Tribe Report

'Martin de Vore'

A Tribal Wave of Art

Happy New Year! I hope that you are all enjoying the last week of 2005 -- the halfway point of the decade of the 2000s. To you gallery owners, I hope that you all sold a lot in December. To my fellow artists, I hope that your sales, productivity and creativity are soaring.

There is a lot coming up in January of 2006 -- the Yale Street Arts Market, "My Gold Pocketbook" at M2, "Ancient Language" at Sippora, "Passion" and the "HBU Students' Show" at The Studio Gallery, Bale Allen's new works at Redbud and many more events that you all haven't put up on your own sites yet. I'm sure that Lawndale, Wayne Gilbert, Winter Street and Gallery 19 will have something in January as well. So, that'll give me something to talk about in the coming weeks.

But first, a few items from the past week.

As you might guess, there wasn't a lot going on during the past week in terms of major events at most of the tribal tabernacles. People were getting ready to spend time with their families, going to celebrations, traveling or just enjoying some well-deserved rest.

The Post-Diversionist Tribe members (Michael-Ann, Suzanne and myself) were no different. We P-Divies were occupied mostly with family visits, feasting, shopping and such. Michael-Ann had visits from her kids, family friends and a birthday celebration for Gordy on the 26th. Suzanne and Jade were up in Montreal enjoying an appropriate Christmas climate and family visits. I spent the 24th (and half of the 25th) with my ex-wife Dlorah, who was visiting from Little Rock, Arkansas.

In fact, it was Dlorah's visit that provided the basis for this next section of the Tribe Report. I will not be offended if you skip this part and proceed down the page to the January events. Basically, it's just one day's travels to some of the tribal homelands and who we saw and what we did. But it does cover a lot of tribes in its own way. Here goes...

A Tribal Christmas Eve

I have been telling Dlorah about all of you for the past half year -- some things that are true, some that are enhanced, some that are speculation and some that are outright tall tales. So naturally, I had to give her the tour of all of our tribal locations.

We started by driving by our Yale Street Arts Market space, which will soon be part of history as the Market is moving over to 19th Street (I think Mitch sent an e-mail to just about everyone about that). From there, we went to M2 Gallery. She got to meet Max and Michael and was impressed by the art on display there. While we were in M2, Sippora's own Amy Meyers came in along with her sister and Todd, whose injured finger from August seems to have healed nicely. Before they continued their shopping excursion down 19th Street, Amy reminded me about Sippora's upcoming "Ancient Language" event on Jan. 21. From M2, Dlorah and I went next door to Gallery 19. Kate was working and Dlorah enjoyed viewing the art there as well. We then drove down to The Studio Gallery just so Dlorah could at least see the outside. I had already talked to Marie Weichman that morning to try to coordinate a visit but Dlorah arrived from Little Rock after Marie had left for Magnolia for the holiday. From The Studio Gallery, we went to Mitch and Carolyn Cohen's house. It was there that Mitch told me that the Market move was pretty much a done deal. We had a nice visit and headed off around the corner a few blocks to Redbud.

I honestly thought that our visit to Redbud Gallery would be a quick peek through the windows but that was not the case. When we arrived, Sharon ushered us in and directed us to Gus who was in the process of decorating for a party at Redbud later that day. I introduced Dlorah to Gus who then spent the next 30 minutes giving us a detailed tour -- telling us about expansion plans, showing us art and giving us a look at Texas Collaborative Fine Arts Printmaking. We had a great time. (Thanks Gus!)

We also peeked at Wayne Gilbert's new gallery that will be opening soon next door to Redbud. That will definitely make it easier when there are multiple shows opening. Instead of having to drive from Redbud to 101, now all we will have to do will be to walk through a door. I don't know whether the new gallery will really be named "The G Spot" as rumored. You'll have to ask Wayne about that one.

Our next destination was Winter Street. I drove Dlorah by and told her tales of all the great artists who toiled in those cells of creativity. Then, we drove by Spacetaker's office on Center and I explained about Spacetaker and all that they are doing for our local artists and art community.

Since Dlorah had met Amy at M2 earlier in the day, I then drove her over to see Sippora for herself and we got out and peeked through the windows. From there, we drove by Galerie Mado Chalvet on Westheimer (where Michael-Ann and I both have art on display) and then by Maranda Pleasant's house -- the place where art and fire dancing meet -- kind of like the Moulin Rouge!

We finished our tour by going by the former Diversionist hangout of Cafe Artiste and then back to Humble.

Now, that wasn't so bad was it...? Could have been worse...I could have shown you slides! Look how many tribe territories we passed through. I felt like I was working for an art version of National Geographic.

Now...what you have been waiting for...

January 2006 -- The Tribes Emerge

Okay, now that you've had your holiday appetizer, it's time for the main course -- January's events. Specifically, so far, that means the Yale Street Arts Market, "My Gold Pocketbook" at M2, "Ancient Language" at Sippora, "Passion" and the "HBU Students' Show" at Studio Gallery and Bale Allen's new works at Redbud.

This just in....

Dune Patten asked me to announce that there will be a closing reception for the artists of the $100 Box Show on Jan. 5, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Mind Puddles Gallery and at Bering & James Gallery. Dune 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. Bering & James is located at 2482 Bolsover (at Kelvin) between Morningside and Kelvin. For more information, call Bering and James at (713) 529-0351.

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.

Counting Down...Yale Street Arts Market

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

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.

I love time travel. This event should be a good opportunity to experience it without having to fold space, ride telepathic Pernese dragons, or talk with Frank the metallic-faced rabbit. And, if this event is like the others that Max and Michael put on, there should be some good food, drink and that great punch!

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

Ancient Language

Oh my God! Or gods, in this particular case. It's time for another Sippora show. That means throw away your preconceived notions about what an art opening reception should be. Especially with this one. According to Sippora goddess Amy Meyers, those who attend are encouraged to "let us unite the old with the new" and "celebrate the beginning of 2006 in either Egyptian or toga attire." I can only imagine. No, I can't. But you know what? I'm in! I will be there in a toga. I told Amy that if I had hair, I'd probably look like Bluto from Animal House but since I don't, and since I have a time-appropriate beard, I'd look more like Socrates (pronounced So Krates) as in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. Of course, now that I think about it, I look a lot like Zeus, too. I can live with that as long as I get to hurl thunderbolts at people. Seriously, it will be fun. Amy's events always are. Those of you who attend really ought to dress up. I can think of quite a few of my female friends who I wouldn't mind seeing wearing Egyptian outfits. Those images would serve as muses for many besides me I think.

Still, as cool and fun as this will be, it should be remembered that it is an art opening after all -- not just a Bacchanalian frenzy of archaeological archetypes. The featured "Ancient Language" artists will be Ray Phillips, Lacey Crawford, and Pam Knox. So bring your Rosetta Stone and translate that "Ancient Language" into a good time on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sippora. Sippora Gallery is located at 234 West Gray, between Montrose and Downtown Houston. For more information, call (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. No, that doesn't mean that Marie is a desperate non-housewife with a two-hour window for fulfillment. "Passion" is a show generously hosted by Marie Weichman and the product of (and curated by) that artistically altruistic pair -- Mitch and Carolyn Cohen. The description of the show states: "Ten artists will display their "passion" for creating through imagery and form in this group exhibition." The artists are: 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 (at this point, I categorically deny everything said about me!). That being the case, I think you'll agree this could be one of the more unusual shows of the season. Passion...what am I passionate about....? Godzilla movies? Fried shrimp? Starbucks? Arctic climates? French women? The possibilities are positively frightening! And that's just me.

Seriously though, it should be an interesting show 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 always means good food and drink to boot. Plus, I think 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!

Also...A Look At The Future

During the month of January, The Studio Gallery will also be featuring the work of the HBU senior semester students. As Marie puts it, "Check out what the next crop is producing!" Good advice there. So make an appointment to view their work too!

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.

Coda

Well, that about covers it for this Tribe Report for the last week of 2005, the last week of the first half of the decade. See you out there in your tribal homelands!

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 toga parties at Sippora and visiting members of other tribes in their own territories.

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