1. “Set the forest on fire”
Richard “Ricky” Armendariz has found an intriguing process for finding visual depth in his work. A native of El Paso, he carves images in birch plywood before layering his work with oil paints that blend the intricate lines of the wood carving with the vibrant colors of the canvas. His chosen iconography is simple and profound, with imagery consistent with an artist growing up on the border between two nations and two cultures. Set the Woods on Fire features some of his latest work.
When: Open House 12-5pm January 29th
Where: Gallery Nicole Longnecker, 440 Greengrass
Details: for free; 346-800-2780, longneckergallery.com
Andrew Dansby
2. “My Father’s Desk”
The menacingly muted hues of dusk permeate the work of Dan Sutherland, who populates his canvases with startling figures featuring sharp-edged exteriors resembling an alien being soaring through space. His new collection is titled ‘My Father’s Desk’ and will open this weekend.
When:
Open House 12-5pm January 29; Performance runs Tue.-Fri. 10:30am-5pm; 11am-5pm Saturdays through March 12th
Where: Atmospheric Gallery, 2815 Colquitt
Details: for free; 713-526-9911, Moodygallery.com
Andrew Dansby
3.David Grubbs
David Grubbs has made more than a dozen recordings of experimental music, both under his own name and with Jim O’Rourke on the popular Gastr del Sol. He remains active as a musician, but has also written and lectured extensively about music. His new book “Good night the pleasure was ours” summarizes his more than 30 years of making music in one long poem. He will read from the book this week and talk about his life in music.
When: 1 p.m. January 28
Where: Moody Center, Room 205, Rice University
Details: free, RSVP at events.rice.edu
Andrew Dansby
4. ‘Sound Waves: Experiments in Art + Music’
The Moody Center for the Arts celebrates its fifth anniversary with a free public reception for Soundwaves: Experiments in Art + Music. The exhibition includes sculpture, audio, video, painting and performance mixed with visual and sonic elements. The collective effort of 12 artists aims to explore the intersection between sound and visual art, integrating sculpture, audio, video, painting and performance.
When: Reception, 6-8pm on January 28; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat. until May 14th
Where: Moody Center for the Arts, Rice University 6100 Main Street
Details: for free; 713-348-ARTS, Moody.rice.edu
Amber Elliott
5. John Sparagana: Splendid Isolation (Forces at Work)
Contemporary artist John Sparagana’s second solo show, Splendid Isolation (Forces at Work) at Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino was designed by Reto Geiser, associate professor at Rice University School of Architecture and director of undergraduate studies and founding director of design firm MG&Co. The 12-piece collection includes several new works, each constructed using the strategic cutting and blending method that has served as the foundation of Sparagana for the past 20 years.
When: 10am – 6pm Tuesday – Friday, 11am – 6pm Saturdays through March 3rd
Where: Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino, 1506 W. Alabama
Details: for free; 713-529-1313, sicardi.com
Amber Elliott
