Tribe Report

'Martin de Vore'

December has arrived and with it the festive holiday spirit -- sort of. I'm actually feeling a little Grinchy because of the way that all the galleries are scheduling shows at the same time. You know, when art buyers, artists or art lovers have to choose between visiting two or three different shows at the exact same time, everyone loses. Sales tank; people blow off things they really wanted to be at and it's just not necessary. I've heard the old line, "Well, it's good because people then can go to a bunch of shows while they're down here." Rubbish. People want to be able to enjoy themselves, look at the art at their leisure, visit with friends and sample the hospitality, etc. of a show or opening instead of having to migrate like lemmings from one destination to another at breakneck speed. As far as I know, nobody is able to fold space like the Guild navigators in Dune or time travel like in Donnie Darko. Until that happens, shows, exhibitions, openings etc. should plan a little better with their visitors in mind.

That is why I am giving a big "Huzzah!" to Amy Meyers -- as well as the "Common Sense Award" -- for having Sippora's Red show on a Thursday night. Bravo Amy! I'll be there. If more people followed Amy's example, there would be more days/nights (other than on Saturday) when events were held. That would bring more people to more places on more days and result in more sales I think. We would all do better -- no matter what tribe.

I feel better now. Must have been the Who hash or the rare Who roast beast.

Let's see...what has been going on with our tribes....?

First of all, Happy Birthday to Duke Jones! I hope that you have many more and I still want to know more about the model for that poster you did that time!

Well, back to this narrative that's the size of a Buick....

On Saturday, Dec. 3, I made it to three events: the Yale Street Arts Market, Winter Street Studios Open Artists Studios, Exhibit & Sale and Melanie Leslie's "Visual Resonance" show at The Studio Gallery. All three events were well worth being at. And you know what, they didn't all occupy the same time frame! Santa Maria!

I began the day at Yale Street. Since I wasn't showing at this one, I helped out Mitch and Carolyn Cohen a little bit and just enjoyed walking around visiting everyone for a change and looking at art. It was the largest crowd that I have seen since I began going to Yale Street. The weather was warm, but not sweltering (thank goodness since my thermoregulator was missing), and the rain was a non-issue as it dissipated through the results of Mitch wielding his attributes as "Rain God." Many artists and friends from a multitude of tribes were on hand at some point during the day -- too many to list individually, I'm afraid. Sorry about that my friends.

About noon, I left Yale Street and headed over to Winter Street. I had never been before and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I met quite a few artists but I spent most of my time with Jerrie Glidden and John Mercado discussing the show circuit and the cliques involved. I also spent some time chatting with Solomon Kane and Amy Ferrari. I have to say that I am envious of all who have studio space at Winter Street. If you haven't been there, try to attend one of their open houses.

On my way back from Winter Street, I met Maranda Pleasant at the Subway Sandwich shop across the street from the Yale Street Artists Market. Maranda was headed off to Winter Street herself before heading home to finish paintings for her show at Deco on the 8th. By the way everybody, Maranda is also considering forming a tribe. If you're interested, e-mail her at bastillemedia@hotmail.com

Anyway, after visiting with Maranda, I drove over to M2 to pick up some postcards for the Dec. 10 Group Show. Max Boyd Harrison was in fine form and is looking forward to the M2 Group Show and "Dolls" Installation on Saturday. Following my visit there, it was back to the Yale Street Arts Market to wind down the day until it was time to head for The Studio Gallery.

At The Studio Gallery, Marie Weichman was hosting "Visual Resonance" -- a show featuring the mixed media works of Melanie Leslie. It was also Marie's annual holiday pottery sale. I arrived at about 6 p.m. and was promptly greeted by my old friend -- Chloe, the wonder dog. The crowd was small at first but kept growing throughout the evening. Melanie's art was very interesting and can be viewed by appointment. My favorite pieces were "Desultory Spirits" and "Through the Veil." The food was tasty and the libations flowed freely for those who consumed them. Marie was her usual dazzling self and a good time was had by those who attended, including members of various tribes such as Mitch, Carolyn, Dune, Masoud, Marshall, Michelle and Dwight. One highlight of the evening was a roaring fire outside (complete with a young fire-guardian bearing a round chrome shield) where visitors were free to make their own smores or to roast marshmallows. A nice evening indeed. Thanks Marie!

Now, let's see what's coming up and which galleries will be knocking heads against each other....

We'll start with Lawndale. I heard from Jimmy Castillo via e-mail that on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Lawndale Art Center will be hosting a reception for their Open Studio Exhibition and Sale by visiting artists from New Orleans, including Ron Bechet, Lory Lockwood, Robin Levy, John Scott and Michael Guidry in Lawndale's Third Floor Studios. The studios will be open through Dec. 10 during regular gallery hours. Lawndale Art Center is located at 4912 Main Street in the Museum District. Free parking is available on the corner of Rosedale and Travis. For more information, call (713) 528-5858. My compliments to you too, Jimmy, for not having this event on a Saturday night. Everybody, go check this out after you get off work on Wednesday.

Redbud Gallery is currently presenting "Meanwhile Back at the Ranch" by Hudson Marquez through Dec. 31. This was one of the shows I wanted to attend the opening of on Saturday but didn't make it. But no worries Gus, I'll catch it this weekend! Located at 303 E 11th Street, at the corner of East 11th and Cortlandt Street, adjacent to Tembo Collaborative Fine Arts Printmaking, PRD Antiques 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.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, as I previously mentioned, 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. 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.

You are also aware by now that Maranda Pleasant is also having a show on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Deco, located at 510 Gray Street. But did you also know that the show will benefit Toys for Tots? For more information, call (713) 659-4900.

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.

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. (Shameless plug: Buy something of mine while you're at it! I will be there.) Anyway, 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.

Also kicking off that same day will be 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. I know that Dune Patten will be happy if you can make these shows.

Also on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., John Palmer is offering "Holiday Cheer" at The 17th, located at 722 & 726 West 17th Street, in The Heights. Beside's John's artwork, Chris Silkwood, Sandra Colley and Liz Conces Spencer will also have work on view. For more information, or to RSVP, call (713) 861-6726. There will also be an open studio the next day, Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And don't forget, Gallery 19 will be having a group show on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005, which is only one week before Christmas Eve. 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. Heidi, Kyle and the Gallery 19 artists will be glad to see you. There's good work there -- buy something! In case you are feeling extremely generous, you can buy me some art by Julie Zarate, Jill Griffith or Xsemaj. I also wouldn't mind that huge fish painting by Michael-Ann Belin. Are you listening Santa (or his helpers)?

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

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 the holidays, playing zu-zither-kar-zay, eating the last can of Who hash and carving the rare Who roast beast.

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