HOUSTON, TX. - 18 Hands Gallery presents The Table Show, featuring a stunning array of objects to set an artful table, from August 2 -31, with an opening reception on Saturday, August 2, from 6pm-9pm, 249 West 19th Street in the Heights. Anything that can be found on a table is the idea, including placemats, vases, dishes and centerpieces. Arranged on sprawling dining room tables, the show is sure to arouse the most curious entertainer to up the artfulness of their dinner parties. Coinciding with White Linen Night in the Heights, The Table Show will be a perfect opportunity for Heights residents and visitors to the area to see a broad spectrum of art objects designed specifically for the table, from the functional to the decorative. “We are aiming at pieces that give your table a unique flair and are conversation pieces,” says founder and juror Betsy Evans. “We are looking for drama. Expect an ultimate table setting.”
For The Table Show, 18 Hands Gallery includes works from other media such as fused glass and wood turning. “This is the first time we have opened our door to artists of other mediums, but it's been on our minds to branch out from the beginning. The Table Show seems like a perfect place to do just that,” says founder Karen Cruce, who will be jurying the show along with Evans. “We are looking for adventurous, eye-catching work and out-of-the-ordinary pieces. Plus, it will be fun to see the chemistry between clay and other mediums.” Evans agrees that summer, and especially White Linen Night, is the perfect opportunity to broaden the scope. “We wanted a chance to explore what's out there in the way of new mediums.”
Cruce embraces a new direction in her own work for the show as well showing a variety of clay and fused glass work. “I've always loved working in glass, and I've finally found the time to pursue glass work,” says Cruce, who will be transferring her earthy tones, usually reserved for her clay work, into her new glass collection. “I can't totally leave my earthy tones behind.” Cruce's clay work on view includes plates and platters that combine black and white with a splash of bold color. “The new work is very contemporary in both color and form,” she says.
In keeping with the dining theme, 10 percent of the sales from opening night and the mid-month event go to the Houston Food Bank.
In addition to opening night on August 2, stop by 18 Hands Gallery to “Chill Out” at the mid-month event, set for Saturday, August 16, 6pm-9pm, when the owners will be serving up fresh, cool summer drinks - think mint juleps and mojitos.
For more information, call the gallery at 713-869-3099 or visit www.18handsgallery.com.
About 18 Hands Gallery: As Houston's only gallery exclusively dedicated to the ceramic arts, 18 Hands Gallery holds a unique place in the city's cultural landscape. Representing the work of 22 local and nationally known artists through monthly exhibits, 18 Hands' mission encompasses showing a broad range of decorative, sculptural, figurative and functional work. Inviting and accessible, their friendly heights-based shop also includes a rotating selection of works for sale. Owned by six passionate clay artists, the Gallery also seeks to create a bridge between potters, the larger ceramic community, and with nonprofit initiatives such as ClayHouston and the Empty Bowls Project. Outreach projects are in the works with MD Anderson and other organizations.
FACT SHEET
What: The Table Show
Where: 18 Hands Gallery, 249 West 19th Street, Suite B, Houston, Texas 77008
When: August 2-31; opening on August 2, from 6pm-9pm
Gallery Hours: Wednesday -Saturday, 10 am -6 pm; Sunday, noon -5 pm. Closed on Mon. & Tues.
Contact : Susan Love Fitts: 936-597-8825.
www.18handsgallery.com
Gallery Telephone: 713-869-3099
Images: High Resolution jpegs are available upon request.
