Cocktails & Crafts

What is it about the term "crafts" that is so off-putting to some of us? Well, for one, it reminds us of suburban housewives with wooden figurines adorning their shelves, reminding us that we're in a "Kountry Kitchen," or that (hee) "Back Door Friends are the Best Friends!" It was many years before we realized just how funny that sign in our wacky Aunt Grace's kitchen was. That, or that wacky Aunt Grace led a pretty twisted double life. Anyway, we're just so horribly biased against and scarred by the term, "crafts." Maybe it's because when we were younger, we were forced to create all sorts of knick-knacks in the classroom, at 4-H, during Sunday school, etc. for which we always used the ubiquitous arts and crafts tools - a little triple threat we like to refer to as (ahem) the trinity: pipe-cleaners, felt, and macaroni. We're sure your hazy childhood memories recall similar scenarios. Pasta is not a good medium for sculpting. Ever.

Regardless, it is clearly OUR fault that we have a problem with the term "arts and/or crafts," and certainly not the issue of the super cool institution you should swing by tonight.

The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is actually a tres chic space and a great recent addition to the Houston Museum District. The Center’s major emphasis is on objects of art made primarily of fiber, metal, glass, clay and wood, through which it aims to advance education about the process, product and history of craft. Since opening its doors in 2001, the Center exists for exhibition, retail and studio spaces and supports the work of both local and national artists.

But there's more! The Center also provides space for artists to hone their, er, craft, with their Artist in Residence program. The Resident Artist program at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft provides space in which professional craft artists expand the parameters of their chosen medium, explore new directions in work and enhance creative vision.

Tonight is a celebration of the current artists-in-residence with a reception at the Center for Contemporary Craft during which you can enjoy libations while discussing the artists' creative processes and works. The resident artists will be on hand to demonstrate technique and discuss motivation and future plans. This is a unique opportunity to really visit with artists and discuss creative thought and creative product.

Furthermore, if you haven't been to the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, you really should go if only to check out the space. This facility is SO cool. The Center's main exhibition galleries and Asher Gallery (the Center's store) will also be open this evening. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, November 8, 2007
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
4848 Main Street