Fall 2017-Spring/Summer 2018
Seamingly Natural
“Seamingly Natural,” featuring new works from Ann Johnson and her mother Thelma Johnson, opens Friday, May 11, 2018, at the Community Artists’ Collective with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit continues through June 2.
Primarily self-taught, Thelma Johnson, who has always had an infinity for sketching, became more interested in painting in 2005 while taking painting classes at the Roy Culler Senior Center in High Point, N.C. Several of her art works have placed in local art competitions. She had her first solo exhibition at the International Center for Civil Rights and Museum in Greensboro, N.C., in 2017.
Ann Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist whose works push the boundaries of experimental printmaking and examine issues of race, gender and identity. She has exhibited nationally and teaches at Prairie View A&M University.
The May 11 reception is free to the public. On Thursday, May 17, a Momentum Reception, designed especially for the next generation of art collectors, will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Guests will be treated to light bites catered by Lemond Kitchen, wine and music by DJ Andre Sam Sin as well as to the exhibit. Admission is $25 presale and $30 at the door.
Of Women Continued
The Community Artists’ Collective celebrates Women’s History Month with “Of Women Continues,” on the tenth anniversary of the organization’s first “Of Women” exhibition.
Ten women artists will showcase their own unique style, medium and feminine inspiration for the March 8, 2018, through April 14 show, which is also part of the Fotofest 2018 Biennial Participating Spaces city-wide exhibitions.
Seven of the artists in the original 2008 exhibition returning with works created since 2008 are Michelle Barnes, Valerie Burkes, Lee Carrier, Tina Hernandez, Mary Ann Lucas, Caroline Marcos and Lindsay Peyton. They are joined by Hope Goodson, Linda Simien Kelly and LJanelle Butler. The diversity of media, which includes painting, photography, watercolor and mixed media, reflects the diversity of the artists’ ages, ethnicity and subject matter.
The opening reception will be held Friday, March 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Collective. On Saturday, March 31, at 2 p.m. the artists will participate in a panel discussion at The Collective.
Women’s History Week was formally established in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as Women’s History Week. In 1987 the week was expanded to Women’s History Month, or Herstory Month as it is often called, by Congress.
Catch on Fire
“Catch on Fire,” a collection of the art of designer Ashley Washington, opens Thursday, January 18, 2018, at the Community Artists’ Collective with a reception from 6 to 8:00 p.m.
Washington, the owner of Visionary Art & Décor, creates her abstract art to express a feeling of happiness, hope, joy and inspiration. Each painting has a story behind it.
The native Houstonian takes pride in the city’s diversity of cultures and embraces its melting pot of individuals from all over the world.
“That same diversity inspires my love for the arts. A person’s journey in life displays a uniqueness of character which can be expressed in my creations,” she explained.
“Catch on Fire” is based on one of Washington’s favorite scriptures, Jeremiah 28:9, “because it expresses a burning desire that cannot be contained so it must be released.” She dedicates the collection to her late godbrother James Vaughn, who turned his dark season in life into light for other men who struggled with adversity.
Washington will present a workshop Saturday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. to discuss her creative process, demonstrate her technique and engage participants in an activity.
“Catch on Fire” runs through February 23.
Ashé Market
Ashé Holiday Market
November 24, 25, 30, December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 2017
A collaboration featuring Black Heritage Gallery, Community Artists’ Collective, Amaris Simone
Holiday Gifts: Original art, jewelry, crafts
Artists: Carolyn Crump, Willette Aubrey, William Trotty, Calin Bruett, Laura Fagbemi
Harvest Artist Benefit
October 17, 2027: Fundraiser for artists affected by Hurricane Harvey
POLŪTNOT®
Environmental artist Gail Mebane will introduce a product she has developed for artists at an exhibition at the Community Artists’ Collective opening September 14, 2017, with a reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
“The Unfolding Story of POLŪTNOT” marks the beginning of a plan to engage the city in a major environmental initiative. POLŪTNOT® is an art surface made from recycled plastic grocery bags that can be used instead of canvas and paper.
On Earth Day, April 22, 2018, Mebane will launch an exhibit at the Harambee Art Gallery at City Hall, where she is the educational director and cofounder, featuring the art of Houston area high school and college students and professional artists using POLŪTNOT exclusively as the art surface.
“However,” Mebane reports, “the major environmental initiative in the works is a Guinness World Record challenge to create the largest mural made from recycled plastic grocery bags. It will be staged here in Houston on a giant plastic bag surface. I am currently in talks and negotiations with Guinness to formulate and schedule the challenge.
“We expect this initiative to create excitement throughout the city and showcase the talent of many Houston area muralists,” she predicted.
“We realize some communities seek to ban the bag, but Houston will become known as the city that embraced the bag and transformed it into a global movement. I hope to ignite a spark with this September exhibit and in due time light a fuse to a global explosion of environmental art innovation,” Mebane explained.
Mebane likes to use green and recycled materials to promote green initiatives. Her artwork is influenced by nature, environmental issues and multicultural designs. Her signature elements include exotic handcrafted textures, bold geometric patterns and free form organic shapes. She often incorporates symbolism, codes and poetry into her abstract collages and draws on her spiritual connection to infuse her art with divine energy.
“The Unfolding Story of POLŪTNOT” exhibition runs through October 14.
Print II
“ReDefining Print II: A Printrospective,” the work of Ann “Sole Sister” Johnson, opens Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the Community Artists’ Collective.
This exhibition chronicles the printmaking journey of Johnson. As a founding member of PrintMatters and PrintHouston, printmaking has been at the forefront of Johnson’s work over the past 10 years. Considered an experimental printmaker, Johnson will be exhibiting work that has traveled to Syracuse, New York, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as works that have been shown in Houston as a part of the ROUX Collective.
The opening reception is from 3 to 5 p.m., and the exhibition runs through August 19.