My Top 5: Archway Member Artist Gözde Kaya Hepisler

In our seasonal My Top 5 series, we shine the spotlight on Houstonians whose creativity and originality are crafting our city’s character and culture in real time. In turn, they tell us about the places and things around Houston that inspire them and help them recharge in their down time.

This week, we’re excited to highlight Houston artist Gözde Kaya Hepisler, one of the new member artists of Archway Gallery in Montrose, whose work will be on display in New Visions, New Voices: Inspiring Connections Through Art from Saturday, April 5 to Thursday, May 1, 2025

My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston

by Gözde Kaya Hepisler

Picnics at Levy Park – I love weekend picnics at Levy Park, whether with friends or just as a family. Whenever the weather is nice, I prepare a picnic basket and a thermos of tea. All we need is a blanket, and we can spend the whole day there. My daughter makes new friends, I enjoy the fresh air, and it’s a perfect way to relax and recharge in the middle of the city.

Sunset Markets at M-K-T in the Heights – Every third Thursday of the month, M-K-T Heights hosts the Sunset Market from 6pm to 9pm—a family-friendly twist on the traditional farmers market. You can enjoy a charcuterie board on the wave deck, listen to live music, or watch kids get their faces painted on the lawn. There are also delicious ready-to-go meals by some of Houston’s top chefs. I love discovering new flavors and meeting local vendors to learn about their stories and crafts.

Hike at Buffalo Bayou, Coffee at Blendin Coffee – Hiking along Buffalo Bayou is always a great idea, but ending your route at Blendin Coffee off Allen Parkway makes it even better. Their specialty coffee is amazing, and they offer delicious pastries from Love Croissants, which I highly recommend. It’s the perfect combination of nature, exercise, and a well-deserved coffee break.

Vino & Vinyl in Sugar Land – This cozy wine bar is not just my favorite spot in Sugar Land, but one of my top picks in all of Houston. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere, great food, and an excellent selection of wine. The staff and the owner are incredibly friendly, making every visit a pleasure. Their prices are already reasonable, but if you visit during happy hour, it’s even better. I love enjoying a glass of wine in their outdoor seating area, unwinding with good company.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company – Saint Arnold’s brewery is a Houston classic and a must-visit for beer lovers. As Texas’s oldest craft brewery, it offers an incredible selection of locally brewed beers, from refreshing lagers to bold stouts. The beer garden is a great place to hang out with friends, enjoy a casual meal, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re there for a brewery tour, a seasonal beer release, or just to relax on the patio, it’s always a fun experience.

About Gözde Kaya Hepisler

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Gözde Kaya Hepisler relocated to Houston in 2019 and quickly found her artistic home within the city’s welcoming creative community. A ceramicist who loves creating whimsical sculptures inspired by the human body, Hepisler aims to bring a smile to people’s faces through her art. She credits Archway Gallery in Montrose with playing a crucial role in her artistic journey and is passionate about contributing to the gallery’s vibrant art scene. Hepisler also runs an online shop, The Little Evil Eye, where she creates unique, personalized ceramic pieces inspired by the evil eye, celebrating protection and positivity. You can learn more about Hepisler and follow her on her Instagram account.

You can see Hepisler’s work on display at Archway Gallery from Saturday, April 5 to Thursday, May 1, 2025 in their April exhibition New Visions, New Voices: Inspiring Connections Through Art. The exhibit also features work by the gallery’s other new member artists Rhonda Radford Adams, Michael Angell, Kay Sarver, and Eric Stiles.

Works in Ceramic by Gözde Kaya Hepisler | Photos courtesy of Archway Gallery

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