MFAH Art School Kicks Off Series of Exhibits Celebrating Talent of its Staff

MFAH Art School Kicks Off Series of Exhibits Celebrating Talent of its Staff

THROUGHOUT ALL THREE floors of the stunning Glassell building on the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston campus, beginning Aug. 10, visitors will find colorful, thought-provoking works by one of the school's own: The first in a series of exhibits showcasing art by Glassell faculty members, Chaotic Nodes is a collection of paintings by instructor Arielle Masson.


"Since 1993, I have used as a point of departure the single geometric matrix called the Vesica Piscis or The Vessel of the Fish," says Mexico-born Masson on her website, "which could be described as the overlapping of two circles, creating an almond shape in between." That almond shape, also known in art as a Mandorla, is used to create "a circle-based lattice, which has allowed me to create the most varied patterns seen in my paintings."

Masson moved to Houston by way of Brussels and Paris in 1986, and was awarded her MFA in fine arts and painting from UH in 1990, followed by the coveted Core Program Fellowship from the Glassell School. She's created works for the City of Houston and the MetroRail, and frequently incorporates unexpected industrial materials in her paintings, including laminated glass, Lithocrete, and Lithomosaic.

The Chaotic Nodes show at Glassell offers, per the artist, an insight into "existential paroxysm," or internal crises occurring with a "tear in the fabric of reality." It runs through mid-October, with an opening reception scheduled for Sept. 7 at 6pm, and an artist talk on Sept. 21.


"Mugwort Zone," 2009, egg tempera and oil on canvas on panel

Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep Reading Show less
Style

THE UPCOMING AIA Houston Home Tour is always an anticipated fall event, a style showcase from some of the city’s best architects, designers and tastemakers. The two-day, self-guided tour includes several custom homes in the area that exhibit design excellence, innovative design solutions, and sustainable features.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate