Under the Historic Eldorado Ballroom in the heart of Third Ward there is treasure in the city that needs to be witnessed and poured into. The Hogan Brown Gallery is place where season professionals and emerging artists are finding themselves on the walls. The Hogan Brown Gallery has mastered what I call “The Art of Collaboration”. The partnerships that are being cultivated in this artistic haven are in the name of elevation. Elevating and educating artists in a wide range of disciplines is the vibes I received attending some recent events. The discipline of choice at the current exhibit is photography. This art form continues to evolve and thrive as a respected form of artistic expression, with digital technology opening up new possibilities for photographers around the world. Under the direction of the imaginative Robert Hodge the Curator of Hogan Brown and the cultural architect, Janice Bond, Director of Art is Bond Contemporary Art Gallery on Friday, March 15th The exhibit “Elevation” apart of Foto Festival was open to the public in collaboration with Art is Bond by the illustrious Janice Bond.
I would be reluctant not to talk about these authentic beings that have made huge contributions to the art world. First, the multi-talented Robert L. Hodge. Mr. Hodge has a signature approach to his art that has landed him in exhibits all over the world. His art doesn’t start and stop on canvas or just in a gallery. As a true interdisciplinary artist, he creates for more than one of the senses to digest art. Robert L. Hodge is a gifted musician and executive producer. His ear for collaboration matches his eye for art.
The Janice Bond is a force in the world art from Texas to Tokyo. She is an art advisor and interdisciplinary artist who has shifted the culture via her leadership and passion for the culture. Currently she balances being the director of Art is Bond a Contemporary Art Gallery in the heart of Montrose and she is the International Director of Civic Art and Immersive Experiences at “SEISMIQUE” an immersive art museum. She leads the space in innovation and imagination.
These artists truly have so much more I can express about them but wanted to preface you as to why their collaboration is so powerful for the culture and community. On April 17th a necessary occasion took place in the Hogan Brown Gallery space, “Curators in Conversation”. Inclusion and Connection happened in a space made for creatives. The conversation they presented touched on several necessary topics.
Surrounded by Derrell Boson, Ray Carrington III, Dario De Leon, Priscilla T. Graham, Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Bria Lauren, Troy Ezequiel Montes, Greg Noire, Irene Antonia Diane Reece, Jakayla Monay, Dennis “Snipes” Sullivan, Evan Coleman in collaboration with Jesse Lott’s artistic expression on the walls, Janice and Robert explained to Artist what it takes to get their work in a gallery from a director, curator and professional artist perspective. An audience member asked, “What does it take to get my work in a Gallery?”. “The question you need to ask yourself is, do I have a show.” She elucidated further by telling the inquisitive artist there needs to be a clear vision you are ready to share expressing the necessity of authenticity and integrity. Robert also shared his own experiences in his creation of shows and the cohesive story telling it takes to know you are ready. They touched on the importance of investing in art and the future of art for the black and brown community. An audience member inquired, “How has the introduction of nft’s affected the art world.” Janice in the most unbothered yet comical tone expressed that nft’s haven’t affect her world by no means. Robert L. Hodge expressed a thought that explained the difference between antics vs authentic. They discussed the racial disparity of what is actually given in investments to people of color. Let’s just say we all need to understand the importance of knowing and demanding our value as artists. Another thing we need to do is acknowledge the value in others and show them how to see it in themselves. Robert Hodge did just that with a group of talented growing boys.
May 26th, 2024, Hogan and Brown collaborated with the Urban Enrichment Institute to bring the installment “Emergence”. The Urban Enrichment Institute empowers youth to become responsible adults by running as a crime prevention organization under the leadership of Kenneth Lavergne. The Institute’s creed is empowering boys to become responsible men and productive members of their families and community. In the greater 5th ward these boys have an option other than football, basketball and the streets. The Institute is a light shining on boys with artistic abilities ranging from poetry to all forms of art. The boys ranging from middle school and high school for the first time had their art on the walls next to professional artist of the “Elevation” exhibit. Robert Hodge gave a touching speech that poured into the boys and gave them instant motivation. He not only gave them motivation with words he provided a space for them to sell their art. Sixteen boys’ lives have been changed because of adults caring and understanding how critical arts can elevate the youth. Adrian Esparza, Amaru Washington, Christian Sargent, David Galloway, Jalen Young, Javier Johnson, Joshua Skillman, Justin Randolph, Kaedon Yates, Kendarion Payne, Lonnell O’Bryant, Malcolm Morrow, Marcus Lang, Montrell Colbert, Tyrek McKnight, and Xavier Blanton were all smiles as they presented their art to guest.
I urge you to go support Emergence and Elevation at the Hogan Brown gallery. One of the standout pieces from the Elevation exhibit that left an impression on my soul was captured by the artist Jakayla Monet. Her work titled “A Mother’s Guidance” spoke to me personally as a mom. Jakayla Monet did not just snap a picture, she gave me a moment full of emotion. She is a true talent with an original eye. All the artists gave an interpretation of their view of Houston. The culture must be captured, displayed and revered. I am ecstatic that Hogan Brown and Art is Bond are galleries that we can expect to continuously shape the culture. The “Elevation” exhibit is open to the public until May 19th while the “Emergence” is open until May 26,2024.
