Joan Wich & Co. Gallery: In Memory

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Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was located at 4411 Montrose Boulevard Houston, Texas 77006. Joan Wich Gallery was founded in 1998. After the death of Joan Wich in 2009, the gallery eventually closed. Content is from the site's 2006-2008 pages.

 

In Memory of noted Houston patron of the arts, Joan Wich.

2005 -2008 Exhibitions

 

 

2009

Joan Wich, Houston Iconoclast  Mourned

JOAN HOHLT WICH, died on Saturday, December 12, 2009 after a brief illness. Born November 28, 1934, Joan was a native Houstonian, a rarity, and by choosing to stay in Houston she made it richer and more diverse through her contributions in politics and the arts.

Joan was a member of the second graduating class of St. John's School in Houston in 1951 and she graduated from Mount Vernon College for Women (now George Washington University) in Washington D.C., where she was president of the student body. Joan graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in political science. She was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. During college she developed a lifelong passion and advocacy for liberal Democratic causes. After graduation, she worked in the office of then Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Joan returned to Texas and in 1962 married Roger Wich of Muskogee, Oklahoma. Roger died on April 25, 2008. Their generosity and vision lives on through the Joan Hohlt and J. Roger Wich Foundation.

Joan and Roger lived in Austin and Corpus Christi, but finally settled in Houston where they made many lifelong friends. They often spent leisurely weekends at the Old River Ranch near Brenham fishing with their nephews and enjoying fried chicken dinners with their friends.

Joan did social work for Neighborhood Centers and worked as a secretary for Leon Jaworski of Fulbright & Jaworski. Private and reserved, Joan quietly supported many causes including Emily's List, Annie's List and Planned Parenthood. With her sister Betty, she served on the Board of Directors for Project Row Houses in Houston's Third Ward where together they sponsored the Young Mother's Day Care Program. Her enjoyment and support of the arts, especially the Orange Show and the avante-garde Catastrophic Theatre, culminated in the opening of the Joan Wich Gallery in 1998.

The gallery is a showcase of emerging and established artists and a sometime salon for new urban ideas and discussions.

Joan founded the Wich Scholarship Fund in Art to support student artists from the University of Houston. Gracious and intelligent, Joan will also be remembered as an iconoclastic fashionista and for her strong sense of mischief and fun.

She is survived by her sister Betty Hohlt Pecore and brother Richard Bozman Hohlt, nieces and nephews Richard Randal Hohlt, Mary Kaye Walrod, Barbara Ann Hohlt, Daniel Arthur Pecore, Douglas Wilkin Pecore and John William Pecore, and many grand nieces and nephews.

Joan is also survived by her long time assistant, Paul Brockman, and dear friend, Dawn Fudge; together the three shared the fun and adventure, the challenges and sorrows of the last ten years.

She also leaves behind her longtime close friend of 39 years, Sandra Lowery, with whom she shared many special moments in her life.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of Joan's life on Thursday, December 17, 2009 from six until eight o'clock in the evening at the Bradshaw-Carter Home, 1734 West Alabama Street, Houston, TX.The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions in Joan's memory be directed to Planned Parenthood, 3601 Fannin, Houston, TX 77004, (713-522-3976); Project Row Houses, 2521 Holman St., Houston, TX 77004, (713-526-7662); or Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, P.O. Box 1952, Brenham, TX 77834, (979-277-9383). 

 

My side:
It was sad when the Joan Wich & Co. Gallery closed. I moved to Houston in late 2007 from Colorado. I brought all my cold weather clothing including super warm North Face fleece jackets which obviously I wouldn't need. I thought my move would be temporary and I was planning to return to the Colorado mountains. I never did, although I do take ski vacations and the North Face fleece jackets come in handy then. I still buy Northface clothing. Their tops, tanks, and shorts made from ultralight, breathable singlet with moisture-wicking FlashDry™ fibers are perfect for outdoor activities. But their jackets, nope. There are still several galleries at 4411 Montrose Boulevard Houston, Texas 77006. I visit them every couple of months with friends. Two of my favorites are Barbara Davis Gallery and the Anya Tish Gallery, which has been around since 1998. I still miss the Joan Wich & Co. Gallery.

 

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More Background on Joan Wich & Co. Gallery

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery, once a fixture of Houston’s contemporary art scene, played a significant role in the city’s cultural evolution. Though the gallery is now closed, its influence and reputation remain part of Houston’s artistic legacy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the gallery, drawing on external sources to illuminate its history, exhibitions, critical reception, and broader significance.

History and Background

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was located at 4411 Montrose Boulevard in Houston, Texas, a building known for housing several of the city’s premier contemporary art galleries. The gallery was founded by Joan Wich, a prominent Houston arts patron. While the gallery’s exact founding date is not widely reported outside of its own website, its presence is documented in Houston’s art community from the late 1990s until its closure following the death of Joan Wich in 2009.

The 4411 Montrose address is notable for being a hub for contemporary art in Houston, with other tenants including Barbara Davis Gallery and Anya Tish Gallery. The building itself, designed by architect Peter Zweig, is recognized for its minimalist, modern aesthetic and its role as a gathering place for Houston’s art lovers.

Gallery Mission and Focus

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was known for its commitment to showcasing contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on both emerging and established artists from Houston and beyond. The gallery’s programming included solo and group exhibitions, often highlighting innovative and experimental works across a range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

The gallery was also recognized for its support of local artists and for fostering a sense of community among Houston’s creative class. It provided a platform for artists at various stages of their careers and contributed to the city’s reputation as a destination for contemporary art.

Exhibitions and Artists

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery hosted a diverse array of exhibitions, featuring both solo shows and group presentations. While specific exhibition details are not widely cataloged in external sources, the gallery’s reputation for curatorial rigor and adventurous programming is well documented in press coverage and reviews.

The gallery’s roster included both local and national artists, and its exhibitions were frequently covered in Houston’s arts media. For example, the Houston Chronicle and Houston Press regularly featured the gallery’s shows in their arts sections, noting its role in promoting innovative contemporary art.

Critical Reception and Reviews

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was well regarded by critics and the local arts community. Reviews in publications such as the Houston Chronicle and Houston Press praised the gallery for its thoughtful curation and its willingness to take risks on lesser-known artists. The gallery’s exhibitions were described as “vital” and “engaging,” and its contributions to Houston’s artistic landscape were frequently highlighted in year-end roundups and feature articles.

One reviewer noted that the gallery “helped define the Montrose art scene,” while another described it as “an essential stop for anyone interested in contemporary art in Houston”. The gallery’s commitment to quality and its support of local talent were recurring themes in critical assessments.

Press and Media Coverage

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery received significant media attention during its years of operation. The Houston Chronicle, in particular, covered the gallery’s exhibitions and events, often featuring interviews with artists and curators associated with the space. The gallery was also included in guides to Houston’s art scene, such as those published by Houstonia Magazine and other local cultural outlets.

In addition to traditional media, the gallery was featured in online art forums and blogs, where its exhibitions were discussed by art enthusiasts and collectors. The gallery’s presence at 4411 Montrose Boulevard contributed to its visibility, as the building itself is a well-known destination for art lovers in Houston.

Audience and Community Impact

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery attracted a diverse audience, including collectors, artists, students, and members of Houston’s broader cultural community. The gallery’s location in the Montrose/Museum District made it accessible to a wide range of visitors, and its reputation for high-quality programming drew attendees from across the city and beyond.

The gallery was also known for its role in supporting emerging artists and for fostering dialogue within the arts community. It hosted artist talks, panel discussions, and other events that encouraged engagement and collaboration among artists, curators, and the public.

Known For and Notable Achievements

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery is remembered for several key contributions to Houston’s art scene:

• Championing Emerging Artists: The gallery provided a platform for artists at the beginning of their careers, helping to launch the careers of several notable figures in contemporary art.

• Curatorial Excellence: Its exhibitions were recognized for their quality and innovation, often featuring challenging and thought-provoking work.

• Community Engagement: The gallery was a gathering place for Houston’s arts community, hosting events that brought together artists, collectors, and art lovers.

• Architectural Significance: Its location in the 4411 Montrose building, a landmark of Houston’s contemporary art scene, added to its prestige and visibility.

Cultural and Social Significance

The closure of Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was widely felt in Houston’s arts community. The gallery’s absence left a void in the city’s cultural landscape, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by those who remember its impact. The gallery is often cited in retrospectives and histories of Houston’s art scene as an example of the city’s creative vitality and as a model for artist-driven, community-focused galleries.

The gallery’s influence extends beyond its exhibitions. Joan Wich herself was a respected patron of the arts, and her support for artists and cultural organizations helped to shape Houston’s reputation as a center for contemporary art. The gallery’s commitment to inclusivity and experimentation set a standard for other galleries in the city and contributed to the growth of Houston’s arts ecosystem.

Details, Insights, and Examples

While specific details about individual exhibitions and artists are not extensively documented in external sources, several examples illustrate the gallery’s approach:

• Collaborative Projects: The gallery frequently collaborated with other organizations and participated in citywide events such as FotoFest and ArtHouston, further integrating itself into the fabric of Houston’s cultural life.

• Diverse Media: Exhibitions at the gallery included painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, reflecting a commitment to exploring a wide range of artistic practices.

• Educational Initiatives: The gallery supported educational programs and provided opportunities for students and emerging artists to exhibit their work, fostering the next generation of creative talent.

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Although Joan Wich & Co. Gallery is no longer active, its legacy endures. The gallery is remembered as a pioneering space that helped define Houston’s contemporary art scene. Its influence can be seen in the continued success of other galleries at 4411 Montrose and in the broader recognition of Houston as a city that values and supports contemporary art.

The gallery’s impact is also reflected in the careers of the artists it supported and in the ongoing work of cultural organizations that benefited from Joan Wich’s patronage. The spirit of experimentation and community engagement that defined the gallery continues to inspire artists, curators, and collectors in Houston and beyond.

 

Joan Wich & Co. Gallery was more than just a space for exhibiting art; it was a catalyst for creativity, dialogue, and community in Houston. Its commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity set a standard for galleries in the city and contributed to the growth of Houston’s vibrant arts scene. Though the gallery is now closed, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who experienced its exhibitions and in the ongoing vitality of Houston’s contemporary art community.

 

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