Tami Merrick

Artist Bio
I grew up in the midwest and moved to Houston in 1982. I renovated and currently work out of my studio in the First Ward. Color and color juxtaposition have always been evident in all my work. In later studies, I focused on developing my own process and color field. In 1999, I created a series of works on vellum/mylar using objects in lieu of brushes, and liquid mono-printing techniques. These experiments generated an interest in transparency of mediums including ink studies on mylar. Recent works juxtapose opaque elements and transparency to create a dichotomy on the canvas. I am also working with acrylics to flatten the surface and experimenting with creating work via word associations which have dual sensory meanings.

Awards
Cultural Arts Council of Houston Project Grant, 2003 - 2004, "Art Bridging the Avenues" (I organized art classes for First Ward teens this summer in my neighborhood and I am working on a sculpture with artist Charles Collette for the Houston Avenue overpass)

Exhibits
· Art Exhibit for "Art by Young Architects" show at the Gremillion Art Gallery 1991
· Lawndale Retablo exhibit 1994
· Student shows at the Art League 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997
· Glassell School of Art Exhibits (Juried) 1995, 1997,1999, 2001
· L'Espirit (one person show)
· Art Alliance Competition (Juried by the Curator of the Bronx Museum- New York) 2000
· Art Exhibit at Gallery 101, (Curator and Artist) & Group Exhibit "The Glass-Pact" 2002
· Group Art Exhibit at Blossom Street Gallery 2002
· Cultural Arts Council of Houston & Harris County (CACHH) - Project Grant 2/2003- 11/2003
· Art on the Avenue Art Auction 2002
· "Insomnia" Exhibit at Gallery 101 (2 person show) , 2/2003
· "12x12" Exhibit at The Foundry (curated by Paul Kittleson), 4/2003
· Diverse Works - Blue Hawaii 2003
· Glassell School of Art Exhibit (juried) 4/2003
· Matrix (group show) 7/2003
· Art of Living (benefit auction at Artscan) 8/2003
· 2003 BMW Ultimate Drive Art Compeition (juried by Joe Havel) - traveling exhibit, 8/03 thru 8/04
· Flash (HWCA) (juried by Sarah Trotty, TSU) 10/03
· "Scene Unscene" - University of Eastern New Mexico National Juried Show (Juror: Amei Wallach) - catalog filed w/ The Library of Congress 11/2003

Art Studies
· University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1979 - 1981, studies included drawing, basic design, painting and photography/Universidad De Guadalajara. (Bachelor of Architecture degree).
· Studied at the University of Houston, 1981 - 1983 (Master of Architecture degree).
· Student at Art League of Houston, 1993 - 1998, studying with Robert Weimerskirch (oil painting).
· Student at Glassell School of Art, 1994 - 2003, studying with Jackie Tileston, Arielle Masson, Terrell James and Brian Portman (oil painting/ mixed media), Francesca Fuchs (assemblage/sculpture).
· Art League of Houston, 2003, with Ibsen Espada (abstract methods)

Contact
e-mail: tmerrick@PSP.com phone: (713) 223-4676
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