"Material Matters" is a Juried art show to be held at Ardest Gallery in The Woodlands, Texas, just North of Houston between February. The Deadline to apply is Friday, January 9th 11:59 PM.

"Material Matters" strives to explore the dynamic nature of mixed media, bringing together artists from across mediums and disciplines to weave together a cohesive show celebrating materials. This group show will serve as a tribute to innovative methods that push boundaries of what art can be, and the stories that can be found within the materials themselves. 

The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, FEBRUARY 7TH from 6-8 p.m. with a presentation by the Juror at 7 p.m.

GUEST JUROR - Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji)

Robert Benjamin Stiles (Benji) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Houston, Texas. Born in New Orleans, he holds a BA in Art History from the University of St. Thomas and an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). His practice spans non-representational painting, sculpture, assemblage, and installation, often incorporating found and historical objects to explore materiality, form, and cultural resonance.

Stiles’ work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and he has exhibited at institutions such as the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Blaffer Art Museum, where he participated in A Way to Mend, curated by Doug Welsh. Since 2020, he has presented five solo exhibitions, including shows at Hardy & Nance Gallery (2020), Lone Star

College (2021), G-Contemporary (2022), Reeves Gallery (2023), and Sheila Riggs Gallery in Baltimore (2025). His group exhibitions include Collect It for the Culture (2021), curated by Robert Hodge, where he exhibited alongside Rick Lowe, Ann Johnson, and Jamal Cyrus; The Big Show at Lawndale (2021); and the 37th Annual VAA Juried Exhibition, where his work was recognized by Harry Cooper, Head of Modern Art at the Smithsonian, as one of the top three works in the competition.

In addition to his studio practice, Stiles has curated exhibitions including Rise and Fall (Hardy & Nance Studios, 2020), Whole in Pieces (Monterroso Gallery, 2022), and Work in Play (Monterroso Gallery, 2025). He currently maintains a studio at Hardy & Nance in downtown Houston.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252746399891173 

Art in The Woods, an outdoor fine arts market, is held on the 3rd Saturday of each month between September-December (2nd Saturday) & March-May, between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. just outside of our doors!! 

The Grogan's Park community includes a number of wonderful family owned businesses, including a book store, clothing boutique, coffee house and fine dining restaurant. Grogan's Park is situated on the edge of The Woodlands, Texas, with easy access from I-45.

Artists will be juried into each market, space is filled on a first come, first serve basis and the fee for a 10x10 space is $60.

We accept artist applications on a rolling basis. Should you be accepted into the market, an invoice will be set to secure your space.

To apply: https://form.jotform.com/231815405497157

Are you interested in joining Artist Gallery?

Ardest Gallery is a fine arts gallery representing top, Texas 2D and 3D artists in The Woodlands, Texas.

We accept artist applications on an ongoing basis, and rotate artists on a quarterly basis. For consideration, please fill out our Jotform and a gallery representative will be in contact with you.

For artist submission requirements, visit: 

https://form.jotform.com/221644752882159