show at the Garden of the Dragonfly in Old Town Spring titled Evolution of an Artist. The opening day reception will run from from 5-8 p.m. The exhibit will run until July 28. Information on “Evolution of an Artist” can be obtained from Garden of the Dragonfly, 318 F Main Street, Old Town Spring, or by calling (281) 528-7779. For more information, contact Lucas at (281) 583-8408 or visit her Web site at http://www.malucasart.com

Michael-Ann Belin has been locked away in her studio, feverishly painting for her next show at M2 Gallery in July. Masoud has been locked away working on his upcoming M2 event as well. Max must be employing whips as a motivational tool.

Kim Saltzmann will be performing at the July Yale Street Arts Market and is tentatively booked for the Compelled show in September at Elder Street. If you'd like to book Kim for your show, party or event, contact her at: ksaltzmann@hotmail.com

Speaking of Elder Street, Terrence Boggs is ironing out the details for the Compelled show which will feature art from Susan Goettsch, John Mercado, Sorange Castillo, Michael-Ann Belin, Aimi Dunn, Eric Salazar, Ronnie Queenan, Martin de Vore, Monica Kressman and Michael Sullivan. More details as they arrive.

Dune Patten sent me news of his newest exhibit. Passages Through Memory: Plaza Portals will be on display at Blend from July 7-31. Blend is located at 1502 S. Flores in San Antonio and is open Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and on Saturday from 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Dune says, "When I came across the demolition of the interior space of a historical building in Montrose, the Plaza Hotel, I was inspired to inquire how to acquire the doors I saw leaning against the interior walls of the space. I was compelled to create works in reference to a once fascinating and popular place that resonate history, socially and politically, as well as spiritually." The reception for Passages Through Memory: Plaza Portals will be on Friday, July 7, from 7-10 p.m. For more information, call (210) 299-4446 or visit the Web site at http://www.blendelicious.com

The Post-Diversionists will be in out in force at the July Yale Street Arts Market. Tentatively scheduled to be showing (in two different booths) are Michael-Ann Belin, Martin de Vore, Sorange Castillo and possibly work from two new P-Divies. Work by Canadian Post-Diversionist Suzanne Delorme will also be on view. Hopefully, Overlord Mitch will have his Post-Diversionist tribute, The Tribe on view, as well. We'll see.

Mixed-media artist John Mercado is actually considering doing some pastel work. No kidding. For real. Way to go John! Jerrie, Richard, Arthur and I will be pleased!

Heather Korb and Dune Patten met at Onion Creek recently to discuss some short films. If you have any suggestions for short film subjects, contact Heather or Dune.

Lilibeth Andre invited former Diversionist Laura Hodges to emerge from the academic world to attend a meeting of the Colored Pencil Society of America -- Houston Chapter and Laura said she would attend. Maybe now I'll get my drawing of Christine Keeler!

Looking into History Back

Well, this past weekend was certainly an entertaining one with shows at Sippora on Friday night and at M2 and Gallery 19 on Saturday.

I began my Friday night by heading to Sippora for the show, A Painter's Ego. As with all Sippora shows, the art was great and the crowd highly entertaining. It's a shame to think that there is only one more Sippora show coming up. Sippora will close its doors on August 1. God, I hate that. Sippora has been home to many of our artists and Amy has given a lot of artists their first show. I am looking forward to Amy's comments in the upcoming Tribe Report Special on art marketing.

AND, there was a birthday party on Friday night. Photographer and filmmaker Heather Korb celebrated her birthday at Berryhill on 11th Street in The Heights on Friday night after the Sippora show. Besides the guest of honor (who arrived fashionably late accompanied by her friend Arthur) also in attendance were tribesters Marie, Max, Mitch, Carolyn, Michael-Ann, Martin, Norma and Dryden. Following a few hours of dining, drinking and conversation, Berryhill closed for the evening, forcing the tribe to migrate. And migrate we did. Around the corner to that Heights icon, the Shiloh, to be precise. By that point, our chief amusements were prank calling each other's cell phones and watching Michael-Ann and Mitch practice waiting on our table.

Saturday morning, I headed back to 19th Street and joined Michael-Ann and Max (who were still recovering from Berryhill and the Shiloh) at M2 briefly before heading off to Hight Cigar Company to pick up two boxes of Martin de Vore Specials (which I will dispose of at the next Yale Street Arts Market) from cigar roller Chip Hight. Following the acquisition of my stogies, I then met Overlord Mitch at Onion Creek for a coffee and some food to discuss upcoming publicity efforts. There, we encountered new tribe member Jaden Davis who joined us for discussions on upcoming shows and art photography. Also, Jaden will be writing her own column called Just Ask Jaden for Mitch's Art Valet.com Web site, so be sure and send her your questions at pixieput@aol.com. From Onion Creek, I stopped by Heather's house to visit with her for about an hour before heading off to the Tabernacle of Art in the 300 block of 11th. There, I visited briefly with Dan Mitchell Allison, Suzanne Banning, and Gus and Sharon Kopriva. Much of the discussion centered around the upcoming Houston Contemporary Art exhibition at the Shanghai Art Museum in Shanghai, China. Gus is one of the curators of the show, along with Christopher Zhu, and Sharon, Wayne Gilbert, Dan and Suzanne are among the artists who have work in it. There'll be more on this show in upcoming editions of the Tribe Report. Suzanne designed the promotional T-shirts for the exhibition and I got to see a proof of the design. Very nice indeed! Suzanne did a great job. On the way out, I passed through g Gallery and saw Wayne Gilbert for just a second. As usual, Wayne was in his element, surrounded by admiring art enthusiasts.

From there, I headed back up to 19th Street for the M2 and Gallery 19 shows.

Saturday evening at M2, I took in the West Coast Meets Central Coast exhibition featuring the work of Susan Michael, Mitch Cohen and Carolyn Coates Cohen. Upon my arrival, I was immediately greeted by my own image as one of the artists rendered by Mitch in his painting The Tribe. Also immortalized in the painting were John Mercado, Michael-Ann Belin, Mitch and Carolyn. I was definitely honored to be in such good company in that one. The show's art was great and the crowds were large and constant throughout the evening. Tribe members encountered included Mitch, Carolyn, Aimi, Jeanne, Lilibeth, Chris, Erica, Eric, Norma, Heather, Heidi, David, Max, Michael, Michelle, Masoud, Elaine, Matt, Sam, John, Jill, Xsemaj and probably others I am sure I am overlooking (with my apologies). The M2 punch was great and the chocolate fountain worked without incident. Mitch, Carolyn and Susan had a nice turnout and everyone appeared to have a good time.

At Gallery 19, right next door to M2, it was the G19 Group Show. I always enjoy Gallery 19's shows and this was no exception. Cutting-edge art inside and live painting outside! Tribe members encountered included Heidi, Xsemaj, Jill, Marilyn, David and Eric, just to name a few. Gallery 19 also had a packed house for the evening and art enthusiasts definitely seemed to be glad that they had taken time to attend 19th Street's offerings for a Saturday night.

Sunday, I was trapped at work for most of the day but I did manage to stop by Heather's place in The Heights and get an update about what all happened after I left M2 on Saturday night. Glad to know that Michael-Ann finally arrived and that Gus put in an appearance.

Monday, I left work and met Overlord Mitch and John Mercado at Onion Creek on White Oak in The Heights.The discussion centered on publicity for the upcoming White Linen Night in August, Yale Street Arts Market business, booths and John's current studio projects.

That about wraps it up for my travels of the past week.

Coda

Remember, I am not Cassandra of Troy, 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 now living in Houston. Martin is a member of the Artists At Large and Post-Diversionist tribes and is looking forward to actually showing artwork again.

The Tribe Report Archives