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    Beyond the White Cube

    FotoFest's arrival at Allen Center underscores trend in office space as gallery

    Steven Devadanam
    Steven Thomson
    Jul 13, 2011 | 9:00 am
    News_Steven_FotoFest_Faces_of_History_Latin_America_Opening
    Attendees at the opening reception for "Faces of History – Latin America" at Allen Center
    Photo by Eric Hester

     FotoFest is bridging the divide between fine art and corporate headquarters with its latest exhibition, Faces of History - Latin America. Rather than hanging the photographs by eight 19th- and early 20th-century photographers at the organization's warehouse district base, senior curator Wendy Watriss has collaborated with Brookfield Office Properties to present the images in the upper lobby of two buildings in downtown's Allen Center.

     

    The exhibit is the fruit of the arts>Brookfield initiative, which has brought a James Turrell light installation to the Adelaide Centre in Toronto and innovative performances to LA's Bank of America Plaza, the World Financial Center and Lower Manhattan's Zuccotti Park.

     

    "The program stemmed from trying to turn our corporate art spaces into less of an amenity just for the tenants into an amenity for the entire community," says Sarah Johnston of Brookfield.

     

    On three occasions, Allen Center has hosted a concurrent exhibition with the international FotoFest Biennial, but Faces of History - Latin America is unique in that it allows FotoFest to mount a full-scale, longer-term exhibit.

     
     

      The FotoFest collaboration brings a welcome infusion of provocative photography to the heart of corporate Houston.

     
     

      The FotoFest collaboration brings a welcome infusion of provocative photography to the heart of corporate Houston. An expansive skylight graces natural rays upon the maze of dozens of formal portraits. Throughout the imported gallery walls, the industrialization of the South American landscape looms large. Peruvian photographer Julio Cordero documented the first steamships on Lake Titicaca, where he was born before founding a studio in La Paz and ascending to the role of presidential photographer.

     

    Simliarly, Agustín Victor Casasola created group portraits of a new breed of Mexican railroad workers and Ford assembly linesmen in pieces that communicate a social conscience the likes of his contemporary muralist, Diego Rivera. The cataclysmic effect of rapid modernization is highlighted as a 1920s car attempts to cross a mountain-spanning broken bridge in "Nocturno: El Viejo Puente de Tingo (Nocturne: Old Bridge, Tingo)."

     

    The quotidian thrills of rural and urban life are also on view alongside graceful compositions of cavalry reviews and tightrope masters. Adjacent to images depicting class tension are breezy photographs of vaudeville, funerals, folk characters and cholas performing at Carnival.

     

    Among one of the most striking images is the c. 1925 "Main Square (Vista de la Plaza de Armas)" by brothers Carlos and Miguel Vargas. The duo gained international attention as masters of Pictorialism while based in the northern Andean Peruvian city of Arequipa. It's no wonder that Latin America's mix of indigenous traditions and lingering European grandeur would make the region so ripe for both Surrealism and political upheaval.

     

    Inserting century-old Latin American photography into downtown Houston may initially seem a non sequitur, but Faces of History - Latin America curator and FotoFest co-founder Watriss argues otherwise:

     
     

    We have access to some very, very high-quality Latin American work. And because it's handsome and about people, cities and changing customs, it's the kind of show that is very interesting to people. It's also teaching people and providing information."

     

     

    Watriss notes that Latin America is increasingly tied to Houston's economy — particularly Allen Center's litany of international tenants. "Hopefully we'll also broaden peoples' perceptions of Latin America," she says.

     

     Col•lage at Bank of America Center

     

    The office space art invasion isn't new to the city's cultural landscape, but recent months have seen an outpouring of thoughtful exhibitions inside the city's skyscrapers.

     

    Through Aug. 26, Col•lage is on view inside Philip Johnson and John Burgees' postmodern vision of 17th-century Dutch architecture, the Bank of America Center. The show features artists with Texas ties, many of whom are emerging and utilizing collage as either a primary medium or side pursuit.

     

    The building's owners, M-M Properties and General Electric Asset Management, commissioned Col•lage to be curated by Kinzelman Art Consulting, which organizes quarterly exhibitions at Bank of America Center, including photography shows during the FotoFest Biennial. To conceive an exhibition, associates at Kinzelman introduce proposals to the building's owners and follow an approval process.

     

    "We gauge the temperature of what they're comfortable with, and go from there," says Kinzelman senior associate Liz Anders.

     

    Kinzelman's corporate clients also include Cameron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Sysco and the Federal Reserve Bank. More than filling blank spaces on office walls, these corporate art displays activate downtown workers' imaginations depending on their distinct settings.

     

    "It's all about the client and audience," says Anders, who organized Col•lage. "Bank of America Center gets a ton of foot traffic, so the art exhibitions we do there need to apply to a wide variety of people."

     

    That includes not just tenants, but passersby who happen to venture into the skyscraper's soaring lobby.

     

     The New Black at Williams Tower Gallery

     

    Likewise, the entrances of Williams Tower moonlight as the Williams Tower Gallery, which recently featured a survey of Houston abstract painters in the exhibition, The New Black: Contemporary Concepts in Color and Abstraction. Organized by Sally Sprout Fine Art, the show highlighted artist Michael Guidry's hard-edge paintings, Jonathan Leach's Plexiglass wonders, Katherine Veneman and the work of monochrome master Myke Venable.

     

    "It's been in operation since 1983, which makes it one of the rare corporate spaces in the whole country with such a history," says Sally Sprout, a consulting curator for Hines. She began curating the space in association with Transco Energy Company. "In the 80s, we had very lavish receptions, but that's long gone," she says.

     

    Placing art in office space comes with its own set of limitations. Explains Sprout, "A corporate business tower is conservative by nature. I can never show nudity, for instance, or any gratuitous violence. And I'm careful about in-your-face political commentary." Those parameters are also constructed by the droves of passing school children who visit Williams Tower on field trips.

     

    The expansiveness of the Williams Tower lobbies also presents challenges. "The space is eccentric in that the walls were deliberately designed as a gallery space when the building was erected," Sprout explains. "But because the architects were in the designer mindset, the walls are only about eight feet — I would have preferred 10."

     

    Fire doors and decorative ornamentation also force Sprout to work creatively, especially when presenting three-dimensional work. Such is the challenge in the newest exhibition of sculpture, Intersecting Impulses.

     

     Eye on Allen Center

     

    Meanwhile, art aficionados should keep an eye on Allen Center as it enhances its expanded fine art initiative in the lobbies of the complex's three buildings. The art ideology is preprogrammed in the corporate campus, which includes a purpose-built outdoor sculpture garden. "It's a particularly good corporate art space because of the natural light and big hallways," says Watriss. The connectivity to the downtown tunnel system and Doubletree and Hyatt hotels also makes Allen Center's exhibition space all the more accessible.

     

    Upcoming projects at Allen Center include an October collaborative exhibition with the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects, celebrating the 175th anniversary of the city's founding. The spotlight will be on Houston photographers and the depiction of their fellow citizens, from cowboys and businessmen to international party celebrities and conceptual artists. Come spring 2012, it will house discoveries from the Meeting Place Portfolio Review during FotoFest 2010.

     

    Still, downtown has a ways to go before it can establish itself as an art destination in itself. A primary obstacle lies in Allen Center's official open hours being limited to the work week.

     

    "The challenge is to get outside people to go see the exhibitions beyond opening nights," says Watriss. "I think we're starting a process of consistency over three or four years of good art programming that will make the presence of the art in that building more a part of the fabric of life there and in the city."

     

     Faces of History - Latin America is on view at FotoFest at Allen Center (500 Dallas Street and 1200 Smith Street) through Aug. 5. Free curatorial talk open to the general public on July 21.

    Attendees at the opening reception for "Faces of History – Latin America" at Allen Center

    News_Steven_FotoFest_Faces_of_History_Latin_America_Opening
      
    Photo by Eric Hester
    Attendees at the opening reception for "Faces of History – Latin America" at Allen Center
    unspecified
    news/entertainment

    celebrating space city

    More than 20 deals and specials celebrating Houston's 713 Day

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 10, 2025 | 9:30 am
    Houston Zoo entrance
    Courtesy of the Houston Zoo
    Visit the Houston Zoo for $7.13 this weekend.

    Is it just us, or has 713 Day blown up these past few years?

    Although this holiday that’s named for Houston’s original area code is still unofficial, that hasn’t stopped bars, restaurants, and other venues from celebrating July 13 by creating big, blowout events and/or food and drink specials.

    Here is a thorough rundown of all the places locals can go to this weekend and be — as they say around these parts — Houston Proud.

    Axelrad will host “Houston 713 Day,” complete with $1 off all Houston-based draft beer, special guest hip-hop legend Grimm, and Chicano Boulevard. Lowriders, slabs, DJs, vendors, food, a full bar, and live art by Meenr will all round out the event. 5 pm.

    Bayou Heights Biergarten is throwing it back to Houston’s roots with 713 FEST — a night dedicated to all things H-Town. Houstonians are invited to enjoy high-energy DJ sets, flash tattoos, local vendors, and Houston-themed sips. 8 pm.

    Cafe Leonelli at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston invites Houstonians to celebrate their city with its festive 713 Day cocktail, the Astro Fizz, for $7.13. The restaurant will also offer a 713 Day food special: brisket flautas ($16) and sweet potato succotash ($7.13). 9:30 am.

    Craft Pita will have its third annual “Craft Pita Cookout.” The restaurant will team up with Houston’s newest James Beard Award winner Thomas Bille (of Belly of the Beast) and ice-cream shop Milk and Sugar for a special 713 Day cookout collaboration. 11 am.

    Doves Restaurant is celebrating with an all-day happy hour, along with its signature, Southern cuisine-with-an-Asian twist brunch. Guests are encouraged to show their Houston pride by wearing their favorite Astros, Rockets, Texans, or H-Town gear. 11 am.

    Over at Fielding’s River Oaks, customers will enjoy happy hour brunch with 50 percent off Fielding’s cocktails, $3 off wine by the glass, and $2 off all beer. Brunch options include lemon cream cheese pancakes, crab avocado toast, and the classic Eggs Benedict. 11 am.

    Giant Texas Distillers will hold a 713 Day celebration that includes a car show full of slabs and lowriders, a vendor market, and other delights. There will also be live performances from Dat Boi T, GT Garza, Dank OG and others. 1 pm.

    Happy Liquor will host a “713 Day Mafia Takeover” block party. Along with vendors, food, games for kids, and a whole bunch of tricked-out slabs, we also have live performances from Brattz NuNu and other local artists. 3 pm.

    Hidden Bar, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar tucked inside Norigami in West U., is serving up the 713 Day-exclusive cocktail Side the Sunrises. For $7.13, this cocktail mixes butterfly pea tea-infused gin, yuzu, cucumber, and shiso that brings the chill and flavor in one sip. 3 pm.

    Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ will pairs its all-you-can-eat Korean feasts ($25 for lunch, $36 for dinner) with buy-one-get-one beers all day on Sunday.

    Houston Zoo is offering $7.13 admission tickets on Saturday and Sunday. This offer is part of the Zoo’s ongoing effort of offering Houstonians the opportunity to rediscover their zoo and connect with animals and take action to save wildlife. 9 am.

    H-Town Bingo will have a Saturday-night, 713 Day kickoff party featuring a live performance from local rap great Lil’ Keke. It costs $10 to get in, but the $50 VIP package includes skip-the-line access and an official Lil’ Keke “SLFMADE” T-shirt. 7:30 pm.

    Karbach Brewing Co. will have a full day of music, market vendors, and H-Town pride in the Biergarten. Lil’ Flip & Friends will be doing a live performance and photographer/taco journalist Marco Torres will be spinning some Houston classics. 3 pm.

    Kazzan Ramen & Bar invites Houstonians to enjoy Ube Bae ($7.13), a cocktail made with Awamori, Batavia Arrack, ube, guava, lime, nutmeg and purple yam. It pairs with the restaurant’s signature ramen that’s served in a 350-degrees Celsius hot stone bowl. 11 am.

    Le Jardinier, the Michelin-starred French restaurant at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, will offer the Astro Fizz, an Astros-inspired drink special. It’s made with vodka, orange juice, and blue curacao. 5-6:30 pm.

    Meow Wolf Houston and Saint Arnold Brewing Company are teaming up to throw a neighborhood-sized celebration. Guests of all ages can expect live music, local merch, ice-cold drinks, and a wild pop-up portal that opens straight into the unexpected for free. Noon.

    The Original Ninfa's Uptown location will offer chile con queso (sharp cheddar and melting cheese, pico de gallo, flour totopos) and Ninfaritas (Houston’s most famous margarita, made with 100% agave tequila blanco) for $7.13. 10 am.

    Peachez HTX is throwing an R&B-infused bash. Signature cocktails like Purple Syrup, Screw 75, and Chopped and Screwed will be flowing alongside all frozen drinks for just $7.13. There will also be a soulful Sunday brunch with live music. Noon.

    Pitch 25 Beer Park will have a ”713 Takeover,” powered by the Houston Dynamo FC and local art collective Free Walls. Kick off the day by signing up for Cascarita, a free pick-up soccer tournament, then shop a lineup of local vendors from The Good Market HTX. 10 am.

    Pizaro’s Pizza will offer its classic, Neapolitan-style margherita pizza for 7.13 (plus tax) for phone orders, carry out, and dine-in only. The offer is available all day and customers should mention "713 Day" to claim their offer. Noon.

    River Oaks Theatre will have fine dining and live music for its celebration. International hip-hop violinist Josh Vietti will perform a tribute to iconic, Houston hip–hop songs live on stage, while DJ Kiotti spins favorite Houston classics. 7:15 pm.

    Salad and Go will be giving love to H-Town by slinging out salads and wraps for only $7.13, from Saturday to Monday. It’s valid at all drive-thru locations during regular business hours. For online orders, use the code “713.” 7 am (8:30 am Monday).

    The Savoy is hosting mechanical bull-riding contests on Friday and Saturday at 7:13pm. First Prize is $713, to be awarded on Sunday. Also on Sunday, they’ll have $7 specialty cocktails, along with $13 brunch and dinner specials. 11 am.

    Social Beer Garden HTX will have the one-and-only Michael “5000” Watts spin for its free party. DJs Charlee Brown and Vic G will do special sets, while a special “Purple Drank” cocktail, served in a medical bottle, will be available for a limited time. Noon.

    Over at Solarium, customers can enjoy the signature Purple Drink cocktail for $7.13. Made with 12-year aged rum, coconut, ube, pineapple, and lime, the cocktail is a tribute to the city’s culture. $1 from every Purple Drank cocktail will be donated to Kerr County relief efforts. 10 am.

    On Saturday, Soluna will partner with Do713 for the “Splash & Slabs Pool Party.” The event will be complete with DJ sets, cocktails, classic car displays, and major giveaways, including a free Heights House Hotel stay. 2 pm.

    Taste Kitchen + Bar will feature three 713 Day specialty cocktails, served in custom Taste styrofoam double cups for customers to keep. Featured drinks include the Screwed Up Smash, the Lavender Rita, and a Screwtown Punch tribute to the Astros. 8 am.

    Tavola is offering three special cocktails priced at $7.13 each all day. The lineup includes the Biggio Loves Espresso, a nod to the Astros; Orbit’s Soul, a vibrant green cocktail; and the Post Oak Sunset, a tribute to Tavola’s neighborhood. 11:30 am.

    Both WILD Concepts locations in Montrose and the Heights will have two $7.13 cocktails: Still Sippin (Maker’s Mark 101, Four Roses Single Barrel, maple, and bitters) and Purple Rain (Rémy Martin, coconut, ube, butterfly pea tea, pineapple, clarified citrus, and Topo Chico). 8 am.

    Houston Zoo entrance
      

    Courtesy of the Houston Zoo

    Visit the Houston Zoo for $7.13 this weekend.

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