Meet a Heartmade Artist: Leila and Carlos Peraza of Space Montrose

If you haven’t met Heartmade artist Space Montrose, you are missing something special! They have been supporting handmade in the USA since 2010 and now represent over 150 individual artists and craftsmen, half of them local to the Houston area. Owners Leila and Carlos Peraza wanted to create an atmosphere where makers meet to tell their stories, one piece at a time, allowing people to touch, feel and interact with brands on a more personal level. The store offers unique art, jewelry, prints, paper products and wearables for all ages. Space has carved out a place in the heart of their Montrose neighborhood and ours!

What’s your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Being in a creative environment on a day to day, and seeing how art inspires others keeps our spark alive.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Family and anything the four of us can do together as long as the long road takes us to dessert. And Coffee.

What’s your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

Rothko Chapel and Tolerance kneeling statues.

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Adriane R Wiltse Designs

Part engineer, part artist, Adriane R Wiltse Designs' stunning jewelry is the perfect mix of hard and soft, designed and handcrafted with precise construction and dreamy natural materials. Adriane’s inspiration, the curves of her rural Kansas childhood and the geometry of Houston, are in perfect balance in her work. We especially appreciate that she strives to provide this level of fabulous at a price point that makes her art accessible to everyone!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

I love the sense of community and positivity between artists

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

I love taking advantage of all the city has to offer, music, art and community fair. Also, spending time camping with family and exploring nature.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

It is so hard to pick just one favorite art installation in this beautiful city but the first that comes to mind is the Miro sculpture, “Personage and Birds” in the J.P. Morgan Chase tower plaza. Among other artists, Miro is a great source of inspiration for me. The second is the Mini Mural project. I love how the Mini Murals pop up throughout the city; bringing beauty to a traditionally unremarkable piece of equipment while expressing the personality of our city and its neighborhoods.

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Teresa O'Connor of Hello-Lucky

Heartmade artist Hello-Lucky opened its doors in the Heights in 2008, and they have been providing locally handmade, American-made, and fair-trade wears and wares ever since. We love that Teresa O’Connor has created a cozy community space where customers and creatives hang out amidst high quality, well-designed works, including her own creations. Hello-Lucky may be small, but it packs a big punch of Heartmade Houston personality!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Opportunity is everywhere.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Lol, I'm always working then, so spending time with my amazing clients at my shop!

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

Be Someone, the graffiti installation seen on a train bridge above Interstate-45 South as drivers head toward downtown Houston.

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Libby and John Napier of LuxCups Creative

We have double the love for today’s Heartmade artist! This husband and wife team not only create the cutest art prints and jewelry, they are literally the most adorable couple we know. Libby’s aesthetic and attention to detail shine through every piece of hand-crafted "heartwork." Whether your inner child needs a modern twist on taxidermy or your toddler needs an original 3D watercolor shadow box, LuxCups has you covered. We are thrilled to have Libby and John in the Heartmade lineup and can’t wait for you to see their new spring goodies!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Aside from being our hometown, we love all the amazing events that Houston has to offer. We also love having the opportunity to be a part of awesome local shops like Space Montrose.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

When we aren't working on new products, you can find us out and about with our miniature schnauzers, Yoshi & Porkchop, at the dog park. We love spending time at the Danny Jackson Bark Park.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

We adore the colorful murals of Micheal C. Rodriguez outside Winter Street Studios and Nicky Davis' gorilla mural for the Houston Zoo at 3100 Smith St.

Find LuxCups Creative online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Paula Hewlett of Beyond Her

Today's Heartmade artist brings the flora and fauna of native Texas to us in the form of gorgeous textiles from scarves to bags, towels to tees, and more! Starting out as a stationary line, Paule and her husband Michael (the "art" and "craft" of the operation, respectively) soon moved into screenprinting, and have been creating wearable art ever since! When you are wearing a Beyond Her scarf, you can feel the love that has been put into it. We welcome Beyond Her to Heartmade and we can't wait for you to see Paule at the market!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

I have always been Houston proud. I love the heat and the vegetation, and I love the diversity of the population. I like living someplace where you don't even recognize some of the languages spoken or the produce available in the grocery store. It's rich, rich ground. The other thing that I love about Houston is the number of artists and people who make all or part of their living being creative. It's a wide open environment, and that encourages people to take risks and be who they are.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

We typically pack up Friday afternoon and head to La Grange TX, where we have a 150-year-old farmhouse and some sheds renovated to studios. We spend entire weekends screen printing and waxing textiles to be fabricated into . . . something.  The best weekends include a Saturday night ticket to the local listening room, The Bugle Boy, and some fried chicken on Sunday!

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

I would have to say the Tolerance pieces on Allen Parkway.  They are beautiful day and night, and they punctuate the natural beauty of the bayou.  I've watched this area change from a nasty ditch into an amazing urban green space. To me, it represents Houston becoming proud of itself.

Find Beyond Her online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Allison Johnston of fuzzy grapefruit

Today's Heartmade artist appreciates the whimsy in life and it shows in her beautiful (and often hilarious!) art. A RIT-trained graphic designer and artist, Allison creates cards, prints, jewelry, and paintings, all based on things in the world that bring her joy. You might own one of her archival prints of an ostrich wearing workout gear, earrings made from upcycled bookboards, a block-printed notecard of anthropomorphized bacon and eggs, or even a gouache and ink original of the happiest hedgehog you've ever seen. :) Through fuzzy grapefruit, Allison is able to brighten the Houston art scene with art for children and adults alike. We love it and her!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

One of Houston's best-kept secrets is its arts scene -- this city is brimming with talented visual artists, writers, musicians, and creative thinkers. When I moved here four years ago, I was pleasantly surprised to discover this active creative community and citizens who really support and embrace the arts. Houston truly is the land of opportunity!

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

My ideal weekend would involve petting animals, drinking lattes, reading, drawing, hiking, and giggling with friends.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

There are so many to choose from! I've lately been reminded of the loveliness of the Menil Collection campus. Although it's more expansive than a single piece of "public art", everything from the architecture of the buildings, to the surrounding sculptures, to the collection itself never ceases to inspire me.

Find fuzzy grapefruit online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Abel Garza of Abelito Art

Today's Heartmade artist is another transplant from California! (We're taking all of your talent, Cali! Watch out!) Abel Garza has brought his considerable gifts as a painter and printmaker to Galveston and Houston and along with fellow Heartmade artist Ivan Camarena is in the business of art education. Taking his program Abelitoart Appreciation to schools, Abel is using his B.F.A. to not only make beautiful art, but to make a difference in children's lives through art. What a perfect example of doing "heartwork!" We're so excited to have Abel as a Heartmade artist and we know that you will love his work as much as we do. :)

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The food here is delicious.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Surfing/Swimming/Running/Eating/Painting/Sketching

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The Astrodome.

Find Abelito Art online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Jane Roe

Today's Heartmade artist is Houston photographer Janet Roe! Janet uses her photographs of Houston's famous skyline and adds bright colors and digital collage to create exciting abstract cityscapes. Her previous careers include teaching and law, but Janet's new love is the art of photography. She studies at the Glassell School of Art and the Houston Center for Photography. You don't have to be a Houstonian to love her work, but we're very proud to claim her as one of our own!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The best thing about being an artist in Houston is the skyline!  But, seriously, the rich art community.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon is to go out shooting with a new camera.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

My favorite public art in Houston are the walls at Discovery Green.

Find Janet Roe online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Caleb Smith Art + Design

Today's Heartmade artist first caught our eye with his gorgeous animals portraits. Caleb Smith captures the personality and beauty of whatever creature he's painting, whether it be a horse, pig, or hairless cat. :) This multi-talented maker doesn't just stop with painting. He also works in graphic design and textiles! Caleb believes that every client is a collaborator. We love that. He personifies the collaborative spirit that we at Heartmade believe is at the heart of the Houston art world. 

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The diversity of people in Houston provides a wide range of opinions and experiences that educate and expand my way of thinking. It encourages me to constantly rethink my approach to Art making and audience.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Homemade breakfast tacos, a fresh cup of espresso, video games, and sketching during a film. All this while wearing my Batman pajamas, like a champ.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

It's hard to pick a favorite. Sebastien Boileau's Martian mural (currently in progress) downtown, on Leeland is getting me. A comical dog, space-science, virtuoso painting skills–what's not to love? It is exciting to see dynamic, quality public Art exploding in Houston

Find Caleb Smith Art + Design online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Debbie Sakach of Rust & Pearls

Today's Heartmade artist has a heart as beautiful as her jewelry! Debbie Sakach of Rust & Pearls discovered that she had a gift as a jewelry designer and started her line in 2012. Her work is constantly evolving as Debbie evolves as an artist. Rust & Pearls pieces are made with a combination of old and new, metal and gemstone. Each gorgeous creation is an original. Debbie believes in giving back to the community, so a portion of each R&P sale is donated to local charities. That makes her "heartwork" perfect for us! 

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

My favorite thing about being an artist in Houston are all the people I work with. This city is filled with talented artists and I am surrounded by them on a constant basis.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite way to spend a Sunday afternoon is taking a walk around Montrose with my husband.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

My favorite piece of public art in Houston are David Adickes' Beatles sculptures.

Find Rust & Pearls online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Allison Gregory Jones of AGJ -- Guitar String Jewelry

Today's Heartmade Artist is Allison Gregory Jones of AGJ -- Guitar String Jewelry! Allison designs jewelry using guitar strings, which are unable to be recycled in the traditional manner because they are made up of multiple kinds of metal. Instead they are reborn as beautiful works of art and often times as custom pieces for guitar players who want to keep their strings with them in one form or another. One of our favorite things about Guitar String Jewelry is knowing that you're wearing something that at one time made music. Allison takes guitar strings from one art form to another, blending new and vintage pieces in with the strings to create rings, necklaces, bracelets, even tiaras! There's got to be a rock star out there waiting for an AGJ crown to wear on her wedding day. Is it you? :) 

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The art scene in Houston is so multifarious and yet cohesive. There is so much collaboration that happens between artists across disciplines. It makes for a very supportive community.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

I love going to the park with my little dog. Picnic-ing, reading, coloring, taking pictures of my jewelry: everything is better in the sun and the grass.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

My favorite piece of public art in Houston is Juame Plensa's "Tolerance" sculpture. Houston is a perfect location for Plensa's work because it is a representation of diversity in harmony, which is exactly what makes Houston so beautiful.

Find AGJ -- Guitar String Jewelry online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: The Community Cloth

Today's Heartmade artist is special because it's a GROUP of artists and people who are working to make a better future for Houston's women. The Community Cloth is a microenterprise initiative empowering refugee women in Houston. It targets economic, educational and social goals through the provision of seed grants, training, and peer support, and by expanding market opportunities for refugee women artisans. It supports them in creating and selling handmade, indigenous arts and crafts such as woven scarves, knitted scarves, household items, children's hats, and more. Through producing and selling their wares, the women have an opportunity to express their culture and heritage, learn new skills that will assist them in transitioning to life in the US, and obtain much-needed supplemental income. All of the proceeds go directly to the artisans and the program.  Most of the women involved to date are mothers; some are widows or are the only working member of their families.

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The love and support in Houston is real. We love partnering and collaborating with fellow Houstonians. We are so fortunate to have been included, supported and encouraged by customers, donors and community stakeholders. We have sold over $230,000 worth of handmade product where proceeds go directly to the refugee artisans and the program.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

We have artisan training meetings on Sundays once a month. It is the easiest day to gather for the artisans. Family is home to help with childcare and transportation is a bit easier. Training Sundays are our favorite.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

Tolerance sculptures along Allen Parkway.

Find The Community Cloth online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Carole Smith of McCheek's Mayhem

Today's Heartmade Artist brings bright colors, clever designs, and quirky personality to Houston in the shape of her gorgeous ceramics, sold in stores like Space Montrose and Hello-Lucky. Carole Smith hails from across the pond where she received her B.A. in ceramics from Camberwell College of Arts in London and later obtained a postgraduate degree in ceramics from Goldsmith's College in London. In 2007 she completed a residency at the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts and began creating functional, handmade ceramics glazed in vivid colors. Carole also teaches ceramics at her studio, McCheek's Academy, where children and adults alike can "express their innate creativity while learning the processes involved in ceramics." Calling herself "A Scot in Texas," Carole has become a real Houstonian, blending her own individuality with the melting pot we all call home, and making our homes a brighter place with her art!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Houston provides many resources for artists and the cost of living is pretty decent here.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

In my studio on my own or in the garden planting some new plants. (Note: Many of Carole's ceramics feature plant leaf pressings from her own garden!)

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The James Turrell Skyspace at Rice University.

Find Carole and McCheek's online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Ivan Camarena

Heartmade is so happy to welcome one of our newest transplants to Houston, artist Ivan Camarena. Ivan hails from Tijuana and his work is influenced by growing up in Mexico and studying in San Diego and Los Angeles. Ivan's blending of cultures using painting, photography, printing, and graphic design makes for powerful, and yet playful works of art, often "merging pulp comic references and aesthetics with imagery from a quotidian Tijuana." In Houston Ivan now focuses on art education, and we're so proud to have such a talented artist teaching our kids! More art in schools, please, HISD! :)

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

It's easy to get inspired when you're located in one of the country's largest cities. As a transplant to Houston, I can appreciate the constant changes I experience in the city whether it's the rapidly fluctuating climate or the contrasting landscapes and diverse people. From urban landscapes, country farms, and island lifestyles, there is plenty to spark the imagination.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

As a west coast native, it's hard not to feel comfortable on the island of Galveston which is where much of my free time is spent. The contrast of historic victorian homes with palm trees vibes and a beach backdrop is engaging enough for me to stick around.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

Unfortunately, my favorite piece of public art was taken down in 2005 long before I arrived to Houston, but Inversion Tunnel House would have been my favorite. Installations that create a sense of the impossible are very attractive and I love when an artists incorporates illusions into a public space.

Find Ivan online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Diane Caplan of /skout/

Today's Heartmade artist is all about Houston! Diane Caplan is the Group Publisher of the awesome Houstonia Magazine and has just launched the new Love Wins Texas Magazine. Two magazines weren't enough for this powerhouse so she also created /skout/, first to "'scout'" out rare finds and independent designers," and then later to "creat[e] her own designs using elements from nature combined with vintage chains, gemstone chains and soldering techniques to create pieces that have a rustic, old world look." Each piece is unique, just like the person who wears it. Come visit Diane and /skout/ on Main Street on April 16th and scout out YOUR perfect wearable work of art! 

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

The amazing warmth that other artists in our community have for welcoming new artists and designers and the support that they all have for one another.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Soldering!

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The Broken Obelisk by Barnett Newman that stands outside the Rothko Chapel which is where my husband and I got married.

Find /skout/ online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Carlos Pozo Art

Today's featured Heartmade artist is renaissance man Carlos Pozo! Behind his incredible prints and collages is an architect, writer, and musician. Carlos' work "use[s] computer and analog drawing techniques to explore ideas of structure, order, form, movement and tension." Originally from Chile, Carlos, his awesome wife, and two cats now call Houston home, and we're so glad that they do!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?

Houston is a wide-open city full of wild spaces and moments -- the landscape and the people are an endless source of inspiration.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

Going downtown to Market Square. Lunch at the patio of Market Square Grille. Maybe drinks after at Little Dipper.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The Menil Collection building and surrounds (Renzo Piano).

Find Carlos Pozo online:

Meet a Heartmade Artist: Lisa Chow Art

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Lisa Chow brings sparkle and joy to the Houston art world. "Inspired by all things feminine, [her] watercolors are whimsical and just a bit tongue-in-cheek." Lisa is a "self-taught artist" whose prints, cards, paintings, scarves, and more are sold all over the country. She makes feminism look good (and sparkly) and we're so happy that she calls Houston home!

What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston? 

I love being an artist in Houston because Houston's art community is pretty small and close knit. For better or worse, everyone knows everyone and it's like being forced to be a part of this big family with big personalities and hate them or love them, you're in it together.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

My favorite way to start a weekend is tossing the family into our car, grabbing a coffee at our favorite neighborhood stop, hitting up the farmer's market and then story time at a beloved bookstore. All beforenoon. I am an early bird. My husband hates me.

What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?

The "We Love Houston" sign by David Adickes. It's big, bright, colorful and shouts Houston love.

Find Lisa Chow online:

Mark your calendars!

We are so excited to announce that our first Heartmade Art Market will be a part of Art Block Houston's Art Blocks: The Big Bash! Houston's Downtown District celebrates its inaugural public art project at Main Street Square with Art Blocks: The Big Bash. April 16th from 12:00PM-6:00PM head down to Main Street Square for an afternoon of fun-filled-festivities with something for everyone, including our Heartmade Art Market, history and architecture tours, a beer garden, food trucks, kids crafts and more. Houston’s own “The Suffers” will headline an afternoon of music, and local favorite DJ Sun will spin soulful tunes. It's the perfect time to celebrate Houston art and artists!