Each week we feature enterprising Houstonians in “My Top 5,” where they share their own favorite things to do in and around Houston. This week we hear from Houston artist Maryam Lavaf, a native of Iran and Houstonian of ten years who uses nature as the jumping off point for her artwork.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Maryam Lavaf
- Miller Outdoor Theatre – One of my absolutely most favorite things to do, eight months out of the year, includes a trip to Miller Outdoor Theatre. I enjoy a family friendly picnic on the hillside, which offers the most incredible and professional entertainment of any Houston performing arts venue. And, even better—it’s all free! Classical music, jazz, ethnic music, dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, classic films, and much, much more can all be found here.
- Brazos Bend State Park – Nature is my respite so I find as much time to enjoy the outdoors as I can. My favorite park is Brazos Bend State Park where you can spot white-tailed deer and even, alligators. In this park, wildlife is diverse and abundant.
- CityCentre Houston – Surrounded by European-style, open-air plazas and beautifully designed green spaces, CityCentre is a great spot for me, my husband and our 6-year old son. We enjoy a good family time whether dining, shopping, or just strolling around.
- Houston’s Art Galleries – As an artist one would expect that I do spend time Art Gallery hopping in Houston. We have more than 60 art galleries that together comprise one of the most dynamic art markets in the country.
- Rice University Loop – Running at the West University trail is a great way to end the day, shaded by the most beautiful canopy of trees I have ever seen.
About Maryam Lavaf
Born in Tehran, Iran, artist Maryam Lavaf moved to Houston in 2004 with her husband so he could pursue his medical career. A visual artist, she finds her inspiration and her senses stimulated by nature to which she likens the sensation of being in love, explaining that you’ll see nature’s footprints in nearly all of her work. Lavaf begins each piece of artwork by picturing a sound, perhaps something as simple as the sound of a leaf dropping. She has studied advanced painting at the Glassell School of Art, has a Graphic Diploma from Molavi Art School and a Bachelor of Arts in Painting from Azad University. Her art has been featured as part of (VOICES) in support of the green movement In Iran. Through her art she wants to show support for students who were killed speaking out for freedom of speech. Maryam’s work is display at Archway Gallery, Houston’s oldest artist-owned gallery, where her new exhibition ESCAPE will be featured May 3 through June 5, 2014.
