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Houston to Host First Untitled Art Fair

Visitors exploring contemporary artworks at the Untitled Art Fair in Houston.

News Summary

Houston is preparing to launch the inaugural Untitled Art Fair, set to take place in September, enhancing its vibrant arts scene. Directed by Michael Slenske and Clara Andrade, the fair aims to connect emerging and established artists with diverse audiences. Complementary events include important exhibitions across the city, focusing on Black art and cultural history. Highlights include a mid-career survey of Tomashi Jackson at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and special tours celebrating community heritage, emphasizing Houston’s commitment to fostering a robust arts ecosystem.

Houston to Host First Untitled Art Fair in 2025

Houston is set to welcome the debut of the Untitled Art Fair on September 19, 2025. This contemporary art exhibition aims to enhance the city’s vibrant arts scene by providing a platform for emerging and established artists and fostering connections with diverse audiences.

Leadership and Vision

The inaugural Untitled Art Houston will be overseen by Michael Slenske as the director, alongside Clara Andrade, who serves as the executive director. The fair is designed to align with Houston’s expanding cultural landscape, contributing to a robust arts ecosystem and engaging the community in a meaningful way.

Highlighted Showcases and Events

Complementing the art fair, several exhibitions and events in Houston’s cultural institutions will be on display. Noteworthy is the mid-career survey of artist Tomashi Jackson, titled “Across The Universe,” which will be featured at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. This exhibition, available until March 29, 2026, includes a variety of media that explore themes related to land, labor, and legal histories.

Another significant cultural site is the Rothko Chapel, established by collectors Dominique and John de Menil. It houses 14 murals by renowned artist Mark Rothko and is a testament to the spiritual connection between art and human experience. Meanwhile, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) offers an extensive collection, with notable exhibitions such as “Floating World: A.A. Murakami” and a retrospective of artist Tamara de Lempicka, both on view until July 6, 2025.

Support for Black Art and Culture

The Reading Room, founded by Amarie Gipson, is showcasing significant literature on Black art and culture and will be hosting events through August 16, 2025 at the Moody Center for the Arts. The institution promotes knowledge and appreciation of Black contributions to the art world and provides a critical space for discussion.

Historical Significance and Community Engagement

Houston also boasts a rich historical narrative, particularly in areas like Freedmen’s Town, a National Historic District that highlights the legacy of enslaved African Americans. The Bethel Baptist Chapel Church, built in 1923, has been transformed into a park, preserving its original facade while honoring the neighborhood’s history. Alongside, Project Row Houses in the Third Ward serves as a living museum dedicated to community, art, and culture.

Recognizing the cultural importance of the Third Ward, a bus tour will be offered in honor of Juneteenth, showcasing pivotal locations that tell the story of the community’s history and contributions. Additionally, Emancipation Park, Texas’ oldest public park, which was established by former slaves, underwent significant renovations in 2017, revitalizing its cultural significance.

Educational Opportunities and Cultural Preservation

Houston’s Buffalo Soldiers National Museum provides educational insights into the history of Black soldiers in American warfare, while KCOH, the first Black-owned radio station in Texas, continues to influence local music and culture since its establishment in 1953. These institutions collectively enrich the community while facilitating a greater understanding of the historical context that shapes modern Houston.

Future Exhibitions

Looking ahead, the MFAH is preparing to unveil “Art and Life in Imperial Rome: Trajan and His Times” from November 2, 2025, to January 25, 2026. This exhibition will feature hundreds of antiquities on loan from Italy, further broadening the city’s cultural offerings and artistic dialogue.

Overall, the Untitled Art Fair, in conjunction with Houston’s cultural initiatives and historical landmarks, marks a significant chapter in the city’s ongoing journey towards becoming a central hub for contemporary art and appreciation.