Virtual Gallery Show Helps Artists in Need

Liberated.48x48.2020+-+summer+lydick
Liberated.48x48.2020+-+summer+lydick

Houston’s ever-important art world is working hard to evolve with the times, turning to virtual experiences and livestream art tours. The Museum of Fine Arts launched #MFAHatHOME, a virtual museum experience including film screenings, exhibition tours, recorded lectures and more. And the Houston Museum of African American Culture is working to get its current exhibitions, Alonzo Williams’ Everyday Strangers and Cedric Ingram’s New Growth, online, while encouraging would-be patrons to “use this time to photograph and interview [their] family members, especially [their] elders.”


But an especially impressive showing has been made by local nonprofit Artists for Artists, which provides grant money and free medical programming to Houston artists who are experiencing a career-threatening medical emergency. Artists for Artists’ work is, clearly, more critical now than ever before — and to get the word out about its mission, the organization has released an impressive virtual gallery show using the innovative platform Exhibbit.

It's called Adaptation, and the title speaks to how artists have had to change the way they make and display their work. There are three “floors” on the 3-D tour, all showcasing works by both emerging and widely collected artists, across a variety of mediums. Viewers can stroll room-to-room and take in individual works, or they can click on a thumbnail image and be whisked quickly through hallways and lobbies to reach a specific painting on display. Find unique originals by Houstonians like collage artist Robert Hodge, abstract painter Peter Healy and wax-pastel illustrator Anne Byrd.

Artists for Artists is enhancing its virtual programming with Q&As, music and cocktails via Instagram and Facebook Live. For those who are able to financially contribute to the cause, the org offers different levels of sponsorship that include original commissioned artwork, tickets to events and more; individual donors are invited to give here.

AT TOP: “Liberated,” by Summer Lydick

Dispatches
Top Realtor Beth Wolff Says Her Career Took Off ‘When I Focused on Others’
How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
Keep Reading Show less

Two hand-stitched pillowcases based on drawings by Houston artists

TO KICK OFF the fall arts season, Andrew Durham Gallery is hosting a unique cross-cultural collaboration between 22 Houston and Texas artists, and 28 members of the sewing co-op and non-profit, Honduras Threads. Founded in 2001, Honduras Threads seeks to provide women in Honduran rural communities with the means to lift themselves out of poverty and support their families.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

IT’S A MILESTONE year for Houston PetSet, a local nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis. The much-needed organization will celebrate 20 years of advocating for the animals of Houston with its biggest Fierce & Fabulous Soirée yet!

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places