Leading Change Through the Arts!

January 2025 Issue

Women of the Earth Exhibition/2025 Witness Series/JQC Workshop

The Collective welcomes the new year with the "Women of the Earth" exhibition, opening February 1

The Community Artists’ Collective opens its 2025 exhibition season in its new home at 4111 Fannin, Suite 100A, Saturday, 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.

Andrea navigates a captivating balance between structure and fluidity in her collages; Kanika animates ethereal dreamscapes that transport viewers to otherworldly dimensions; and Audri’s evocative paintings draw on ancestral energy and wisdom. Together they highlight the power of women working in harmony to create art that is bold, sensual and deeply rooted in the earth.

The exhibition continues through March 22. An opening reception will be held Saturday, February 1, from 5 to 8 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 8, 5-7 p.m.

Moderator: Kristi Rangel

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.

January Activities

Hastle Murray demonstrated origami handkerchief techniques at the January Jubilee Quilt Circle Workshop at the MFAH Glassell School of Art. Photos by April M. Frazier