Toilet Paper Inspires a Hipster Arts Haven

You won’t forget the disarming title of this art space anytime soon: Scott Charmin Gallery. Owner/gallerist/artist Edgar Meza decided two of the leading toilet paper brands were perfect inspiration for his residence turned destination gallery. An occasional assistant to Mark Flood, the HSPVA grad is an apt talent scout, armed with an MFA from State University New York (SUNY) at Purchase and a BFA from the University of Houston.

Meza’s dream to own a gallery is being fulfilled thanks to a loan from an investor in the art world; now he’s turning a modest residence in the Harrisburg neighborhood where he was raised into a hipster haven where some incredible painters are being shown, including the next big thing, Dylan Roberts. Even Texas Gallery’s Fredericka Hunter has come calling to check it out.

On our visit, a Roberts canvas hung in the kitchen, while in the front viewing rooms Portland artist/former Houston talent Jonathan Casella’s nifty canvas emitted a post-conceptual/post-modern vibe reminiscent of Frank Stella in the 1980s — and were a steal, with amply scaled paintings going for a mere $1,800. Don’t forget to check out Meza’s own studio in a spare bedroom, where nihilist paintings — bearing a black flag and text admonitions — are taking shape.

On Friday, November 13, Meza opens Public Storage-exhibited, about-to-be-red-hot Michael Bhichitkul. Scott Charmin Gallery, 504 78th St., 281.745.4885, By appointment only, except during openings.