Project Row Houses’ New Fundraising Initiative Supports Local Artists

The staff at Project Row Houses is winding down the workday and the festivities are just beginning. A live DJ is spinning tunes, beverages are being served, and there's a giant spread of food inside the main room of the 1930s shotgun house. They're celebrating the grand opening of their Collector's Club, a new fundraising initiative. It introduces local artists to art collectors.

Tiffany Lewis and her fiancé Desmond Bourgeois are checking out some of the art hanging on the walls. Lewis says they recently moved to Houston from Ohio. "We wanted to learn about art collection and get really engaged with the art scene here in Houston," Lewis says. "And I thought this would be a great way to learn."

The organization's founder Rick Lowe says both the artists and the non-profit will benefit. For each piece that's sold, they're splitting the proceeds 50-50. "We're hopeful that it'll really expand the pool of collectors and expand the economic environment for the arts," Lowe says.

So far, the Collector's Club includes nine local artists. They're in the process of renovating a show space at the Eldorado Ballroom on Elgin, but the works will also be available to view on the Project Row Houses website.

Wikimedia Commons/Hourick