Equine Art Reception Draws the Attendance of
Congressman and Texas Representative
By Ria Gibbs
“A horse is worth more than riches,” says a
Spanish proverb. An equine art exhibit on November
3, 2006 at the DaVinci Artists Gallery in downtown
Tomball drew a crowd of over 200 art patrons who, it
would seem, have similar feelings about our equine
friends.
On display were over 30 equine-themed pieces
depicting horses of many different breeds, under
saddle and at liberty. Many of the artists were in
attendance as well. “Fantastic talents in such a
broad range of media are on display. This could be
any gallery, in any major metropolis in the world,”
said Tom Davis, commenting on the quality of art on
display. Davis, Chairman of the Renovation Committee
for the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts at Cypress
Creek, attended the reception, which opened a
month-long exhibition.
Attendees of the reception received a surprise
visit by Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas's 10th
Congressional District, and Texas House
Representative Corbin Van Arsdale. McCaul, who was
in the area campaigning for the election held on
November 7, stopped into the DaVinci Artists Gallery
after finishing a “Get Out The Vote” celebration a
few doors down at Main Street Crossing. Congressman
McCaul thanked the gallery for hosting such a
notable event and praised the talents of the
artists. He then spoke a few words on the importance
of art to our culture and of his political support
for the arts. “This is exactly the type of event
that spotlights the high quality of artists in our
district and the wealth of culture we have to offer
here in Tomball. I’m happy to be present tonight.”
Internationally acclaimed artist Lesley Humphrey
demonstrated her unique oil painting technique
during the opening and created a brilliant painting
of thoroughbreds at the track in a life-or-death
race to the finish. Bursting with light and
movement, the canvas was equal parts abstract and
impressionist. Humphrey has paintings placed in
private collections and museums around the world.
Even England's Queen Elizabeth II has an original
Humphrey painting in her collection, and recently
Lesley had a visit with the Queen, an experience she
said was life altering.
The evening festivities featured fine wine from
Wimberley Valley Winery, whose tasting room is
located in Old Town Spring. Jana Valentine and
husband, master winemaker Dean Valentine, operate
the Wimberley Valley Wine Tasting Room and are
always excited to partner in local arts events.
Fine hors d’oeuvres from June and John Vossler's
Le Gourmet Bistro Restaurant added spice to the
evening and satisfied the hungry connoisseurs.
Located on Commerce Street, Le Gourmet Bistro is one
of but a few fine-dining restaurants in Tomball.
DaVinci’s Gallery planned the Equine Exhibit
opening to coincide with First Friday, the Gallery’s
monthly reception to showcase their artists’ latest
contributions. The event was co-sponsored and
promoted by The Regional Arts Council (TRAC), a
non-profit organization which works to advance the
arts in a tri-county area incorporating north
Harris, southern Montgomery and Waller Counties.
“Arts patronage has a centuries-old model for
success dating back to the Renaissance,” said Jackie
Barnes, owner of M.I.C.E. and Assistant Director of
Membership for TRAC. “People not only help the
artists prosper through sponsorship, they also
facilitate growth of their own companies through the
highly visible connectedness that sponsoring the
arts brings as part of a community relations
initiative.”
The DaVanci Artists Gallery is located at 315
West Main Street in Tomball. For more information
visit
www.davinciartists.com. To learn more about the
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts visit
www.pearlmfa.org; and for info on TRAC go to
www.regional-arts.org.
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