Wet Paint: New Exhibits at Archway

WUntitled_Acrylic-and-metallic-foil-on-paper_54x50_2018
WUntitled_Acrylic-and-metallic-foil-on-paper_54x50_2018

Archway Gallery’s latest exhibit, Spill, which opens Saturday, is actually a three-in-one experience. Abstract artist Donna Perkins’ paintings are the central component to Spill, and themselves fall under two categories: large frameless watercolor pieces pinned to gallery walls, and smaller works painted on wooden boards. Perkins observes, through her art, that the word “spill” has a range of meanings and connotations — as in spilling the beans or spilt milk.


Accompanying Perkins’ swirling paintings are two performance pieces that also riff on the “spill” theme. Choreographer-singer-dancer Jhon R. Stronks’ presents his mouthful The Loosening Grip, #WorkingWide, Spill, Drip, Slip, Slide the evenings of March 22 and 23. He demonstrates a collaborative spirit and a “lifetime of memories, moments and fantasies” amid the paintings.

And Alexandre Farris Soares, a Brazil-born performance artist and UH grad, composed the piece vR for three dancers, who explore how each of their choices impacts the others’ movements. His piece can be viewed on March 29 and March 30.

As for Perkins, she chats with viewers and takes questions at the opening reception on Saturday evening.

AT TOP: Untitled, acrylic and metallic foil on paper, 2018

Dispatches

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

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How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

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