we can rebuild it

Houston's Rothko Chapel indefinitely closed by Hurricane Beryl damage

Photo courtesy of Rothko Chapel

One of the city's most-loved landmarks announced it's indefinite closure, following damage from Hurricane Beryl. The Rothko Chapel's ceiling and several walls sustained water damage following the storm, and three of Mark Rothko’s panels were also affected to varying degrees.

The chapel announced this week it would remain closed while it determined its next course of action, including a full damage assessment and cost of repairs. It enlisted Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, one of the country’s premier art-conservation firms, to lead the conservation analysis.

"We are deeply saddened by the impact of the hurricane on the Chapel and across Houston," executive director David Leslie said in a statement. "The Chapel’s continued stewardship of this beloved cultural and sacred site, renowned for its Mark Rothko panels, remains our highest priority, and the closure will ensure that the necessary repairs and restorations can be made as effectively and completely as required. Our focus now is on the restoration of the building and panels, and on continuing our mission of both contemplation and action at the intersection of art, spirituality, and human rights.”

The chapel stressed that it will share more details as they are available, given the developing nature of the current situation. The closure also has an affect on the chapel's fall programming slate, although it is possible those events, including the 3rd Annual Time of Remembrance: Contemplating Cycles of Life & Death on October 31 and the launch of Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church by Hahrie Han on November 7, may be held at other venues.

The interfaith chapel and art museum first opened in 1971. Fueled by a commission by arts patrons Dominique and John de Menil, it was designed to be a place where people of all backgrounds could find a refuge for prayer, meditation and shared understanding. Located between the University of St. Thomas's Chapel of St. Basil and the Menil Collection, the chapel is home to 14 paintings by artist Mark Rothko, each one created in various shades of black. It's been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2000.

The Rothko Chapel's homepage encourages visitors to check back regularly for updates. In the interim, The Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House remains open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Rothko Chapel Phase 2 expansion A rendering illustrates the new buildings coming to the Rothko campus. Rendering courtesy of ARO

The chapel last underwent renovations between 2019 and 2021 that included a new skylight, upgrades to the lighting and A/V systems, and improvements to the building’s infrastructure. Earlier this year, the Rothko announced phase two of the Opening Space project, a $42 million campaign that will add two new buildings and landscape improvements just north of the existing chapel on the other side of Sul Ross St.

Those wishing to learn more about supporting recovery efforts can find details on the chapel's website.

hurricane beryl rothko chapel

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