Archway Gallery Past Exhibitions - 2026
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Poetics of the Mundane New Paintings, Collages, Ceramic Works, and Sculptures by Silvia PintoSouza and Guest Artist Jeff Forster May 2 - June 4, 2026 |
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Archway Gallery artist, Silvia PintoSouza, and Department Head-Ceramics at The Glassell School of Art, Jeff Forster, are focusing their dual exhibit on the transitory nature of life and of the scenes and objects that fire their imagination, capturing both a sense of permanence and of transition through their artistic media.
PintoSouza’s work transforms the common objects of our lives into something more lasting and meaningful. Starting with “real” subject matter, she creates an increasingly abstract work by simplifying or stylizing colors, shapes, and textures, often using many layers of much-diluted acrylic paint to build different tonal values. This permits her to push dark areas to the background and light ones to the foreground, evoking the many translucent curtains on a stage. PintoSouza chose to work in small formats, allowing her to use a wide variety of techniques that highlight her technical skill and attention to detail. “Small works of art offer flexible, practical, and stylish ways to make a statement and add color and texture to compact spaces,” comments the artist.Forster’s work repurposes materials oftentimes inspired by cast-off agricultural and automotive parts he encountered in so-called “junk piles” during his childhood. Also, he often uses cast-off items during the building process, for example using packing materials as press molds, exploiting the negative spaces to make industrial-looking objects. In addition, he repurposes ceramic materials, such as kiln furniture, glaze waste produced in his studio, and pieces of clay from the reclaim barrel or wastepaper basket that he sees as having inherent aesthetic value. Forster is mindful of the environment—both in the sense of repurposing human-made detritus and of the profound impact of nature as a sanctuary and inspiration.
Silvia PintoSouza, a native of Colombia, received her Art and Design diploma from Byam Shaw School of Fine Art and Design (now known as Central Saint Martin’s School of Art) in London, UK. While in London, she met her husband, Marco, and moved with him to Rio de Janeiro, where she continued her training in metal printing, lithography, woodcut, and silkscreen. For the last 30 years, she has lived in Houston and has devoted herself exclusively to painting, with some sporadic escapes into ceramic. PintoSouza has exhibited her artwork in many solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and South America, and her artwork is included in collections all around the world. She joined Archway Gallery in May 2016. This is her fourth solo and two-person exhibition at Archway.
A native of rural Minnesota, Jeff Forster serves as head of the ceramics department at The Glassell School of Art, while maintaining an active studio practice. He has a BA from St. John’s University and an MFA from Southern Illinois University. He has exhibited nationally and internationally, winning awards including the Juror’s Choice Award in Ceramic Object/Conceptual Material and the Luis Jiménez Award for first place in Sculpture on Campus at Southern Illinois University. Forster was awarded the Helen Drutt Studio Fellowship with his residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and completed residencies at Atelierhaus Hilmsen in Germany, Lone Star College–North Harris in Texas, the Armory Arts Center in Florida, and Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark. Forster has served on the Artist-in-Residence Committee at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the ClayHouston board, and the Fresh Arts Artist Advisory Committee. He also has been a board member for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts for the 47th annual conference in Houston.
PintoSouza’s work transforms the common objects of our lives into something more lasting and meaningful. Starting with “real” subject matter, she creates an increasingly abstract work by simplifying or stylizing colors, shapes, and textures, often using many layers of much-diluted acrylic paint to build different tonal values. This permits her to push dark areas to the background and light ones to the foreground, evoking the many translucent curtains on a stage. PintoSouza chose to work in small formats, allowing her to use a wide variety of techniques that highlight her technical skill and attention to detail. “Small works of art offer flexible, practical, and stylish ways to make a statement and add color and texture to compact spaces,” comments the artist.Forster’s work repurposes materials oftentimes inspired by cast-off agricultural and automotive parts he encountered in so-called “junk piles” during his childhood. Also, he often uses cast-off items during the building process, for example using packing materials as press molds, exploiting the negative spaces to make industrial-looking objects. In addition, he repurposes ceramic materials, such as kiln furniture, glaze waste produced in his studio, and pieces of clay from the reclaim barrel or wastepaper basket that he sees as having inherent aesthetic value. Forster is mindful of the environment—both in the sense of repurposing human-made detritus and of the profound impact of nature as a sanctuary and inspiration.
Silvia PintoSouza, a native of Colombia, received her Art and Design diploma from Byam Shaw School of Fine Art and Design (now known as Central Saint Martin’s School of Art) in London, UK. While in London, she met her husband, Marco, and moved with him to Rio de Janeiro, where she continued her training in metal printing, lithography, woodcut, and silkscreen. For the last 30 years, she has lived in Houston and has devoted herself exclusively to painting, with some sporadic escapes into ceramic. PintoSouza has exhibited her artwork in many solo and group exhibitions throughout the United States, Europe, and South America, and her artwork is included in collections all around the world. She joined Archway Gallery in May 2016. This is her fourth solo and two-person exhibition at Archway.
A native of rural Minnesota, Jeff Forster serves as head of the ceramics department at The Glassell School of Art, while maintaining an active studio practice. He has a BA from St. John’s University and an MFA from Southern Illinois University. He has exhibited nationally and internationally, winning awards including the Juror’s Choice Award in Ceramic Object/Conceptual Material and the Luis Jiménez Award for first place in Sculpture on Campus at Southern Illinois University. Forster was awarded the Helen Drutt Studio Fellowship with his residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and completed residencies at Atelierhaus Hilmsen in Germany, Lone Star College–North Harris in Texas, the Armory Arts Center in Florida, and Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark. Forster has served on the Artist-in-Residence Committee at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, the ClayHouston board, and the Fresh Arts Artist Advisory Committee. He also has been a board member for the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts for the 47th annual conference in Houston.
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Fifty Forward Archway Gallery Celebrates Fifty Years of Artist-Led Creativity April 4 - 30, 2026 |
Archway Gallery, Texas’ longest-running artist-owned and operated gallery, proudly marked its 50th anniversary with a landmark exhibition titled Fifty Forward. This milestone year celebrates half a century of artistic innovation, community connection, and unwavering commitment to elevating Houston’s creative spirit.
For fifty years, the artists at Archway Gallery have shaped their own creative path, establishing the gallery as a cornerstone of Houston’s vibrant arts community. Founded in 1976 by twelve local artists determined to market and sell their own work, the gallery first opened its doors in the The Jung Center, drawing its name from the distinctive arches in that space. Over time and several locations later, Archway Gallery has evolved into a cherished arts district institution—an enduring symbol of artistic collaboration and community spirit. While many galleries have come and gone, the success of Archway Gallery is rooted in a shared passion and purpose—a truth affirmed by the over 200 artists who have been a part of Archway’s story.
For fifty years, the artists at Archway Gallery have shaped their own creative path, establishing the gallery as a cornerstone of Houston’s vibrant arts community. Founded in 1976 by twelve local artists determined to market and sell their own work, the gallery first opened its doors in the The Jung Center, drawing its name from the distinctive arches in that space. Over time and several locations later, Archway Gallery has evolved into a cherished arts district institution—an enduring symbol of artistic collaboration and community spirit. While many galleries have come and gone, the success of Archway Gallery is rooted in a shared passion and purpose—a truth affirmed by the over 200 artists who have been a part of Archway’s story.
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Nature - Refuge Ecologically Thought-Provoking, Delightful New Ceramic Works and Photographs By Carol Berger and Isabelle Perreau March 7 - April 2, 2026 |
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Isabelle Perreau's photographs and Carol Berger's ceramics works present both a reminder and a call to action—that Nature remains our refuge and also demands our attention in all its fragile loveliness. In an era marked by division, heightened uncertainty, and ecological crisis, Nature—Refuge asks viewers to pause, reflect, and rediscover the healing power of the natural world. As global warming accelerates, species vanish, and geopolitical tensions escalate, Berger’s and Perreau’s works remind us that wisdom and solace can still be found in the living world around us.
“Love, friendship, compassion, and solidarity are the human values that sustain us,” the artists reflect. “But through our art, we invite you to remember that Nature is our original home and our most enduring source of renewal.” The exhibition highlights the quiet pleasures we tend to overlook: the beauty of Earth’s light and shadow, of its textures, of the rhythm of its seasons. Nature—Refuge ultimately calls for a return to connection—with ourselves, with one another, and with the planet that sustains us.
Carol Berger received her degree from the College of Wooster (Ohio), with a double major in art and Spanish. She spent her junior year at the University of Madrid, which gave her the opportunity to study major works of art in France, Italy, and Spain. After she retired from teaching public school, Berger took ceramic classes and began to fulfill a lifelong dream—a second career as an artist. She joined Archway Gallery in 2018. Drawing inspiration from everyday life with a focus on the environment, Berger currently creates, sells, and teaches art in the Conroe and Houston areas. Her works are collected throughout the United States and Mexico.
Born in Angers, France, Isabelle Perreau studied Philosophy in Paris and Psychoanalysis in Caracas, Venezuela. Although drawn to photography at an early age, it was not until 25 years ago, when she moved to Texas, that she turned to photography as a medium of artistic expression. Since then, she has taken images all over the world. At the Alliance Française in 2015, Perreau had her first solo exhibition. She became an Archway Gallery artist member in 2017. Nature—Refuge is her fifth exhibit. It is part of FotoFest 2026 and the French Cultures Festival, as were her previous four exhibitions.
“Love, friendship, compassion, and solidarity are the human values that sustain us,” the artists reflect. “But through our art, we invite you to remember that Nature is our original home and our most enduring source of renewal.” The exhibition highlights the quiet pleasures we tend to overlook: the beauty of Earth’s light and shadow, of its textures, of the rhythm of its seasons. Nature—Refuge ultimately calls for a return to connection—with ourselves, with one another, and with the planet that sustains us.
Carol Berger received her degree from the College of Wooster (Ohio), with a double major in art and Spanish. She spent her junior year at the University of Madrid, which gave her the opportunity to study major works of art in France, Italy, and Spain. After she retired from teaching public school, Berger took ceramic classes and began to fulfill a lifelong dream—a second career as an artist. She joined Archway Gallery in 2018. Drawing inspiration from everyday life with a focus on the environment, Berger currently creates, sells, and teaches art in the Conroe and Houston areas. Her works are collected throughout the United States and Mexico.
Born in Angers, France, Isabelle Perreau studied Philosophy in Paris and Psychoanalysis in Caracas, Venezuela. Although drawn to photography at an early age, it was not until 25 years ago, when she moved to Texas, that she turned to photography as a medium of artistic expression. Since then, she has taken images all over the world. At the Alliance Française in 2015, Perreau had her first solo exhibition. She became an Archway Gallery artist member in 2017. Nature—Refuge is her fifth exhibit. It is part of FotoFest 2026 and the French Cultures Festival, as were her previous four exhibitions.
Perreau and Berger chose to partner with renewable-Earth nonprofit, Plant It Forward (PIF). All proceeds from a tip jar placed in the gallery during Nature—Refuge will be donated to PIF. For nearly 15 years, PIF has empowered refugees from West Africa to develop sustainable urban farming businesses that produce fresh, healthy food for the Houston community. Located throughout Houston, PIF secures land, trains and mentors farmers, and facilitates sales to local markets.
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Just Wood - Mostly New Furniture, Clocks, and Sundry Surprises-- Created in Wood—Mostly By Robert L. Straight and Guest Artist Tom Wells February 7 - March 5, 2026 |
Just Wood—Mostly features works in wood that take Robert Straight’s whimsical streak to its highest level yet. “I’ve let my creative juices flow in all directions,” comments the artist. An example he cites is a to-scale midget race car made completely out of wood. “I’ve also turned into a time machine,” Straight says with a twinkle in his eye. What he means is he has fashioned many clocks for the show—each distinctly different. He had the “chime” of his life creating every one! Other works include body parts in full round to hang on the wall—and many other whimsical and utilitarian surprises. Straight is joined by well-known Houston furniture-maker, Tom Wells. Wells is respected especially for his fine cabinet work.
Native Houstonian Robert L. Straight has spent most of his life creating some form of art. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) and has attended many workshops at various art schools over the years. Before becoming a full-time artist, he worked 10 years in the business world. He has been an Archway Gallery artist-member since 2019.
Native Houstonian Robert L. Straight has spent most of his life creating some form of art. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) and has attended many workshops at various art schools over the years. Before becoming a full-time artist, he worked 10 years in the business world. He has been an Archway Gallery artist-member since 2019.
After retirement, former chemical engineer Tom Wells turned his garage into a woodworking shop and started making furniture. After filling his home with his distinctive creations, Wells started doing pieces on commission. Since 2007, he has made more than one hundred and fifty pieces of furniture, first for friends then for a larger client base. Referrals and expanding opportunities led him to pursue new ideas and learn new techniques. With the mind of an engineer and the soul of an artist, Tom continues to design and build unique furniture.
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Weather Inside Out New Photographs Featuring Original Sculpture, Informed by AI by June Woest January 3 - February 5, 2026 |
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Weather Inside Out explores Woest’s experiences with the unpredictable nature of the weather by challenging the notion that we are helpless against it. Her works are an invitation to embrace change and find comfort in the unpredictable. Woest begins each work with a clay sculpture, created from a plaster mold, which she describes as an “act of intentional repetition that offers a sense of control and predictability.” Then she documents these objects using photography, focusing on their form and the nuances of light and shadow, before handing over the work to AI with a single evocative command: “Fix the weather.”
Woest’s final prints capture the intersection between solid, tangible objects and ethereal, digitally altered environments, “a space,” she says, “where we can hope to manipulate our circumstances for the better—not to gain power but to simply move with more freedom and purpose.” For Woest, clay and AI are metaphors for human resilience and adaptibility, a playful nod to a deeply human desire for control over our surroundings and lives—and the internal, emotional “weather” we navigate.
Woest’s final prints capture the intersection between solid, tangible objects and ethereal, digitally altered environments, “a space,” she says, “where we can hope to manipulate our circumstances for the better—not to gain power but to simply move with more freedom and purpose.” For Woest, clay and AI are metaphors for human resilience and adaptibility, a playful nod to a deeply human desire for control over our surroundings and lives—and the internal, emotional “weather” we navigate.
With more than five decades of experience, Woest’s work has explored artistic expression through a wide range of media, including ceramics, printmaking, photography, and installation. During her long tenure at Houston City College, which included roles as faculty artist, curator, and program initiator, she developed an artist residency program and the art installation venue, “Wedge Space.” She is the founder of Houston’s Village Clayworks and Urban Artists’ Studio and a founding member of the artist collective Municipal Dirt.
Woest holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Houston. She has a rich exhibition history, with recent shows including a 2023 solo exhibition, Those Prepared for the Weather Are Those that Get to Go, and a 2024 juried award at the Art of the Future exhibition. Her work, which often incorporates collaborative and participatory elements, has been featured in exhibitions across the US and in residencies in China and Italy.