LOCAL Houston | The City Guide September 2016 | Page 44

A WORLD OF CREATIVITY COMES TO HOUSTON HOUSTON ART FAIR RETURNS By Tim Moloney | Photography Courtesy of Houston Art Fair On the drawing board for SEPTEMBER 29–OCTOBER 2: The Houston Art Fair, one of the country’s most compelling contemporary art fairs – featuring galleries from around the world exhibiting modern and contemporary art in a variety of media. This year, the fair returns to Houston with a new direction and location at Silver Street Event Space, a recently renovated 20,000sf venue located in the heart of the Washington Avenue Arts District, which, incidentally, is home to the largest concentration of working artist studios in the country. Featuring more than 45 prestigious galleries and private dealers, plus special exhibitions and a lecture series, Houston Art Fair is now presented by Urban Expositions, producers of Art Aspen, Art Hamptons, Art Palm Springs and the Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design (SOFA) Fair in Chicago. “We are thrilled to produce a new and re-imagined presentation of the Houston Art Fair at Silver Street Event Space and the Washington Avenue Arts District,” says Donna Davies, Vice President of Art Group, Urban Expositions. “The city of Houston continues to serve as the perfect host for this art fair with its influential, international base of serious art collectors and patrons, and we plan to bring an elevated experience to the event this year.” The fair aspires to reflect Houston’s sophisticated and diverse collecting practices, where art enthusiasts will encounter an international cross-section of works in all media – from past to present. The fair will feature modern and contemporary masters, mid-career and emerging artists from around the globe. Houston Art Fair also features memorable onsite installations and special projects, plus an invigorating program of panel discussions and events designed for both novice and experienced collectors. 44 L O C A L | september 16 NEW THIS YEAR: food and drink from some of Houston’s best local establishments, a VIP lounge and inviting outdoor spaces. It’s all designed to grow the fair’s attendance – with 13,500 visitors expected this year. First Look tickets to Houston Art Fair will be offered at $100 and admit two to the Opening Night Preview benefiting Fotofest and return admission throughout the weekend. VIP Passes for $75 are available and admit two to the Opening Night Preview from 8–10pm and return admission throughout the weekend. Day passes will be offered at $20 in advance or $25 at the door. To purchase tickets, or for more information, go to www.houstonartfair.com. HOUSTON ART FAIR EVENT DETAILS: WHERE Silver Street Event Space 2000 Edwards St. | Houston, TX 77007 WHEN Opening Night, Thursday, September 29 First Look Preview: 6–8pm VIP Preview: 8–10pm Friday and Saturday, September 30 and October 1, 11am–7pm Sunday, October 2, 11am–6pm