Scorching days are the perfect time to head indoors for a cool art catchup, as some of the big summer blockbuster museum exhibitions close soon to get ready for upcoming fall spectacular shows. August also becomes a great month for exploring Houston\u2019s treasure trove of art galleries and studio shows. With that in mind, we\u2019re highlighting some of the best gallery shows to see the latest work from acclaimed local and national artists.<\/p>\n
“The Art of Life\u201d at Sawyer Yards<\/a> (now through August 30) “Cookie’s Art Odyssey” at Sawyer Yards<\/a> (now through August 30) Student and Instructor Summer Exhibitions at Art League Houston<\/a> (now through August 31) \u201cDrawn From Life 2\u201d at Archway Gallery<\/a> (now through September 4) “Of Tunnels, Time and Tumult\u201d at Sawyer Yards<\/a> (now through September 13) \u201cCelebrating Joseph Glasco\u201d at the Museum of Fine Arts<\/a> (now through October 12)| “Roots and Rhymes: The Cultural Ties Between Traditional African Cultures and Hip-Hop” at Reeves Art + Design<\/a> (August 14-26)
<\/strong>Described by artist Julie Pickett as a deeply personal exhibition, this showcase of Pickett\u2019s work celebrates resilience, feminine strength, and the beauty of imperfection. The collection reveals bold, expressive art that reflect Pickett’s journey of self-discovery, healing, and liberation. Inspired by her own emotional transformation, her pieces use vibrant colors, intentional patterns, and expressive forms to explore themes of identity and divine creativity.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>This gallery show features an eclectic mix of works by local artist Cookie Ashton. The exhibition highlights Ashton\u2019s ability to create across mediums and includes large-scale abstract painting, watercolors, and printmaking. From realism to full abstraction, many of these never-before-seen pieces come from her private collection. Ashton, a seasoned artist with global experience, invites viewers to explore a collection shaped by her life in Venezuela, Mexico, England, France, and the U.S.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>We always mark our calendars for this yearly chance to see the latest pieces from established Houston artists as well as up and coming and future artists with the Art League\u2019s annual shows. These separate exhibitions showcase the students and instructors from the Art League School. Both exhibitions feature the latest work in jewelry, drawing, mixed-media, ceramic, printmaking, and paintings. A special, third exhibition, titled \u201cCatharsis\u201d showcases teen artists from their summer intensive program. These young artists all created thematic work that explores growing up in a time of climate change, mass consumption, global conflict, and artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>The previous \u201cDrawn From Life\u201d was such a hit, Archway once again presents an all new invitation exhibition of local, contemporary artists who embrace depicting the human figure. Working in their medium of choice, the artists present pieces created in or inspired by these weekly figure drawing sessions at Archway. To further honor this age-old practice, Archway will hold a figure drawing marathon on August 17 with three sessions for different age groups with one free and two fee-based.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>This expansive show from multidisciplinary artist \u2014 as well as mixed martial arts pioneer \u2013 John Perretti will hold over 50 works, including large-scale paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Fusing classical draftsmanship with overt expressionism, Perretti\u2019s work is inspired by his colorful life in the martial arts ring, hunting underwater, and the solitude of his studios. Perretti says he wants viewers to experience the time he lived and \u201ctunnels\u201d he traveled through.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>While not a large show, this special exhibit showcases four paintings of the celebrated Modernism and Texas artist in honor of the centennial of his birth. The four works, all part of the MFAH\u2019s collection, were completed from the 1970s to 1990s and illustrate Glasco\u2019s inventive spirt and connection to the history of Modern art. Glasco began devoting his life to art after serving in World War II and was later featured in important Modern Art exhibitions alongside artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. After living in New York and New Mexico, Glasco settled in as a Texas artist living in Galveston.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Using the expressive and unusual medium of string, Houston-based artist Jaymes Earl creates work that celebrates the profound influence of African and hip-hop cultures. For the pieces in this exhibition, Earl has intricately woven together vibrant threads that reflect the rhythms, colors, and narratives inspired by these rich cultures. Each piece serves as a homage to the dynamic spirit of hip-hop, echoing its boldness and creativity while drawing from traditional African patterns and storytelling. This string medium also creates a physical representation of the thematic, creating a tapestry of cultural elements and cultural inspirations. In the interplay of structure and fluidity, every knot tells a story and every line dances to its own beat.<\/p>\n