Houston’s art scene never fails to spark inspiration, and Maryam Lavaf’s Joy in the Moment at Archway Gallery is proof. Running Oct. 4-30, at 2305 Dunlavy, Lavaf’s new paintings and sculptures invite us to pause and embrace the fleeting beauty of now. Join the opening reception on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 5-8 p.m., with an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m. Complimentary valet parking and light refreshments keep the evening festive.
Reclaimed Spirit, a 33 x 16 x 1.5 sculpture by Maryam Lavaf, on view at Joy in the Moment Shines at Archway Gallery, Oct. 4. (Submitted photo)
Lavaf, a Houston artist with roots in Iran, fills her work with vibrant energy. Her sculptures, crafted from found and recycled materials, dance with texture and form, while her paintings swirl with bold, fluid strokes. The exhibition captures moments of connection and lightness, urging us to find hope amid life’s chaos. As Lavaf puts it, “Through Joy in the Moment, I hope to inspire others to slow down, find beauty in the present, and celebrate the fleeting magic of now.”
With over ten solo shows and numerous group exhibitions, Lavaf’s journey began with a graphic design diploma, followed by a BA in Painting from Azad University in Tehran in 2002. Since arriving in Houston in 2004, she’s woven herself into the local art scene through the Visual Arts Alliance and Winter Street Studios, thanks to a connection with Archway’s Becky Soria. Her skills deepened at the Glassell School of Art, studying ceramics under Jeff Forster and sculpture in 2020.
Red Streaks of Hope, a 20 x 20 painting by Maryam Lavaf, on view at Joy in the Moment Shines at Archway Gallery, Oct. 4. (Submitted photo)
Each piece in Joy in the Moment feels like a quiet call to savor the present—whether through the sharp edge of a sculpture or the sweep of a painted line. Lavaf transforms the everyday into something extraordinary, making this a must-see for Houston art lovers. Head to Archway to catch the magic.
About Archway Gallery
Since 1976, Archway Gallery, one of Houston’s oldest artist-run galleries, has showcased fine art at 2305 Dunlavy. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, 1–5 p.m., it features affordable sculpture, pottery, painting, and photography by 30+ artist members. Meet an artist onsite, enjoy monthly exhibitions, and attend opening receptions the first Saturday of each month, 5–8 p.m. For more, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713-522-2409.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market. Visit his website at ArtValet.com.