Get Art Smart

When we’re out and about, rocking and rolling and what not, we meet a lot of people who say, “Gee, I’d really like to be into art, but, I just don’t know about any artists and I get really intimidated when I go to galleries because the attendants can totally tell I don’t know anything about art and I end up leaving in shame, lamenting that my old Monet poster and that STOP sign I stole back in high school will just have to do.” Or that could be (ahem) what we think every morning when we look in the mirror. Perhaps you are an expert. We like to think of ourselves as lifelong learners. Like our little friend here (below) in the saddle-oxfords. Doesn't he look excited? Learning is fun! Art is fun! Learning about art is fun!

So, there are a couple of events tonight that may be just the thing to help us, and our fellow less-than-arts-educated Houstonist brethren, become a little more aware of what local Houstonian artists have to offer.

For a more educational approach to learning more about local artists, check out Slide Jam! at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Slide Jam programs introduce figures from Houston’s diverse art community to those who want to follow new developments in contemporary art. Slide Jam gives exposure to young artists and allows better-known artists to test audience reactions to experimental work or new ideas. So, it's great because the audience is in direct contact with the artists. This week’s featured artists are John Adleman and Lisa Qualls.

Thursday, October 18, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Cullen Education Room
5216 Montrose Boulevard
www.camh.org

If you’re looking for a little for bit more of a social atmosphere, try the Artists Alive and Well Show at Eastman Gallery. This gallery prides itself on featuring emerging talent and exhibits an expansive and diverse group of artists who work in a myriad mediums. Artists Alive and Well is a Houston-based educational organization that supports artists in shifting from "starving artist" mode to "abundant artist" mode by mastering ways to create, show and sell their work with passion and confidence. This show features fifty-five artists! Surely there will be something we can all find fascinating. And, there’s free admission, free food, and an open bar. You’re welcome.

Thursday, October 18, 2007, 6-10 p.m.
Eastman Gallery, 1110 N. Post Oak Rd., #310
www.eastmangallery.com