VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

It's the First Saturday Arts Market - The 7th Anniversary!  In a tight-knit neighborhood known for supporting local businesses and talent, an arts market celebrates its seventh anniversary. The First Saturday Arts Market, an event that has served as a launch pad for budding artists’ careers, turns seven on Saturday, March 5 at another daytime show of the fall/winter season, 11am-6pm, on the parking lot of Wind Water Gallery at 548 W. 19th St. at Lawrence St. Several dozen artists showcase their paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handmade wares in as many white canopied tents.

Houston’s only monthly outdoor art and fine craft show is a staple of the Heights art scene: Nearly every art medium is represented, including artist-designed clothing; cards and stationary; oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings; international photography; and jewelry of unparalleled quality. Artists working in glass, ceramic, paper, metal and wood can be found at the market this summer, offering work in a variety of styles -- even the latest fad, steampunk.

The monthly artist lineup includes between 40 and 50 vendors whose specialties range from jewelry to music.

March’s market will feature singer-songwriter Clory Martin, an indie-folk artist based in Houston.  Clory Martin is a singer songwriter currently based out of Houston, TX. Her sound is a blend of indie and folk styles with strong vocals supported by simple acoustic chords. Clory Martin is featured on Runaway Sun's LP, "The Bridge" on songs: "Good Bye to You" and "Sweetheart". Be sure to check out Runaway Sun and Andrew Karnavas. Clory Martin's first EP entitled "Summer Spent" was released December 2010.

And new to the event is the addition of chef-driven food trucks. What’s Up Cupcake? and H-town StrEATs will be rolling in for the event.

Held in the Heights the first Saturday of every month, rain or shine, the free event serves as a monthly meeting ground for a community of artists that stretches across county and state lines; even U.S. borders.

First Saturday Arts Market founder and organizer Mitch Cohen has always intended for the market to have dual purposes – to provide an outlet for artists to connect directly with the public, and for the pubic to have an opportunity to meet and buy directly from artists.

“Many of the artists connect outside the market, and even mentor each other in both business and in their art mediums,” said Cohen. “The feedback I hear most from artists and patrons is how much they love the vibe of the market, and enjoy visiting on market days. The original mission of the market has evolved far beyond what I ever could have imagined. I've had the pleasure of witnessing a community develop.”

Though the market has evolved, it’s always been heavily attended. Originally positioned in a parking lot behind the now-closed Kaplan’s-Ben Hur just north off 19th Street, the inaugural market, held in 2004, drew nearly a thousand attendees.

About First Saturday Arts Market
First Saturday Arts Market is held in the Wind Water Gallery parking lot at 548 W. 19th Street, Houston, Texas. For more information about the market, call 713-802-1213 or visit FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com.