Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1519564
Art NOTES Foodie Inspiration: Wit underscores the visual banquet of Amy C. Evans. There's always a foodie component to Evans' work, too — no surprise for a talent who launched the oral history program at the Southern Foodways Alliance at the University of Mississippi and co-authored and illustrated one of the most charming cookbooks you'll ever own, A Good Meal Is Hard to Find: Storied Recipes from the Deep South. The Houston painter unveils her latest at longtime dealer Koelsch Gallery in "Meals I've Loved" (May 2 – June 1). Also headlining are cool Pop sculptures by art students, with whom Evans collaborated during her time as a St. John's School artist in residence this spring. Benevolent Taxidermy: At Hooks- Epstein Galleries, the droll world of Brit sculptor David Farrer debuts stateside in "Mounted, but NOT Stuffed!" (May 18 – June 15). Don't let the delightful bespoke papier- mâché sculptures deceive you. Fashioned from ephemera, horsehair, foil, wire, and wood, these arty heads emit statements about animal rights and ending trophy hunting. Kimono Nation: One of Houston's beloved fashion brands, Tina Zulu's Kimono Zulu, comes to Neiman Marcus Houston Galleria (main floor), in an exhibit aligned with Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1 - 31). The collection includes vintage Japanese kimonos reborn via collaborations with noted Houston artists Sebastien "Mr. D 1987" Boileau, Emilie Duval, Rene Cruz, Matt Manalo, Shelbi Nicole, GONZO247, and Selven O'Keef Jarmon. Meet the artists and Zulu at the exhibit opening, Friday, May 3, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Art + Activism: Speaking of Selven O'Keef Jarmon, the artist who collaborated with South Africa's Mandela Institute on social justice projects and brought South African beaders to town, brings forth an important new endeavor. Cue The Roaming Beads Project (RBP), launching at Art Is Bond Gallery Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Jarmon says: "The Roaming Beads Project is a platform that creates inroads into people's shared humanity through beading and listening to classical music." Poetic and Profound: Pioneering photographer/filmmaker/installation artist Nancy O'Connor has explored the Black cowboy tradition for decades via her personal journey and familial relationship to the land. At Barbara Davis Gallery, she presents the poetic "Welcome Table" (May 3 – July 6) which she says is an homage "to a place and a community of African-American cowboys long since gone that I have known since childhood. The church still stands and now sits silent out on the south Texas prairie. Absence has created for me a presence that leads me into the language of souls and the archaeology of the spirit." Dear Glory Returns: One of the happenings of the art-verse is "Dear Glory," organized by independent curator/adviser Moriah Alise's Alise Art Group. This spring, the much-anticipated biennial continues the tradition of showcasing a historic venue — this time, the Niels Esperson Building. (More on this iconic Italian Renaissance Revival skyscraper reimagined as arts destination next month.) The day-into-evening collecting opportunity highlights current and future Houston art stars. (Saturday, May 25, 4 to 9 pm, on floor 17; panel 6:30 to 8:30 pm; rooftop (floor 25) private lounge featuring artists Erika Alonso, Colby Deal, LaMonté F r e n c h , a n d Ryan Williams; aliseartgroup.com.) Art Dates: We never miss these art fundraisers for worthy causes. DiverseWorks' Luck of the Draw Friday, May 17, at MATCH Gallery, is a lively bash that offers chance tickets for artworks by prominent talents of national and/or Texas renown (tickets $150, chances $200 guarantee you a coveted artwork; diverseworks.org). Empty Bowls at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Saturday May 11, raises much-needed funds for Houston Food Bank. Make a $25 donation, then select from more than 1,500 artisan-crafted bowls (emptybowlshouston. org). Saturday, May 4, Box 13's Empty Box '24: Street Legal celebrates its 16th year. Acquire and support! (box13artspace.com). Above left: David Farrer's Armadillo, 2020, at Hooks-Epstein Galleries By Catherine D. Anspon Amy C. Evans' Burger King Milkshakes and Oysters from the Apalachicola Bay with Unk and Gloria Quick in Franklin County, Florida, 2023, from the "Meals I've Loved" series, at Koelsch Gallery 20