The Hidden Agenda: Get Filthy
In spite of the torrential rain and serious flooding this week, Houston soldiers on — as always — and interesting events are still happening around town. From exhibition openings and closings to a John Waters-themed party and an avant-garde vocal performance, we’ve got your week all planned out.
Thursday, April 21
Readings: Writings on Mars — At 6:30 pm at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, a number of local authors will share their creative imaginings of life on Mars, including “a poem that launched a poetry movement, science fictional musings, time travel epics and Martians.” The event fits with The Interview: Red, Red Future, an exhibition relating to more than three years of artist MPA’s investigation of human colonization of Mars. The exhibition is on view at CAMH’s Zilkha Gallery and runs through June 5.
Opening Reception - 2016 Core Exhibition — As the culmination of a year spent in the prestigious Core Program at the Glassell School of Art, this exhibition features work by artists-in-residence Tsuyoshi Anzai, Jason Byrne, Danielle Dean, Sondra Perry, Ivor Shearer, Kenneth Tam, and Rodrigo Valenzuela. Core critics-in-residence Nicole Burisch, Andy Campbell, and Taraneh Fazeli contribute essays based on their independent research to the Core 2024 publication, issued in conjunction with the exhibition. The opening reception runs from 6 to 8 pm in the ground floor of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston‘s Beck Building.
Friday, April 22
Maggie Nicols: Solo/Duo/Ensemble at Richmond Hall — Nameless Sound, known for hosting some of the city’s most interesting contemporary music events, has joined with the Menil Collection to present a voice-only performance with avant-garde vocalist Maggie Nichols, all taking place inside the Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall (1500 Richmond). Her initial solo performance will be followed by a first-time duo with Puerto Rican vocalist and performance artist Ivette Román-Roberto. The concert is free of charge and begins at 8 pm.
Openings at 4411 Montrose — The galleries at 4411 Montrose make it easy for you to catch all of the exhibitions at once with each gallery hosting an opening from 6 to 8 pm on Friday: David Shelton Gallery with Hypnotic Void by Kelly O’Connor, Cindy Lisica Gallery with Plastics by Travis K. Schwab, and Barbara Davis Gallery with Drift by Yizhak Elyashiv and Ruth Shouval. Additionally, Anya Tish Gallery will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with XX Part One, the first of two group exhibitions of painting, video, sculpture, photography, and installation.
Saturday, April 23
Closing Reception - Assuming Identity — The 2024 BFA candidates from The University of Houston’s Photography and Digital Media program present Assuming Identity, an exploration the nature of identity through the varied lens of photography. The closing reception runs from 5 to 7 pm at Rudolph Blume Fine Art | ArtScan Gallery (1836 Richmond) and includes talks by participating artists André Brooks, Velma Cariaga, Teresa Dunham, Tere Garcia, Victoria Paige Gonzalez, Scott Martin, Shannon McDonnell, and Ashley Merritt.
The Filthiest Party Alive - A John Waters Birthday Bash! — Get filthy this weekend at Big Star Bar (1005 West 19th St.) with a John Waters-themed party from 8 pm to 2 am, featuring a costume contest, mud wrestling, film screenings and trivia, plus prizes from Big Star Bar, Black Sheep Parlor, Hugs & Donuts and more. The will also be serving themed drinks in honor of John Waters birthday, doors open at 8 pm and admission is free.
Sunday, April 24
Grand Prize Piñata Party! — Grand Prize Bar (1010 Banks) will be celebrating the release of its new cocktail menu with jams by Roy Mata, a shot block and, of course, a piñata. Starting at 8 pm, Willow’s Texas BBQ will be serving up eats and 8th Wonder Brewery‘s long-awaited Haterade gose will be on tap, so come out for good time to finish off your weekend.
Tuesday, April 26
Performance Art Night — First started in 2024 by Julia Claire Wallace, Performance Art Night has recently become a more regular occurrence at Notsuoh (314 Main) after taking a hiatus. With some of the city’s most active performers coming out, as well as the opportunity for the uninitiated to take part, the event certainly promises to be interesting. Performances begin around 9 pm and admission is $5.
