Creative Energy Art Evolves

At the beginning of 2017, I launched Creative Energy Art Center, www.creativeenergyartcenter.com in order to connect artists, business owners, and art lovers on the west side of Houston - Katy - Cypress, Texas area. It has been a pleasure working with the businesses in this area in order to provide artists with space to exhibit and sell their original artwork, as well as a unique marketing strategy for business owners to invite guests to visit their businesses for artists receptions and create an additional revenue stream from selling the artwork. It has been a challenge for me to negotiate contracts with the business owners and match the artists along with their artwork to the various venues but it has been very fulfilling for me.
I will continue to exhibit artwork at selected venues in the area in 2018 while expanding my business of providing services to artists in many different areas. I have shut down my website and will open a new website within the next couple of weeks with a new name, new expanded services and a totally new look.
In the meantime, I will be using my personal website, www.suzannebuckland.com for an interim website for upcoming art events.  Click on the Houston Curator link for current events and Calls to Artists.
Thanks to all the artists, business owners, and art collectors for a wonderful 2017, and a prosperous new year.

Calls to Artists - Where do you want to show your artwork?

I've recently found more spaces to show artwork but it is difficult to get this type of thing off the ground because it takes about two year of displaying your artwork  for sale before your friends and family members have all run out of wall space and quit buying your artwork. Unless you have been consistent within this twenty-four month period in showing your artwork somewhere at least one a month, then you should not expect many people you do not already personally know will be lining up to see it. The idea I have behind this business model is to take the art to the people. I have had the best luck selling artwork in this way in Houston. People are busy! Most work full time jobs and unless they are very serious art collectors or just love to hang with the artists, don't go to galleries. I'm on a mission to bring the artwork to them. Houston artists are some of the best I've ever seen. They is some very high quality artwork to be had from the local artists here. Houston is such a diverse city. People from around the world have come here to work but have brought culture as well, which includes the arts. There is no reason to purchase artwork anywhere other than here. Artists from around the world live and work in Houston.
Creative Energy Art Center is not a place yet but more of a concept. Using other peoples walls in displaying our artwork, Houston artists get out there and get their work in front of those so busy working, they have no time to shop. They have offices to decorate and clients to meet who also have offices to decorate.
Currently, I am looking for artwork for several spaces. Sean Anthony Salons on Chimney Rock is an art gallery with a salon inside it. Very interesting and busy place. NTXGEN Health & Wellness on Dairy Ashford is an art gallery with a health spa inside it. They are in a new location and just getting going. Flying Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Cypress is a very exciting place. On the water with a brilliant view and relaxing atmosphere, just the place to find great art. And Office in America, also a new business on Savoy Dr. All these businesses are new and locally owned, not big chains. It might take awhile to catch on but I believe this is the way of the future, take the artwork to the people.

For more information about showing your artwork at one of these locations, please see www.creativeenergyartcenter.com

LOVE is in the air

On Friday, February 17, 2017, 6-9PM Creative Energy Art, LuLaRoe Representative Angie Massey, and Sean Anthony Salons welcomed guest for a special reception at Sean Anthony Salons, 3300 Chimney Rock. It was a delightful evening with plenty of refreshments, wine and food. Music was provided by Hailey Gowen.
Guests enjoyed original artwork by local artists, all with the LOVE theme. Angie introduced her new spring fashion line. Sean and Mary were terrific hosts as always, along with their full line up of salon personal service providers. They have expanded the salon to now provide not only hair services but also facials, nail services, and make-up.
Creative Energy Art's LOVE artwork will continued to be displayed and for sale until March 13th when the artwork display will change and the theme for spring will be "Spring Green".

LOVE Participating Artists: Darlene Abdouch, Chuck Senecal, Dan Houston, Etta Harris and Suzanne Buckland, Curator.

Information about Creative Energy

I recently wrote an extended email to an artist  wanting more information about what I do so I thought I might as well share this information with everybody interested.

Let me tell you a little bit about what I do. I’ve been an artist all my life. I moved to Houston in 2004 and did all the regular venues, art markets, galleries, co-ops, etc… I joined a non-profit corporation and quickly found myself running it. Since then I have been involved in many non-profit organizations and groups for artists in the Houston area for about the last ten years. I have always worked hard for the cause but not getting much monetary gain so I decided to seek opportunities where I could make a bit of money. Now I started Creative Energy Art at the beginning of 2017. I find many businesses want to show original artwork by local artists but want someone to organize it for them. I’m so happy working in this capacity, finding wall space for the artists and curating local businesses, taking the artwork to the people instead of trying to entice people to enter a gallery or studio, although I still work with galleries and studios when I get the opportunity. So far this has been pretty successful. I don’t charge the artists much for the service and some of the venues want to handle the sales, others don’t. Each has their own idea of what they want to see on their walls so I put it out there, organize and market the receptions, advertise, and hang the artwork. All the artists have to do is send me digital images for approval and deliver their work. Some venues do not want to handle the sales so in that case, the artists have the opportunity to handle the sales and keep 100% of the sale instead of paying commission.

For additional information see www.creativeenergyartcenter.com

Contact email info@creativeenergyartcenter.com

Flying Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Cypress Welcomes Creative Energy

"Ocean Blue" is the theme inspired by Towne Lake, a delightful setting for Flying Vine Wine Bar & Bistro, 9945 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress, TX. The water is a beautiful deep blue surrounded by homes and business in this master planned community in Cypress. This unique setting offers The Boardwalk where you can sit out on the deck, enjoy a glass of wine, and chat with friends in the evening.
This is the environment I found last evening. I welcomed guests to the artists reception celebrating the work of three local artists, Darlene Abdouch, Jim Padgett, and Chuck Senecal.
The beautiful upscale décor, decorative lighting, and lake views makes this a special place where the artists of Creative Energy Art will continue to display their original artwork for sale for a long time to come. Stop by and ask the staff how one of these unique pieces can be yours to take home.

Original Artwork by Jim Padgett

Original Artwork by Darlene Abdouch

Original Artwork by Chuch Senecal

For more information on Flying Vine see their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Flying-Vine-Wine-Bar-Bistro-184051031969374/

NXTGEN Health & Wellness Welcomes Creative Energy Art

Looking for a good alternative medicine facility? Check out NXTGEN Health and Wellness, 1570 S. Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77077. This is a unique facility where you will find a fabulously tranquil atmosphere of healing the whole body. A great part of that atmosphere is now being provided by Creative Energy Art. Local artists show their original artwork on the walls of the spa taking comfort to the next level. Dr. James Zuniga and staff welcome you to rehabilitate in modern comfort while you improve your quality of life.
Creative Energy Art is honored to share their vision with the clients of NXTGEN. Each month there will be a new theme of artwork with an artists reception. This month's theme is "I Love Houston", featuring artwork by Marguerite Baldwin, Cedric Akue, Anna Jimenez, Etta Harris, John Minear and Suzanne Buckland, curator. There is a unique collection of photography, paintings, and mixed media work with scenes from all over the city. All artwork is original and for sale. Come find your favorite scene.
Business hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 1:30pm, 3pm - 5:30pm.

Original Artwork by Etta Harris

Original Artwork by Marguerite Baldwin

Original Artwork by Anna Jimenez

Original Artwork by Cedric Akue

For more information on NXTGEN Health and wellness see http://www.nxtgenhealthandwellness.com/

I Know Somebody Houston: Women Networking Dream

On Thursday, January 19, I was honored to attend another meeting of I Know Somebody Houston. I've been a member of this group for about two years and always get a boost when attending their meetings. I Know Somebody Houston is a womens networking group founded by Elizabeth Pudwill who saw a need for women to network together on a regular basis, support, empower and inspire each other in business and everyday living. Its a great way to professionally connect with other women in the Houston community.

The meeting last Thursday was held at Thinking Girls Boutique, 1570 S. Dairy Ashford, Houston. Its a lovely little spot featuring clothing, make-up, skin care, jewelry, books and other accessories every professional woman needs. The speaker for the evening was Tracie Jae. An introspective guide. Tracie lead us in a workshop designed to create clarity in our lives. It was a fabulous exercise in introspection and just taking five minutes to think about where my life is headed personally was just the thing I needed since I'm going through this transition with opening a new business and moving on in my life professionally.

The workshop was well attended and we have a very good discussion about where each of us were headed with our lives and how sitting back and contemplating our lives for just five minutes in silence helped clarify our goals. I look forward to seeing the group again at the next workshop.

For more information on I Know Somebody Houston see http://www.iknowsomebodyhouston.com

For more information on Thinking Girls Boutique see http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com

For more information on Tracie Jae see http://www.traciejae.com

Pictures by Ana Khan Dorante

City ArtWorks Celebrates 35 Years

In the early 1980s, budgets were cut on public education throughout the country. When the budget is cut, withdrawing important elements in our children' education is soon to follow. It has been a pattern that plays out across our country every few years. Budgets get cut, classes get cut, education gets cut and soon there is no art, no music, no physical education and we find the education of our children is down to bare bones and not quite adequate. Children need a well-rounded educations in a variety of subjects in order to thrive in this world, and one of the most important element is creativity. Hands on art classes are essential in the development of children. Hand eye coordination, critical thinking, and historical study are just some of the benefits visual arts practices have when educating. A group of teachers recognized this and didn't just complain but decided to do something. They saw an opportunity to allow kids to learn visual art in an after-school program and thus formed City Artworks.

City Artworks is now one of Houston's premier after-school programs for the visual arts, serving children pre-K to 6^th grade.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the executive director of City ArtWorks, Margaret Bott. Margaret told me about their various programs for youngsters in the greater metro area, including Art After School for K-6 grades, Start Smart (Pre-K) and Sculpture & Clay programs.  These programs are conducted at schools, apartment complexes, and other facilities. City Artworks also features art camps during times when children are out of school at their Spring Branch facility – winter, spring and summer breaks.

Margaret explained that the lesson plans are written by a team of artists and art teachers with the guidance of a program coordinator. Each lesson focuses on a famous artist, generally one whose work can be found in one of several museums in Houston. Then the children use some element from the famous artist to be inspired and create their own art-piece using some element from the lesson learned about the renown artist.

City Artworks can be found in over 50 locations within the greater Houston area. They employ 35+ artists, as well as an office staff.

If you want more information about City ArtWorks, to sign your child up for a class, more information on becoming an instructor or would just like to make a donation to an awesome local 501(c)3 organization, see www.cityartworks.org.

Galveston Continues to Have Fun with ArtWalk!

On January 14, 2017, Galveston Texas came alive with artists and art lovers alike, walking the streets, enjoying live music, sipping wine and perusing galleries, antique shops, pubs, clothing stores, restaurants, and other various walls along the route.

Galveston has a fabulous arts districts that continues to grow better every year. In the Art Lofts on Market Street and 23^rd, there is a new space called The Proletariat Gallery & Public House at street level, which is a great jumping off point when participating in art walk. I found a fabulous exhibition of artwork by local tattoo artists including renown artists Catfish, Chuck Jones, and more.

Moving down 23^rd St. I stopped in Affair D'Art, a local artists co-op gallery. Many great names are showing there, Christian Perkins, Jim Adams, Marilyn Lowry, Rona Lesser, Maria Hart, just to name a few.

I then crossed 23^rd to visit a new place called Art from the Heart featuring artwork by Kelly Halbach, Shirley Scarpetta, David Mortensen, Rose West and more as well as live music and refreshments. This is a lovely spot with nice rooms for each artist to showcase their works.

Then I decided to have a stroll down Postoffice Street where I popped into Ray Heard Gallery where I found a very interesting artist, new to the area and directly from Hawaii, Ricky Pa, and his wood batik creations.

I wondered into Design Works and met the owners of the gallery Elisabeth and Stephen Lanier. This is a very interesting upscale design gallery where they feature top artists from around the USA.

After walking down the street a little more, sticking my nose into several other spaces, like the Galveston Art Guild gallery, it was already going on ten and time to drive back to Houston. ArtWalk in Galveston is still a perfectly romantic evening, fog rolling in off the water, sea breeze, and heightened senses.

The next Galveston ArtWalk is scheduled for March 4, 2017 beginning at 6pm.

Chimney Rock Market Kicks Off 2017!

Sean and Mary Connell are to be congratulated on the success of the first ever Chimney Rock Market, located at 3300 Chimney Rock, Houston on January 8, 2017, 10am - 3pm. This is a new outdoor market this will feature local artists, crafters, artisan food producers, and creatives from all over the area each first Sunday of the month in 2017. The first market day was a huge success. Proceeds from the first market day went to benefit Forgotten Dogs of the 5^th Ward Project and is organized by Sean and Mary Connell, owners of Sean Anthony Salons also at this location. The Connells raised $800 for the dogs this month. Other shelters and pet organizations in the Greater Houston area will be the beneficiaries of the market in coming months.

Despite the 30 degree weather, vendors showed up bright and early. The sun shone on this hardy group setting up their canopies and displays on the bone chilling temperature. As the day progressed, the air warmed and visitors stopped by to visit the vendors, sample food from the food truck, enjoy the sunshine and pick up a variety of fabulous items. Vendors hawked good such as baked goods, oil & vinegar, candles, soaps, books, artwork, jams & jellies, pet treats, leather goods, glass art, paintings, photography, and custom made t-shirts.

It's inspiring to see people come together to support such a great cause as a dog rescue. One dog was present in the cool weather. She was up for adoption and the rescue group would pay for the extensive health care costs require for the dogs recovery from abuse. Stray dogs are a huge problem in Houston. Every dollar of support for these organizations are greatly appreciated and needed. Please support your local shelter today and consider fostering or adopting a pet from a shelter.