Summers are usually slow for art dealers, so for the past 30 years, the Houston Art Dealers Association has hosted ArtHouston 2009, a citywide event meant to get people into local galleries. This year, of course, dealers are also coping with the recession, so theyre seeking strength in numbers, it seems: A whopping 36 galleries will participate, all stocked to the hilt with works by local, national and international artists, both emerging and established. A bevy of receptions and gatherings are on the schedule during todays event; most of the galleries will continue to exhibit through the summer. Some of the offerings include oil paintings by Belgian Impressionists at Gremillion & Co., colorful abstractions by painter and mixed-media artist Hank Gray at Bering & James, and whimsical sculpture by legendary Texas artist James Surls at Barbara Davis. This year, the common purpose is more than just generating sales: Some proceeds from ArtHouston 2009 will go to the Galveston Arts Center, which is still rebuilding after Ike. Various times. Multiple locations including Gremillion & Co., 2501 Sunset. For information, visit www.art-houston.com. Free.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: July 11. Continues through Aug. 30, 2009