Art Fair Fever: The Hidden Agenda

Terrell James, “Territories,” 2024 (detail). Photo: Rick Wells

Not only does this week bring in two notable art fairs, including the Texas Contemporary Art Fair and Houston Art Fair, but also a discussion at The Menil Collection and opening receptions at Art League Houston, Scott Charmin Gallery and BLUEorange Contemporary.

Ongoing

Texas Contemporary Art Fair at George R. Brown Convention Center

Now in its sixth year, the Texas Contemporary Art Fair is back to showcase countless works from dozens of impressive galleries from across Houston and the world. Taking place in Hall A3 at the George R. Brown Convention Center (1001 Avenida De Las Americas), the fair not only features unique visual fare, but also special collaborations and presentations including an opening night performance featuring the Houston Ballet’s Oliver Halkowich and artist Chris Doyle, and Inprint will present Poetry Buskers, an installation offering an interactive and responsive poetry session. Additionally, the curated section The Other Mexico returns, creating a platform for real-life connections to strengthen the international contemporary art ties to the city of Houston.

On Thursday, visitors with Patron Passes will get exclusive access at 6 pm and VIP passes allow for 8 pm entry to the preview until 10 pm. Public fair hours continue through Sunday, with hours from 11 am to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 12 to 6 pm on Sunday. Tickets to the fair are available here and the opening night benefits the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Houston Art Fair at Silver Street Studios

The newly reorganized Houston Art Fair, now in its sixth year, will feature works from galleries showcasing contemporary masters, mid-career and emerging artists from across the globe. With onsite installations and projects, as well as unique panel discussions, the fair is regarded for bringing together a varied array of mediums and styles within one venue.

On Thursday, visitors with First Look passes and VIP Preview Access can attend the opening night preview party, with funds supporting FotoFest International. Regular fair hours continue through the weekend with hours from 10 am to 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Tickets for the event, hosted at Silver Street Studios (2000 Edwards), are available here.

Tuesday, September 27

Screening — Richard D. Kinder presents From Here to Eternity at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Join the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1001 Bissonnet) for this year’s first installment of Movies Houstonians Love, featuring From Here to Eternity presented by Richard D. Kinder. The classic film deals with the tribulations of three U.S. Army soldiers, portrayed by Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Frank Sinatra, who are stationed on Hawaii in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Tickets are $9 and the presentation begins at 7 pm.

Thursday, September 29

Discussion — Exhibiting and Curating Self-Taught Art at the Menil Collection

Starting at 7 pm, Menil Collection (1533 Sul Ross) is hosting a discussion moderated by museum curator Michelle White to expound on the role of museums in terms of shaping the conceptions and dialogue about self-taught art with American Folk Art Museum curator emerita Lee Kogan and director of White Columns in New York, Matthew Higgs.

Friday, September 30

Opening Reception — Terrell James: HOVER at Art League Houston

From 6 to 9 pm, Art League Houston (1953 Montrose) will host the opening reception for HOVER by Terrell James, who is the recipient of the institution’s 2024 Texas Artist of the Year award. The exhibition features a comprehensive survey of work in a range of media, including painting, sculpture and printmaking, tracing the development of James’ storied career. Check out FPH’s recent interview with James to find out more about her creative process and her involvement in Houston’s art scene. James’ exhibition will be on view through November 19.

Opening Reception — Jesse Lott: Artist in Action at Art League Houston

Also hosted at Art League Houston from 6 to 9 pm is the opening reception for Jesse Lott’s exhibition, Artist in Action. Lott, the recipient of the institution’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Visual Arts, is known for his active involvement in Houston’s diverse art community. The exhibition includes a survey of over thirty of his works in sculpture, drawing and collage, highlighting the three key materials in Lott’s work: paper, wire and wood. Lott’s exhibition will be on view through November 19.

Opening Reception — Pangea at BLUEorange Contemporary

From 6 to 8 pm, Luciole International Theatre presents a unique installation and performance piece at the opening reception of their exhibition, Pangea, at BLUEorange Contemporary (1208 West Gray). Theatre artists Melissa Flower and Lisa Villegas join photographer Rashed Haq to ask questions about the narratives of human economy by collecting the personal stories of women who have traveled to settle in Houston. The interviews will be broadcast on a podcast that will lead up to a final installation and performance piece using Rashed’s photographic portraitures of the women, found objects, collected gestures and stories in order to investigate personal narratives, journeys, changes, economics, and the real or imagined concepts of the present Pangea. The exhibition will be on view through October 15.

Opening Reception — Obstructed Views at Scott Charmin Gallery

From 6 to 10 pm, Scott Charmin Gallery (504 78th Street) is hosting the opening reception for Obstructed Views, a group exhibition organized by Brooklyn-based artist Roberto Jamora. The exhibition, which features works by nine artists hailing from Houston, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Oakland, presents painting, sculpture and digital prints, each of which involve some form of layering or filter. The exhibition will be on view through November 4.

by Elizabeth Rhodes