Supported/Suspended is a group exhibition organized by Open MFA Artist Collective presenting work by 18 Houston-based artists of varying artistic backgrounds and disciplines. This exhibition is centered on a collaborative multimedia installation composed of small sculptural objects, large metal forms, a fiber-based tapestry, and 2D mixed-media works. Supported/Suspended also features the debut of a live performance by Ryan Hollaway and Andrea Garcia composed in conjunction with the exhibition. Through process, materials, and individual interpretations, this exhibition explores communal, material, and structural support and dispersion. As an artist-run group, Open MFA has explored the practice of sharing responsibility in all areas of the exhibition process—organized by Hillaree Hamblin and Amanda Powers.
Open MFA extends a special thanks to Pete Gershon at The Orange Show for providing space for the artists to meet-up and construct new work for this exhibition.
Founded in 2016, Open MFA is an artist collective that provides community, dialogue, and cross-disciplinary collaboration for artists based in the Houston area. The artist-run organization is shaped by everyone who takes part—participation is free and open to artists of any discipline. Open MFA has hosted group exhibitions at Flatland Gallery and Raven Tower, digital artist residencies, visiting artist talks, free community workshops, and consistent monthly meet-ups and events.
Open MFA is a fiscally sponsored project of Fresh Arts, a non-profit arts service organization. The Fresh Arts fiscal sponsorship program unlocks support for individual artists and collectives existing outside of traditional nonprofit models.
