Arts coordinator brings expertise to Fulshear

Mitch Cohen understands how difficult it can be for artists to find opportunities to display their work.

The former muralist and decorative artist hopes to help meet that need later this year when he launches the first Cross Creek Ranch Arts Festival in Fulshear.

"There are some great artists in Katy and Sugar Land, and there are events in the area, but there hasn’t been anything huge," said Cohen, a Heights resident. "We’re aiming for a big arts event with a hometown spin."

The festival, set for Saturday, April 10, will take place within the Cross Creek Ranch master-planned community, off FM 1093 at Cross Creek Bend Lane.

Cohen said he hopes to draw 70 to 100 fine artists, along with local vendors, restaurant representatives, churches and community groups.

There will be live musical performances

A music stage at the festival will feature local and regional performers, including "soul rock" musician Kenneth Scott and blues/rock vocalist Robin Kirby.

"We’re also looking at a children’s art area so the kids can get their hands dirty," said Cohen, who is still finalizing the event details.

Cohen established his first art event in 2004, when he and his wife at the time, Carolyn Coates, launched the First Saturday Arts Market in the Heights. The idea was to help themselves and the other artists in the community.

"We all needed a place to show our art regularly," Cohen said. "It’s competitive to get in galleries, and there aren’t enough of them."

Idea stems from Heights event

The first event drew approximately 1,000 people, Cohen estimates, and featured the work of 24 artists.

"The ironic thing is we started it to showcase our art, but I just didn’t have the time," Cohen said. "I just wanted to have fun and be the market manager guy."

Today, the market is held 11 a.m.-6 p.m. the first Saturday of each month on the parking lot of Wind Water Gallery, 548 W. 19th St. The hours will be 6-10 p.m. June through September.

Cohen remains the market’s coordinator, and he has made art promotions his full-time career. It turns out that he feels quite at home handling advertising and promotions.

"I think it’s the rush you get from putting on an event," he said.

"What I never expected was I’d be helping so many artists. This is a really good way to get their feet wet and hone their marketing skills for themselves."

He has plenty of experience

Cohen has produced about 24 fine art shows in recent years at galleries, restaurants and other locations. He serves as steering committee president for White Linen Night in the Heights, a New Orleans-style event featuring art, music and an opportunity to explore the Heights.

The idea for an art event in Fulshear came from the marketing team for Trendmaker Homes and Development, Cross Creek Ranch’s developer.

"I love art and look forward to the Bayou City Art Festivals each year," Marketing Coordinator II Melissa Guerra said. "I am also a fan of the Heights’ first Saturdays and White Linen Nights, which Mitch has a huge hand in. When we met, and I saw his enthusiasm, and he agreed to help on this undertaking, the only question left was when."

Guerra said she already is impressed with Cohen.

"Mitch is so enthusiastic and connected that I have full confidence that this will be so successful it will become an annual event and a staple for our community," she said.

Local artists will be involved

The artists at the event will include jeweler Heather Gaff Mewis, who also has participated in the First Saturday Arts Market.

The Missouri City-area resident knows the Fulshear area well and has been offering Cohen her input.

"I think the festival is a really good idea," said Gaff Mewis, who also works as a paramedic. Not only does it provide a venue for area artists, it has the potential to draw people to local restaurants and shops, she said. "It could be a win-win for the community."

The festival still has artists’ spaces available. For more information, call 713-802-1213, e-mail artvalet@gmail.com [1], or visit www.ArtValet.net [2].

For more information about Cross Creek Ranch, visit www.CrossCreekTexas.com [3].