Inside HER Studio….

Houston native, Magen Pastor has more than 15 years experience in the world of fashion, blogging, marketing and consulting. She is now a resident of Denver, Co but it was only fitting that she would launch Inside HER Studio in her hometown of Houston at a pop up in Rice Village where she spent much of her early career.

In this difficult year that is quickly moving to the rear view mirror in our lives, when we look back we do have some silver-lining moments and many of them surround women and their continued recognition, successes and inclusions in society. We do have our first female V.P. in Kamala Harris, first of many political female firsts this year, our first ever woman to be named to a GM position in professional baseball in Kim Ng of the Miami Marlins and so many many more.

So also in our local art world , we have our native daughter, Magen Pastor, who opened Inside HER Studio, Houston’s first female pop-up art gallery and consultancy dedicated to elevating the works of female artists. This concept created and curated by Magen to promote inclusiveness of women in the arts opened in November in the Rice Village District. I’m actually late to get there to see this exhibition which I loved but is unfortunately closing on December 31 in-person in Houston but will be continue online now and for awhile. If given the opportunity, it’s a great drop in during the holiday weeks off.

The debut gallery showcases original works of traditional paintings and three dimensional art by eight multicultural women, all Houston-based, between the ages of 16-65. The artists on display include Laura Goodson, Anat Rowen, Leslie Gaworecki, Meredith O’Neal, Olga Saldivar, Sevy Marie Eicher, Shelbi Nicole, and Vivian Pastor. (Mom of Gallery curator)

Some interesting tidbits that got my attention: The concept was created to address the systemic inequities still faced by female artists in the art world. A 2019 study called attention to the fact that among 18 prominent museums in the United States, 87% of the artists in their collections are men, and a study conducted by the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) found that women hold less than 50% of directorships, and the average female director’s salary lags behind that of the average male director. Additionally, 96% of artwork sold at auction are by male artists. Inside HER STUDIO addresses these inequities and gives a voice to females in the art world.

The pop-up is one of many to come that will be a representation of art by women around the country. In fact, Pastor is planning subsequent shows which she hopes to take to Chicago, Denver, Austin and other art-centric destinations.

This paint mural was painted the day of the opening directly onto the wall by street artist and muralist, **Anat Ronen**

It should be noted that all art is available for safe, in-person viewing and contactless purchase. The gallery can now and continue to be viewed online at www.insideherstudio.com.

About the Pop-Up: (the details)

Inside HER STUDIO 2542 Amherst Street Houston Texas, 77005

Showing through December 31, 2020 (free to attend)
Monday-Saturday, 10am-8pm
Sunday, 12pm-6pm

Take a peek at the artists’ work, they all have amazing stories…..

Vivian Pastor's art is a deep reminder of her Mexican American heritage. Her work cultivates a passionate extension of her father Joseph Vasquez who was a humble tortilla maker. This culture now lives within her as she went from kneading dough to molding clay. Follow on social media at VivianPastorArt.
Vivian Pastor's work revolves around nature. She builds all of her work from a bag of clay, a deep reminder of her Mexican American heritage. Her whinmsical aesthetic is tied to her very limited time with her mother who was always in the garden. Follow on social media at VivianPastorArt.
Sevy Marie Eicher is a 16-year old internationally collected artist with down syndrome who is finding her voice through brilliant works of abstract art. Eicher was born in Bulgaria, in a place where she would never be accepted and spent 12 years of her life in institutions. In 2016 she was found and brought home to her forever-family in Texas, where she has flourished and found her voice through her art. Her social media is SevyMarieEicher.
Laura Goodson's work is a modern representation of western figures. Laura grew up in Southwestern Texas and now hangs her hat in Denver, Co. Her work is monocrhomatic and is primarily dominated by bold hat wearing cowboys. She is an internationally represented artist whose work you can follow at LauraGooodsonArt
Lounge/sitting area represents many of the artists that are presented in the Gallery.Se
Anat Ronan is a Houston based self-taught artis. She became a professional artist in her late 30s following a family decision to emigrate to USA from Israel in hopes of a new life. in 11 years Ronan created hundreds of pieces all over the US and beyond. She paints on walls, floors, panels, canvases; her preferred medium is house paint and brushes. In addition to mural work that can be found throughout Houston she participates in international street painting and street art festivals around the world. Follow her on social media at AnatRonen1971