The Rice University Art Gallery was conceived with the idea of allowing contemporary art a wider audience in Houston, while also encouraging and promoting regional talent.
The Gallery functions on the unique principle of inviting one artist to take over the cube-shaped exhibit space and transform it with their creativity. This allows the visitor to literally voyage into the artist's imagination, while also proving the artists with enough space to express themselves without any constrictions of space or creative influence.
The 40 by 44 feet exhibit space is located on the ground floor of the Sewall Hall on the campus of the Rice University. Director Kimberley Davenport focuses on artists of national and international repute to exhibit their talents five times a year. The rotating exhibits ensure that there's plenty of variety for visitors to the Gallery, all through the year. The Rice University Art Gallery has featured notable artists like Jane Miller who has exhibited her collection titled 'Time not Wasted'. This exhibition displays an eclectic collection of handcrafted pieces fashioned of discarded items and includes a rug made of crocheted audiotape. Nicole Eisenman, yet another celebrated artist, has exhibited a quirky immense installation which depicts the war between factions of male bees and female flowers. New York artist Kirsten Hassenfeld has also displayed a breathtaking selection of translucent sculptures which include detailed representations of classical architecture and ornate arts made of paper, named Dans la Lune.
You will also find several exhibitions of student works in the gallery, which emphasizes on diversity and cutting edge contemporary art in all its collections. Every exhibition is accompanied by a small-format color catalogue which comprises of full installation images and a detailed interview with the featured artist. You can even participate in the Weekend Gallery Talk where the exhibits of the artist are discussed in depth and analyzed. The Gallery also aims to draw public attention to the university through the outstanding displays of art which are exhibited here.
You can visit the Rice University Art Gallery from 11 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, with the exception of Thursday, when the gallery is open from 11 am to 7 pm. Sundays see the gallery welcome visitors between noon and 5 pm.
For further information and to register as a member, you can refer to the website www.ricegallery.org or call the gallery at 713-348-6069.
The Rice University Art Gallery
6100 Main St.
Houston, TX 77005, USA
