Friday, July 9, join artists and art lovers for the opening reception (6:30-8:30 p.m.) of Lawndale Art Center’s “The Big Show”, an annual celebration of Houston area artists. This open-call, juried exhibition has been an important venue through which emerging and under-represented Houston area artists gain exposure since the show’s conception in 1984. Guest Juror Paul Middendorf, Co-Director for galleryHOMELAND, Portland, Oregon, reviewed 976 submissions by 396 artists and selected 114 works by 85 artists for this year’s exhibition. Don’t miss it! Lawndale Art Center, 4912 Main Street. Ride MetroRail to the Museum District Station, then walk north on Main Street for about 6 blocks.