Upcoming Educational Programs


  • Wed
    07
    Jan
    2015
    5:45 pmAvis Frank Gallery, 1606 White Oak Dr., 77009 (Map)
    Program events

    On Wednesday, January 7, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Artists’ Business Practices with David Hardaker. The free program begins at 5:45 at Avis Frank Gallery, 1606 White Oak Dr.

     

    Mr. Hardaker studied at the Eleanor Street School of Art and the Blackpool College of Art before embarking on a career as an artist. Professional for twelve years and involved in art related promotion for two decades, Mr. Hardaker embraces the power that art brings to any situation whether it be raising funds for charity, furthering the career of an artist, or being a part of the regeneration of a city. He is the owner of Avis Frank Gallery.

     

    The talk will cover professional practices for artists and include the following:

    • Understanding your own personal motivations for creating.
    • Honest self-criticism.
    • Identifying the best way to have people see your work.
    • Identifying the best way to market your work.
    • The role of a gallery.
    • How to measure success.
    • Are you your worst enemy or your best friend?

     

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  • Sat
    07
    Feb
    2015
    5:45 pmThe Printing Museum 1324 Clay St. 77019 (Map)
    Program events

     

    Experience a personalized tour of Houston's own Printing Museum.

    From their website:

    The mission of the Museum is to promote, preserve, and share the knowledge of printed communication and art as the greatest contributors to the development of the civilized world and the continuing advancement of freedom and literacy.

    Featured in the July 2006 issue of Texas Highways, the Museum is described as “a honeycomb of intimate gallery spaces . . . with a stunning collection of objects and artifacts devoted to the history, science, and art of printing."  The portrait of the Museum concludes with the observation that "printed text may be taken for granted these days, but a visit to the Museum of Printing History somehow makes it seem magical once again.”

     

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  • Wed
    04
    Mar
    2015
    5:45 pmThe Glassell School of Art Auditorium, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006 (Map)
    Program events

    9th Invitational juror Anna Tahinci making her selections

    Critique by Patrick Palmer, Nicole Longnecker & Dennis Nance

    On Wednesday, March 4, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) offers members and guests a rare insight into a juror’s selection process for art competitions with a discussion by three prominent figures and frequent jurors in the Houston art world. Nicole Longnecker, owner of Nicole Longnecker Gallery; Dennis Nance, director of exhibitions and programming at the Lawndale Art Center; and Patrick Palmer, Glassell School of Art, Studio School Faculty Chair/Dean; will participate in an open discussion of a juror’s selection process. The presentation begins at 5:45 p.m. in the auditorium of The Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006.

     

    The three speakers, all of whom have been jurors for VAA, will discuss their selection processes when judging a competition. Previously submitted works will be projected for the audience, and panelists will discuss the selection/elimination process applied to each work. Artists will discover the whys and hows of selection from a juror’s point of view, including the constants of technique and presentation as well as the unique personal biases of jurors.

     

    “VAA is so pleased to be able to present this first-hand look into a juror’s thought process. Every artist who has ever entered a competition wonders what makes a piece worthy of selection. What does a juror look for? How does a juror’s background affect the selection process? These are the questions the morning’s session will investigate,” says Matt Adams, President at VAA. “This is a rare opportunity for artists to get inside the mind of a juror and learn how to make each submission the best.

     

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  • Wed
    01
    Apr
    2015
    5:45 pmThe home of Victoria Lightman, 5203 Gibson St, 77007 (Map)
    Program events

    VictoriaLightman

     

    Visual Arts Alliance program on Wednesday, April 1
    features noted Houston art collector Victoria Lightman

    Connecting Through Collecting to focus on works Lightman has acquired and how to build an art collection

     

    On Wednesday, April 1, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Connecting Through Collecting, an overview of the collection she and her husband Marshal have acquired over the years and an insight into how to build a personal art collection. The program is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 at 5:45 p.m. at 5203 Gibson Street, 77007.

     

    Victoria and her husband Marshal Lightman are active collectors who run Houston's Looking At Art project, an initiative that supports the local art scene by educating prospective collectors and connecting them with artists during visits to studios and exhibitions. Ms. Lightman is currently board president of the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts.

     

    There is no charge to attend VAA monthly programs. 

     

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  • Sat
    18
    Apr
    2015
    9 a.m. - 9 p.m.1717 Michigan Street, 77006 (Map)
    Program events

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    Visual Arts Alliance presents art720,

     

    a 12-hour pop-up fund-raiser and mix-and-mingle, Saturday, April 18

    VAA-member artists paint, draw, sculpt on the spot from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

    reception and sale of work from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

     

    On Saturday, April 18 at Next Wall Gallery, member artists of the Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) will participate in a 12 hour (720 minute) pop-up fundraiser and mix-and-mingle for artists and patrons.  Artists will begin painting, drawing, sculpting at 9 a.m., with work continuing throughout the day. An art720 reception will begin at 6 p.m. and all pieces created during the day will be available for sale for $100 each, including tax.  All proceeds benefit VAA. 

     

    The public is invited to attend art720, observing and interacting with the artists as they create the art in the medium of their choice. All artwork will be for sale before, during and after they are complete.  Guests can pop in and out throughout the day, and return during the reception to pick up or purchase work. 

     

    “We held our first art720 last year and it was great fun – and an excellent fund-raiser for VAA. Everyone who stopped by loved the opportunity to see how artists work. And then to have the opportunity to actually purchase an original art piece for only $100! It was a unique experience for all, not to mention a wonderful way to collect art, and get to know Houston artists in person,” says Matt Adams, President, Visual Arts Alliance.

     

    Any artist that would like to participate can register by clicking here.

     

    There is no charge to watch artists creating their works or to attend the reception. Reservations are not necessary. Next Wall Gallery is located at 1717 Michigan Street, 77006. For directions to the gallery, visit www.facebook.com/Next-Wall-Gallery.

     

     

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  • Sat
    09
    May
    2015
    10:00 amThe Glassell School of Art Auditorium, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006 (Map)
    Program events

     

    On Saturday, May 9, the Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) takes a comprehensive look at the contemporary art scene in Paris, guided by Anna Tahinci, PhD, who is professor and head of the Art History Department of the Glassell School of Art. Dr. Tahinci will present an in-depth consideration of Paris, a city that keeps renewing itself by constantly showcasing vibrant contemporary art. The lecture will be held at 10 a.m. in the Freed Auditorium of The Glassell School of Art, 5101 Montrose Boulevard, 77006.

     

    Through virtual visits to both well-known Parisian contemporary art spaces (including the newly-inaugurated Louis Vuitton Foundation built by Frank Gehry) and hidden gems, Ms. Tahinci will analyze relational aesthetics and trace the history and culture of France in Paris. The VAA-sponsored lecture will also address the historical, financial, administrative and political challenges Paris is facing in the 21st century: globalization and export of French art and culture, the neglect of permanent collections in favor of blockbuster temporary exhibitions, the necessity of being profitable due to less governmental support and the requirements for introducing contemporary art in the context of a rich cultural heritage.

     

    Ms. Tahinci, a native of Greece, studied history and archaeology in Athens and spent a total of 11 years in Paris, where she studied art history and comparative literature at the Sorbonne (Ph.D. on Rodin's collectors) and Museum Studies at the Ecole du Louvre. She has worked at the Musée Rodin, the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and the Harvard Art Museum. Further credentials include teaching at Boston University Paris, the University of Minnesota, Macalester College in Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She co-curated the sculpture exhibition that was organized in Athens for the Olympic Games in 2004 and the exhibition Rodin and America at the Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University in 2011.

     

    There is no charge to attend VAA monthly programs. 

     

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  • Wed
    03
    Jun
    2015
    6 - 8 p.m.Art Supply on Main - 2711 Main St 77002 (Map)
    Program events

    ATCOn Wednesday, June 3, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Introduction to Artist Trading Cards, a lecture, demonstration and workshop by Keri Bas. The lecture will feature Artist Trading Cards (ATCs), a movement in which individuals throughout the world make and exchange/trade miniature works of art. The lecture is Wednesday, June 3 at 5:45 p.m. at Art Supply on Main, 2711 Main, 77002.

     

    Ms. Bas will discuss the movement that has grown to include thousands of individuals who make and exchange ATCs. About the size of a baseball card, 2.5”x3.5”, the small-scale works of art are produced in a variety of media, depending on an artist’s preference. Some artists exchange ATCs and others sell their cards at Artist Card Editions and Originals (ACEOs). Other small-scale art trends that use similar techniques include Inchies, Postcard or Envelope Art.

     

    During the VAA event, attendees will be able to create an ATC. “Bring your own materials or use some of mine,” says Ms. Bas. “Try collage, colored pencils, stencils, stamps, paint, textiles or whatever you have. The possibilities are limitless.” Ms. Bas recommends that artists bring their own scissors, x-acto knives and preferred glue.

     

     

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  • Sat
    11
    Jul
    2015
    10:00 amHouston Public Library, 2510 Willowick Rd 77027 (Map)
    Program events

     Visual Arts Alliance presents book signing and discussion of To Catch an Art Thief by author Vivian T-N Ho on Saturday, July 11

    Discussion of the shady world of art thieves where masterpieces are currency

    For its monthly program, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents a fascinating look into the art world’s dark underbelly, courtesy of Vivian T-N Ho, author of To Catch an Art Thief. The discussion will be held on Saturday, July 11, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Houston Public Library, Looscan Branch, 2510 Willowick Road, 77027.   

     

    The years surrounding 1985 were boom times for art thieves and Ms. Ho offers a unique view into this shady world of crooks, fences, and unscrupulous art dealers where masterpieces are the currency of choice. Writing as Vivian T-N Ho, artist and criminal justice scholar Dr. Truc-Nhu Ho reconstructs this dark period in art history, exploring the strategies and tactics used by art thieves, from simple shoplifting to elaborate burglary schemes. At the lecture she will also delve into the response of law enforcement to art-related crimes, recounting and reconstructing cases from the New York City Police Department.

     

    There will be a book signing and Dr. Ho has offered to donate 15% of the sales to VAA.

    Contact:

    Julia Koutroulis, Chairman, Publicity & Community Relations

    Publicity@VisualArtsAlliance.org

     

     

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  • Sat
    01
    Aug
    2015
    9:45 amThe Printing Museum 1324 Clay St 77019 (Map)
    Program events

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    On Saturday, August 1, Visual Arts Alliance presents Digital Tools in Traditional Sculpture Making, a lecture by Houston artist and author Bridgette Mongeon. Ms. Mongeon, who is the author of 3D Technology in Fine Art and Craft, will discuss the possibilities available for artists using 3D printing, sculpting, scanning and milling. The program begins at 9:45 a.m. at The Printing Museum, 1324 Clay Street, 77019.

     

    Ms. Mongeon, a Houston resident, is a master sculptor with more than 20 years of experience in figurative sculpture. She writes and lectures about the arts, technology and marketing in the arts. She holds a master of fine arts degree in combining 3D technology and fine arts from Goddard College. Her most recent public art commission is the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a monumental bronze sculpture created in honor of the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s famous children’s book. The sculpture is intended for a Texas part and will be installed in 2016.

     

     

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  • Wed
    02
    Sep
    2015
    6:00 pmThe Printing Museum 1324 Clay St 77019 (Map)
    Program events

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    On Wednesday, September 2, Visual Arts Alliance explores Houston’s three newest arts districts

    Art leaders address the impact of these new developments devoted to the arts

     

    As art and artists become part of the fabric of the city of Houston, arts districts nurturing creativity are popping up in all quadrants of the city. On Wednesday, September 2, Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) gathers art leaders and district directors for a talk titled The Power of Three: New Arts Districts in Houston. The panel will address the impact of three of the city’s newest art developments, including the East End Arts District, the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District and the Washington Avenue Arts District. The presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m. in The Printing Museum, 1324 W. Clay Street, Houston, 77019.

     

    Diane BarberThe Director of the East End Cultural District, Diana Barber, will discuss Houston’s newest cultural district, which is rooted in one of the city’s oldest communities near Buffalo Bayou and the recently re-designed Guadalupe Plaza Park. The East End Cultural District is home to a number of historic sites and an impressive and ever-growing collection of visual and performing arts venues, artist studios, maker spaces, urban farms, iconic restaurants, outdoor murals and reimagined parks and public spaces such as The Esplanade at Navigation that serve as hubs for cultural activity.

     

    Cynthia Alvarado and Vikki Trammell will represent the Midtown Cultural Arts and Entertainment District. Established in 2012, every form of art is represented in this community. Midtown has more than 170-art-based venues including studios, museums, galleries, theater groups, artist-in-residence programs, culinary arts, live music venues and art-related retailers. Midtown continues its commitment to the arts while working toward creating Houston as an arts destination.

     

    Susannah MitchellThe Washington Avenue Arts District will be represented by its Director, Susannah Mitchell. Home to several converted warehouse studio buildings with more than 250 studios of artists and creative entrepreneurs plus exhibition and event space, this District boasts what is believed to be the highest concentration of working artists in Texas. The area is also home to many individual artists’ residences, studios and arts-focused institutions such as Crockett Elementary, an award-winning fine arts school, and Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), a multicultural arts education and performance center.

     

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  • Wed
    07
    Oct
    2015
    5:15 pmTurrell's "Skyspace" (Map)
    Program events

    On Wednesday, October 7, Visual Arts Alliance invites Houstonians to take a free tour of the public art collection on the Rice University campus. The one-hour art walk begins at 5:15 p.m. and will be followed by attendance at the sunset light show at James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. The art walk will depart from the Twilight Epiphany, which is located directly behind the Shepherd School of Music.

    The art walk will showcase pieces from Rice University’s public art collection, including:

    • James Surls’ The Tree, The Knot, Flower and Me. 2009
    • Jaume Plensa’s Mirror. 2011
    • Charles Mary Kubricht’s Paramuseum: Environmental Exigencies.2010
    • Geoffrey Dashwood’s Monumental Barn Owl.2009
    • Jim Love’s Jack. 1972
    • Aurora Robson’s Lift. 2009
    • Michael Heizer’s 45’, 90”, 180”.1984. (Time permitting.)

     

    The art walk will conclude in time for guests to attend the 6:30 p.m. sunset light show at the Skyspace. There is no charge to attend, but reservations are required to attend the Skyspace light show. Reservations can be made, beginning Wednesday, September 23 at www.skyspace.rice.edu. The light show will end at approximately 7:10 p.m.

    Guests are advised to wear suitable clothing for the weather, walking shoes and possibly bring bug spray. A snack and water bottle will be provided to attendees. Rain date is Wednesday, October 14.

    Parking is available in West Lot 1, off Stockton near University Boulevard, in front of the Shepherd School of Music. There is a fee for parking. Guests should walk directly through the Shepherd School, exiting with the Skyspace structure in view.

     

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  • Sat
    07
    Nov
    2015
    9:45 amSouth Gessner Police Station - 8605 Westplace, 77071 (Map)
    Program events

    VAA-November-15-program

    Tara Conley highlights VAA November program with on-site tour and discussion of her work saluting Houston police

    On Saturday, November 7 at 9:45 a.m., Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents an in-depth look at Houston artist Tara Conley’s 35-piece permanent collection of sculptures that are installed at the South Gessner Police Station, in District 17 at 8605 Westplace, 77071. Located on the interior and exterior of the station, the work ranges from a monumental outdoor stainless steel sculpture, a welcoming stained glass sculpture in the lobby, to 33 cast bronze sayings woven throughout the building. Commissioned by Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) in partnership with the City of Houston, the permanent installation is the newest addition to the municipal art collection.

    During the program, Ms. Conley will lead guests on a tour of the installation, with discussions about the meanings and inspirations for each. She was inspired by officers and citizens working together with patience, tolerance and vigilance to establish a safe and prosperous community. The sculptures transform, encourage and connect those to whom they tribute and will endure in their honor. Highlights of the installation include:

    • Towering 18-foot stainless steel outdoor sculpture at the front entrance of the station.We Are in the Business of Changing the World, SS is an abstract, honeycomb design that illustrates the relationship between police officers and the Houston community.
    • Second major work in the public lobby. We Are in the Business of Changing the World, SGis also a honeycomb design, composed of steel and colored glass which reference the diverse communities within District 17.
    • 33 sculptural, hand-written phrases case in bronze that are located throughout the station.You Have the Right to Remain Silent presents 33 cast bronze phrases that Ms. Conley has collected for 15 years. The wise, witty, introspective and challenging phrases are found in public and private areas at the South Gessner Police Station.

     

    As part of its educational outreach, VAA presents monthly programs that are open to the public. There is no charge to attend and registration is not necessary.

     

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  • Sat
    05
    Dec
    2015
    10 - 11 a.m.Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman St 77004 (Map)
    Program events

    On Saturday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m., Visual Arts Alliance (VAA) presents Ryan N. Dennis, Public Art Director of Project Row Houses, who will describe the history and programs of this community-based arts and culture non-profit organization.  Located in the Third Ward of Houston, Project Row Houses is one of the city’s oldest African American neighborhoods.  The mission of Project Row Houses is to be the catalyst for transforming community through the celebration of art and African American history and culture.

    Ms. Ryan will also provide an orientation to Round 43: Small Business/Big Change: Economic Perspectives from Artists and Artrepreneurs, currently on view, that examines the role of small business in the context of gentrification such as that happening in the Third Ward.  The free talk will take place at Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman, 77004.

    As part of its educational outreach, VAA presents monthly programs that are open to the public. There is no charge to attend and registration is not necessary.

     

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