Texas Arts Force Opens a Striking New River Oaks District Gallery — a PaperCity Exclusive

In a time of coronavirus pandemic fueled uncertainty and a fraught election cycle — a particularly precarious moment for the visual arts — a noted Houston gallery’s high-profile expansion proves the Texas art world will go on.

Cue Laura Rathe Fine Art. Rathe’s stable features such notable talents as street artist RETNA; the photographer of The Afghan Girl, Steve McCurry; recently signed lensman Max Steven Grossman who captures art collectors library in imagined Bookscape images that reveal how our volumes speak of identity; and museum-collected painter/preservationist Hunt Slonem.

The gallerist — who toasted 20 years last fall with a lavish bash at her Colquitt headquarters and also boasts an enviable Dallas location in the heart of the city’s Design District — is adding a high-profile Houston retail space that places her art program front and center with some of the world’s most vaunted luxury brands. 

Rathe is unveiling a second location in the tony River Oaks District, occupying a prime spot at the crossroads of Dior, Hermès and Cartier, a short stroll from some of River Oaks District’s snazziest dining spots, including Toulouse and Le Colonial. (Rathe will be shuttering her Uptown location at BLVD Place to concentrate on the new location at River Oaks District, she tells PaperCity.)

“For years, I have admired the River Oaks District for its unique experience where Houstonians may access upscale retailers and fine dining in a concentrated location,” Rathe writes in an email. “It’s with great excitement that LRFA will join the prestigious shopping center in October.”

And why now?

“While many would shy from such a big leap during these times, the gallery has never been one to fall into the expected,” Rathe explains. “I know how much we are craving to connect with the visual arts and each other.

“The 3,500-square-foot space with soaring ceilings will be able to showcase monumental sculptures and innovative works by the gallery’s renowned stable of artists.”

And Laura Rathe Fine Art’s expansive new digs are a bonus during this time. “The indoor/outdoor design of the gallery will allow us to hold exciting yet safe exhibitions,” Rathe notes.

Stay tuned. 

Laura Rathe Fine Art in the River Oaks District, 4444 Westheimer, will unveil its new gallery Thursday, October 1, with the inaugural group exhibition, “Dreamers.”