Lori Betz | Worldly

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Being an artist in today's economy is a tough task, but Lori Betz, artist and owner of Betz Gallery, 1208 West Gray, steps outside the comfort zone of primary colors to give the world of art a little more zest. After all, Betz has explored the world afar, studying and exhibiting her work in various countries and kingdoms overseas, so naturally, being a little different from the others came fairly easy.

After her travels and realizing that a master’s degree in studio art could only get her so far, Betz returned to Houston in 1997 to open Betz Gallery, a co-operative gallery where artists can come together and share their creativity and engage and enrich the community with their works. After studying all over the world with many proclaimed artists such as Alan Bain in Greece, Alex Deya in Cortona, Italy and as a resident at the Shigaraki Cultural Institute in Japan, Betz realizes the importance other artists and their inspiration are in the learning and growing process. She also realizes how important others views of her work are in the growing process.

“I love hearing people tell me what they see as they stand back and gaze at one of my works. The responses are as varied and interesting as the personalities that I encounter. And each time, my work is transformed through their eyes,” says Betz.

Betz Gallery is a quaint bungalow-style transformed home perched right on the hustle and bustle of West Gray. The gallery is ever-changing with new treasures on display each time you visit. Currently, in addition to Betz’s sculptures, realism, playful and abstract paintings, you can find bold abstracts by Duane Nowell and Carrie Allbritton, colorful photography by June Russell, free-spirited abstracts by Margo Green and Lorena Fernandez and realistic-americana works by Larry Crawford.

Betz’s work has been accepted into the Cultural Museum in Japan. She is currently working on a bronze sculpture for the Pearland Chamber of Commerce and keep and eye out for her new series, “Mirror Images,” this spring.

On May 15, Betz Art Gallery and several other galleries and businesses in the area are hosting the Houston Art and Culture Art Walk. Each location will host a special exhibition, giveaways, beer tastings by St. Arnold’s brewery, refreshments and entertainment. For more information, visit www.houstonartandculture.com.

For more information on Betz Gallery, visit www.betzgallery.com