Josh Pazda Hiram Butler
Art gallery · Memorial ·
Modern art gallery featuring lesser-known American artists, sculpture garden
Modern art gallery featuring lesser-known American artists, sculpture garden
"Hiram Butler Gallery focuses first and foremost on lesser known American artists, as the gallery's eponymous founder made it his mission to raise the profile less famous artists. It has included work from postwar modernism artists like Robert Rauschenberg to conceptual artists like Daniel Buren as well as mid-level artists, like Clarissa Tossin from Brazil. It's small and it's free, but is still best suited to those with a serious passion for modern art and unusual galleries: if you're expecting the Museum of Fine Arts, this isn't for you." - Charu Suri
"Tell us: What is this gallery known for?Hiram Butler Gallery is a modern art gallery featuring the works of American artists, from postwar modernism artists like Robert Rauschenberg to conceptual artists like Daniel Buren. Mid-level artists, like Clarissa Tossin from Brazil are also embraced. Hiram Butler, a Museum of Modern Art alumnus, designed the minimalist gallery himself. Butler's vision was to raise the profile of relatively unknown artists; when the gallery opened in 1984, Houston was just starting to have a thriving arts scene, so it was a perfect place to push that goal. What's the space itself like?The minimalist gallery is just three rooms, plus a large public garden. The gallery is casual and there's ample room to move around. Additionally, the space is beautifully lit, with several large windows. The art itself—what can we expect to see?There are woodblock prints by Jacob Hashimoto, cut-out art by Mark Fox, and lithographs by Carroll Dunham (father to the actress Lena Dunham). The far-right room also doubles as a repository of artwork and prints, and there's a sculpture garden, as well. How do the staff treat you?There are only two people associated with the gallery on the regular basis: Joshua Pazda, the curator, and Hiram Butler, the founder. On a recent visit, they were extremely helpful—and they're excellent ambassadors for the gallery. Who do you think would most enjoy a visit here?This small, free gallery is best suited for anyone with a serious passion for modern art and, more specifically, unusual galleries with a small, selective range of works. If you're expecting the Museum of Fine Arts, this isn't for you." - Charu Suri
Mark G.
Laurent A.
Kristin A.
Pam W.
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Michael M.
David W.
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Bethany W.
