Houston Fine Art Fair is another reason our town is cool
By Nancy Ford
Forbes magazine recently declared that Houston heads its annual list of “America’s Coolest Cities.” One of the reasons for that exemplary kudo, though certainly underplayed in the financial publication, may be the fact that Houston is the nation’s third-largest art market.
That right-brain-oriented statistic is not lost on the producers of the Houston Fine Art Fair. Now in its second year, more than 66 galleries from throughout the US and Latin America converge this month at Reliant Center displaying a diverse array of paintings, drawings, print editions, installations, sculpture, and photography.
But this is no “Ramada Inn Starving Artists” art sale, where patrons first measure the length of their couch to help determine the piece of art that most specifically speaks to their inner muse.
“HFAF will reflect the vitality and diversity of our city, state, and region,” said Melissa Grobmyer, president of MKG Art Management and HFAF show advisor. “This year, we focus on Texas, both its artists and collectors, as the generator for our amazing arts culture. The panels, events, and programming highlight Houston’s unique, sophisticated perspective in the international art market.”
Local galleries participating in the fair (as of press time) include Anya Tish Gallery, Barbara Davis Gallery, Darke Gallery, Devin Borden Gallery, Gallery Sonja Roesch, Hiram Butler Gallery, Hook Epstein Galleries, John Cleary Gallery, Koelsch Gallery, McClain Gallery, McMurtrey Gallery, Peel, Sicardi Gallery, and Wade Wilson Art. Additionally, a new inclusion to the fair, HFAF Fahrenheit, spotlights galleries on the roster considered “trendy, new, and hot,” like Pristine Gallery and Tosca Galeria.
Organizers say the fair drew more than 10,000 visitors in its first endeavor; the 2012 event is expected to host as many as 15,000 art buffs, each intent on experiencing Houston’s vital art-gallery scene in one convenient location. Just like its host city, that’s pretty cool.
Houston Fine Arts Fair. September 14–16. Reliant Center, One Reliant Park • houstonfineartfair.com.
[smugmug url=”http://outsmartmagazine.smugmug.com/hack/feed.mg?Type=gallery&Data=24643554_hM59G9&format=rss200″ imagecount=”24″ start=”1″ num=”24″ thumbsize=”Th” link=”lightbox” captions=”true” sort=”false” window=”true” smugmug=”false” size=”L”]
Comments
Comments