Open MFA Houston

Open MFA is back! May 14, we will be visiting the MFAH Anne Wilkes Tucker Photography Study Center. A selection of photographs, works on paper, and rare books will be on view. This event will be limited to 25 people and is completely Free! We will be emailing those who RSVP with instructions on where to meet prior to the event. The study center serves as a resource for artists, classes, scholars, and individuals to view and study the museum’s prints, drawings, photographs, and other works on paper. Across curatorial departments, these objects comprise over half of the museum’s collection. “The Anne Wilkes Tucker Photography Study Center offers a versatile space to engage with the Museum’s rich holdings of prints, drawings, and photographs, which comprise more than half of the entire MFAH collections but are on public view only for short periods because of light sensitivity. Equipped with a 30-foot display wall, easels, magnifying devices, and more, the study center invites anyone with an interest in photography or works on paper to gain intimate access to these collections.” RSVP LINK IS IN THE BIO !!! @openmfa

For April, meet us at the opening of ‘Pesadito’, a lens-based exhibition where whimsy becomes a veil laid gently over an unspoken grief. Experience work by Ayden Perez (@closestsight2heavn ), Phalyn Honora (@phalyn ), Piero Brignole (@comolocolocoloco ), and Sebastien Boncy (@tiboncy ), each demonstrating how creative energy is imperative for survival in an increasingly burdensome world. Artist talk at 2pm Co-curated by OpenMFA homies Salima Bowaniya (@dj_stepmami ) and Sol Diaz-Peña (@santotemplo ) with support by Ryan Hollaway (@rchollaway ), this show is hosted at Friends Gallery (@friendsgalleryhtx ), a collective arts and studio space here in Houston🦕🌐🌀 ‘Pesadito’ is a Participating Space in the FotoFest 2026 Biennial (@fotofest ), with support provided by The Idea Fund (@theideafund ) Thank you to Topo Chico(@topochicousa ) and Saint Arnold (@saintarnoldbrewing ) for the bevs!!

Meet us there! 𓅸 As we step into spring, several homies across Houston are launching new shows and art activations. Come through and show some love! How to join: click through to the tagged profiles on each flyer for dates and details See you in the mix! 𐦂𖨆𐀪𖠋

A throwback to 2024, OpenMFA’s residency at @asiasocietytx . We were working on the symposium structure and brainstorming of the programming for The Absurd Classroom. Shot on my Sony HDR-CX240 camcorder:) ★ The Absurd Classroom Symposium, was a multi-day, cross-institutional educational event that offered participants the chance to earn an Alternative Certificate in Studio Art through a hands-on, communal learning experience.

hey OpenMFA, let’s close out the year with a meetup! We’ll be coming together to say thank you and goodbye to Cynthia’s studio and to 2025 ✨ We’ll have drinks and snacks available, feel welcome to bring a craft to work on or snack to share!

See this & know you made it to the Absurd Classroom𐦂𖨆𐀪𖠋✨ Bringing our classroom to life, this one-of-a-kind banner was hand-painted by Guy, Jo, Alexandra, Lorena, Anfrea, Angela, Sol, and Cynthia! Thanks y’all ‧₊˚♪ Some programs are sold out (!) but we’re working on opening more spots — join the waitlist today!

𝔸𝕓𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕕 ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕞: ℂ𝕝𝕠𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℂ𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕪 + ℂ𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕓𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟°𝜗𝜚˚⋆✴︎ Celebrate the creative’s journey with us at our finale event! Join us for a special performance ceremony awarding participants of 𝘈𝘣𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘥 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 as receiving their 𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙩, affirmed by OpenMFA and our collaborators. ༘⋆Date: Saturday, June 1 ༘⋆Time: 1-4 PM ༘⋆Location: @theorangeshow ’s Pavilion (2401 Munger St) ༘⋆Free + open to all! ˖° 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⋆ A special one-day viewing of 𝘐’𝘮 𝘚𝘢𝘵, 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, a collaborative artwork that becomes our stage ⋆ Live sounds by 𝗗𝗝 𝗠𝗟𝗘 ⋆ Pop-up 𝗩𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 for sale by @somos.semillas 🧡🧡 ⋆ 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀 – come as you’d like to be represented ⋆ 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for 2D + 3D works → 𝟮𝗗: Ready to hang, max 60x60 → 𝟯𝗗: 34x34 table-height platform available, weight limit 60lbs. Mahogany 12” diameter cylindrical platform also available ˖° With photographers: ⋆ Ryan Holloway (Open MFA) ⋆ Sol Díaz-Peña (Open MFA) (𝘙𝘚𝘝𝘗 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘴 𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵) Part of 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢, a multi-day series of playful, participatory programs offering an 𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙩—supported by @TheIdeaFund . 𝘈𝘣𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘥 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 embraces absurdism as a lens for transformation + resistance—leaning into uncertainty, collaboration, and joy as radical tools for connection + self-determined artistic growth. Shoutout to our sponsors @topochicousa and @saintarnoldbrewing ! Graphic + flier by @santotemplo ! With love from @openmfa ♡ ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ #AbsurdClassroom #OpenMFA #AlternativeCertificateinStudioArt #HoustonArt #AlternativeArt #MutualSupport #theorangeshow #TheIdeaFund #CreativeCeremony #ImSatTogether

UPDATE 2:: RE-OPENED —𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘞𝘢𝘺 𝘖𝘶𝘵: 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘮 + 𝘈𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 ⋆˚✿˖° Join us as members of Houston-based artist collectives share their missions, structures, and how collectivity fuels resistance. ˖° 𝙁𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⋆Heather Johnson (Throughline Collective) ⋆ Kill Joy (Kitchen Table Puppets + Press / Just Seeds) ⋆ Rian Crane (Friends Gallery) ˖°Conversation guided by Sol Díaz-Peña (OpenMFA) ✿ Location: @friendsgalleryhtx (3401 Harrisburg Blvd, Ste I) ✿ Date: Wednesday, May 28 ✿ Time: 6–8 PM ✿ RSVP to reserve your seat Arriving at Friends Gallery: → Enter through Neighbor’s Bar + follow the signs past the restrooms → OR use the Preston St. entrance (next to the juice bar window!) This event is part of 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢, a multi-day series of playful, participatory programs offering an 𝘼𝙡𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙞𝙤 𝘼𝙧𝙩—supported by @theideafund Shoutout to our sponsors @topochicousa and @saintarnoldbrewing Graphic + flier by @santotemplo 2nd slide graphic of the sculpture, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘚𝘢𝘵, 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, by @amaaanndda

UPDATE:: SOLD OUT —Meditation + Artist Statement Workshop: Reframing How We Write About Our Work₊˚.༄ A reflective evening of writing, movement, and self-connection ༄Location: @moth.htx (1506 Lorraine St. Unit B) ༄ Date: Thursday, May 29 ༄Time: 7–9 PM ༄Free with RSVP Feeling drained by writing artist statements? You’re not alone. Join us for a cozy, introspective session that combines gentle movement with guided journaling to support mental wellness and help you connect more meaningfully with your creative voice. Led by @raveenalexis — a seasoned journaling guide, writer, and yoga teacher. No writing experience needed — just bring yourself, and if available, a yoga mat or blanket. ˚.༄ This event is part of 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢, a multi-day series of playful, participatory programs offering an 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝘁—supported by @theideafund Shoutout to our sponsor @topochicousa flier + graphic by @santotemplo !

WEATHER UPDATE: Meet Us in the Conference Room on the Main Floor! Art Exchange! 𝘽𝙔𝙊𝘼𝙍𝙏 𝙎𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙨 Picnic ✐ᝰ You’re invited to a playful, potluck-style art exchange on the lawn at MECA ✐ Location: MECA @ 1900 Kane St, Houston, TX ✐ Date: Friday, May 30 ✐ Time: 6–8 PM ✐ Free + All Ages Bring your unused or extra 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 to swap, share, and play with! From paints and fabric to glitter and glue, anything with creative potential is welcome. Leftover supplies will be gifted to a local nonprofit youth summer arts program! Enjoy vegan tamales from @somos.semillas and share in a potluck picnic. Bring a blanket, supplies, or a dish to share ⋆⑅˚₊ ☼ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⋆ Art, craft, and office supplies (paint, markers, paper, crayons, pens, etc.) ⋆ Cardboard, yarn & fabric, sewing materials, house paint, glass, and more ⋆ Anything that could get a creative new life -For donations ahead of 5/30, please see 2nd slide ♡ This event is part of 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢, a multi-day series of playful, participatory programs offering an 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝘁—supported by @theideafund All lovers of art + community are welcome Shoutout to our sponsor @topochicousa Graphic and flier by @renadoesart ! #AbsurdClassroom #ArtPicnic #CreativeCommunity #AlternativeArt #HoustonArts #PotluckParty #SomosSemillas #SustainableArt #RecycledMaterials #TheIdeaFund

EDIT: SOLD OUT — Waitlist is open Workshop! Nothing Into Something: Alternative Art Materials ⋆｡𖦹 ˚ 𓇼 ˚｡⋆ Join us for a hands-on, experimental workshop led by interdisciplinary artist Anfrea Garfia, where discarded objects are reborn as creative tools 𓇼 Location: @artleaguehouston 𓇼 Date: Saturday, May 31 𓇼 Time: 2–4 PM 𓇼 Free with sign up Together, we’ll explore how recycled objects and textiles can transform the way we approach art-making—no prior experience required to participate Led by artist and performer Anfrea Garfia, whose practice blends street performance, puppetry, and recycled materials, all inspired by the absurdities of everyday life Part of the ongoing 𝘼𝙗𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙙 𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙢 series, this workshop invites artists, students, and community members into a playful, participatory space for learning and creating. Supported by The Idea Fund & this class by Art League Houston Space is limited—register via the link in bio. ⋆.˚ 𓇼 #AbsurdClassroom #TrashIntoTreasure #SustainableArt #RecycledArt #AlternativeEducation #HoustonArts #AnfreaGarfia

Meet the first event of our 𝗔𝗯𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺: 𝗠𝗙𝗔 = 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹 ⋆˚꩜｡ Join us for a fast-paced, low-pressure mentorship hangout to chat with professional artists about the stuff no one teaches you—how to grow your career, build a body of work that feels right, and pick up some real-world pro tips. Organized by artists for artists, featuring 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘁 (Theatre Production), 𝗘𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗶 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺 (Curation), 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗽𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘇(Visual Art), 𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗺𝗮𝗻 (Analog photography, owner of FLATS Film Lab) & 𝗞𝗮𝗺 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻 (Singer, Songwriter) ꩜ Location: Bohemeo’s (708 Telephone Rd.) ꩜ Date: Tuesday, May 27 ꩜ Time: 6-8 PM ꩜ Free & open to all! Register today & see you there! ⋆˚꩜｡ shoutout to @theideafund for supporting this project. Flier & graphic by @santotemplo