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Homey new art installation moves into Discovery Green this fall

Remember the playful, larger-than-life spinning tops that took over Discovery Green in 2015? The team behind that public art installation is back with another unique, interactive exhibit.

Called Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0, it features 16 glowing, house-like play structures on the Sarofim Lawn that create a space for Houstonians to sit, swing, relax, and come together as a community.

The installation from Mexican designers Esrawe + Cadena is inspired by the mercados of Latin America — lively street markets where human connections are made every day.

The goal is for visitors to make new friends, try new activities, dance to music, and enjoy the city’s diverse cultural and art experiences for the duration of the exhibit, which runs October 8-November 14, 2022.

But that's not all. To help bring Houstonians together, there will be public art programming inspired by the installation and sponsored by Houston Association of Realtors, starting with a big opening night celebration.

On October 8 from 6-10 pm, get ready for:

Two evening performances of Lifted by Mimbre, an all-woman acrobatic dance group from the United Kingdom on their first U.S. tour.
Houston artist Ange Hillz live-painting the newest President's Mural: Discovery Green from A to Z. Hillz will paint accompanied by DJ Monstaa and pianist DJ Pee Wee from The Too Laid Back Band. The painting will be on view through January 29, 2023.

"During the past two years, many Houstonians have felt isolated in their homes and have missed the opportunity to be part of a community," says Jennifer Wauhob, chair of the Houston Association of Realtors, which is sponsoring the public art programming. "Our 49,000 Realtors know how important community connection is and Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 creates a space where strangers can become friends in the comfort of an exhibit that feels like home."

Here's what else you can enjoy throughout the installation's six-week run:

Listen to a “Houston Strong” playlist courtesy of ROCO while enjoying the Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 art installation.
Catch two more performances of Lifted on October 9 at noon and 2:30 pm.
Watch the Houston Pride Band’s SaxWorx and Brass Tax quartet perform on October 14 from 7-9 pm.
Enjoy traditional Indonesian music from Gamelan of the New Moon performed live on October 21 from 7-9 pm.

And especially for children:

On Saturday, October 8, from 1:30-3 pm, kids can create a mini casa using toothpicks and gumdrops with the help of Girlstart STEM.
On Saturday, October 15, from 1:30-3 pm, kids can sing and dance along with Encanto characters Isabela, Mirabel, and Dolores.
On Saturday, October 29 from 1:30-3 pm, they can enjoy cultural crafts created by exhibitors visiting from different parts of Mexico.

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park that features sprawling lawns, a one-acre lake, an interactive fountain, a playground, public art installations, gardens, and an allée of century-old live oaks. Since opening in April 2008, the park has welcomed more than 20 million visitors.

As Discovery Green prepares to celebrate its 15^th birthday party, Houstonians are invited to “discover themselves” at the park with free concerts, entertainment, relaxation, and more. More info at www.discoverygreen.com.

Photo by Lina Johansson

Mimbre will perform Lifted during opening weekend.

parks promoted

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

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Homey new art installation moves into Discovery Green this fall

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art for a song

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