Greetings! 

This week's focus is on art. Art comes in many forms, from an oil painting, to sculpture, decorative painting, to a finely carved piece of furniture. The Red Vault owner and creator, Ginger Wheless, gives us a first-hand look at her experience with fine art dealer Laura Rathe

Did you know that Houston is the 3rd largest art market in the U.S.?

I met Laura Rathe about five years ago when I tracked down an artist who referred me to Laura as her agent. I was impressed with this stylish and unpretentious lady who toured my house to get a feel for my lifestyle and furnishings and showed up several days later with a Suburban full of paintings - all of which I loved. I have watched Laura evolve from a savvy art dealer operating on a small scale to becoming the owner of an outstanding art gallery in a beautiful location on Colquitt.  She currently represents 30 artists and when asked about plans for the future, she says she wants to take her gallery to a higher level, which to her means diversification in the form of expanded art, i.e., more interesting glass, bronze and mixed media from emerging, mid-career and established artists. How did she get started in this field?  To quote Laura,  "I had done other things in my life and wanted to do something totally different."  She was living in The Woodlands and recognized an absence of art, so she took off for Paris for two weeks and went from one gallery to the next taking digital pictures.  "I started emailing photographs of art to my personal friends and prospective clients." (Remember that digital & photos via email were somewhat primitive 10 years ago.)  While in Paris, Laura met many art dealers and artists and within a 9 month period, she put together an art show of 250 original pieces, which were shipped to her home. She staged a five-day art show in her home and sold many pieces. During her visit to Paris she met Frederic Got, a gallery owner, who asked her to become his U.S. agent and she continued to sell art.  From there, her business evolved to a studio on the east side of town at Diverse Works and she had a website created. Two years ago, she purchased a building on Colquitt, which was the former location of Mix, a clothing boutique.  Her grand opening was scheduled for six days after Hurricane Ike hit Houston and on the day of the rescheduled opening, a bulldozer appeared on Colquitt in front of her building for road reconstruction (plus road reconstruction also started on Kirby Drive).  Fortunately, she has thrived during these adverse times including a down economy and about six months ago, she expanded her business to Austin which she intends to maintain strictly through private engagements on a referral basis. How does she find new artists?  She tours galleries throughout the US and recently returned from Santa Fe, New Mexico where she found two new artists.  After her 10th anniversary party at her gallery on Colquitt this Saturday night, she will be headed to Switzerland for the Art Basel show, which is the most famous of the international contemporary art shows and will also attend the SCOPE show which is a side show of Art Basel featuring more of the emerging and mid-career artists.  

View the 10th Anniversary Party Flyer Here.

Laura's recommendations regarding buying art:  "It always has to be about what you love; however, be sure to give consideration to whether the piece is worth owning.  Ask the question:  Where is this artist going and where has he/she been?" She adds that it's important to know how many paintings the artist produces each year and how many are similar to each other. My hat is off to you, Ms. Rathe. You're an inspiration and a testament to "Do what you love and fortune will follow". Laura Rathe Fine Art (2707 Colquitt Street, Houston, TX. 77098 ph. # (713) 527-7700  www.laurarathe.com

Segreto
(713) 461-5210
[email protected]
www.segretofinishes.com
Leslie Sinclair has always loved painting, home design, and art. After her children were born, she left her job in corporate America to start Segreto Finishes-an endeavor she thought would afford her more flexibility and family time. It was a merging of the things she knew and loved: architecture, art, home design, paint, and business. The company started with Sinclair and two base painters, and now, 16 years later, she has more than 25 artists who paint elaborate finishes, murals, and fine art to the delight of clients throughout Texas.  It's the creative process Sinclair loves. "I work with homeowners, architects, designers, and builders," says Sinclair. "I find out what surfaces I'll be working with-walls, ceilings, cabinets, beams-and I look at the architecture and the period of the house." Each project is unique, though clients will enjoy perusing her elaborate portfolio for inspiration. Sinclair and her team work to bring fresh ideas and new techniques to the table for each project.  Last October Sinclair expanded the Segreto name and opened an art gallery at 1200 Blalock Rd, Ste. 314 (by appt. only). "Each time one of my kids goes to college, I start something new," jokes Sinclair, who claims it's her cure for the empty nest blues. Segreto Studios is an art gallery, showroom, and studio that features work from thirteen artists, three of whom are muralists at Segreto. "It's nice for them to be able to have the gallery as another creative outlet," says Sinclair, who takes joy in working with up-and-coming artists. "They absorb so many ideas and really listen," she says, "but they come out with their own style."Within three days of opening, the gallery sold 35 pieces. It's a no-pressure gallery with a laidback feel, and because it features young artists, the work is affordable. Plus, it's going to go up in value. A win-win.  Call Segreto at (713) 461-5210 to set up a viewing of the gallery, commission a custom piece, or peruse her portfolio. Art Advice: "Some people will ask me to bring out what I think will look good in their space," says Sinclair, "but I think art is really personal. If you are just beginning to collect, I would look around and see what speaks to you. It's your gut reaction to the piece."

Jane G. Weil, owner of Vestige for the Home, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in art history and has spent the past two decades collecting and selling art, photography, and antiques. She is on a relentless pursuit of uncommon objects, primitives, folk art, and antique and vintage treasures, and she loves to put together collections and assemblages using vintage pieces. The clean, bold lines of industrial materials become "found art" for Weil, as she creates installations that are both unusual and whimsical. "I love the sense of history in once everyday objects, and I love transforming them from simply useful items to their new role as pieces of sculptural beauty." To find her art, Weil scours the US and beyond, searching everywhere from barns and factories to flea markets and antique shows, to find unique items that keep Vestige fresh and full of surprises.  Contact Weil at (713) 553-3775 to make an appointment. She'll bring her object to you or to your client to view. Or visit TheRedVault.com to see a sampling of her inventory.

Fan from Rajathan Palace, India

Dall Factory Leg Molds

Vintage Condom Dispensers, Big Little Books

Wendt Design Group
3139 W. Holcombe, #270
(713)668-7474
www.wendtdesign.com
Amilee Wendt, owner and founder of Wendt Design Group, has been immersed in the design world for more than 25 years. She and her team are more than designers, though. They take all the guesswork out of renovating a space. They plan and source, collect bids and organize a timeline. They do everything to facilitate a smooth renovation short of actually acting as the general contractor. (Makes you want to remodel, doesn't it?)

We interviewed Wendt for some designer insight, and here are some of her tips:

Tip 1: It's all in the details.
Big budget or small, it's the details that make a project look rich.

Tip 2: More isn't more.
It's important to have only a few focal points in a room so the space doesn't become busy.

Tip 3: Buy investment pieces.
Don't think you have to decorate a whole room all at once. Purchase nicer pieces over time, and think of them as investments. They'll stand the test of time.

Tip 4: Reno the furniture.
If a sofa has good bones, reupholster, alter the size, and/or change the feet or the skirt to get the look you want. It's usually less expensive than buying new, and it will look just as good.

Tip 5: Save on window treatments.
There are a lot of elaborate, expensive dressings with swags, fringe, and trim, but they're unnecessary, especially for a contemporary or classic-modern look.

Tip 6: Let there be light.
Good lighting can add dimension to a room. Try highlighting a piece of art, illuminating a display cabinet, or defining a space with track lighting

HOT SHOPS OF THE WEEK

MAI
8719 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77024
(713) 827-8087
www.maihouston.com
MAI, also known as Memorial Antiques & Interiors, is one of Houston's best one stop design shop! With over 45 dealers, this antique and design center has it all. Last week, the TRV team stopped by and we must say, the place looks great. Loads of new merchandise and it is evident that each dealer has put in a lot of effort to showcase their goods. MAI dealers consistently bring in new shipments and you will find beautiful antiques, a wide array of art, great accessories, and so much more. It's worth checking out often.  We guarantee that you won't be disappointed! 

Don't miss the June Tent Event at Antiques & Interiors on Dunlavy! Great merchandise and even better discounts. Dealers will be adding new inventory daily.  This place is a favorite with designers and the design-smart crowd. Be sure to stop by early before all the fantastic find disappear!

View the June Tent Event Flyer Here.

Have a great weekend!

&
Etienne [email protected]	Katie [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have comments or suggestions for us, call Ginger Wheless 713-661-6300 or email [email protected]