We love exposing Houston’s hidden gems through our articles on MyHoustonLife. Really, every city has their fair share of hole-in-the-wall restaurants, music venues, etc., but leave it to Houston to have an entire underground, hidden culture of art!
Artist: Alicia Escamilla
It is in the mystique of this culture where the beauty and allure of the annual Houston Art Crawl lies. Every year, hundreds of Houston’s local artists and the clusters of artist warehouses in Downtown Houston open their studios and galleries to the general public. The free showings are an effort in a mission to give the public a greater understanding of contemporary art. With the Art Crawl, the largely hidden culture of Houston’s Artist Warehouse District steps out from behind their shadows and directly into the spotlight.
After wrapping a photo session near the East End this morning, I decided to partake in my first experience with Art Crawl Houston (big thanks to featured Art Crawl artist, Laura DeLeon for first telling us about this event). Having seen Laura’s artwork before, I knew I wanted to see what pieces she was showing for the event and coincidentally, I was only a few blocks from one of her galleries.
Artist: Laura DeLeon
What I found at the unassuming, complete-opposite-of-a-posh-art-gallery-building-turned-art-studio was an experience that I can only describe as whole-heartily organic. You literally are stepping into the work spaces of these artists — sanctuaries where brushes meet canvas, where charcoal meets paper, and of course, where inspiration breeds masterpieces.
Whether you are a lover of art or just looking for some cultural stimulation, Art Crawl Houston is a definite can’t-miss — this year or for several years to come. The event runs until 9pm tonight, so those of you who haven’t gotten out to Downtown to experience the sights and sounds of the Art Crawl, there’s still time!
Get more information about the Art Crawl here! Or download the Art Crawl Houston 2011 map here and get going!
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