Here’s Your VIP, Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Second Edition of Untitled Art Fair Houston

October 20, 2026
4 mins read
The scene at the 2026 Untitled Art Fair Houston - Photo courtesy of Untitled Art Fair Houston

The Four-Day Event Offers Collectors The Opportunity To Mix, Mingle & Purchase Art From Top Galleries From Around The World

By Rob Giardinelli     Photography by Alex Montoya, Gabriel Martinez, and Zenko Photography

Over six days, VIP art collectors, patrons, galleries, and socialites from around the country descended on Houston for the Second Edition of Untitled Art Fair Houston. The newest incarnation of the enormously successful Untitled Art, Miami Beach, which over the past 15 years has emerged as one of the country’s top art fairs, has planted roots in Texas, setting the art world buzzing.

The main hub for the four days was the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, where thousands could view works from 98 galleries in 20 countries, giving the event a cosmopolitan, international flair. The result was brisk sales, major institutional acquisitions, and a slate of VIP events where top patrons from Houston and beyond could engage, learn, and purchase world-class works of art.

Each day featured VIP events with collectors, patrons, and sociables at coveted locations throughout Houston, giving guests a fun way to view art that kept the crowd engaged throughout all five days. Before the official festivities even began, a VIP Celebration at the Creixell Residence set the tone for the next four days. The next day, VIPs attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Houston Mayor John Whitmire serving as the official ribbon cutter.

The following day featured two VIP’s events. The first was a VIP breakfast at the Ismaili Center with two artists who work with found objects to create exquisite, sustainable art. The two acclaimed artists included London-based artist Rana Begum, who unveiled her newest work, a 900-pound site-specific installation, as well as Gabriel Martinez, whose exhibition Article is currently on view. The second was a VIP party celebrating the Untitled Art Fair, hosted by the Houston committee at the home of PAC ART Founder Paola Creixell and her husband, Arturo.

On the final day, VIPs gathered at the PAC ART Gallery in Houston’s Montrose District for a special art preview. Patrons had the opportunity to have a sneak preview of acclaimed Mexican artist Teresa Serrano’s It’s Life, It’s Death…It’s Life. The exhibit brought together a newly created installation and video that is on view for the first time to the public.

When VIPs weren’t attending special events, they made the most of their time at the George R. Brown Convention Center, meeting with gallery owners to view cutting-edge works from artists around the world. This included purchases of artworks with local businesses and institutions, including Hotel Daphne and UT MD Anderson Cancer Care Center, showcasing their belief in the emerging and thriving art fair as a must-attend place to view, learn about, and purchase quality artworks.

Kelly Campbell and the Kelly Campbell Collection. By Zenko Photography

Another highlight of Untitled Art Fair, Houston was Houston native-turned-Austin-resident Kelly Frye, who showcased her innovative handbag line, the Kelly Campbell Collection, at McClain Gallery in Houston’s Upper Kirby neighborhood. Artfully displayed like miniature paintings at the gallery, the collection features one-of-a-kind envelope-style handbags hand-cut from artists’ original paintings and studio drop cloths.

If you missed the 2026 Untitled Art Fair Houston, fear not. The dates for the 2027 Untitled Art Fair Houston have already been set for September 30 through October 3, 2027. To learn more, click here.

A VIP, Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Second Edition Of Untitled Art Fair Houston…

Untitled Art Fair Houston Brings the International Art World to Texas

The second edition of Untitled Art Fair Houston welcomed VIP art collectors, patrons, gallery owners, and socialites from across the country, further establishing the event as a major destination for the art world.

98 Galleries From 20 Countries Showcase World-Class Art

Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston, the four-day fair featured works from 98 galleries representing 20countries, creating an international platform for art discovery, collecting, and sales.

VIP Celebration at the Creixell Residence Kicks Off the Festivities

The event began with an exclusive VIP celebration at the Creixell Residence, setting the stage for several days of art exhibitions, private gatherings, and opportunities for collectors to connect.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire Opens the Art Fair

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the George R. Brown Convention Center marked the official opening of Untitled Art Fair Houston, with Houston Mayor John Whitmire serving as the ribbon cutter.

Rana Begum and Gabriel Martinez Highlight VIP Breakfast at the Ismaili Center

A special VIP breakfast brought guests together with acclaimed artists Rana Begum and Gabriel Martinez, both known for their work with found objects. Begum unveiled a 900-pound site-specific installation, while Martinez showcased his exhibition, Article.

Paola Creixell Hosts an Exclusive Host Committee Celebration

PAC ART Founder Paola Creixell and her husband, Arturo, welcomed guests to their home for a private party celebrating the Untitled Art Fair Houston host committee.

PAC ART Gallery Presents Teresa Serrano’s Latest Exhibition

VIP patrons visited PAC ART Gallery in Houston’s Montrose District for an exclusive preview of Mexican artist Teresa Serrano’s It’s Life, It’s Death…It’s Life, featuring a newly created installation and video presented to the public for the first time.

Collectors Discover Cutting-Edge Art From Around the World

Throughout the fair, collectors met with gallery representatives and explored contemporary works by international artists, creating opportunities to discover emerging talent and acquire exceptional pieces.

Hotel Daphne and UT MD Anderson Cancer Care Center Acquire Artworks

Local businesses and institutions, including Hotel Daphne and UT MD Anderson Cancer Care Center, purchased artworks at the fair, demonstrating growing institutional interest in Houston’s expanding contemporary art scene.

Untitled Art Fair Houston Builds Momentum for 2027

Following a successful second edition marked by brisk sales, institutional acquisitions, and exclusive VIP events, Untitled Art Fair Houston announced its return for September 30 through October 3, 2027.

Rob Giardinelli

Curated Texan Co-Founder Rob Giardinelli is an introvert who helps client-facing professionals go from nervous to confident at in-person events to grow their sales and develop deeper relationships. Over the past 15 years, Giardinelli has attended more than 2,000 events, many hosted by the world’s top entertainers, while serving as COO and Senior Social Editor of several luxury lifestyle media platforms that highlight top events in Texas and beyond. Before that, he spent 16 years in the tech world leading national and global sales and brand strategy efforts.
Rob now delivers keynotes, workshops, and consulting services to equip client-facing professionals in the legal, nonprofit, technology, and financial services/wealth management markets with the tools to host or attend any client-facing, revenue-generating event with confidence and a sense of purpose. To learn more about Rob, visit robgiardinelli.com.

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