Craft legends highlighted by this unique Houston museum — Houston Center for Contemporary Craft opens its world

HThe Ouston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) honored two luminaries in the world of art, craft and design—Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio—at the museum’s annual Crafting A Legacy luncheon.

Clark and Del Vecchio owned the renowned Garth Clark Gallery (New York, 1981–2008), which had a notable influence on the field of modern and contemporary ceramics collecting. In 2007, the pioneering duo’s exceptional collection was acquired by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and was subsequently featured in an acclaimed 2012 exhibition at the MFAH. (See the 400-plus treasures from the Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio Collection in the MFAH vaults here.)

Chairs Sharon and John Hoffman and Michael Dale led a craft-focused luncheon that drew more than 220 guests to River Oaks Country Club. Executive Director of the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft Leila Cartier greeted the artistic crowd with remarks touting the Craft Center’s programs and exhibits.

The luncheon reflected the season, featuring chicken and spring peas glazed with ginger chutney, topped with old-fashioned strawberry shortcake for dessert. During lunch, attendees viewed a slideshow of the collectors honored over the years, highlighting their family and friends as well as a plethora of renowned artists they have showcased throughout their decades-long careers as gallerists.

After lunch, Clark and Del Vecchio engaged in a discussion with a special guest – Sara and Bill Morgan, MFAH Curator of Decorative Arts, Crafts and Design Cindi Strauss. The informative chat about crafts The honorees spoke about their journey of discovering and supporting emerging clay artists, as well as their deep passion for cutting-edge ceramics. The couple was celebrated by artists, friends and family, including their two sons Kellam Clark and Mark Clark, who visited from Santa Fe.

Spring-Featured Inspired Lunch Artistic floral arrangement by In Bloom, The exhibit was curated from a handmade centerpiece by Houston artists. Available for purchase, they included works by Lakea Shepard, Sarah Knight, Naomi Peterson and Jeff Forster. In addition to the decor, many craft lovers embraced the theme by sporting captivating ensembles that nod to craft and design.

A silent auction contributed to the bottom line, with one-of-a-kind sculptures, jewelry and an assemblage of ceramic objects created by past and present Craft Center resident artists—including national talents B. Brown, YoonJee Kwak and Andy Shaw—up for auction.

The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft aims to celebrate the beauty of craft, and with many works selling for top dollar, this afternoon of craftsmanship exceeded its goal. Raising nearly $300,000, the evening helped HCCC fulfill its mission of supporting artists in Houston and around the country.

PC seen: Founder of the Craft Center Sara Morgan And Chairman of the Board of Directors Judy Nyquist; Executive Director of the Lawndale Art Center Anna Walker; executive director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Houston Hesse McGraw; Executive Director of the Houston Arts Alliance Jean Abodeely; Marie-Helene Nguyen And Marie Reid by Clay Houston; gallery owners Betty Moody, Kerry Inman,Yvonne GarciaAnd Trish Matute; national craft talents B. Brown, Yoon Jee KwakAnd Andy Shaw; a host of Houston-based artists, including Edward Lane McCartney with David Gooding, Tracye Clothing, Tara Conley, Rene Lee Henry, Jessica Jacobi, Robert Hodge, Abbie Preston Edmonson, Susan Budge, Molly Koehn, Hai-Wen-LinAnd Ann Stautberg; collectors Leslie And Brad Bucher, Jereann Chaney, Dorene And Frank Herzog, Leticia Loya, Heidi Gerger, Marie Arocha, And Robert Greenstein; Beth Wolff; Phoebe Tudor; Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl; Alecia Harris; Donae Cangelosi Chromosta; Phyllis Childress; Anne Lamkin Children; Kitty And Richard Rabinow; Cathy Brock; Lynn Baird; ISabelle Asakura And Seth Stolbun; and former HCCC resident, now owner of Third Coast Clay, Lotus Witt.

Additional information was provided by Catherine D. Anspon