ArtStorm Supports the Up-And-Coming Art Scene in Houston

Okay, the obvious first question. What got you into art?

When I was 17 I started going to ArtCrawl. I saw what they were doing, and my friends and I realized we could do it, too. I couldn't get into a show at that point, so I started doing my own at Super Happy Fun Land and other local hangouts with other high school kids. It was a lot of fun and a really great experience. It taught me a lot about curating and managing artists, including myself.

What is unique about the Houston art scene? We hear it's easy to be an artist here. Is that true?

It's not oversaturated. It's open to young artists. At the grassroots level, it's open to anyone who wants to take the time to make the work and approach people with it. Houston is starting to have more spaces that will show people who are just starting out. Like in my case, I had an idea for a show I wanted to put together [Creature Comforts]. I went to an ArtCrawl, found a flier for ArtStorm and got in touch with Melissa Juvan. She invited me to come to a board meeting and I pitched my idea for a show to them. They were really open to the idea and we eventually did it.

Sounds like a young artist utopia. Are there disadvantages to being an artist here?

Actually I think there is a lack of young artists that will take the time to approach people and get their work out there here in Houston. But it's hard to get established anywhere. Some galleries feel that they need to see an impressive resume first. They want to see previous successful shows at well known galleries to guarantee they aren't going to take too big of a risk, which is understandable.

So it seems like organizations like ArtStorm are helping young and new artists get their foot in the door.

Well, ArtStorm was the first gallery that didn't ask me for a resume. They just wanted to see the quality of the work and see how passionate I was about it. They are open to anyone. Also, no board member makes any money from ArtStorm. All income from the sale of art work goes back into the operating costs of the gallery. They just want to do what they are passionate about, which is show art.

You are the youngest board member at ArtStorm. Do you think these opportunities for young people are plentiful in Houston's art scene or are you a rarity?

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community. There may be a stigma. People may think if you are that young that you need some kind of training before you get into it. But if you are passionate about it and you really want to do it you can here.

Are people here buying the art?

Absolutely. I think people here are open to coming to art shows, purchasing the work and supporting the artists. Houston has a solid foundation of support. There are many alliances, foundations, and events, ArtCrawl for example, that have done a great job supporting the arts here.

Brumbaugh adds: Every year there are new galleries and art spaces in Houston. We are getting bigger slowly but surely. I think Houston could be the next major art city. I think we have no where to go but up. And I want to be here to see it, and to help build it.

ArtStorm (a tenant of Caroline Collective)
4828 Caroline St.
713.568.8174

Gallery hours:
Tuesday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
or by appointment