Archway Gallery Exhibitions - 2012
The Painter and The Potter
Mary Davis & Albert Goldreich
December 1 - January 3, 2012
Archway Gallery presents The Painter and The Potter featuring watermedia artist Mary L. Davis and guest artist, potter, Albert Goldreich. The exhibition will be on view December 1, 2012 through January 3, 2013.
The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery. Both artists will talk about their work during the opening reception.
These artists were drawn to each other’s work through a mutual appreciation of using a limited palette and expressive bold design concepts. Although the mediums are very different, painting and pottery, the use of color and unusual design techniques and applications flow in concert making this a one-of-a-kind exhibit.
Each piece created by Davis continues her devotion to the use of a very limited palette and non-structured approach. The paintings for this show have been created over the past two years and held specifically for this exhibit. “In my mind they are the best-of-the-best of the artwork created over the past two years,” Davis says. “Life has been good. Watching my family grow and prosper has inspired extreme joy which is expressed through this collection.”
Using primarily acrylic paints, Davis uses diverse tools on a variety of surfaces to create abstract paintings with depth and personal expression. Although each painting is personal to this
artist, her desire is that the viewer finds their own meaning in each piece. Davis says that she enjoys hearing what the viewer sees in a piece because it is so often different from her own visualization.
Davis came to the art world after 20 plus years in the corporate environment and being president of her own firm. Since retiring in 2007, she has worked full-time as an artist out of her home studio in northwest Houston. She is a past president of the Watercolor Art Society-Houston (WAS-H), signature member of the Watercolor Honor Society and Texas Watercolor Society. Her work has been exhibited in numerous solo exhibits over the past several years. Davis has been a member of Archway Gallery for the past three years.
Goldreich, the potter and guest artist brings to life a remarkable combination of vivid, textured designs, overlaid with unusual techniques of glaze application. Goldreich approaches each piece as an individual work of art. His passion for the craft is evident in this presentation of all new works which exemplify the creative heart and soul of this extraordinary craftsman.
Goldreich’s fascination for clay began back in 1975 while living in South Africa and studying with well-known South African potter, Digby Hoets. Goldreich immigrated to the United States in 1981 and turned his love for pottery into a full-time profession in 2005. Whether creating by hand or using the potter's wheel, his unique designs reflect not only his South African heritage, but encompass contemporary and universal appeal, as his work is both functional and decorative.
“The fact that the clay can be manipulated by throwing on the potter’s wheel, pinched, cut, coiled, slabbed, textured and joined is especially appealing to me,” Goldreich said. “After more than 30 years, I still find pottery to be a never-ending challenge as I constantly attempt new ideas, driven by my passion for this craft.”
An interesting fact about Goldreich - he holds the world record of 18 hours and 3 minutes for "continuous throwing on the potter’s wheel by one person" beating the previous record by one hour as published in the book "The Book of Alternative Records." His work can be found in many private collections. Goldreich is a past member of Archway Gallery.
Inappropriate for Public Space
John Slaby
November 2 - 29, 2012
Archway Gallery presents Inappropriate for a Public Space featuring work by artist John Slaby. The exhibit will be on view November 3 through December 6, 2012.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery and will talk about his work during the opening reception.
The title for this show came about from some of Slaby’s recent experiences in applying to juried competitions which were to hang in public spaces, such as the lobby of an office building. To avoid controversy, the rules for such exhibits preclude any work involving sex, violence and religion; to which Slaby thought: “Well, that’s pretty much most of my work.” Sometimes he gets solicitations for hospitals, which, of course, would also preclude the subject of death; to which he says: “Well, that pretty much covers the rest of my work.”
In the past Slaby has structured his solo shows around particular themes. Lately he has abandoned this restrictive idea for the freedom to paint whatever he is drawn to. The result is an eclectic show in a variety of styles and subjects. Slaby considers himself an artist in the Romantic tradition and bases his works on personal experience seeking a strong connection with his audience.
The show offers thoughts on those aforementioned topics: sex, violence, religion and death as well as some others. Slaby explains, “I like to think that each work offers the viewer a subject of contemplation and, hopefully, connection and enlightenment, which is the motivation of my work.”
Some of these pieces are deeply personal. For example, there is a piece featuring four dear friends who died at an early age. There are also several self-portraits, a subject seldom approached by Slaby. “Although very personal, my hope is that these experiences will connect with my audience. I don’t expect to sell these works, but I do hope they establish a foundation for my art in the mind of the visitor,” says Slaby.
There are also a number of appropriate paintings – as Slaby says “even Grandma will like.” For example, a small series of windmill paintings inspired by his many trips to the Texas panhandle will be featured, though with Slaby, one should never expect the obvious.
When asked to discuss his process, Slaby explained, “I work almost exclusively in oils and stretch my own canvases. I work in layers, which imparts richness to the paintings reminiscent of the great masters. My images are based upon my own photographs (with very few exceptions). For my still lifes, I arrange them in my studio and shoot under very controlled lighting conditions – often mixing incandescent and LED light to get a wider color range. The images are often computer manipulated to achieve the desired effects. Only then does the painting start. My work begins where the photographer has finished. My paintings are not strict copies of the photographs, however, as there are myriad changes made as the painting process progresses as I seek to transcend the photograph.”
Born and raised in New York City, Slaby has been a resident of the Houston area for 25 years. With no formal training in art, he holds a doctorate in Chemical Engineering. He has been pursuing his art work seriously since his first outdoor show in 1989 at the then-called Westheimer Art Festival (now the Bayou City Arts Festival).
Slaby has had numerous gallery shows in the Houston area and has received awards in numerous juried exhibitions. Slaby joined Archway Gallery in 1993 and is currently serving as both Treasurer and Director of the gallery.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery and will talk about his work during the opening reception.
The title for this show came about from some of Slaby’s recent experiences in applying to juried competitions which were to hang in public spaces, such as the lobby of an office building. To avoid controversy, the rules for such exhibits preclude any work involving sex, violence and religion; to which Slaby thought: “Well, that’s pretty much most of my work.” Sometimes he gets solicitations for hospitals, which, of course, would also preclude the subject of death; to which he says: “Well, that pretty much covers the rest of my work.”
In the past Slaby has structured his solo shows around particular themes. Lately he has abandoned this restrictive idea for the freedom to paint whatever he is drawn to. The result is an eclectic show in a variety of styles and subjects. Slaby considers himself an artist in the Romantic tradition and bases his works on personal experience seeking a strong connection with his audience.
The show offers thoughts on those aforementioned topics: sex, violence, religion and death as well as some others. Slaby explains, “I like to think that each work offers the viewer a subject of contemplation and, hopefully, connection and enlightenment, which is the motivation of my work.”
Some of these pieces are deeply personal. For example, there is a piece featuring four dear friends who died at an early age. There are also several self-portraits, a subject seldom approached by Slaby. “Although very personal, my hope is that these experiences will connect with my audience. I don’t expect to sell these works, but I do hope they establish a foundation for my art in the mind of the visitor,” says Slaby.
There are also a number of appropriate paintings – as Slaby says “even Grandma will like.” For example, a small series of windmill paintings inspired by his many trips to the Texas panhandle will be featured, though with Slaby, one should never expect the obvious.
When asked to discuss his process, Slaby explained, “I work almost exclusively in oils and stretch my own canvases. I work in layers, which imparts richness to the paintings reminiscent of the great masters. My images are based upon my own photographs (with very few exceptions). For my still lifes, I arrange them in my studio and shoot under very controlled lighting conditions – often mixing incandescent and LED light to get a wider color range. The images are often computer manipulated to achieve the desired effects. Only then does the painting start. My work begins where the photographer has finished. My paintings are not strict copies of the photographs, however, as there are myriad changes made as the painting process progresses as I seek to transcend the photograph.”
Born and raised in New York City, Slaby has been a resident of the Houston area for 25 years. With no formal training in art, he holds a doctorate in Chemical Engineering. He has been pursuing his art work seriously since his first outdoor show in 1989 at the then-called Westheimer Art Festival (now the Bayou City Arts Festival).
Slaby has had numerous gallery shows in the Houston area and has received awards in numerous juried exhibitions. Slaby joined Archway Gallery in 1993 and is currently serving as both Treasurer and Director of the gallery.
John Slaby, artist talk, opening reception
Parallel Journey - Cookie Wells & Madilyn Stein
October 5 - November 1, 2012
Archway Gallery presents Parallel Journey featuring Archway artist Cookie Wells and guest artist Madilyn Stein. The exhibition will be on view October 6 through November 1, 2012.
The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery. Both artists will talk about their work during the opening reception.
These two longtime friends come together in an exhibit that accentuates the differences and similarities in their work, highlighting the source of their creativity, which comes from deep within.
“Emotion, movement, action – when these descriptive words are combined with bright vivid watercolor, that’s the direction I am taking my art,” said Wells, who has a passion for color and texture. “I do not limit my subject matter,” Wells explains. “In portraits or figure studies of mysterious quality, a new plane of reality is tested. The palette remains strong and bold; however, the shapes and flowing color suggest harmony and pleasure.”
Wells was inspired by the artistic talents of family members. She continued that tradition by receiving BS in Commercial Art from Lamar University, Beaumont, TX and continuing her art education at Glassell School of Art, MFAH where Arthur Turner became her teacher/mentor extraordinaire. Her work is in private collections across the country and has been shown in Houston area galleries such as DeZeta, Square Moon, Baquero, Bering and James and M2 Galleries. She is a long time member of Archway Gallery, as well as a member of WILVA (Women in Visual and Literary Arts; currently serving as vice president), Lawndale Art Center, Watercolor Arts Society of Houston (WAS-H), Watercolor USA Honor Society and Art League Houston.
Stein’s patrons often tell her that her oil paintings evoke humor, fantasy and spiritual sentimentality. With those nouns in mind, her journey continues to transform. Yellow, purple, various shades of red, green and blue have given life to these thirty-six by forty-eight canvases. “I am inspired by the mysteries, hidden meanings and desires that we humans attempt to deny, conceal or hide in our psyche,” Stein said.
Stein has been a working artist since 1987. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and considers herself trained through life’s peripheral nature. Stein has shown her work in numerous group and one woman shows across the US. Her work is in private and commercial collections. Stein is a member of numerous art organizations including Women in the visual and Literary Arts (WIVLA) and Visual Arts Alliance. She was with Archway Gallery from 2007-2010 and returns for this exhibit as a guest artist. Stein now works from her studio at Winter Street Studios in Houston.
Cookie Wells & Madilyn Stein talking about their show at the opening reception.
Perspectives X2 - Tom Irven & Marsha Harris
August 31 - November 4, 2012
August 31 - November 4, 2012
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Archway Gallery presents Perspectives X2 featuring watercolor artist Marsha Harris Solomon and wood artist Thomas R. Irven. The exhibition will be on view August 31 through October 4, 2012.
The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery. Both artists will talk about their work during the opening reception and then host live demonstrations on September 16 and 23 at 2 pm.
This exhibit brings together the artwork of two seemingly very different artists, one who works in classic watercolor and the other in wood. Watercolors created by Harris, thought of as light and airy, have weight and substance while wood creations by Irven are beautifully light. These artists blend seemingly disparate materials to create a shared vision and distinct perspective through their work.
The exhibition has special meaning to Soloman, as it is the first time she is exhibiting her art work following the death of her husband nearly two years ago. “I found new beauty and purpose in everything around me after my husband passed away and my initial shock and grief had abated,” said Solomon. “I sought to paint quintessential examples of poignant beauty in nature and in human life, to bring those images forth to captivate the viewer.”
Solomon is a nationally recognized water media artist with the rare honor of holding Signature Status in eight Watercolor Societies across the U.S. Her distinguished career includes holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; a 45-year career in drafting; being Past President and Signature Member of Watercolor Art Society – Houston (WAS-H); teaching and demonstrating her phenomenal skills as a water media artist throughout the Houston Region and exhibiting her work for the past 18 years at Archway Gallery. Solomon’s work has been published in the national Watercolor Magic magazine and Arts Houston magazine. She continues teaching beginning watercolor at WAS-H and her work is frequently included in their juried exhibits.
Irven is a wood artist who has been producing mixed media and wood art, wood-turnings and custom furniture in his Bellaire, Texas studio since 1987. Much of Irven’s work is a bit off-center and incorporates other media including wrought iron, forged steel, wire, thread, glass and pigments. His primarily lathe fashioned forms are manipulated and used in various ways to produce interesting and unique creations. Irven is always looking for something fresh and different in his work.
Irven was a 2012 Niche Award finalist and an exhibiting artist in the “Crafting Live(s): 10 Years of Artists-in-Residence” at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, Texas. Irven’s work is included in the Lark Books publication 400 Wood Boxes: The Fine Art of Containment and Concealment.
The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, September 8, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery. Both artists will talk about their work during the opening reception and then host live demonstrations on September 16 and 23 at 2 pm.
This exhibit brings together the artwork of two seemingly very different artists, one who works in classic watercolor and the other in wood. Watercolors created by Harris, thought of as light and airy, have weight and substance while wood creations by Irven are beautifully light. These artists blend seemingly disparate materials to create a shared vision and distinct perspective through their work.
The exhibition has special meaning to Soloman, as it is the first time she is exhibiting her art work following the death of her husband nearly two years ago. “I found new beauty and purpose in everything around me after my husband passed away and my initial shock and grief had abated,” said Solomon. “I sought to paint quintessential examples of poignant beauty in nature and in human life, to bring those images forth to captivate the viewer.”
Solomon is a nationally recognized water media artist with the rare honor of holding Signature Status in eight Watercolor Societies across the U.S. Her distinguished career includes holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree; a 45-year career in drafting; being Past President and Signature Member of Watercolor Art Society – Houston (WAS-H); teaching and demonstrating her phenomenal skills as a water media artist throughout the Houston Region and exhibiting her work for the past 18 years at Archway Gallery. Solomon’s work has been published in the national Watercolor Magic magazine and Arts Houston magazine. She continues teaching beginning watercolor at WAS-H and her work is frequently included in their juried exhibits.
Irven is a wood artist who has been producing mixed media and wood art, wood-turnings and custom furniture in his Bellaire, Texas studio since 1987. Much of Irven’s work is a bit off-center and incorporates other media including wrought iron, forged steel, wire, thread, glass and pigments. His primarily lathe fashioned forms are manipulated and used in various ways to produce interesting and unique creations. Irven is always looking for something fresh and different in his work.
Irven was a 2012 Niche Award finalist and an exhibiting artist in the “Crafting Live(s): 10 Years of Artists-in-Residence” at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston, Texas. Irven’s work is included in the Lark Books publication 400 Wood Boxes: The Fine Art of Containment and Concealment.
Sky, Trees and Earth - Mararet Miller
Impressions of Texas Landscape
August 7 - 31, 2012
August 7 - 31, 2012
The oil paintings featured in “Sky, Trees and Earth” are impressions of Texas landscapes. Margaret Miller draws inspiration from the beauty of places like Brazos Bend State Park and the Texas Hill Country.
“I like to investigate the sense of emotions that can be tapped with the use of color. The style that is most dear to my heart is Impressionism. I like to work in oils, capturing the play of light, tone, color and atmosphere rather than details.” she explains.
Before she ever picks up a paint brush to begin a painting, Miller spends time in nature, in the spots that most inspire. She makes a sketch of the scene, jots down notes about what it is that attracted her to that particular location and then takes a picture. She works off of the photographs she takes to complete her masterpieces in the comfort of her own home art studio.
Miller, who was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1952, spent three summer of her childhood visiting an aunt in Washington, D.C. During those trips, Margaret, her sister and her aunt would often visit museums together. Young Margaret would often select the National Gallery of Art as the museum she most wanted to visit, and thus, her appreciation of art began.
Her interest in art was supported by her parents whose encouragement allowed her to spend most of her childhood and teen years taking private lessons and painting. When it came time to go to college, she chose the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where her work centered on graphic design. After graduation she moved to Houston, Texas and began to work in the field of visual communication and continued to paint to fulfill her desire for self-expression.
Houston has been her home for more than 20 years. Miller has been a member of Archway Gallery for the past three years.
Great write-up on Miller's show in the Houston Press!
“I like to investigate the sense of emotions that can be tapped with the use of color. The style that is most dear to my heart is Impressionism. I like to work in oils, capturing the play of light, tone, color and atmosphere rather than details.” she explains.
Before she ever picks up a paint brush to begin a painting, Miller spends time in nature, in the spots that most inspire. She makes a sketch of the scene, jots down notes about what it is that attracted her to that particular location and then takes a picture. She works off of the photographs she takes to complete her masterpieces in the comfort of her own home art studio.
Miller, who was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1952, spent three summer of her childhood visiting an aunt in Washington, D.C. During those trips, Margaret, her sister and her aunt would often visit museums together. Young Margaret would often select the National Gallery of Art as the museum she most wanted to visit, and thus, her appreciation of art began.
Her interest in art was supported by her parents whose encouragement allowed her to spend most of her childhood and teen years taking private lessons and painting. When it came time to go to college, she chose the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where her work centered on graphic design. After graduation she moved to Houston, Texas and began to work in the field of visual communication and continued to paint to fulfill her desire for self-expression.
Houston has been her home for more than 20 years. Miller has been a member of Archway Gallery for the past three years.
Great write-up on Miller's show in the Houston Press!
Christie Coker - Musicality
June 2 - July 5, 2012
Opening Reception, Saturday, June 2, 5 - 8 pm
Classical Guitarist Edward Grigassy will perform 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Opening Reception, Saturday, June 2, 5 - 8 pm
Classical Guitarist Edward Grigassy will perform 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Archway Gallery presents Musicality featuring artist Christie Coker. The exhibit features a collection of recent drawings and paintings which focus on the world of music and the various sensations it evokes. The exhibition will be on view June 2 – July 5.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 2 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
Coker believes that music is a universal language where each of us has sensitivity to, knowledge of, or a talent making us “one with the music.” Her creative approach to the pieces in “Musicality” blend her love of various styles of music with her love of drawing and painting.
The sights and sounds from blues bars to outdoor festivals inspire Coker’s visual imagery. Often the music playing in her studio dictates the style or media of a specific work of art. A heartfelt blues song might be playing as she brushes powdered graphite and washes alcohol over the surface of paper which later is layered with charcoal and pastels giving the piece a moodiness that correlates to the music.
Color can add mood to a work of art, but specific strokes with a brush or drawing tool can also evoke emotion. Coker suggests that soft color with gently curving strokes might be the visual interpretation of a quiet classical piece of music while bold color with angular strokes could easily be visualized as lively jazz.
Coker received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in Art from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Upon graduation, she taught art in the Beaumont area before moving to Houston where she continued teaching art in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Coker was named Spotlight Teacher of the Year before ending her full-time teaching career to pursue life as a working artist. Christie Coker has been a member of Archway Gallery since 2001.
Coker’s love of nature, music and the human figure influences the artistic themes she pursues; her work is collected both nationally and internationally. She has been involved in the city’s arts community through her association with the Visual Arts Alliance, the Watercolor Art Society of Houston and Women in the Visual and Literary Arts. She has also served as Curriculum Director for City ArtWorks, a non-profit organization providing artistic enrichment to elementary and middle school students in the greater Houston area.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, June 2 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
Coker believes that music is a universal language where each of us has sensitivity to, knowledge of, or a talent making us “one with the music.” Her creative approach to the pieces in “Musicality” blend her love of various styles of music with her love of drawing and painting.
The sights and sounds from blues bars to outdoor festivals inspire Coker’s visual imagery. Often the music playing in her studio dictates the style or media of a specific work of art. A heartfelt blues song might be playing as she brushes powdered graphite and washes alcohol over the surface of paper which later is layered with charcoal and pastels giving the piece a moodiness that correlates to the music.
Color can add mood to a work of art, but specific strokes with a brush or drawing tool can also evoke emotion. Coker suggests that soft color with gently curving strokes might be the visual interpretation of a quiet classical piece of music while bold color with angular strokes could easily be visualized as lively jazz.
Coker received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in Art from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Upon graduation, she taught art in the Beaumont area before moving to Houston where she continued teaching art in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Coker was named Spotlight Teacher of the Year before ending her full-time teaching career to pursue life as a working artist. Christie Coker has been a member of Archway Gallery since 2001.
Coker’s love of nature, music and the human figure influences the artistic themes she pursues; her work is collected both nationally and internationally. She has been involved in the city’s arts community through her association with the Visual Arts Alliance, the Watercolor Art Society of Houston and Women in the Visual and Literary Arts. She has also served as Curriculum Director for City ArtWorks, a non-profit organization providing artistic enrichment to elementary and middle school students in the greater Houston area.
Trudy Askew - Pretense II
May 5 - 31, 2012
Opening Reception, Saturday, May 5, 5 - 8 p.m.
Opening Reception, Saturday, May 5, 5 - 8 p.m.
Archway Gallery presents Pretense, featuring artist Trudy Askew.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 5 - 8 pm at the gallery.
The paintings featured in Pretense portray the surreal human circus. The actors Askew creates identify themselves one mask at a time, by concealing their identities and by establishing new ones. These performers invite the audience into the big top with them, barely pulling back the curtain to reveal the artifice behind the show. As observers, our response is bittersweet. The play casts the "brave face" we wear in public under a new spotlight, revealing the fragility of this mask that conceals and protects our true personae.
"We all populate this vast theater, this house of mirrors, where things are not always as they seem," explains Askew.
These narratives are revealed through a blend of portraiture and contemporary realism. Depicting scenes between the obvious and the hidden, Askew places her subjects at a temporal distance. Just as foreign travel heightens the way we perceive our familiar environs, vintage images sharpen the viewer's perception and receptivity to meaning. Askew employs a color palette reminiscent of Renaissance paintings to further imply this backward glance in time.
Among her favorite subjects, children and animals are the stars in "Pretense." They wear their costumes with innocence and blind trust, made all the more poignant by the masks and roles we assume as adults.
Born and raised in San Diego, Calif., Askew states that she has always been an artist and as such pursued an extensive education in fine arts. She attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, but left because of the distraction of student riots over the Vietnam War. She received her B.F.A. from the University of Texas, and fell in love with the state, particularly Austin. Other stops along the way include magical summers spent in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Universidad de Artes Plasticas; adventures in Valencia, Spain at the Universidad de Valencia and The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Skowhegan, Maine. She received her M.F.A. from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Askew moved to Houston in 1975 and found an open and welcoming atmosphere for her work. Her art received recognition: she won competitions; received positive media coverage and became an active member of the Houston art community. She fell in love, married and raised a family. Over the course of her career, she has been a teacher and educator for more than 25 years and describes her classrooms as exciting, crazy and experimental. Her students were passionate about art and she learned as much as they did.
Living in Sugar Land, Askew paints full time and is still in love with Texas.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 5 - 8 pm at the gallery.
The paintings featured in Pretense portray the surreal human circus. The actors Askew creates identify themselves one mask at a time, by concealing their identities and by establishing new ones. These performers invite the audience into the big top with them, barely pulling back the curtain to reveal the artifice behind the show. As observers, our response is bittersweet. The play casts the "brave face" we wear in public under a new spotlight, revealing the fragility of this mask that conceals and protects our true personae.
"We all populate this vast theater, this house of mirrors, where things are not always as they seem," explains Askew.
These narratives are revealed through a blend of portraiture and contemporary realism. Depicting scenes between the obvious and the hidden, Askew places her subjects at a temporal distance. Just as foreign travel heightens the way we perceive our familiar environs, vintage images sharpen the viewer's perception and receptivity to meaning. Askew employs a color palette reminiscent of Renaissance paintings to further imply this backward glance in time.
Among her favorite subjects, children and animals are the stars in "Pretense." They wear their costumes with innocence and blind trust, made all the more poignant by the masks and roles we assume as adults.
Born and raised in San Diego, Calif., Askew states that she has always been an artist and as such pursued an extensive education in fine arts. She attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, but left because of the distraction of student riots over the Vietnam War. She received her B.F.A. from the University of Texas, and fell in love with the state, particularly Austin. Other stops along the way include magical summers spent in Guadalajara, Mexico at the Universidad de Artes Plasticas; adventures in Valencia, Spain at the Universidad de Valencia and The Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Skowhegan, Maine. She received her M.F.A. from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Askew moved to Houston in 1975 and found an open and welcoming atmosphere for her work. Her art received recognition: she won competitions; received positive media coverage and became an active member of the Houston art community. She fell in love, married and raised a family. Over the course of her career, she has been a teacher and educator for more than 25 years and describes her classrooms as exciting, crazy and experimental. Her students were passionate about art and she learned as much as they did.
Living in Sugar Land, Askew paints full time and is still in love with Texas.
Sylvia Cameron - Umbrian Landscapes
April 7- May 3, 2012
Opening Reception, Saturday April 14, 5 - 8 pm
Houston, Texas (January 30, 2012) – Archway Gallery presents Umbrian Landscapes featuring works by watercolor artist Sylvia Cameron. The exhibition will be on view April 7 – May 3, 2012.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
The exhibit features the beautiful landscapes of Umbria, Italy, depicting the grand villas, hilltop towns, olive groves and architecture. During three trips to central Italy in the province of Umbria, Cameron was captivated by the beauty and charm of the area. While there, she would make daily trips to the nearby hilltop towns to photograph, sketch and paint.
Cameron’s paintings articulate the unique atmosphere of the towns she visited and serve as a kaleidoscope of her memories of the scenes that captured her fascination. “I think it is the light and shadows that so captivated me,” explains Cameron. “I enjoy trying to get the details as close to reality as I can.”
Cameron’s technique includes sketching her plan onto watercolor paper and applying layers of washes to build up rich surfaces. She progresses to darker and darker values to capture the deep shadows, making the colors even brighter. Remembering that there are no lines in nature, only value changes, she incorporates details to give her subjects the realistic touch for which her paintings are so well known.
Cameron, a long time resident of The Woodlands, Texas, has an avid interest in depicting the world around her, whether it is the people she has encountered on her travels or the natural environment in her own back yard. She is able to capture the rhythm in vivid colors and almost photographic realism. Her ability to accomplish this in watercolor, which is traditionally thought to be pale and fluid, is a triumph she enjoys.
After graduating from the University of Houston with an Art Education Certificate, Cameron obtained her masters in Art Education from Sam Houston State University. She taught art in both elementary and high school for eight years. During this time, she pursued her interest in pottery, sculpture, watercolor and photography while traveling and honing her skills in art classes and workshops. Most notable of her instructors were Polly Hammett and Virginia Cobb.
She went to Umbria, Italy to attend workshops at La Romeda Art School. While there she visited many hilltop towns, some dating back to the fifteenth century , spent countless hours sketching, painting and photographing the ancient towns and enjoying the local food and wine, all of which inspired her current exhibit, Umbrian Landscapes.
Sylvia Cameron is presently showing her work in two local galleries - in Old Town Spring at The Garden of the Dragonfly and in Houston at Archway Gallery.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
The exhibit features the beautiful landscapes of Umbria, Italy, depicting the grand villas, hilltop towns, olive groves and architecture. During three trips to central Italy in the province of Umbria, Cameron was captivated by the beauty and charm of the area. While there, she would make daily trips to the nearby hilltop towns to photograph, sketch and paint.
Cameron’s paintings articulate the unique atmosphere of the towns she visited and serve as a kaleidoscope of her memories of the scenes that captured her fascination. “I think it is the light and shadows that so captivated me,” explains Cameron. “I enjoy trying to get the details as close to reality as I can.”
Cameron’s technique includes sketching her plan onto watercolor paper and applying layers of washes to build up rich surfaces. She progresses to darker and darker values to capture the deep shadows, making the colors even brighter. Remembering that there are no lines in nature, only value changes, she incorporates details to give her subjects the realistic touch for which her paintings are so well known.
Cameron, a long time resident of The Woodlands, Texas, has an avid interest in depicting the world around her, whether it is the people she has encountered on her travels or the natural environment in her own back yard. She is able to capture the rhythm in vivid colors and almost photographic realism. Her ability to accomplish this in watercolor, which is traditionally thought to be pale and fluid, is a triumph she enjoys.
After graduating from the University of Houston with an Art Education Certificate, Cameron obtained her masters in Art Education from Sam Houston State University. She taught art in both elementary and high school for eight years. During this time, she pursued her interest in pottery, sculpture, watercolor and photography while traveling and honing her skills in art classes and workshops. Most notable of her instructors were Polly Hammett and Virginia Cobb.
She went to Umbria, Italy to attend workshops at La Romeda Art School. While there she visited many hilltop towns, some dating back to the fifteenth century , spent countless hours sketching, painting and photographing the ancient towns and enjoying the local food and wine, all of which inspired her current exhibit, Umbrian Landscapes.
Sylvia Cameron is presently showing her work in two local galleries - in Old Town Spring at The Garden of the Dragonfly and in Houston at Archway Gallery.
Opening reception, Sylvia Cameron talk, April 14, 2012
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Fikry Botros A Day in the Life March 3 - April 5, 2012 |
Archway Gallery presents f stops in black & color by photographer Fikry Botros from February 4 through March 3, 2011. The exhibition features black and white as well as color photographs of people in their natural landscapes and moments captured from our everyday lives.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, February 5 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
Deeply influenced by the variety of cultures that coexist in his native Egypt, Botros developed his interest in photography at a very early age. Throughout the years he has developed his own style in photographing people, architecture and city life. With his camera as his constant companion, he has travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. His art captures images through a sensitive eye which invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of shades, colors and forms.
An engineer by profession, Botros left Egypt at age 23 and moved to New York to complete his graduate degrees at Columbia University. He moved to Texas in 1982 where he continues to live and work. Since 2005, Botros’ work has been exhibited at a variety of venues throughout Houston. Botros has been an Archway Gallery member since June, 2010.
The artist will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, February 5 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery.
Deeply influenced by the variety of cultures that coexist in his native Egypt, Botros developed his interest in photography at a very early age. Throughout the years he has developed his own style in photographing people, architecture and city life. With his camera as his constant companion, he has travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the US. His art captures images through a sensitive eye which invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of shades, colors and forms.
An engineer by profession, Botros left Egypt at age 23 and moved to New York to complete his graduate degrees at Columbia University. He moved to Texas in 1982 where he continues to live and work. Since 2005, Botros’ work has been exhibited at a variety of venues throughout Houston. Botros has been an Archway Gallery member since June, 2010.
Gene Hester & Liz Conces Spencer
Generation - a collaboration of glass & paintings
February 3 - March 4, 2012
Archway Gallery presents GENERATION, an exhibition of collaborative and solo artworksby Gene Hester and Liz Conces Spencer. The exhibition will be on view February 3 through March 1, 2012.
The artists will visit with guests during the opening reception on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 5 – 8 PM at the gallery. They will offer remarks and insights at 6:30 PM.
GENERATION is an ongoing source of inspiration for Gene Hester and Liz Conces Spencer, who examine visually the natural and sometimes sudden changes that occur in relationships, the environment and our own consciousness. The artists have created collaborative works in fused glass and solo works in papier-mâché and various mixed media as a complement to the more traditional styles they have typically shown. Viewers will be encouraged to relate our shared experiences with natural occurrences that have shaped and reshaped our environment, as well as the life-altering but ever-shifting events that are part of being human.
Hester and Spencer have collaborated on public and large scale projects for several years, with each artist contributing to both the design and fabrication of the artworks. They enjoy the collaborative process, a form of generation all its own, as a counterpoint to long solitary hours of studio time.
As a team, Hester and Spencer have completed works of art for Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas, the Houston Arts Alliance, the City of Houston, Silver Eagle Distributing, Cool Globes, Talento Bilingue of Houston and several individuals. Their joint projects have ranged from residential to civic art commissions, including the recently installed sculptures at Flores Neighborhood Library. The artists have enjoyed long solo careers as well. Hester owns Genesis Art Glass Studios in the upper Kirby area and Spencer develops her solo work at Mother Dog Studios in the Downtown Houston warehouse district.
The artists will visit with guests during the opening reception on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 5 – 8 PM at the gallery. They will offer remarks and insights at 6:30 PM.
GENERATION is an ongoing source of inspiration for Gene Hester and Liz Conces Spencer, who examine visually the natural and sometimes sudden changes that occur in relationships, the environment and our own consciousness. The artists have created collaborative works in fused glass and solo works in papier-mâché and various mixed media as a complement to the more traditional styles they have typically shown. Viewers will be encouraged to relate our shared experiences with natural occurrences that have shaped and reshaped our environment, as well as the life-altering but ever-shifting events that are part of being human.
Hester and Spencer have collaborated on public and large scale projects for several years, with each artist contributing to both the design and fabrication of the artworks. They enjoy the collaborative process, a form of generation all its own, as a counterpoint to long solitary hours of studio time.
As a team, Hester and Spencer have completed works of art for Camp Aranzazu in Rockport, Texas, the Houston Arts Alliance, the City of Houston, Silver Eagle Distributing, Cool Globes, Talento Bilingue of Houston and several individuals. Their joint projects have ranged from residential to civic art commissions, including the recently installed sculptures at Flores Neighborhood Library. The artists have enjoyed long solo careers as well. Hester owns Genesis Art Glass Studios in the upper Kirby area and Spencer develops her solo work at Mother Dog Studios in the Downtown Houston warehouse district.
Liz & Gene giving their talk on opening night, Saturday, February 3, 2012
Shirl Riccetti & Peggy Sexton - Andiamo!
January 7 - February 2, 2012
Archway Gallery presents Andiamo!
Archway Gallery presents Andiamo! , featuring the watercolors of Shirl Riccetti and the fiber 3-D structures of guest artist Peggy Sexton. The exhibition will be on view January 7, 2012 through February 2, 2012. The artists will be on hand to visit with guests during the exhibition opening reception on Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm at the gallery. Both artists will give introductory remarks and insights at 6:30pm.
Andiamo! …The Italian phrase which means "Let’s Go!” and speaks to the artists about the joy, wonder and humor of life’s special moments that is reflected in their work.
Riccetti’s lighthearted paintings tap into her travels across Europe and reflect the color and culture of everyday scenes in these locales. The exhibition will feature people and architecture from Riccetti’s travels, with an emphasis on vibrant colors and energy, featuring heavy lines, including contour drawing lines and heavy, dramatic bamboo brush ink lines.
Freelance artwork, calligraphy and teaching in an art enrichment program for decades have influenced Riccetti’s gallery work. She maintains professional and active memberships in organizations such as Watercolor Art Society of Houston, Visual Arts Alliance, Women in the Visual and Literary Arts and Houston Calligraphy Guild.
Sexton explores childlike images with whimsical structures. Her 3-D work presents a sophisticated style combining a “Dr. Seuss attitude” with “Spirit Houses.” Each piece explodes with color, texture and design.
Her art appreciation of nature and interest in cultural history is demonstrated through her art work. Drawn by a fascination with rich color, luxurious texture, pattern and form, sculpted surface design has become her passion. She is committed to an artistic process that celebrates creativity and the uniqueness achievable only through imperfection and artistic fallibility.
Andiamo! …The Italian phrase which means "Let’s Go!” and speaks to the artists about the joy, wonder and humor of life’s special moments that is reflected in their work.
Riccetti’s lighthearted paintings tap into her travels across Europe and reflect the color and culture of everyday scenes in these locales. The exhibition will feature people and architecture from Riccetti’s travels, with an emphasis on vibrant colors and energy, featuring heavy lines, including contour drawing lines and heavy, dramatic bamboo brush ink lines.
Freelance artwork, calligraphy and teaching in an art enrichment program for decades have influenced Riccetti’s gallery work. She maintains professional and active memberships in organizations such as Watercolor Art Society of Houston, Visual Arts Alliance, Women in the Visual and Literary Arts and Houston Calligraphy Guild.
Sexton explores childlike images with whimsical structures. Her 3-D work presents a sophisticated style combining a “Dr. Seuss attitude” with “Spirit Houses.” Each piece explodes with color, texture and design.
Her art appreciation of nature and interest in cultural history is demonstrated through her art work. Drawn by a fascination with rich color, luxurious texture, pattern and form, sculpted surface design has become her passion. She is committed to an artistic process that celebrates creativity and the uniqueness achievable only through imperfection and artistic fallibility.
Opening reception artist's talk with Shirl Riccetti & Peggy Sexton.