Terry Leavitt-Chavez at Winter Street Studios

The Artists at Winter Street Studios invite the public to come by for OPEN STUDIOS on the second Saturday of every month. This is the largest group of fine artists in the Houston area. Visitors can chat up the artists, discuss technique, process, inspirations-you name it! All in an open house, chilled out environment.

On Saturday, May 9th Winter Street is featuring Terry Leavitt-Chavez, one of H.W.C.'s favorite local artists. In the last five years she has sold over 300 originals, received recognition from Houston's Glassell School of Art, and been featured in the Houston Chronicle. If you haven't seen any of her compelling abstract pieces, you should definitely go give them a gander.

Studios are open to the public, free of charge.
Saturday, May 9th, 2009 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m.

Chris Beeks at it Again

Everytime I see fresh work from Mr. Chris Beekman, he always takes it to the next provacative level. I think you'll find that these paintings are no different. Man this guy is talented. Have a look see.

Vaughan Christopher Gallery

(pictured above from the left: Andrew McNevin, Holly Vogt Wilkison, Me, and Houston Hayes)

One of my absolute favorite things from this past year, was the opening of the Vaughan Christopher Gallery. It was perfectly orchestrated by A Fare Extraordinaire down to every last electric green Warhol Cocktail (I was on Warholtini #4 in the picture above...don't judge me). The gallery was filled with dozens of seasonal white flowers, to-die-for delicious catering, and brilliant orange accents sprinkled throughout (the servers even wore skinny orange ties..so mod!). Lucky for Houston's Weekly Chic, Ginger Wright, one of the gallery owners agreed to give us a very quick Q&A. Enjoy...

Why did you choose to open a gallery in Houston, as opposed to a different city?
It is where I/we live and have established my/our lives.

What is your favorite piece that you own?
My favorite piece that the gallery owns is by Matisse, Dancers. However, my favorite art piece changes on a daily basis, so that would be today's answer!

Pick one artist that you love.
That would be impossible for me.

Pick one artist that you hate.
I do not hate any artist.

What do you enjoy doing outside of spending every last minute of your day running a gallery?
Spending time with friends and family

What would you like the average Houstonian to know about Vaughan Christoper Gallery?
We have a fabulous collection of Master works that the average person can find and afford.

Maritere Casillas Rice

Check out this fabulous Houston photographer that I just discovered. Her name is Maritere Casillas Rice, and her work is stunning. See for yourself!

You can see more of her work on etsy, flickr, or her blog where she posts regular updates.

New Art from Chris "Beeks" Beekman

The very talented Chis Beeks has some new ass-kicking work that you must see. Of the google hits Houston's Weekly Chic receives, more people are searching "Chris Beeks art" than any other topic. Obviously, people are starting to take notice. Here are just a few of my favorites.
* Also be sure to check out the Chris Beeks website for much, much more.

One Eyed,One Horned, Crocheted People Eater

This little creature put me in my happy place today. Otis the one eyed monster is just one of the many wonderfully kooky creations by Susan at Barking Dog Designs. If you need a one-of-a-kind gift for a little one this holiday season, be sure to visit her Etsy page and support our local artisans!

Shecky's Girls Night Out Houston

CLICK HERE for 2009 SHECKY's Girls Night Out info!

Few things shake my inner girly girl into a twitter, but this upcoming party makes my soul smile. Pay attention ladies, this is an event that will make you want to pull out those Manolo Blahnik's (you know, the ones you haven't worn since Sex and the City went off the air), and trot on over to the Crystal Ballroom. Oh yeah, and the tickets are totally and completely FREE...so read on.

What the heck is it?
Shecky's Girls Night Out is a five-hour shopping/socializing experience, that includes:

• Unique up-and-coming designer fashions at 75% off
• Open Bar provided by Chambord (hellooo...free booze...you know that means I'll be there)
• Free spa services
• Shecky's swag bags (two deluxe goodie bag tickets for $25, but the contents are worth $100+)
• Much, much more!
  

When is it?
Tuesday Nov. 18 and Wednesday November 19 from 5p.m.–10p.m.
Where is it?
The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel
909 Texas Ave. (Travis & Main St.)

What is Shecky's?
They are a national media company that hosts these fantastic soirees across the country, for the sole purpose of you having a killer time.
Shecky's rocks my proverbial world. RSVP HERE or email me if you have further questions!

Vaughan Christopher Gallery Grand Opening!

The art scene in Houston just got even awesome-er...in a priceless sort of way. Tonight is the grand opening of the Vaughan Christopher Gallery on South Shepherd. Even if you know zilch about art, you will definitely recognize some of these big names. Favorites such as Picasso, Warhol, Matisse and Dali are all represented. Check out their info. below for specifics. I will be there with cocktail in hand.

VAUGHAN CHRISTOPHER GALLERY
Friday, November 14, 2008
7-10 pm
1217 SOUTH SHEPHERD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77019
COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Works by Chagall, Dali, Francis, Haring, Hirst, Kaufman, Lichtenstein, Manes, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Murakami, Picasso, Quinn and Warhol are brilliantly showcased in the intimate space. “We have a large quantity of very high quality works,” said Amy King. ” Because our collection is so diverse, I think anyone could find something here that intrigued them, and I find that possibility extremely exciting.” Among the 100 pieces in inventory, we have iconic works such as Warhol’s Marilyn and Lichtenstein’s Bull Profile series to less familiar treasures like Picasso’s Picador et Chevral and Chagall’s Romeo and Juliet.

Jimmy Ferry Show at Xnihilo Gallery

If you want to see some fantastical art work that is like nothing you've seen before, go see our friend Jimmy Ferry's show in the Xnihilo Gallery at Taft Street Coffee. He's got 15 brand spanking new prints up (including the one above), that will be sure to knock your socks off. They are only up through Turkey Day, so be sure drop in.

Just a Little Inky

Have you ever seen a piece of artwork that draws you in, gets under your skin, makes you want to see more, but you’re not quite sure why? This is how we felt when we first laid eyes on the edgy works of Chris Beekman.

Though this indie-style artist is obviously well seasoned, he didn't actually start his painting career until 2002. He found himself partying in a warehouse in the backwoods of Austin (like you do), where everyone was painting on a giant canvas, and thus a bad ass painter was born.

Make no mistake, this work is not for the hoitey toitey "everything costs ten thousand dollars a pop" art gallery groupies. Each piece is like a fantastic, well written film. Thrilling, full of life, with unexpected twists and turns. We were also impressed by his powerful, smart, yet delicate representations of women on his canvases. It's no wonder that the notorious Lot 8 Boutique, Soak, and Vertigo salons, all have his work gracing their walls. If this guy knows women as well as his paintings, somebody needs to snatch him up fast! I seriously doubt Mr. Beekman needs us as a dating service, so just snatch up some of his work through his contact information below.

Website: Beeks' Art

e-mail: colinzeal75@gmail.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/colinzeal

The Retrochique Recycling Program

When somebody finds new uses for old things, which would otherwise end up in a landfill, it always makes us feel fuzzy and green on the inside. This is why we love the earthy, child-like simplicity of Retrochique.

According to the online urban dictionary, the definition of Retrochique is: something classic or old without being old fashioned. There couldn't be a more fitting description for the creations of Jamie Drumwright. Retrochique’s sole artisan uses a variety of vintage cotton fabrics, adds eco-spun felt, and turns them into fresh, retro-licious gear that you can use on a day-to-day basis. Jamie's pieces include various sizes of zippered pouches, bags, hot pads, coasters, and beyond. Her materials and fun fabrics are pulled from resale shops, and flea markets. Sometimes she even uses swatches of vintage clothing in her work. Talk about carrying around a piece of history.

With a degree in fashion design, as well as inspiration from 60’s handbag guru Enid Collins, Jamie creates bold graphic statements, with witty wordplay. Retrochique's goal is to provide something practical that you can use, but will make you smile in the process. Mission accomplished Retrochique. Mission accomplished.

To see more Click Here for the Retrochique Etsy Page