When it comes to celebrating and experiencing the arts, Houston is the place to be. H-Town has artists of all kinds and places where you can experience the many flavors of Black Arts brilliance. Whether it’s the Ensemble Theatre, Gite Gallery, Community Artists Collective, HSPVA (those students put on professional-level productions on the regular), Project Row Houses, etc., Houston’s artists and art scenes are making an inedible mark.
And it’s not just because of the bevy of globally established artists with Houston roots (like Beyonce’, Kelly Rowland, Yolanda Adams, Lecrea, Tobi Ngwoe, etc). The Bayou City is a formidable arts force thanks to some largely unsung talent. By no means is this a comprehensive list (there’s a slew of artists in Houston), but here are just a few of Houston’s incredible artists (and art organizations) you need to know. They may not be household names (yet), but their talent is absolutely superstar-level. By the way, you can read more about each of these artists at DefenderNetwork.com.
Alex Stapleton
This filmmaker is definitely one to watch. Her film, “The Price of Oil,” is a new documentary that is garnering rave reviews. It explores the impact the oil industry has had on Houstonians, particularly on Black people in Pleasantville, including multiple generations of her family.
Candice D’Meza
Candice D’Meza’s body of work spans theater performance, multiple literary genres, activism, dance, critical pedagogy, ritual, social practice, and film. And they all reflect her commitment to afrofuturistic “world-building.”
DJ Flash Gordon Parks
DJ Flash Gordon Parks
Parks, a self-described “ethnomusicologist, collector, and documentarian,” is known near and far for his skills on the “ones and twos,” but he’s also a skilled photographer. He also hosts the “Flash Gordon Parks Show” on KPFT (90.1 FM), where he spotlights Houston’s incredible pool of under-appreciated artistic talent.
Michele Thibeaux
If this world made sense, Michele Thibeaux would be a global household name. Folk in H-town know of her skills as she’s worked with some of the city’s brightest talents including Russell Guess, H.I.S.D., Alycia Miles, Bel Ami and the late Zin, just to name a few. Listening to Thibeaux will put you in the mind of Sassy Sarah Vaugh, Ella Fitzgerald, Amel Larrieux and Nina Simone.
Reginald Adams
It’s hard to place Adams on a list of artists you “need to know” because his name, works, and influence have gone global. Yet, you can still catch him walking through the Houston hoods without being mobbed by fans. Adams has made his mark on the world of public art via countless works. The one he may best be known for is the Juneteenth Mural in Galveston, “Absolute Equality.” But he does so much work here in H-Town (ex: Discovery Green, the Gregory School, and Kashmere HS), where he invites the general public to participate in producing art projects, that he truly allows the city to share ownership in his brilliance.
Teylor Bonner
Talk about a triple threat! Teylor Bonner is just that. This Gen-Z photographer, cinematographer and cosmetics diva will film your award-winning movie, take photos of you receiving your awards and have you looking right while you take your red-carpet stroll.
Michelle Barnes
As the founder and director of Community Arts Collective, a nonprofit organization created to meet the needs of African American artists, Barnes is at the forefront of art in the Houston community. She and fellow artist Dr. Sarah Trotty founded the CAC to fill the gap left by a lack of art curriculum being taken out of schools in underserved areas.
William North
This Houston artist is praised for his in-depth examination of African Diaspora customs, and currently has a powerful solo show at The Anderson Center through April 5 called “The Conjuring Man Lives.” North is recognized for his lifetime affinity for the visual arts, particularly drawing, during his tutelage at Mufasa’s Pride. He was born with a natural knack for artistic expression. North’s turning point—which he later revealed to be his dual identity as an artist—came from his involvement in the community.
Uncle Jumbo
James Pendleton (also known as Uncle Jumbo), has made a mark making music for children. He considers his work family-involved so therefore families love it. His album “Taste The Sky” was up for best children’s music album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Ashley Lazarre
This Houston-based storyteller and content creator, emerges as an unstoppable force in the global justice and Black women’s empowerment movements. Hailing from Haiti, she infuses a unique flair into the realms of activism, academia, and style, redefining the standards with her remarkable presence.
David Michael Wyatt
With a background rooted in the church, Wyatt’s journey embraces his soft vocals and heartfelt covers. Despite challenges as an independent artist, he made waves with features in NBA 2K, the 2020 NBA Finals Apple commercial, and appearances on Jimmy Kimmel’s Late Night TV.
Designed 2 Dance & Tracee Davis
Designed 2 Dance, students are using their classes as a starting point to a college education. Dancers have different classes where they’re able to learn ballet, jazz, hip-hop, pointe and also Broadway-style dance and production.
Dance Afrikana & Dr. Lindsay Gary
Dance Afrikana is founded by Houston area dancer, choreographer, and educator Dr. Lindsay Gary. The organization has become an important resource for traditional African dance education. It provides weekly dance classes for adults and teens, connecting Africans in the diaspora through rhythm and movement.Beyond the dance floor, Dance Afrikana nurtures the Houston Black Dance Collective (HBDC), supporting local artists and dance entities.
Gite Gallery
The house in Houston’s Third Ward is more than just a home. Inside is an explosion of modern African art, from statues to masks and paintings. Houston native Lloyd Gite, a journalist turned gallery owner, started selling art more than 30 years ago.
Meow Wolf
This $42 million entertainment venue is in the works and will feature multi-media art installations from local artists, art gallery spaces, restaurants and retail shops. It’s the city’s latest effort to highlight its thriving diverse communities. The museum is expected to bring in over 100 jobs and plans to use 32,242 square feet of a historic 115,000-square-foot warehouse with hopes of attracting more tourism for visitors and residents.
ReShonda Tate and Laura Onyeneho contributed to this report.
