I would describe my work as representational. I paint the people, creatures and landscape around me and that remind me of my rich Texas history. I enjoy painting in acrylic, oil, watercolor, and mixed media…it depends on my mood! I have more ideas than there are hours in a day so my work is always evolving, changing but will always tell my story. I enjoy discussing particular pieces and sharing the story behind each piece! Be sure to stop by my booth and we can have a chat!
I am a Native Texan, 5th generation Houstonian with a rich family history in the Houston, Heights and Galveston areas. My most recent work is inspired by my life! I paint the animals, gardens and people that I see everyday. I paint out of my studio in Kingwood, Texas. If you would like to visit my studio or discuss commissioning a personal, custom piece of art for your home I would love to talk with you!
Weights should be secured in a manner that does not create its own safety hazard
Weights should not cause a tripping hazard Weights should be tethered with lines that are clearly visible Weights should have soft edges to avoid causing cuts and scrapes Weights should be securely attached Weights should be on the ground (NOT above people’s heads) Canopies are used at markets to shield vendors and their product from sun and rain, but unpredictable winds can come up at any moment creating a safety hazard if the canopy is not properly secured.
Sufficiently weighted canopies will have at least 24 pounds per leg. One canopy manufacturer recommends at least 40 pounds on each corner of a 10×10 tent; double that on a 10×20 tent.
Examples of good canopy weights
Filling an empty bucket (2.5 gallon works great) with cement and tying this to each corner of the tent with a rope or bungee. It is NOT sufficient to place the bucket on the feet of the canopy.
Filling buckets/containers with sand/cement that can be anchored or secured with a rope or bungee; these include canvas bags or plastic buckets/containers that have a handle through which a rope or bungee can be secured.
Sandbag weights that are specially made for securing canopies and weigh at least 24 pounds. These sandbag weights are vertical and can be strapped the legs of the canopy.
PVC pipe capped and filled with cement can be hung on the inside of canopy poles as long as it is secured so that it does not collide with customers.
The best weights are strapped to the bottom of each leg, and then tethered via a bungee to the top corner of the canopy, thus lowering the center of gravity of the canopy. In a strong gust of wind, even canopies secured with enough weight, can be broken if the weights are not suspended from the top corners of the canopy.
Examples of Bad Canopy Weights
Gallon water jugs are not heavy enough for large gusts of wind. One gallon of water weights 8 pounds. One gallon of water on each corner would be the equivalent of a 3 year old child trying to hold down a 100 square foot parachute.
Tying tents, canopies or umbrellas to tables, coolers or vehicles provides tripping hazards and frequently does not provide adequate weight. Vendor safety is just as important as customer safety.
Sandbags that cannot be placed upright and securely tied to the tent or canopy should not be used.
In addition to not providing enough grip to prevent a canopy from taking flight in a strong gust of wind, tent stakes are barely visible to shoppers and can cause a serious tripping hazard to an unsuspecting customer.
Never use cement blocks! They are hard, easy to trip over, and are very effective toe and shin breakers.
At all costs, avoid stretched out cords and lines. Customers and their children will get them wrapped around their arms or legs, causing them to trip and fall, and perhaps pull over your displays in the process.
Each piece is handmade out of a combination of sterling silver, fine silver, gold-filled wire, copper, and/or precious stones. My designs are simple and clean. I express the inherent beauty of the silver by hammering, twisting, soldering, wrapping, etc. The shape of the silver itself, along with the contrasting scales of materials provides elegant and interesting designs. silverthread-designs.com
I’ve been working with silver for over 20 years. I began taking classes in Columbus, Ohio from a wonderful woman named Wilma Cecil. I immediately loved metal as an artwork medium. Then I moved to Austin, Texas to study architecture at the University of Texas. While I was there, I further developed my silversmithing skills by taking classes in the School of Fine Arts. I graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1997 and moved to Houston, Texas where I practiced Architecture for the last 17 years. My jewelry, of course, is influenced by my Architectural education. The balance of form, scale, and texture is as important in a small piece of jewelry as it is in a large building.
I take care and pride while creating each design. I hope you will enjoy each piece as much as I enjoyed making it.
My work is typical, typical of life. We form ideas. We have goals in mind. We visualize the final results and work towards our visions. Along the way, we encounter unexpected twists and turns. So we adjust, we learn, and move forward. Each painting is like this for me. Doors open and close during the process, affecting my final product a great deal. Every painting has what I once perceived to be challenges to my original vision. These moments are tough to push through. However, I’ve learned to accept them as doors to unforeseen possibilities. The challenge is to remain open, accepting them as doors of opportunity to paint my way through. As I work through, visions beyond my original thoughts emerge. Magical moments, leading me through the misty veil and into wonderful encounters of understanding and clarity. My paintings show me the way, I’m along for the ride, reflective of life in many ways. I work in Acrylics and in oils, depending on the effect I’m in search of.
Adriana started attending the market in 2008 and it was her first time showing at a public venue.
Alice & Bunny by Adriana Whitney
Has your art changed since first attending First Saturday Arts Market How has your art changed?
My interaction with patrons and other artists helped me to create art that people are attracted to. As an artist I want to be free to create whatever I want but it’s also important for me that my art touches people. When I use to sell online I didn’t have that feedback that now I have thanks to be able to see people face to face
Is there anything significant that happened to you as a result of participating at the market?
Yes, as a result of my presence at First Saturday Arts Market I made connections and new collectors that allowed me to be able to be a full time artist. Today I am able to participate in all kinds of art shows, markets and festivals. Without First Saturday Arts Market I don’t think I would be in the place I am now.
I remember when …
My first art market wasn’t even in the market, It was outside. The market was full but Mitch was so nice to let me set up my booth outside a store. I wasn’t feeling very confident as an artist and I was afraid of rejection but the patrons were so nice to me and Mitch came to reassure that I was good. That day I sold almost everything I had and a store asked me to sell my paintings in their place. It was a dream come true.
Where are you now?
I keep selling art. I attend First Saturday Arts Market and White Linen Night at least 3 times a year and I am participating in different venues like gallery shows, festivals and art markets.
What would you tell the public about the market?
I have been in many other shows and the quality of work at First Saturday Arts Market is great. Here you are not going to find imports and mass made products. Everyone is an artist and many of our artist participate in high ranked shows that attract artist nationwide as The Bayou City Art Festival, WHAM, Waterway aArt Festival, Houston Fine Art Festival and many other juried shows.
How about to artists considering?
I would like to encourage artists to apply for many reasons. The knowledge you will get by just being able to be with clients face to face is enormous. The patrons are friendly and very encouraging. The artists at First Saturday Arts Market are very friendly and helpful. You will find a good family here.
Always try to help others, is the best way to be successful in this business.
First Saturday Arts Market will celebrate 10 years in March of 2014, making it the longest, continuously running monthly outdoor fine arts event in Houston. I asked the artists how the market has affected them, their artwork, friendships and what advice they may give artists considering outdoor shows like ours. I’ll share some of the responses on our blog from both new and seasoned artists leading up to our anniversay.
Running this show has changed my life. And watching how it has changed and affected the lives of others has been an awesome experience. If you have something you’d like to share, please email me at here. (1stSatArtMarket at Gmail com)
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Thank you Houston!
Mitch Cohen
Founder/Market Guy at First Saturday Arts Market
Martin de Vore visits the market, with Mitch on the right.
