Dallas Artists Get a Houston Spotlight at River Oaks District’s Creative Haven — It’s a Double Dip at Laura Rathe

What: An opening reception for “Wanderlust,” an exhibition from Dallas-based artists Carly Allen Martin and Lucrecia Waggoner featuring paintings and porcelain wall sculpture respectively.

Where: River Oaks District gallery Laura Rathe Fine Art. As one of Texas’ most dynamic galleries, Laura Rathe Fine Art is known for representing a gamut of talents including painters, sculptors and photographers with a national notoriety. We’re smitten with the works from painter/preservationist Hunt Slonem and the gallery’s Texas art power.  

PC Moment: Inspired by both artists’ insatiable love of adventure and travel, “Wanderlust” features oil paintings, mixed media on paper in acrylic, mixed media on linen and porcelain sculpture. Allen Martin’s colorful abstract paintings channeling exuberant blooms rendered in oil on panel, mixed media on paper in acrylic and mix media on linen set up an enchanting dialogue with Waggoner’s flora-inspired sculptures crafted from porcelain, platinum and stainless steel.

The evening began with a cocktail hour. The signature drink, the French 75, was passed as guests walked in the door. Each of the fortunate 54 aficionados had received a collectible porcelain vessel handmade by Lucrecia Waggoner along with their invitations — a sneak peek of the exhibition.

DJ James Jones provided an upbeat musical atmosphere that got the art-savvy gathering dancing. Event Elementz catered the delightful evening, starting dinner with an amuse-bouche of oven-roasted salmon cake, followed by a four-course feast featuring Caesar salad, porcini ravioli and grilled lamb chops. For dessert, guests dug into baby banana splits with vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and pistachio ice cream.

Both artists spoke about their work, particularly their inspirations originating in Mother Nature and their love for what they create. As longtime friends, Waggoner and Allen Martin have worked together for years and have previously participated in an exhibition for Laura Rathe Fine Art titled “Untethered.”

Waggoner is known for using varied materials in her intricate installations and sculptures, including precious metals such as 22K gold, palladium and copper. Allen Martin works with oil and pastel mediums, painting with vibrant hues and abstract shapes. Both artists have been featured in notable publications and public and private collections.

PC Seen: Art doyenne and the evening’s eponymous host Laura Rathe, Laurie Pearson, Benjamin Johnston, Meredith Pardue, Mike Hewett, Dr. Elle Lawson, Yvette and Dr. Vincent Aquino, Danielle and Ashton Saunders, Tami and Les Owen, and Kendall and Edward Ondarza. 

The “Wanderlust” exhibition will be on view through this Sunday, July 31, at Laura Rathe Fine Art, 4444 Westheimer Road. Find more info here.