Extra pics and links from my Art Valet column in The Leader: Connections with artists lasting, far-reaching
More Q & A
Suzanne missed a follow up email I had for her requesting some additional photos and a few more questions. Had I sent that email a week earlier … ah well. Newspaper space & deadlines are not flexible! LOL – BUT that is why I created this website – a little extra. And Suzanne delivered – I’m including my unedited questions. I normally shorten them for the newspaper. Enjoy! ~ Mitch
What brought you to Houston, Texas? You were born in the Netherlands?
My husband works for Shell, so that brought me to Houston in 2000. We left in 2008 for Scotland, then in 2010 we went to Oman to return to Houston in 2013. Unfortunately we had to leave in 2016. And yes, I was born in the Netherlands. (In Hengelo, Overijssel, close to the German border.)
What impressed you the most about the Houston art scene?
I never expected Houston to have such a thriving art scene. Once I found out I loved it and dove in! 🙂 So many good museums, great artists, collectors and galleries! My work is part of Lester Mark’s collection and also part of the Chaney Collection. (Both Robert & Jereann’s and Holland’s collection)
Do people abroad (including within the states) react with shock that there is even art in Texas much less Houston? – that’s what I’ve gotten a lot. Ha!
Yeah, I think not many people know… It’s about time people realise!
Did you show your work in the Heights? Redbud? I know you are friends with the Kopriva’s. Great folks! Gus expanded the space, it looks awesome! *(note to readers – visit Redbud Gallery in the Heights. Link)
Oh yes, indeed, I was part of his Fotofest show at Redbud in 2002. And Gus offered me my very first solo show at Redbud in 2004!!! He also included my work in his show in Shanghai, China and Lima, Peru and shows in Corpus Christi and Lubbock among other. How wonderful that he expanded his space!!! I love Gus & Sharon!
Remember Martin de Vore? He wrote about you a lot in his “Tribe Report” on my website back in the day.
Yes, I sure do! 🙂 Yeah, that was great! How’s he doing? Please say hi to him for me! 🙂
Suzanne Banning, an Artist At Large…The Dutch Chapter 😉 A fiercely independent, self promoting artist…of course…;-)
Links to movies:
Alice Hooft (Unity.nl): https://youtu.be/qynLF238kg8
Ellen Klaver-Asscheman, de Wassenaarders: https://wassenaarders.nl/2021062613285/kunst-cultuur/opening-expositie-personae-van-suzanne-banning-in-kasteel-de-wittenburg
Midvliet: https://youtu.be/rVeXdLHBtLc
Suzanne Banning
Type of art: Experimental Photography, or as Art Historian Eva Mennes calls it “Action Portrait Photography”. Where in the world you live: Wassenaar, The Netherlands.
Have you ever lived in Houston or the Heights?: Yes, I lived in Houston for 11 years.
Suzanne with Redbud Gallery owner Gus Kopriva 
The Wittenburg Castle 
The Wittenburg Castle