Local Artist Mina Gaber Creates “Mandala,” a Magical Art Installation at the Heart of 13 celsius Wine Bar's Historic Building

HOUSTON, TEXAS, December 21, 2015 — Since opening its doors nine years ago, 13 celsius European Wine Bar & Café at 3000 Caroline St. in Midtown Houston has been dedicated to providing a unique neighborhood oasis with wine and small-plate pairings reminiscent of European enotecas. Its circa 1920s Mediterranean-style structure and accompanying courtyard create a cozy ambiance where patrons enjoy artistically-inspired, wine-centric evenings and events for the connoisseur and novice alike. In support of local artists and to make the holidays more memorable, 13 celsius commissions original works of art rather than displaying traditional holiday decorations and has collaborated with artists Ariane Roesch (Hot and Grounded, 2009), Jonathan Leach (Unwrapped, 2010), GONZO247 (The Presence of Utter Bliss, 2013), and Mina Gaber (MounTAins, 2014).

In an encore performance, artist and 13 bartender Mina Gaber has created her second holiday window art installation for the establishment. Last year’s installation, entitled “MounTAins,” was painted on the exterior storefront windows. Currently on view, this year’s installation entitled “Mandala,” is hand-painted in rich jewel tones on the interior windows of the wine cellar, enhancing the heart of 13 celsius by enshrining the cellar and elevating it to near-holy status. The mandala continues in Gaber’s practice of meditative, repetitive, methodical action to create thoughtful and thought-provoking work.

“Truly phenomenal,” says 13 celsius co-founder Ian Rosenberg of this year’s installation. “Mina’s artwork creates an entirely new atmosphere within 13, while being incredibly sensitive and complementary to the space. It is an incredible pleasure to work with up and coming local artists for an opportunity to create site-specific art installations and have great exposure to the public.”

ABOUT MINA GABER

Mina Gaber is a Houston-based multimedia artist, working primarily with painting, color and collage. With a proven long-standing commitment to her practice, she received her B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2008 and has completed residencies in Johnson, Vermont (2013), Deere Isle, Maine (2011) and Giverny, France (2012). In 2012, her work was published in the Texas Museum of Fiber Arts’ publication, Touching Fiber Art. Gaber has exhibited her work at G2 Gallery and Revolving Door Gallery in Chicago, Illinois, The Johanna Gallery in Houston, Texas, The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and the Texas Museum of Fiber Arts in Austin, Texas.

ABOUT 13 CELSIUS

Recognized and respected for its passion and knowledge of both wine and architectural restoration, 13 celsius is an award-winning European wine bar and café, and is the only wine bar in Houston to store and serve its wines at the optimal temperature--13°C. Pairing exceptional wines with choice meats and cheeses, patrons gather in 13's restored circa-1927 Mediterranean-style structure that was spared from demolition for its architectural significance, now a source of pride in its Midtown neighborhood. 13 celsius believes in giving back to the community and supports the arts and a variety of local non-profit organizations. For more information:  www.13celsius.com

Follow 13 celsius on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @13celsius

CONTACT:

Tina Zulu, 888.520.1789, ext. 1 or tinazulu@zulucreative.com for 13 celsius.

SOURCE:

13 celsius