Houston Artists Soar To New Heights

By Derek Calhoun

The Heights in Houston hosts its First Saturday Arts Market, located just north of Interstate 10 on Yale and 19th Street, the first Saturday of each month.
The Arts Market plays a crucial role in Houston’s art community by providing a monthly venue for artists, musicians, jewelers and craftsmen to display their artwork.
“I started out volunteering with the Heights First Saturday group in the summer of 2003 by placing artists within members’ stores,” said Mitch Cohen, founder and manager of the arts festival.
“As a resident of the Heights since 1994, I have always been a supporter of my favorite neighborhood and I’m very proud of the success of the arts market.”
Cohen works in conjunction with the Houston Heights Association Business Committee, which has held the Heights First Saturday event for the past six years.
“This is our fifth anniversary of being a part of the Heights First Saturday event,” said Cohen, who is committed to helping local artists showcase their work. “Marketing a free monthly event every single month is not easy, but the payoff is unique. I have found mention of our eclectic arts market in airline magazines, Texas Monthly, international Web sites and more.”
The First Saturday Arts Market offers individuals a chance to view and purchase a variety of different artworks, which range from paintings and photography to handmade pottery and jewelry.
Furthermore, live music and special performances are conducted outside the arts exhibit next door to the Wind Water Gallery on 19th Street.
Past performers have included Mariachi MECA, Fahl & Folk, Duke Jones & Friends, The Grass Skirts and Carrie Ann and the Apocalyptics.
“The First Saturday Market has been a tradition with me and my friends for the past several years and we really enjoy coming to the event,” said Kristen Guzman, a resident of the Heights. “There is always something new going on each month.”
For those who enjoy good food or feel the need to shop some more, there are a host of restaurants and shops conveniently located in the Heights.
In fact, some area businesses and restaurants sponsor the Heights First Saturday and there is a shuttle bus that will pick you up from the arts market and drop you off at these particular destinations free of charge.
Sponsors who have helped contribute include Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant, Hickory Hollow Restaurants & Catering, Berryhill Baja Grill, 6th Street Bar & Grill and Harold’s “In The Heights.”
The Heights offers a unique dining and shopping experience and individuals can enjoy a Saturday afternoon of festivities feeling as though they are part of the community.       
For more information regarding the Heights First Saturday, visit their Web site at www.heightsfirstsaturday.com or www.yalestreetmarket.com.
For those individuals who are interested in showing their artwork or participating in the Yale Street Market, contact Mitch Cohen at info@yalestreetmarket.com.