Leading Change Through the Arts!

February 2025 Issue

Women of the Earth Exhibition Artists' Talk/2025 Witness Series/ Quilt Peace Relocates/February Scenes at The Collective

From left, artists Audrianna Woods, Andrea Venson and Kanika Blair

"Women of the Earth" activities continue through March 22

The Community Artists’ Collective opened its 2025 exhibition season February 1 with “Women of the Earth,” a collaboration between three Houston artists.

The exhibition unites the creative voices of Andrea Venson, Kanika Blair and Audrianna Woods—three artists whose work is deeply entwined with the natural world. Through distinct yet harmoniously aligned practices, they explore the intersection of femininity, nature and spiritual connection.

The three will deliver an artists' talk Saturday, March 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Collective is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 noon until 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information about the exhibit contact The Collective at 713-523-1616 or visit www.thecollective.org.

Artist Talk: Saturday, March 1, 5-7 p.m.

Moderator: Kristi Rangel

On Saturday, February 22, Kanika Blair will host "Melanin Metaverse," a 3D art presentation from 11 a.m. until noon. Blair's presentation will focus on various aspects of digital art creation and culture, with a special emphasis on Afrofuturism and unlocking one’s unique artistic style. This dynamic and immersive experience is for anyone interested in digital art and will focus on tools like Blender and the intersection of technology and cultural expression in the metaverse. Register on Eventbrite

Bring an open mind and a notebook!

Andrea Venson will lead another "Sound Bath Meditation & Intentional Reflection" session on Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. until noon. The February session sold out. Register at Eventbrite.

The Witness Series is artist led, nature centered and community driven. It is led by Kristi Rangel, Houston-based multi-disciplinary artist and education advocate. As a part of her 2025 Bayou Artist in Residency, the 2025 Witness Series will be expanded from four parts to an eight-part series. This year’s Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences that communities of color have in the land of Southeast Texas and along Houston’s Buffalo Bayou. The Witness Series is co-curated in partnership with artists from the Native American, African American, Latinx, Pacific Islander and Asian communities. Every Witness experience is designed to bring communities together through the power of nature and provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities. Attendees become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

The first Witness Series event is February 22: "Empowered by Flowers: Flora, Fauna and Self-Care." Register at Eventbrite

'Quilt Peace' has been relocated!

The sculpture is now located across the street from The Collective on Eagle Street. Quilt Peace is The Collective's tribute to the November 2017 International Quilt Festival at the George R. Brown Convention Center.” The sculpture, composed of powder-coated steel, was designed by artist Michelle Barnes, The Collective’s executive director, and facilitated by Gail Mebane and Charles Washington with the support of the Midtown Redevelopment Authority. The sculpture was fabricated by James Contreras, owner of Adventure Play Systems, Inc. The colorful sculpture (blue, magenta, orange, yellow and metallic silver), standing 8 feet high, 11 feet wide and 6 feet deep, features four free-form figures working on a quilt. The “Quilt Peace” installation was funded by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts and sanctioned by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.