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Your weekly guide to Houston: Five (plus) don't-miss events — Discovery Green's Field of Lights included

On tap this week is a local art market, a street art festival, a crawl to cool places in the city, a fantastical installation and a piano whiz proving there's nothing he can't do. Need more to do? Check out our full list of happenings.

Fresh Arts' Ninth Annual Winter Holiday Art Market

You might be impressed to learn that WHAM has put more than $500,000 in the pockets of local artists, that a committee curates more than 60 artists for this three-day shopping binge and that the event includes an open bar — all weekend long — plus entertainment and art exhibits.

But what's really fabulous is that you never know what you'll find at this Fresh Arts event. Adorable bow ties from Michel Muylle, charming jewelry from Ann Westby, cool screen-printed T-shirts from Burning Bones Press, darling illustrations by Lisa Chow and on and on and on are your solution to your shopping woes for the difficult — and not so difficult — people on your gift-giving list. And for yourself.

The skinny: Friday through Sunday; Winter Street Studios; $10 preview party on Friday, free on Saturday and Sunday.

Ninth Annual Via Colori

Chalk murals will awash Hermann Square and environs as 200 artists paint directly on the street and sidewalks. Using the theme of "The Art of Sound," Via Colori creatives, accompanied by live music on three stages, aim to raise awareness and funds for The Center for Hearing and Speech.

I say this is a perfect opportunity to show off your Instagram prowess and your video making skills. Time lapse or slow mo?

The skinny: Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Hermann Square Park at City Hall; admission is free.

22nd Annual Artcrawl Houston

While Houstonians love to blab about how great the city's art scene is, I bet many residents aren't quite aware of just how much creative activity goes on a daily basis. More than 170 artists and arts organizations are featured in this year's Artcrawl, a day-long open house to artsy hubs such as Mother Dog Studios, Hardy and Nance Studios, TX/RX Labs, Art Square Studios, Atelier Jacquinet and more. Check out the full list here and plan ahead with this map.

The skinny: Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Artist Warehouse District Downtown; free event.

Discovery Green art installation: Field of Light by Bruce Munro

A scene of suspended fireflies? A meadow with hovering fantastical fairies? Or perhaps a mythical prairie awash with magical flowers? However you'd like to interpret Bruce Munro's installation at Discovery Green, one thing is certain: The milieu that comprises 4,550 frosted glass spheres promises to be stunning.

The installation, which took more than 200 hours to complete, will be on view through Feb. 8.

The skinny: Through Feb. 8, 2015; Discovery Green; free admission.

Timothy Hester presents "Pianorama"

Think of this piano musicale as a celebration of keyboards throughout the ages. University of Houston Moores School of Music piano professor Tim Hester makes it look easy when he hops from harpsichord to fortepiano to celeste to toy piano to concert grand during one afternoon program that features music by Scarlatti, Clementi, Beethoven, Enescu, Stravisnsky and Rob Smith, and a world premiere from a mystery composer.

The skinny: Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; Moores Opera House; $12 general public, $7 students and seniors.

You never know what you'll find at Fresh Arts' Winter Holiday Art Market.

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art for a song

Affordable Art Fair heads to Houston this fall with works starting at $100

A man staring at a selection of paintings at the Affordable Art Fair

Photo courtesy of Affordable Art Fair

Original art on your walls doesn't have to break the bank.

After making a splash last year in Austin, the Affordable Art Fair will host its second Texas show in Houston this October.

Nothing helps define a personal space like an art collection, but for many people the idea of owning original works seems far outside of a normal budget. The Affordable Art Fair is a traveling show dedicated to living artists aimed at the average consumer.

Photo courtesy of Affordable Art Fair

Original art on your walls doesn't have to break the bank.

“Bringing Affordable Art Fair to Houston is about becoming part of a creative community that’s already thriving,” fair director Cori Teague said in a statement. “Houston’s art scene is shaped by its diversity, its artists, and the local galleries that champion them every day. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with Houston and Texas galleries to uplift local voices, support working artists, and create an inviting space where the community can come together to discover and collect art.”

The show will run at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Thursday, October 15 to Sunday, October 18. Tickets go on sale Monday, July 13 and will be available at AffordableArtFair.com. Prices of works in the fair range from $100 to $12,000.

Some of the local galleries that will be a part of the fair include Off the Wall, who showcases contemporary art from their location in the Galleria; Gallery A.M.P.S., who specializes in figurative art; and Koelsch Gallery, whose collection of outsider, self-taught, and folk art always has something unique to display. In total, 55 galleries from across the world are participating, with a full list expected to be released soon. Curators and gallery owners will be on hand to explain the history and context of pieces, adding further value to attending.

Events like Affordable Art Fair expand access to establishing an art collection, opening up the world of contemporary art to more buyers and allowing artists to expand their audiences. There's no reason a person should have to make due with Live Laugh Love signs from Target for their walls.

“Affordable Art Fair is designed to remove the barriers often associated with collecting art,” said Cristina Salmastrelli, U.S. regional managing director. “By bringing knowledgeable galleries and a wide range of price points together under one roof, we empower visitors to explore confidently and connect with work that truly resonates with them — no matter where they are in their collecting journey.”

visual-art shopping affordable art fair