Conference theme - "Crossroads"

The theme “Crossroads” reflects both the city’s location in the world, cultural and economic affairs, and our current historical position. Many feel that higher education and the arts are at a crossroads. This can be described in many ways: tension between the material world of making and the virtual world of information, the coming together of world cultures, internal and external accountability, and funding pressures. All these dynamics have a bearing on our curricula, our teaching, and our students. At the same time, intersections are exciting places, full of new arrivals and old traditions. Our conversations in Houston will embrace the creative potential of these crossroads and celebrate the journeys that have brought us to this place.

Keynote Speakers: The Art Guys

TASA Conference keynote speakers, The Art Guys, gave attendees a seriously funny overview of their careers to date (pun intended). Amidst the laughs and discussion, Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing touched on some key works that have made headlines across the country, such as: the interactive public sculpture- the Statue of Four Lies, the controversial performance piece- The Art Guys Mary a Plant, and their work in progress/final resting place-  Forever yours.

As the conversation went on, one could deduce that the deceptively lighthearted works began to show their serious sides, exposing topics such as censorship, negative public response, vandalism, friendship, family, death, and memorials. The Art Guys were definitely a dynamic addition to the conference lineup. -Omar Hernandez, El Centro College

Paul Hannah Lecture: Jerry E. Smith, Collin College

At the Crossroads of Globalization and Pluralism: The 21st Century Artist

At the Crossroads of Globalization and Pluralism: The 21st Century Artist Beyond merely being a documentary of my own recent installation, I seek to present the new perception of Globalization and Pluralism. I examine my own work, as well as trends of Shepard Fairey, Brandon Bird and Gary Basemen, who all break down barriers between “high” and “low” art, commercialism, illustration, and fine art. For them, museum oil paintings exist as equals to toy figurines or self published greeting cards.

In my own work, I present both fine art and kitsch, detailed fabrication alongside “paint-by-number” style. The latter serves to accompany the view of contemporary society to elevate the mundane “Jesus in my toast” images to high prized spiritual icons, while at the same time denigrating traditional techniques and imagery. “Low brow “has become “high art” and former high art is now passé, even “cheesy.” 

Dualities exist in my own subject and content. Telephone poles become crucifixes, painting palettes with brushes become a devil’s head, and the personal becomes the universal. The latter is often in the service of autobiographical writing.

One Cube Foot Exhibition

The 2013 exhibition was held at LSC-Kingwood October 12th. 2013. The reception was that afternoon. The exhibition was publicized in the Houston area. Wade Wilson generously agreed to judge the student show and arrange for prizes.

Houston Conference Itinerary (PDF)

2014 (SPRING) TASA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - HOUSTON RECAP ENVISION NEWSLETTER (PDF)

2013 (FALL) TASA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - HOUSTON PRE-CONFERENCE ENVISION NEWSLETTER (PDF)

The TASA Board would like to thank Lone Star College, Kingwood and the Conference Committee members for their support of this year’s conference.

Rebecca L. Riley, Lone Star College, Kingwood (Committee Chair)
Cory Cryer, Lone Star College, Kingwood
Jennifer Herzberg, Lee College
Rex Koontz, University of Houston
Cynthia Millis, Houston Community College Southwest
Mari Omori, Lone Star College, Kingwood
Angie Spargur, Lone Star College, Kingwood
Kelley Revuelto, Lone Star College, Kingwood
Wade Wilson, Wade Wilson Gallery