Summer Attraction

Art coup: Rare Dutch and English masterworks to make U.S. debut at MFAH thanksto London revamp

Joseph Mallord William Turner, A Coast Scene with Fisherman Hauling a BoatAshore (“The Iveagh Sea Piece”), c. 1803-1804, oil on canvas, Kenwood House,English Heritage, Iveagh Bequest, 1927
Anthony van Dyck, Flemish, Princess Henrietta of Lorraine Attended by a Page,1634, oil on canvas, Kenwood House, English Heritage, Iveagh Bequest, 1927
Rembrandt van Rijn, Portrait of the Artist, c. 1665, oil on canvas, KenwoodHouse, English Heritage, Iveagh Bequest, 1927
Thomas Gainsborough, Mary, Countess Howe, c. 1764, oil on canvas, Kenwood House,English Heritage, Iveagh Bequest, 1927

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is set to host an exquisite collection of European paintings from London's Kenwood House, including masterworks by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Thomas Gainsborough and J.M.W. Turner.

Perched atop North London's Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House has been home to the renowned paintings for more than a century, drawing more than a million visitors each year. With this summer's "Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London" at the MFAH, American audiences will get a rare opportunity to view one of England's most important art collections.

The works offer a window into the aristocratic tastes of its own time: Full-length portraits of London courtesans, Italian and Dutch landscapes and a self-portrait of Rembrandt himself.

Acquired from 1887 to 1891 by the manor's last private resident, Edward Cecil Guinness — the 1st Earl of Iveagh and the heir to beloved Irish brewery — the group of Dutch, Flemish and English works from the 17th and 18th centuries offer a window into the aristocratic tastes of its own time: Full-length portraits of London courtesans, Italian and Dutch landscapes and a self-portrait of Rembrandt himself.

Built in the early 1600s and remodeled by famed neoclassical architect Robert Adam in the late 18th century, the Kenwood House will close to the public in the summer 2012 for a year-long series of major renovations to repair a dangerously-aging roof and restore the building's exterior.

A portion of the conservation efforts will be funded by loaning portions of the collection to museums in the United States, where many of the paintings will make their first American debut. Organized by the American Federation of Arts (AFA), "Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough" features 48 pieces from Kenwood which will travel first to the MFAH before making stops in Milwaukee and Seattle.

“We are extremely proud to be able to give greater exposure to this magnificent selection of paintings while Kenwood undergoes a major refurbishment,” AFA chief operating officer Pauline Willis said in a statement.

Prior to this exhibition's opening in Houston, Rembrandt’s Portrait of the Artist will be on view throughout April and May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where new MFAH director Gary Tinterow is currently putting the finishing touches on an acclaimed 28-year tenure as curator of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art.

"Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London" will run from June 3 through Sept. 3, 2012 at MFAH.

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dancing days

Massive new country western dancehall now open in Southwest Houston

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

The wait for Houston’s newest destination for two stepping, boot scootin’, and line dancing has come to an end. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon has officially opened its doors.

Located at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston (7500 Bellaire Blvd.), Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon offers almost 37,000 square feet of space, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for popular country dance styles such as two stepping and line dancing. It’s the company third location, joining a Dallas outpost that opened in 1989 and a San Antonio location that opened in 2003.

"We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," said Scott Murphy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

In order to entertain crowds that are expected to swell to as many as 2,000 people on busy nights, Cowboys Red River will feature performances by honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

nightlife openings cowboys red river dance hall and saloon