art

In First Show From New Collective, UH Grad Students Explore ‘Emergence’

In First Show From New Collective, UH Grad Students Explore ‘Emergence’

Detail of Liz Gates' 'Co-Emergence,' made of diapers and felt on wooden stretchers

LAST YEAR WAS a particularly difficult year for artists, as grants ran dry and galleries shuttered due to Covid-19. In response, Liz Gates and Doug Welsh founded G5 Collective with the mission of creating community and multi-disciplinary arts interaction for MFA candidates at the University of Houston.

"After a year of online communication, we came together due to a collective desire for in-person community building and arts discourse," says Welsh.

This week, the group will be presenting its first exhibition, titled Emergence. The show will feature the work of 15 graduate students, and will be open to the public through July 17, with a closing reception on the final evening.

This group exhibition is born of G5 Collective's summer intensive, which Gates and Welsh created in a time of limited opportunity. "As a result of Covid, it was a particularly hard year to get into summer residencies," explains Welsh. "So instead, we decided to join ranks and create our own summer arts intensive."

Mark Francis' 'Wiseman'

Mark Francis, one of the artists featured this week, presents two mixed-media drawings that are part of a larger series, combining, among other elements, colored pencils, mulberry and rice papers, ink, and gold foil, creating very textured pieces that bring life to the men represented.

"I think 'emergence' speaks more to where I am as an artist, not necessarily the work," says Francis in regards to how his work fits in with the theme of the show. "I never planned on being in grad school and now that I am, it feels like I am emerging. The work is coming from a place that I am just getting used to, but is also ever evolving."

From Your Site Articles
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
promoted

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

Al Torres

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