Have a Cow! High-profile Houston artist Kermit Eisenhut is anything but out to pasture by Wade Wilson

Houston-based artist Kermit Eisenhut’s art is going to the cows–the Cow Parade, that is. The Cow Parade, an exhibit of painted, life-sized, cow-shaped sculptures, began in New York City and is headed to Houston this fall. The list of corporate sponsors for Eisenhut’s cows is an impressive one. With commissions from the likes of HEB, Southwest Airlines, Ocean Energy, the Wortham Foundation, to name but a few, Eisenhut is literally "moo-ving" through a veritable corral of bovine critters in his studio these days. Soon enough, these cows will be grazing all over the city. With more than 12 cows, a calf, and a Pegasus to his credit as of press time, Eisenhut’s bright and exciting interpretations will lead the herd.

But Eisenhut is so much more than just a cow painter. His bold and colorful paintings grace collectors’ walls all over Houston and across the state. One of the best-known artists in Houston’s GLBT community (and voted best artist in Houston by the Houston Press last year), Eisenhut takes his place in the local art scene with his vivid imagery and bright, always lively, colorful palette.

Eisenhut’s career as an artist began to emerge when he returned to school in 1986. He worked as a computer jockey by day while attending classes at night. In 1989, he had an accident that blew out a disc in his back, and he could no longer endure sitting at a desk for extended periods. It was time to launch his career as a full-time artist.

Eisenhut points out that "making art full time is a dream come true. I paint. I have art shows, and I receive commissions for individual works as well as murals." The artist works in a studio space he transformed from the second bedroom of his 8th floor condominium downtown. "My inspiration comes from many different areas of contemporary culture," he says. "I’m constantly perusing different art and design magazines, TV, movies to see what’s new and exciting. Sometimes, just looking at the view across the city will spark an idea. So often, though, my paintings evolve from my sketches. Or, I may just jump into a painting to see where it will lead me."

Eisenhut gives of generously of himself and his work. H.A.T.C.H., the Black Tie Dinner, the Human Rights Campaign gala, Halloween Magic. Very few fundraising or gala events in recent years have not included a donated Eisenhut.

"By donating my artwork to an organization or event, I raise more money than I could ever give," he says. "A painting of mine may raise $1,000 or more and that is so much more fulfilling for me than just writing a check." Not to mention the satisfaction the bidders get when they walk out of an event with their new Eisenhut painting.

The philanthropic artist is also a committed teacher. Eisenhut began teaching Art League Houston’s HIV+ art classes more than three years ago. He took the helm and structured the year-round course as an ongoing workshop in order to accommodate the special needs of the HIV+ artists and art lovers who study with him.

"Because people in my class constantly deal with illness, hospital stays, doctor appointments, and work," says Eisenhut, "the class functions with less rigid structure. Students can pursue a project and work at their own pace. Some students return after as long as six months away and still continue on the same project." Eisenhut works to ensure his students enjoy the class while learning and growing as artists. He says, "The dignity of my students and the healing and joy they feel from their work with me is essential to the ongoing success of this program."

Eisenhut remains sensitive to the needs of his students. He works closely with them on artistic concerns such as technique and coloration, for example, but also acts as advisor on the various problems they face in their lives. Robert Gibson, a longtime student of Eisenhut’s, says: "It’s just a hands-on, freestyle art class that makes it comfortable and a lot of fun."

The class meets every Thursday afternoon at Art League Houston. It is free of charge and, through the kindness of the National Jewish Women’s Council and restaurants such as Papa John’s and Niko Niko’s, provides lunch for its students. Later this fall, thanks to a wonderful grant from Bunnies on the Bayou, Eisenhut will begin teaching a second morning class (also free) for HIV+ art students at the Art League.

Eisenhut and his life partner, Scott Boyd, have been together for 13 years. "We’re really good friends and get along so well," says Eisenhut. "Our families know one another. Scott goes up north to Ohio and sees my family." When Eisenhut had back surgery in 1989 shortly after the two moved in together, Boyd’s mother was there in the recovery room when Kermit opened his eyes. "We are a real family and have a real marriage," Eisenhut says.

"The secret is communication," says Boyd. "We support each other and each other’s goals while fulfilling our dreams and not worrying so much about what everybody else is doing and thinking about."

"Scott has stayed by my side and helped me to grow to this place as an artist and as a person," Eisenhut states. "My success is here with him. He gives me the space and time to paint and we work on ideas together." Boyd, an interior designer, says, "We exchange ideas about design, patterns, and painting. Our ideas feed the other’s creativity."

With an ideal and loving life as this, it is no wonder that Kermit Eisenhut creates such happiness in his paintings. He stands as an example for us all.

Wade Wilson has been an art critic/writer for more than 20 years. His more than 350 articles, reviews, and essays have appeared in Flash Art, The New Art Examiner, Glass, American Ceramics, among others. Wilson currently serves as executive director of Art League Houston.