Meet the Artists at Art Market & Home Tour, Oct. 19

On Oct. 19 Cross Creek Ranch will host professional artists from Houston’s longest-running outdoor market for a celebration of art and architecture. Our Art Market & Home Tour is more than an opportunity to view fine art, it is an opportunity meet the creative minds behind it.

“The participating artists are professional, local and passionate about what they do,” said Mitch Cohen, founder and coordinator of the First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights and the Market at Sawyer Yards. “It’s going to be a fun shopping experience. You get to meet the artists and hear their stories about what inspired them, how they created it and what they love about a piece.”

Cohen founded the First Saturday Arts Market 15 years ago to provide an outlet for local artists to showcase their work on a monthly basis in an art festival atmosphere. Over the years the Market has changed in many ways.

“In the beginning, the Market showcased crafts more than fine arts,” Cohen said. “Now it is an incubator for artists who are just starting out. They learn from the more established artists who help them hone their skills and get their art seen. Many artists who first showed their art at the Market are now participating in juried art shows around the state.”

Unlike other markets, the Market is curated solely by other artists. Artists interested in showing their work apply. A blind jury system allows established artists to view the submitted work and decide whether or not the art is appropriate for the Market.

All of the art — from paintings and sculptures to photography, jewelry and handcrafted items — exhibited at Cross Creek Ranch are original creations. No reproduced or manufactured pieces are allowed. Even the music will be original. Musicians will be playing and singing songs they have written themselves. There will be no cover bands.

In addition to exhibiting their work, many artists will be giving demonstrations. Sofia Sepulveda of Southern Wings and Company will be painting a jacket. Ceramics artist Michelle Angelique Heinesen will be hand-building a small clay sculpture. Attendees can watch an artist paint in real time with Amy Cassidy and Janette Lynn Su will demonstrate knitting techniques. Jewelry lovers can watch the process of creating beautiful pieces from beginning to end throughout the day with Steven Sellers.

Laura Simoneaux will get into the fall spirit with hand-drawn artificial pumpkins and a “do it yourself” option for purchase. Samantha Krebsbach will help attendees design mini quilts.

A number of the demonstrations will include activities for children such as an abstract art activity by elementary school teacher Sarah Rimboch, fairy garden coloring sheets by Leslie Roach, line drawings based on photographs to color by Penny Robinson and the chance to design your own mobile with Penny Robinson.

Ultimately, the Art Market is about building community.

“Art is the heartbeat of the community, Cohen said. “It keeps the community alive. You aren’t just meeting artists; you are meeting your neighbors. It’s a common ground where people can meet artists and artists can talk about their work.”

The Cross Creek Ranch Art Market & Home Tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Cross Creek Ranch Welcome Center, 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane. In addition to the art show, visitors will be able to tour twenty-two model homes by some of Houston’s leading builders. It is an event no one should miss.