Greetings!
This week I'm bringing you information about three very special upcoming events as well as Laura Rathe Fine Art's guide to finding timeless art in the Houston area: 
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 4th, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm THE GRAY DOOR along with The Red Vault, will host an evening of champagne, wonderful food from Ruggles and fantastic deals on merchandise in the shop. Jewelry designer Brian Walker will also be showcasing his stunning handmade collection. It will truly be an event that you won't want to miss! (click for more information)
Sunday, February 7th, 9:00am - 4:00 pm. The Urban Market Houston hosts their first high end outdoor antique market of the year, Always a great event, we are sure it will be better than ever. (click for more information.)
Thursday, February 11th, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Laura Rathe Fine Art. Laura was so moved by the recent disaster in Haiti that she felt compelled to do more than just donate to one charity. She came up with the idea of having a silent auction and reception to benefit Haiti victims. Over 75 excellent artists will be participating and donating their works of art with 100% of the proceeds going to Haiti victims. Please show your support and attend this very important evening. (click for more information.)
The Art of Collecting Art
By Laura Rathe of Laura Rathe Fine Art
The most important aspect in collecting art is in making sure that in the process you end up with a piece that you truly love. If you collect art on this basis, you will have made a purchase that is timeless. When using these criteria, your selection will naturally fit in any space and will be treasured throughout a lifetime.
From my experience, many people seem to be intimidated by art because of their lack of knowledge, but in reality, as they search through the gallery, it is apparent that knowledge doesn't determine the ability to be attracted to certain types of works; it could be color, texture, mood or medium. Most everyone has an inherent fascination with certain styles of art.
There is nothing that you need to know about the art of collecting. You can learn as you move forward. Start by going to various galleries and artist studios in the Houston area. Quite frankly, the process is and should be enjoyable! From Gallery Row on Colquitt to Winter Street Studios, galleries and artists open up their doors on a regular basis, show casing reasonably priced emerging and established artists, as well as investment quality collections. As you stroll through the galleries, note your reaction; if the piece really strikes you, if you are really 'wowed', if it resonates in your mind, then it is a keeper!
Below is a listing of various Houston galleries, studios, museums, etc where you can explore. Also, check on line to see when the galleries in an area have a common opening night. It is nice to stroll from one gallery or artist studio to the next, enjoying a variety of visual stimuli with a nice glass of wine in hand!
Galleries with Emerging and Established Artists
McMurtrey Gallery
Laura Rathe Fine Art
New Gallery
Dean Day Gallery
Thornwood Gallery
Gremillion & Co. Fine Art
Bering & James
Deborah Colton Gallery
Inman Gallery
Gallery M Squared
Jack Meier Gallery
Galleries with Established Artists
Barbara Davis Gallery
Harris Gallery
Wade Wilson Art
Moody Gallery
McClain Gallery
Galleries with Specific Specializations
Anya Tish Gallery - European, Russian and select Texas artists
John Cleary Gallery - Fine Art Photography, 20th Century Classics
Hooks - Epstein Galleries - Fine Art Glass
Meredith Long - 19th & 20th Century American Painting & Scultpure
Goldesberry Gallery - Fine Art in Craft Media
Museums and Institutions
Lawndale Art Center
DiverseWorks Artspace
The Menil Collection
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Contemporary Arts Museum
Blaffer Gallery, University of Houston
Houston Center for Photography
Rice University Art Gallery
Artist's Studios
Winter Street Studios
The Docks
Hardy & Nance Street Studios
Mother Dog Studios
We look forward to seeing you at all these events.
Have a great weekend!
Kind regards,
Etienne Skrabo
The Red Vault
