Thanks, Houston CityBook!
Heart & Crafts
Shop for a cause at Downtown’s inaugural Heartmade market. By Megha Tejpal
As an alternative to playing parking lot wars and trekking through bustling shopping malls, hit Downtown’s first ever Heartmade Holiday Market on Dec. 9. The free, family-friendly event benefits Hoof Prints and Heart Beats, which offers free equine therapy for children and adults with physical disabilities and social disorders like autism.
The collaborative effort — in which booth fees are collected as donations — was conceived by photographer Tracy Manford Carlson, who is HPHB’s chairman of the board, and graphic designer Sonja Fulbright. The creative duo will transform Main Street Square into a holly, jolly marketplace where artisans, jewelers and food purveyors will peddle their wares as Christmas carolers stroll about and Santa poses for pics with kiddos.
Though this is the inaugural event for Heartmade, it follows a pair of successful spring markets held in 2016 and 2017 that boasted a similar set-up. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Heartmade team on a holiday event,” says Angie Bertinot, director of marketing and communications at the Houston Downtown Management District. “We hope this will be a holiday tradition for years to come.”
Less than two weeks away!!
Heartmade Holiday applications are OPEN!
It's happening!! We will be back downtown with our amazing event partners for Heartmade Holiday! They're pulling out all the stops to host us for a winter wonderland event featuring our talented Heartmade artists. We'll have more space available and we're thrilled to open applications to all Texas makers!
RSVP on Facebook for April 1!
Invite your friends!
Spring Market! Heartmade in the HeART of Downtown: April 1st
We're so excited to be partnering with Houston's Downtown District again this year -- and we've almost doubled the size of our market! Mark your calendars for April 1st from 11-6 at the intersection of Main and McKinney. There will be art, food, drinks, music, a kid zone, and MORE!
WHAT A DAY!!
Houston! We could not have asked for a more amazing day with you! The inaugural Heartmade Art Market was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without our customers, our sponsors, and most importantly, our incredible artists! This is the beginning of something BIG and we can't wait to see what happens next!
XOXO Tracy and Sonja
Click through our gallery below to see Heartmade in action!
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Tra' Slaughter
Today's Heartmade artists is well known for his incredible paintings of Houston legends, notably former mayor Annise Parker. Tra's art is vibrant and evocative and his portraiture work makes us SWOON. Tra' believes in showing the "beauty in the everyday," which we think makes him an excellent ambassador for Houston art. There is so much unsung beauty in our town, and we are so lucky to have an artist of Tra's caliber to capture it on canvas! Come and see his talent in person this Saturday and take home a piece of the beautiful everyday of Houston for yourself!
What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
I like to sweat when I paint... Houston makes that possible.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Usually with my youngster... painting, making messes, tea parties and such.
What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
The round fountain on Allen Parkway.
Find Tra' Slaughter Art online:
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Jessica Barto of Dandelion Glass Art
Heartmade artist Jessica Barto of Dandelion Glass Art really is putting in the “heartwork.” She began working with glass as an escape from depression and anxiety, and found her passion, building a hobby into a full blown business. Jessica still manages to find time to help others, working with Defeat Parkinsons in Nacogdoches and now, supports To Write Love on Her Arms, a movement that aims to present hope to those struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide. She finds inspiration in the beauty of the American Southwest and many of her designs reflect her favorite places. From full size stained glass windows to jewelry and home decor, Dandelion Glass Arts is sure to bring some light into your life!
What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
I married a native Houstonian and have only lived here for 2 years, so I'm somewhat new to the area. But my favorite thing about being an artist in Houston is how the community of artists here have been so welcoming and encouraging.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
My favorite way to spend a weekend is getting outside, finding a good place to hike, or exploring different parts of the city.
What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
My favorite piece of public art is the historic Bethel Missionary Baptist Church that has been converted into a park. Unique metal panels and poly-resin glass panels in the windows and doors are my favorite feature to this restoration.
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Wyatt Little
Heartmade artist Wyatt Little is a product designer based in Houston. Wit, whimsy and clever are all words that come to mind when we think of his ceramics. Wyatt’s approach to design starts with a circumstance memory from his that he develops into a physical form that is universally relatable and nostalgic. He has stated his motto or mantra as “happiness is knowing the right things to want more of.” How can you can not want to know more about this guy?
What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
Everything I need to do my artwork is available in bulk and within a 5 mile radius of where I work.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Either quality time with family/friends or spending the entire day doing something that demands creative brain power.
What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Brianna Land of Adrift in My Mind
There’s something inherently warm about wood. No one knows that better than Heartmade artist Adrift in My Mind. Brianna Land creates thoroughly modern wall art and other pieces from reclaimed wood. It’s so beautiful and we love that she is giving new lease of life to forgotten materials, allowing them to enrich another home. And to think, all this started with a little extra time and a creative itch!
What's your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
I feel like Houston, especially inside the city center, is like a small town. I will meet people all the time at shows that have already seen my work on social media or even at a friend's house. That is amazing to me considering how big Houston is! I'm always humbled when people I'm speaking with already know of my work. I've also found that the creative community here in general are super supportive.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
I love my sleep. So that and breakfast tacos are what consumes most of my weekend mornings. Luckily, our sweet girls are old enough to turn on the TV for themselves and hang for a while! After that, most of my family lives within a mile of our house in the Heights. So we see each other A LOT. We also just bought our house last August and have committed to inviting friends over more often. This time of year we ride bikes as much as we can, too. We have found ourselves riding to Town In City Brewery with friends quite often lately. We have a private Facebook group of friends that live close by called Houston Heights Country Club. If we are headed anywhere fun and want friends to come along we will post in the group where we are going. It's fun because usually our friends will show up!
What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
My favorite at the moment is the Mini Murals project that's turning ugly traffic signal control boxes into works of art. This being Houston, we spend a fair amount of time in traffic and this projects helps ease the pain!
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Stephanie DeLeonardis of lovecraft.
We're drawn to this Heartmade artist’s laid-back vibe. lovecraft. creates eclectic pieces with natural and vintage materials using a variety of techniques including wire work and metalsmithing. They are individual pieces of art that you can wear, each one perfectly imperfect and carrying the story of the materials and person that crafted it. Stephanie DeLeonardis’ designs connect us with our inner bohemian and we love that and her!
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
The abundance of resources, eclectic open-minded audience, the embrace of various cultures and sub-cultures, and immensely supportive fellow artists willing and freely sharing information for communal growth and cross promotion.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Exploring new flea markets, adventurous around city parks, enjoying a salted caramel latte in the sun, going to see live music, research and developing new designs
What's your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
"Tolerance" by Jaume Plensa. These seven sculptures represent to me the physical manifestation of international culture and spiritual unity. The meditative figures always soothe my spirit when I pass them by.
Meet a Heartmade Artist: Sam Sartorius
Tonight’s Heartmade artist is Houston painter Sam Sartorius. Get ready for a journey into nature through layers of paint, each one exposing new feelings, thoughts and experiences. Sam approaches her work with no preconceived notions resulting in the most distilled forms of joy, spirituality and power. There’s an impressive pedigree behind that youthful personality, including 10 years in textile design, a BFA from the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University Purdue University, and numerous achievement awards. Everything about Sam’s art screams Heartmade and we’re so excited she’s on our roster!
What’s your favorite thing about being an artist in Houston?
I love that I can pursue my passion as a painter as a profession. I love that I can work in my outdoor studio in February. But mostly, I am thankful to be living in Houston where there is a supportive art community.
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?
Weekend time is best spent walking with my husband and our three 3 dogs around the lake, morning studio time and projects around the home.
What’s your favorite piece of public art in Houston?
The public art of Discovery Green ... it's a giant play land with art and nature. As for paintings, the Cy Twombly Gallery with a stop under the majestic tree in front.
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?
Find Abelito Art online:
