Houston, Texas is second only to New York City as the home base for Fortune 500 companies in the United States. With the economic activity hosting so many top-tier businesses brings an eclectic art scene is sure to develop and thrive. Robert Wickboldt III reports Houston’s art scene has something for every taste.
From classical performing arts to contemporary art museums to local galleries showcasing regional, national, and international artists, an abundant assortment of experiences and indulgences awaits those who visit Houston and locals ready to explore.
A Blend of Art Offerings
Houston Ballet
The Wortham Theater Center Houston is home to one of Wickboldt’s favorite artistic experiences, the ballet. The Houston Ballet is a classically trained company featuring approximately five dozen performers who treat the region to over 80 performances a year. Season tickets are available for true devotees, and art lovers may also enjoy exploring the offerings of the Houston Opera at the center. In addition to providing a home for local companies, Wortham Theater Center hosts many traveling performances and other unique experiences.
Contemporary Art Museum
For locals, some museums become a favorite haunt and a place to revisit known installations and exhibits with occasional tweaks. They are like visiting an old friend. The Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston is different and provides a unique experience across spaced visits. The museum does not collect art, so it can host a rotating assortment of dynamic art experiences highlighting entire careers and themes.
Theatre Under the Stars
A non-profit, Theatre Under the Stars, produces high-quality musical theatre experiences for the larger Houston area and hosts traveling shows. Productions such as Ain’t Misbehavin’, Chicago, Mary Poppins, and more are recent hits. Robert Wickboldt III advises the theatre to focus on diversity in casting and production, leading to unique presentations highlighting underutilized and emerging talents.
Project Row Houses
A unique contribution of commentary, engagement, and action is found at Project Row Houses in the Third Ward of Houston. In this ever-rotating space, an assortment of shotgun-style homes features unique art installations honoring a particular theme. Each artist invited to participate creates the short-term installation in the home. Many artists are frequently available within the homes as they tweak a project or lend commentary to the experience. Embracing a new vision of the theme in each home helps illustrate the diversity of emotions and thoughts surrounding the theme.
Harrisburg Arts Museum
An urban environment is always influenced heavily by street art, Robert Wickboldt III shares and the Harrisburg Arts Museum is dedicated to providing a space for these artists to share their work on loading dock doors and other surfaces at a warehouse at 4200 Harrisburg Street. New art is always emerging and ready to share with the community.
