PIck Five (Plus)

Your weekly guide to Houston: A kooky Easter egg hunt, a massive children'sfestival, garden cocktails & green movies

The folk art enviroment crafted by postman Jeff McKissack, The Orange ShowMonument, turns into a season kickoff party, an amusing Easter egg hunt and ahands-on trophy making workshop for the Art Car Parade.
Photo by Richard Tomcala/OneImagines
This weekend, the Orange Show Eyeopener Tour sets out to prove the connectionbetween art and science with a five-hour trek around Houston's renowned medicalcenters and research labs.
Started in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiencesabout issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worthpreserving and conversations worth sustaining.
Music Kristine Mills wrote, recorded, performed and produced is featured in ACollector's Waltz, a Michel Muelle film. Alongside Tommy "TJ" James and bassistDavid Craig, this concert at Cezanne also features a song written in the memoryof Holly Rose.
Houston Children's Festival includes 10 Family Adventure Zones, five stages andover 300 games, rides and activities.
Photo by Mauro Gomez

Cold suds, sexy ladies and mounds of crawfish. Maybe it was the sublime sunny Saturday afternoon weather or the get-to-it spirit of the young professionals behind Child Builders' Night Shift, because at "Crawfish Battle Boyale" at OTC Patio Bar Saturday, 600 pounds of steaming seafood were long gone.

What was left was $4,500 for the nonprofit, which helped up the total to more than $20,000 in funds raised by these young professionals this year. Among them were Cid Espejal, Kari Govan, Chris McCauley, Mark Donaldson, Allison Hauser, Jessica Edquist, Amy Fuqua, Amanda Knox, Margot Tompkins, Thomas Thornton, Carmen Millet, Iman Pourghead, James Phelan and Becky Koch.

Miller Outdoor Theatre kicked off its performance season with a raucous "It's Dark and We're Wearing Sunglasses" fete. The "Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers" brought sassy grooves and fresh tunes to Hermann Park. Sure, the boys were fantastic, but the trio of ladies that make up the Bluettes gave the bros a run for their money.

Does it get any better than "Think," "Respect" and "Soul Man"?

The Houston Chamber Choir premiered Dominick DiOrio's A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass, a four-movement robust choral virtuosic showcase inspired by the imagist poetry of turn-of-the-century Nobel Laureate Amy Lowell. When he said that he had written for a professional choir who could do just about anything, he wasn't kidding.

At the dress rehearsal Friday night, 200 Apache personnel, one of the group's major sponsors, experienced a behind-the-scenes look at how musicians refine a number for performance.

Bayou City Art Festival is done, Mercury had its 12th season gala and Nameless Sound helped inaugurate the Mandell Pavilion, the open-air space adjacent to the Menil Collection's Richmond Hall.

On deck this week are outdoorsy socials, hands-on crafty workshops, jazz, a children's festival and lots of live music.

Bayou Bend Cocktail Party

During the day, Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens offers a delightful setting to revel in the decorative arts delicacies on display, or a leisurely stroll through the wooded paths, bridges and meadows of the formal gardens. At night, the sparkling fountains take on a dressier tenor.

Evening affairs at Bayou Bend are lovely when coupled with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live music. While the first floor of the museum home will be open for viewing, the canopy of Ima Hog's former residence will be the backdrop for chic socializing under a tent in the Diana Garden. Chaired by Kelly and Will Garwood.

Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $100.

More Bayou Bend events continue with Saturday's Children's Party ($60) chaired by Estela S. Cockrell and Heather Lawrence Mitchell and Sunday's Garden Party (individual tickets start at $500) chaired by Barbara Nau.

Easter Orange Hunt & Trophy Making Workshop at the Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts

For those in the mood for something a little kooky and off the beaten path, try this three-in-one gathering at the Orange Show Monument. The folk art environment crafted by postman Jeff McKissack turns into a season kickoff party, an amusing Easter egg hunt and a hands-on trophy making workshop for the Art Car Parade.

Amid the ladders, tractor seats, wagon wheels and whimsical labyrinths, guests will rummage for hidden eggs, oranges and a cornucopia of treats. If you are feeling artsy, try helping make the awards to be given out at this year's Art Car Parade, which is set for May 12.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Admission is free.

Kristine Mills with Tommy "TJ" James in Concert at Cezanne

It's been quite the busy year for singer-songwriter Kristine Mills. Music she wrote, recorded, performed and produced is featured in A Collector's Waltz, a Michel Muelle film about Houston's visual artists and their loving collectors. Although the documentary is slated for release later this spring, the musically curious can get a listen at the tracks, also featuring Tommy "TJ" James and bassist David Craig, during this concert at Cezanne.

There's more. "Silhouette," with lyrics by Brian Spack and Mills, is another original on the playbill. The text tells the story of Cindi Rose's sister, Holly, who passed away after a fierce 15-year fight against breast cancer. After the track is recorded and released on iTunes, Mills plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to the Rose Ribbon Foundation.

Saturday at 9 p.m. Admission is $10.

Houston Children's Festival at Tranquility Park

Ten Family Adventure Zones, five stages and more 300 games, rides and activities: That's what Tranquility Park, Sam Houston Park, City Hall and the downtown library will host on Saturday and Sunday. As the largest family-friendly carnival in the country, organizers expect to attract more than 50,000 people. Rains may be expected this weekend, but in the name of fun and good doing, let's hope the forecast makes other plans.

Radio Disney's Raini Rodriguez (Trish on Austin & Ally) and Nickelodeon's James Manslow (Big Time Rush) will make special appearances alongside HoustonPBS' Buddy, the T-Rex from Dinosaur Train, and Clifford, the Big Red Dog.

Proceed from the event benefits Child Advocates.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

For families that need more, the Houston Japan Festival is at Hermann Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Free admission.

Houston Symphony ACCESS Concert: Hahn & Enigma Variations at Jones Hall

Hilary Hahn may be a young 31-year-old gal, but she plays violin with the prowess of a season veteran. She's a Houston favorite and as such, Hahn is slated to be featured in four concerts with the Houston Symphony.

If you are new to classical music, check out the interactive ACCESS series. Hosted by NPR's Morning Edition music commentator Miles Hoffman, the musical affair begins with a pre-concert mixer with symphony musicians — complimentary nibbles and a cash bar — follows with a shorter one-hour concert without intermission and concludes with a Q&A with the artists. On the program: Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, Elgar's Enigma Variations.

Friday, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

For a more intense musical experience, catch the whole shebang, which also features Elgar's Sospiri and Britten's Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Thursday at Sugar Land Baptist Church ($25) and Saturday and Sunday at Jones Hall ($25).

Shepherd School Sinfonietta Concert at Shepherd School of Music, Rice University

Contrary to popular belief, not all wind music sounds like big Texas-sized marching bands. Sure, there's a place for the thunderous sounds of blaring trumpets, honking tubas and sliding trombones. But it does get better, especially in the compositions of Johannes Brahms and Igor Stravinsky.

The two composers anchor this wind-focused program with the Serenade in A Major and Pulcinella played by the newest ensemble at Shepherd School of Music. In the Sinfonietta, master teachers and emerging talent perform side-by-side. The end result is a melange of zestful energy and refined wisdom.

Saturday, 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Staff writer, architecture know-it-all and totally awesome guy Tyler Rudick's pick: Catherine Wagner's "Photographs and Public Projects" Talk at MFAH

Tyler says: "For the last three decades, artist Catherine Wagner has looked to the built environment as the key to deciphering the inner-workings of contemporary life, using photography and public installations to examine places ranging from science labs to art museums to Disneyland.

"Wagner will discuss her ongoing photographic work during a free talk at the MFAH's Brown Auditorium as part of the 2012 FotoFest Biennial — should be cool!"

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.

CultureMap's intern and indie music savant Karen Labuca's pick: Eisley at Warehouse Live

Karen says: "Check out Eisley Thursday night at Warehouse Live. This Texan-based indie outfit keeps it all in the family. The DuPree clan from Tyler, Texas, has been making music for a long time now, but always makes sure to stop by and play a Houston show every now and then.

"It's nice to see these guys still at it and touring — they even brought along their little sister, Christie DuPree, this time around. She'll be opening up for them!"

Thursday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Arts smarty pants and lovable beer lovin' dance maven Nancy Wozny's pick: Mountainfilm on Tour-Houston at Rice Media Center

Nancy says: "This weekend marks the inaugural showing of Mountainfilm on Tour-Houston at Rice Media Center. Started in 1979, Mountainfilm is dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining.

"This is a rare chance to some fabulous shorts, including Chasing Water, where Peter McBride follows the Colorado River from source to sea, and Yelp With Apologies to Allen Ginsberg's Howl, a rant on unplugging and living in the present tense. If you love the earth and film, this is the place to be.

Friday (7 to 11:30 p.m.) and Saturday (6 to 11:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15-25; free for Rice University students.

Staff writer and adorable Houston explorer gal Whitney Radley's pick: Orange Show Eyeopener Tour: "Art+Science"

Whitney says: "I've always had a sneaking suspicion that art and science are inextricably tied. This weekend, the Orange Show Eyeopener Tour sets out to prove it with a five-hour trek around Houston's renowned medical centers and research labs. Artists visualize science, and scientists create art, and you'll see it all."

Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $60 for non-members, $40 for Orange Show members.

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Best August Art

9 must-see art openings at Houston museums and galleries for August

DiverseWorks presents Jesus Benavente: "NuestroWorld"

Jesus Benavente, A Life A Home and A Horse Named Triste, 2021. Photo courtesy of the artist.

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As the summer sizzles on, Houstonians have the opportunity to contemplate some cool new art around the city. As some art institutions get ready for big fall blockbusters, this month's list highlights some intriguing gallery exhibitions and smaller shows that have popped up this month.

Along with showcases of ancient and contemporary textile work at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Ismaili Center, art gets wild, teal, and tattooed over at Sawyer Yards. Plus, a new mural in Southwest Houston builds international bridges, and DiverseWorks invites art lovers to a new kind of amusement park.

"Between Flame, Stone, and Tide” at Mitochondria Gallery (now through August 29)
Though using very different practices and mediums, artists Alex Peter Idoko, Chika Idu, and Ejiro Fenegal create work that explores how elemental forces shape narratives of memory, identity, belonging, and environmental responsibility. Idoko uses a blowtorch on canvas and paper, exploring themes of destruction and renewal. Fenegal sculpts in marble, using the classic medium to preserve individual stories while affirming collective identity. Idu’s textured oil paintings depict children in aquatic landscapes to depict the relationship between vulnerable communities and threatened environments. When taken together, the exhibition helps viewers reflect on the enduring relationship between material, place, and the environments that sustain us.

"Beyond Skin Deep: Tattoo Artist Showcase” at Sawyer Yards (now through September 12)
Painter, tattoo artist, and exhibition curator Julian Solis wants to defy distinctions between fine art and folk art, making the case for body art as fine art. Solis has organized the exhibition around local tattoo artists’ works in a variety of media. These pieces done in oil, graphite, ink, and more prove their rightful placement on gallery walls, yet they also reveal the unique visions of the artists who usually create on a canvas of human bodies. Visitors to the exhibition will discover traditional flash paintings alongside portraits in oils, with both displaying the relationship tattooers have between their personal art practices and art made for clients

"Transformative Teal” at Sabine Street Studios (now through October 10)
Instead of organizing this group show around a theme or genre, this exhibition asks Sabine artists working in a variety of mediums — including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital media — to contemplate the color teal and its constant metamorphosis between blues and greens. The artists find meaning in the color in a myriad of ways, from intimate narratives of identity and healing to expansive meditations on nature and society. The organizers note that the works showcased reveal how the concept of transformation is at once an external phenomenon and an internal journey.

“WILD” at Sabine Street Studios (now through September 12)
For its biennial exhibitions the WiVLA (Women in Visual and Literary Arts) organization selects a theme and members form collaborative partnerships of two or three artists from different disciplines to create visual and written works in conversation with each other. This year’s “Wild” theme inspires the artists to create work untamed and unconfined. Whether literally or abstractly these artists will decide what wildness means to them, opening their art up to risk, intensity, and freedom.

Persia to Paisley: Global Luxury and the Kashmir Shawl at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (now through November 29)
This special installation within the MFAH’s eminent Hossein Afshar Art of the Islamic Worlds Galleries examines how one piece of clothing, the Kashmir shawl, changed and shaped cultures of its time. Handwoven from pashm, the under hair of Himalayan goats, Kashmir shawls represented the height of luxury for hundreds of years across, Asia, Africa, and Europe. These shawls also became the ultimate piece of wearable art, as it took months of coordinated labor among expert designers, dyers, and weavers to create one piece.

The show will feature extraordinary Kashmir shawls and textiles from the early 17th century to today, including a later 19th century European Long Shawl, signed by Antony Berrus, director and designer of one of the most successful textile ateliers in Paris, an early 17th century Waist Sash from Mughal India, and depictions of Kashmir fashion in classic paintings.

“There Is Always a Seat For You” located at 9750 Bellaire Blvd. (ongoing)
Led by Houston’s own street art–and beyond–superstar GONZO247, six emerging Taiwanese artists and designers offer the city a seat at an international art table with this new mural in the Southwest Management District. The six artists are the inaugural cohort of Meridian Fellows from EpNex, an organization based in Taiwan with a network across the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, which has a mission to design programs that connect people across cultures.

With GONZO247 acting as mentor, the artists designed and painted a permanent public mural inspired by the theme of “The Space Between” that's part of the Painted Bridges Mural Project. The final vision honors Houston’s connection with its oldest official sister city, Taipei, while also telling the story of a "shared feast,” with one empty seat at the center. The space left open holds a dual meaning: one of honoring those who have passed from our lives, while also reminding the viewer that "There is always a seat for you.” The astronaut at the table represents Taipei-born Houston astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren.

Jesus Benavente: "NeustroWorld" presented by DiverseWorks at 5601 B Navigation Blvd. (August 13-September 13)
For this DiverseWorks-commissioned project, Brooklyn-based, Texas-born artist Jesus Benavente uses humor to explore how cities such as Houston constructs its identity. Playing with images and ideas from Houston’s past, and our mythologizing of that past, Benavente eschews the traditional gallery show by creating a fictional visitors center for “NeustroWorld.” The title is a Spanglish phrase meaning "The World Is Ours,” and, of course, a spin on AstroWorld.

This “NeustroWorld” will merge concepts of visitors center, gift shops, and amusement parks into an immersive art space containing large scale banners, Tejano music paired with a custom neon video sculpture inspired by Selena’s rodeo performances, and a 13-foot blimp roaming through the gallery. Visitors can also pick up a free NuestroWorld Amusement Guide and purchase limited-edition merchandise, including custom screen-printed t-shirts, mugs, and stickers. That Amusement Guide will also serve as a kind of art map inviting “NeustroWorld” goers to explore other parts of the city, asking viewers to think about them in new ways, perhaps even as adventure rides in the amusement park we call Houston.

“Imagined Ancestors” at the MFAH Glassell School of Art (August 15-October 4)
This exhibition highlights the work of Patrick Palmer, dean of the Glassell School. With both paintings and sculptures, Palmer depicts the generations of people who shaped his life in both profound and small ways. The pieces are inspired by “the impossible idea” that the art can portray a single moment. Palmer investigates quiet moments to better understand how the past and present are forever connected.

“Article” at Ismaili Center (August 15-January 10)
The Ismaili Center continues to champion local artists with this solo show from textile-based works by Houston artist Gabriel Martinez. Using garments collected from the streets of the city as his medium, Martinez’s pieces ask viewers to think about how material circulates and the different values people place upon everyday objects. The title work of the exhibition is a 30-foot wall-sized composition sewn entirely by hand without assistants or machinery.

While visiting the Center, be sure to take time to find and marvel at the new commissioned and site-specific installation “No. 1573 Reflectors” by acclaimed Bangladeshi-British artist Rana Begum that the Center has just added to its permanent collection. Installed in the east atrium, the 20 feet high pink-and-white reflective piece explores the nature of the infinite.

Jesus Benavente, A Life A Home and A Horse Named Triste, 2021. Photo courtesy of the artist.

DiverseWorks presents Jesus Benavente: "NeustroWorld"

visual-art museums galleries openings