Tribe Report

'Martin de Vore'

Well, Thanksgiving 2005 is now history and, as I write this, people are heading home from their travels or preparing to get back to work. I hope that everyone had a nice holiday. I personally ate way too much and spent too much time lying around groaning afterwards. It's taken me until today, Sunday, to be able to crawl upstairs to get to work on the old computer. Now that I'm here, let's see what's going on.

This coming weekend looks to be a good one for our various art tribes. There is much going on. Much to see; much to do.

But first, a look at the past few weeks since the last Tribe Report...

I finally made it to Redbud on Saturday, November 19, to see Marie Weichman's Midnight Snack show of erotic ceramics. Marie is one of the most creative and versatile artists I know who consistently executes every project well. The ceramics were fun to look at and I can see how it would be a controversial show; offending some and delighting some. Although erotic ceramic representations of both genders were on view, I have to say that the plethora of penises on view casts Marie in the role of a phallic virtuoso when it comes to rendering the male member in the hard media of ceramics.

I also made to it M2 on that same Saturday to take a look at the "Context" show by Sergio Santos. This show runs through Dec. 4 and I urge everyone to head over to M2 to take a look at these marvelous photographs while they still have time. I liked "Diamonds" and "Slight Chance of Rain" but there are many others to view and enjoy. Again, go see it before it's gone.

After visiting M2, I popped in for a moment to Gallery 19. There were many new paintings on view (new to me at least). I particularly enjoyed the new paintings that Jill Griffith had on display.

To conclude my art-filled Saturday, I dropped by for a quick visit at Casa Cohen to chat with Mitch and Carolyn about the upcoming Yale Street Art Market and future plans. I am also pleased to report that both Mitch and Carolyn are rengaging their own art so hopefully they will be mixing it up out there with the rest of us in our local shows soon.

Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I journeyed down to the Elder Street Artists Lofts to visit Susan Goettsche and Terrence Boggs for lunch and a tour of the facilities. Formerly the old Jefferson Davis Hospital, the building has been converted into an abode for artists -- painters, sculptors, writers and musicians. Susan and Terrence's apartment was quite roomy, well lit with northern light from many windows and definitely large enough to host gallery shows. Elder Street looks to be a group we will hear from soon. In fact, there's already enough artists there to have their own tribe. So, voila! Welcome, Elder Street Tribe.

This weekend, today and yesterday, Michael-Ann Belin was at a two-day show in Galveston. In spite of weather that was constantly changing, Michael-Ann sold three paintings and a print. In addition, Jennifer Leahy has completed her article about Michael-Ann for the Houston Chronicle's Neighborhoods section and it should appear shortly.

Well, that wraps up what I have done for the last nine days as far as visits or communiques.

Now....tah dah....here's what's coming up.....

This coming weekend will be a Bacchanalian frenzy of gallery shows and events kicking off December, with many of our tribes in full gear. Depending on both my fuel and financial situation, I will try to make as many of these events as I can. So should you all. We are stronger as an art community -- no matter what tribe you belong to -- when we support each other.

Well, since this column is presented in the Dominion of Mitch, I'll start by reminding everyone that the Yale Street Art Market is this coming Saturday, Dec. 3. This is usually the largest of the Yale Street shows each year so the art and the good company should be plentiful. I hope that you all can come out and join us or at least stop by for a few minutes. The Dec. 3 Yale Street Art Market will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 210 W. 21st Street, which is a half block off Yale, behind Kaplan's Ben Hur.

December is also the official beginning of winter so what better time to visit Winter Street Studios at 2101 Winter Street. On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., they are hosting their Open Artist's Studios, Exhibit & Sale. There are many excellent artists at Winter Street. Two of the newest are our fellow tribe members John Mercado and Jerrie Glidden. If you get the chance, stop by.

A good way to end the day on Saturday, Dec. 3, will be to head to Marie Weichman's Studio Gallery from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. to check out "Visual Resonance" -- mixed media works by Melanie Leslie. In addition to the reception (and we all enjoy Marie's receptions) that will be also be Marie's annual holiday pottery sale.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, I think everyone should head over to Sippora Gallery from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the "Red" show. Those who come dressed in "red" will be admitted free of charge. Sippora owner Amy Meyers always puts on a great show and this should be no exception. Best of all, it's on a Thursday night so that should eliminate the familiar problem of trying to decide how to attend everything. Anyway, I plan to be there. I hope to see you there too! Sippora is located at 234 West Gray. If you want to know more about the "Red" show, call (713) 520-1085.

Thursday, Dec. 8, is also the deadline for artists to submit their holiday stockings to Gallery 19's Holiday Art Stocking Competition. For more information, contact Gallery 19 at (713) 426-2414. Non-members are welcome to participate for a fee of $5. Artists must use the stocking provided by Gallery 19 and the stockings will be judged by the public. The last day to vote is Dec. 17.

Also, just an advance notice here, Gallery 19 will be having a group show on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005. This is a great time to meet the Gallery 19 artists, have some refreshments and enjoy looking at some most excellent art. I've been to two of these group shows and have always had a great time. You will too.

And...there is still much to come as we continue our peek at what December offers.....

On Saturday, Dec. 10, M2 Gallery at 325 West 19th Street will offer a daily double. One treat is the Dolls Installation which will run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also, on the 10th, M2 will host M2`s 1st Group Exhibition. Enjoy a reception for M2`s regular exhibitors along with other local area artists.New work is presented and artists will be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions. Max and Michael know how to throw a good art soiree and this time, it's twice the attractions! You should experience this event firsthand. Try the punch -- I usually drink about a quart of it when I'm there.

This just in: Maranda Pleasant just dropped me a quick e-mail to let everyone know that she is also having a show on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Deco, located at 510 Gray Street. The show will benefit Toys for Tots. For more information, call (713) 659-4900. So, since Sippora and Deco are both on Gray, and both on Thursday, it's possible to take in both shows with not too much difficulty. Looks like a "two-fer" Thursday for me now. Maranda also asked that I pass on that she is now at Channel 13 and if anyone has an event that could be listed on their morning show, let her know at bastillemedia@hotmail.com

Breaking news as of Monday, Nov. 28, at 5:45 p.m. -- Dune Patten asked me to let everyone know that he will be participating in The $100 Box Year II show at both Mind Puddles and Bering & James. The $100 Box Year II show will be held at Mind Puddles, located at 2305-A Dunlavy, on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and at Bering & James, located at 2482 Bolsover, on Sunday, Dec. 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call Bering and James at (713) 529-0351. In addition, Dune has been invited to show his work and recite his poetry in a show hosted by Eugene Foley, of Artcetera, on Dec. 5.

Well, I guess that takes care of this rather lengthy epistle. Hopefully, I'll see you around during the next two weeks.

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

Martin

Martin L. de Vore is a freelance writer living in Humble, TX. Mr. de Vore is a member of the Artists at Large and Diversionist tribes and enjoys overeating at holiday dinners and then lying around complaining about it for days afterwards.

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