VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Gallery 3 Presents Abstract Attractions.

Featured Artist:   Terry Leavitt-Chavez.  Opening Reception April 4, 2009 5-9 p.m. Winter Street Studios, C3 2101 Winter Street Houston, TX 77007.

Local Bellaire artist, Terry Leavitt-Chavez, is an emerging figure in Houston’s vibrant art community. She is becoming well known for her intriguing abstract paintings. Each of her shows is attended by a growing number of enthusiastic collectors of her work. In the past eighteen months, over 80 of her original creations have been sold. The Museum of Fine Art Houston’s Glassell School of Art recognized her talent in selecting her liquid acrylics work titled "It is not just black and white" for its 2006 Annual Student Exhibition. This captivating work was showcased at the Glassell from May 19, 2006 to July 25, 2006. An acrylics on glass work, “Picture Pink”, was featured in the February 11, 2006 issue of the Houston Chronicle.

As she has grown as an artist, she has worked with a variety of different mediums, including oils, acrylics, and acoustics. Some of her most distinctive pieces are mixed oils and acrylics on glass. Her work ranges in size from small 9"x 9" pieces that can be used in small spaces to larger works, 52"x72" that are designed for modern and traditional spaces. She can create the perfect piece, in terms of size and color for your home.

Ms. Leavitt-Chavez’s art career started in 2004 when she was studying with Mr. Navid Ghedami, owner of Mind Puddles Art Gallery. He recognized her extraordinary talent and Mind Puddles featured her work in a group show in July 2005. During opening night, 19 of her paintings were sold. Terry then commenced studies at Glassell School of Art and at the Art League with Sallie Babbitt.

Subsequent shows featuring Ms. Leavitt-Chavez’ work include: Gold, Bronze and Copper, presented by Bering & James (opened October 15, 2005), The Season of Lights, presented by Bering & James (opened November 5, 2005), and The 4th Anniversary Show at Mind Puddles (opened February 11, 2006), and the July Art Show at Mind Puddles (July 6, 2006).

She also participated in the December 2005 and December 2006 $100 Box Shows, presented by Mind Puddles and Bering & James. In addition she received honorable mention for her works featured during the June 18, 2005 Empower Art Competition at George R. Brown Convention Center. Also, one of her paintings ("Reading Between The Lines") was auctioned at Monet and Merlot: An Evening of Fine Art and Wine (August 24, 2005), sponsored by the Association of Women Attorneys Foundation and Houston Young Lawyers Foundation and another abstract piece of artwork titled "Beneath The Surface" was auctioned at the Huckleberry Bash benefit for Mark Twain Elementary (March 3, 2006).

Artist Statement
My inspiration comes from life. As I paint, I express my feelings. At times, the painting takes on its own vision. Creating art is like a box of assorted chocolates; sometimes you have to go through a few to find that perfect piece.

Working on canvas and wood, I utilize various materials including acrylics, oils, powders, and encaustics. Since I do not use a brush, each painting is a unique creation.

I enjoy collecting work of local artists and using my work to support important causes.

My intention is to convey through my paintings that passion is essential for truly living life.