Many creative types put their work out into the world with hopes of getting noticed. For a lucky few, opportunity knocks at their door, or in the case of Jacob Houston, they bicycle to their studio.
This 26-year-old Greenwich native displayed his artwork at his studio during a Washington County studio tour a few summers ago. And who should come by but Jonathan Canning, Director of Curatorial Affairs and Programming at The Hyde Collection, who later wrote the young artist asking if he’d be interested in exhibiting his work at the world-class Hyde.
About Houston & His Magical Work
“It was almost unreal,” Houston said in a statement about the opportunity he was given.
Now, the entire North Country can see what Houston has in store at The Hyde’s latest exhibition, A Magical World, which will be on display from Sunday, April 7th through Sunday, June 23rd.
Although Houston might be floored that his work is being recognized in such a big way, the young man already has an impressive resume.
Houston has been creating bright, detailed, eye-catching art since elementary school. When he was 12, he won a prize for a painting he entered in the Washington County Fair Farm exhibition. He continued to win the contest in the years following until he aged out of the competition. He’s also claimed first prize at the Lapham Gallery’s first LARAC 120 Degrees Intercollegiate Art Competition.
In addition, Houston’s work has been displayed at numerous galleries, including but not limited to 6 Pine Street Gallery and Galley 99 in Glens Falls, the Saratoga Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, and the Washington County Farm Museum in his hometown of Greenwich.
Houston is primarily self-taught and simply paints what he finds interesting, particularly when related to travel. He’s been to New York City, France, Ireland, and Rome, but he also enjoys painting places that he hasn’t yet been to. He’s known for romanticizing the locations he depicts in his art, making the viewer feel a certain an almost child-like awe and wonder about the place.
“Jacob’s open-hearted, joyful view of the world captivated me immediately,” Canning said in a statement of that day he saw Houston’s works at his Greenwich studio. “I looked at his portrayal of New York City and I felt the wonder of my first trip there.”
You can feel the magic yourself at The Hyde starting on Sunday, April 7th.
Attend the Member Opening for Jacob Houston
The Hyde is hosting a member opening for A Magical World on Saturday, April 6th, from 2pm to 5pm. This event is free for members, and non-members can attend by paying a $5 activity fee plus museum admission. RSVP by contacting 518.792.1761, extension 310.
