Rick Lowe: 2020 Texas Artist of the Year

Honoring a Visionary Artist & Community Leader

Art League Houston proudly recognizes Rick Lowe as the 2020 Texas Artist of the Year. A long-time Houston resident, Lowe is not only a distinguished artist but also an educator, activist, and champion of community engagement. His impact extends beyond traditional art spaces, as seen in his transformative social art projects, most notably Project Row Houses (PRH).

Born in rural Alabama, Lowe’s early experiences growing up in a large family with four brothers and seven sisters shaped his deep commitment to collaboration and community-building. This sense of familial connection is reflected in his artistic practice, which focuses on fostering relationships and revitalizing communities.

Project Row Houses: Art as a Catalyst for Change

Lowe founded Project Row Houses in 1993 in Houston’s historic Third Ward, one of the city’s oldest and most significant African American neighborhoods. PRH has since evolved into an arts and cultural hub, combining art with social initiatives to support:

✔ Emerging artists and exhibitions

✔ Community mentorship programs

✔ Arts education for youth

✔ Affordable housing projects

PRH embodies Lowe’s innovative approach to art, proving that creativity can drive social transformation and urban revitalization.

Exhibitions & Representation

Rick Lowe’s work has been showcased in prestigious institutions worldwide, including:

Phoenix Art Museum (Arizona)

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (Texas)

Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (California)

Neuberger Museum (New York)

Gwangju Biennale (South Korea)

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Texas)

Glassell School of Art (Houston, Texas)

Kumamoto State Museum (Japan)

Zora Neale Hurston Museum (Florida)

He is currently represented by:

🏛 Hiram Butler Gallery (Houston, TX)

🏛 Louise Alexander Gallery (Los Angeles, CA)

A Legacy of Impact

Rick Lowe’s recognition as Texas Artist of the Year is a testament to his artistic brilliance and dedication to social change. Through his pioneering work, he continues to redefine the role of art in shaping communities, proving that creativity can be both a powerful aesthetic and a force for meaningful transformation.