VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

Working with the Mayor’s office, a group of Houston non-profit organizations have come together to produce exhibitions, tours, a film series, a history conference, and more to celebrate Houston’s 175th birthday. Ten exhibitions and catalogs will each investigate Houston’s history in one particular area. FotoFest and Houston Center for Photography present  Houston 175 - PEOPLE: Contemporary Photographers Looking at Houston. Location: One and Two Allen Center, 500 Dallas and 1200 Smith. Opening Reception Thursday, October 20, 2011 4-7pm.  On view through December 2.

How can an art exhibit reflect the people of Houston as the city celebrates its 175th anniversary? When confronted with this question, the staff at FotoFest and Houston Center for Photography turned to contemporary artists who have created bodies of work about the people of Houston. These photographers explore the cultures, sub-cultures, interest groups, and leaders that make up the intricate and diverse fabric of Houston.

This exhibition is about the photographers as much as it is about the individuals portrayed in these images. The photographers have sought people out, camera in hand, because they want to document the stories of individuals and groups of people. Some find inspiration in their subjects, some capture aspects of families and communities, while others highlight Houston’s well-known and unsung leaders.

When asked, “What’s your favorite part about Houston?” the answer is most often, “The people.”PEOPLE: Contemporary Photographers Looking at Houston celebrates the people of Houston.

Participating Artists:
Chuy Benitez
Gay Block
Shelley Calton
Scott Dalton
Ben DeSoto
Phyllis Hand
Earlie Hudnall
Lynn Lane
Jim Olive
Suzy Paul
Soody Sharifi
Evin Thayer
Lou Vest
Frank White
Geoff Winningham

Visit www.houston175.org for information on all the projects and events.

Pictured:  Lynn Lane, Courtney Jones, 2011.