Artist Nicola Parente and Kelly Kindred had their work cut out for them: Select a handful of works from a field of willing artists for the Seven Selected Artists exhibition at Hyde Park Gallery, benefiting the Bayou City Art Festivals.
With Parente's expertise and Kindred's contacts as director of artist relations for the biannual festival, the duo succeeded as more than 400 art enthusiasts turned out for opening night of the festival's first-ever gallery exhibition. Featured works by artist Jeannie Maddox, Syd Moen, Tra Slaughter, Eric Lee, “Uncle” Charlie Hardwick, Eric Ober and Vic Lee were up for grabs and will be on exhibit and for sale through Aug. 23.
Gallery owners Dennis Murland and Terry Hamman along with Bayou City Art Festival executive director Susan Fowler welcomed the throng that worked their way not only through the exhibition but also through the food offerings from the likes of Seasons 52, Sorrel Urban Bistro, Qin Dynasty and Beavers.
As the show continues, Ober, Slaughter and Moen will give an artists talk on Aug. 7 and artist Lee will be spotlighted at the closing reception on Aug. 21.
In the artful mix were board members Dr. Roland Maldonado, Nadia Trutenko, Claire Bond, Mary Paulette and John de la Cruz, plus Katherine Orellana Ross, Edward Sanchez, Marianne Mayeux, Enid Sanchez, Kim Padgett, Jodie Eisenhart and Susan and Neal Hirsch.
Nicola Parenta, front, kicks up the fun with Susan Fowler, from left, and artists Eric Lee, Syd Moen, Charlie Hardwick, Jeannie Maddox and Tra Slaughter.
