Love for Art: First Saturday Arts Market adds a Valentine’s Day twist

The First Saturday Arts Market, a mainstay of creativity in Houston, proudly marks its 21st year in March, kicking off the celebration with a Valentine’s twist. Since 2004, this market has been a cornerstone for local artists, offering a vibrant monthly showcase at 540 W. 19th St. in the Historic Houston Heights, from September to May.

This February, the First Saturday Arts Market adds a Valentine’s Day twist to its celebrations, offering art lovers a special opportunity to find unique gifts for their loved ones while commemorating 21 years of artistic innovation.

A Tradition of Excellence

First Saturday Arts Market has transformed from a small gathering to Houston’s longest-running monthly outdoor art market, attracting art enthusiasts with its unique atmosphere. The market has evolved into a cultural hub where creativity flourishes, providing a platform for artists to display their work in mediums like pottery, photography, jewelry design, woodcraft, printmaking, and painting. Artists are selected through a meticulous process ensuring originality, quality, and relevance, maintaining the market’s reputation for hosting only the finest art.

This Month’s Event

WHEN: Feb. 1, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

WHERE: 540 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008

INFO: www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

Featured Artists

This month, visitors can experience the work of several distinguished artists, including:

• Xandra Homes – Known for her vibrant murals and portraits, Xandra combines whimsy with bold colors, capturing the essence of landscapes and water scenes.
• M Kelly Olsen – Passionate about abstract art, M Kelly uses hand-held tools to create dynamic, non-representational work with acrylic ink, aiming to engage visual curiosity.
• Bissi Cruz – His surrealistic paintings feature animals and chess pieces in whimsical settings, using mylar balloons for a unique narrative, aiming to bring joy and contemplation to the viewer.
• David James Strain – His work explores the balance between construction and deconstruction, using acrylic on wood to depict urban and natural themes in harmony.
• Bella’s Flowers (Isabella) – A young artist focusing on the beauty of flowers, Isabella’s meticulous style aims to evoke joy and appreciation for the art of painting.
• Ginger Annette – With a mixed media approach, Ginger uses everything from tiny shells to gold flakes, creating unpredictable, unique art pieces while supporting animal welfare.
• Fatima Khambati – Specializing in watercolors, Fatima captures the essence of nature with a focus on wildlife and floral themes.
• Jose Canales – A Honduran artist whose caricaturesque animal prints blend humor with high art, using various techniques like silkscreen and wood carving.
• Hannah Bladh – Her art romanticizes ordinary life, focusing on the beauty in everyday moments through her oil and acrylic paintings.
• Tiffany Nesbit - Her studio practice is heavily influenced by both urban and wilderness landscapes of the southern states, using high-fired ceramics, mixed media collage, and weathered materials to depict the color palettes and life of the bayou.