Untitled Art: How do you stay connected to the city’s creative or cultural pulse without following a set routine?

Liana Schwaitzberg: Houston is a vibrant city rich in culture and creatives and has so much to offer. It is almost impossible to keep up with everything! I think it is important to get involved and support a few causes and/or cultural institutions that help foster the cultural pulse of Houston and keep the city on the global stage, both visual and performing arts.

I serve as the Membership Chair for the Houston Symphony’s Young Associates Council, a philanthropic membership group for young professionals. You will often find me at concerts throughout the season, enjoying both classical and POPS concerts with incredible guest artists cycling through. My children love attending the Family Series concerts too!

Another hidden gem is the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University. A public-facing Institution designed to connect Rice to the greater Houston community through the creative intersection of art and ideas, the Moody Center mounts three exhibitions a year in its galleries, curates temporary and permanent public art installations, and hosts performances and workshops, all free of charge and open to the public. The Moody Center is a great place to stop in when time allows, no bookings or reservations needed. While on campus, make sure to walk around the grounds to view the public art collection and if you time it right, enjoy James Turrell’s Skyspace at sunrise or sunset.

Definitely out of the set routine of museum and gallery shows, visitors to Houston don’t need to go very far when it comes to enjoying world class art. As soon as you step off the plane, the Houston Airports Public Art Program is home to one of the largest art collections in the aviation industry and routinely gets awarded Best Airport Art Program. With nearly 450 works by local, national, and international artists, the mission is to enhance the passenger experience and reflect the spirit of Houston. I love exploring the collection, whether I’m coming or going!

Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat? Does this cuisine or culture tie into your life more broadly?

Liana Schwaitzberg: Great food in Houston is an understatement! With an exciting and diverse culinary landscape, Houston offers everything from new neighborhood spots to established Michelin star restaurants. Here are a few recs in my neighborhood:

A perpetual favorite is Local Foods, great for weekday lunches ordered into the office, as well as weekend breaks in between schlepping kids to activities or while out gallery hopping and shopping.

Houston’s sushi scene is really strong right now; I continually go back to Sushi by Hidden in Rice Village. A fun concept and intimate setting with only 10 seats offering a quick omakase meal (reservations booked on the hour). I should also mention they are BYOB, always serving excellent and creative sushi, and great value. I’m also a big fan of the group’s sister restaurants, Hidden Omakase and Norigami (with a hidden cocktail bar next door).

Hamsa, also in Rice Village, offers elevated Middle Eastern cuisine. I love ordering The Wholeshebang from the Salatim menu (a selection of dips, spreads, and small veggie side salads) accompanied with their in-house pita bread, so delicious!

A welcome newcomer to my neighborhood is Mercato, a cafe and thoughtfully curated Italian market. Grab a coffee, sit on their garden patio out back, and make sure to browse the market for gourmet imports, great for stocking the pantry and hostess gifts.

Lastly, I can’t talk about Houston’s food scene without mentioning Tex-Mex. My family’s go-to is Los Tios. My husband, born and raised in Houston, grew up frequenting the Houston staple. We continue the family tradition and often bring our kids to the new West University Place location, a neighborhood favorite for casual Tex-Mex and very family friendly! A little further afield, try Hugo’s or Cuchara, for more traditional Mexican cuisine.

Untitled Art: What is the first place that you like to show to your visiting friends and family?

Liana Schwaitzberg: Obviously the Menil Collection is a well-beloved Houston treasure, and one of the first places to take visiting friends and family. Originally opened in 1987, the main building was designed by famed Italian architect Renzo Piano to house John and Dominique de Menil’s vast and expansive art collection from prehistoric to present day. The surrealism collection is not to be missed, boasting the largest collection of Rene Magritte works outside of Belgium.

In addition to the main building, which houses temporary exhibitions as well as rotating displays of the permanent collection, make sure not to miss the other buildings while on campus. These are often overlooked and never filled with crowds! The Cy Twombly Gallery, also designed by Renzo Piano, was created to display a retrospective of the artist’s career. There is such a rich display of Twombly’s large scale paintings and suites of work. Also, a favorite of mine is the Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall. Three blocks south of the main building, you’ll find a permanent site- specific installation by the minimalist artist known for his use of commercially available fluorescent light fixtures. Engaging and fun by visitors of all ages. Lastly, don’t forget about the awesome book store!

Before you venture too far from the Menil, you can also stop in to the newly opened Hotel Saint Augustine to enjoy a glass of wine in the lounge or a meal at their restaurant, Perseid.

Untitled Art: Where do you shop? What are your favorite Houston businesses?

Liana Schwaitzberg: My office, located in Upper Kirby, is conveniently surrounded by a concentration of really great, funky, and eclectic design stores. This makes quick errand runs filled with design inspiration a welcome respite from desk work.

Down the street is Found, a source for stylish antique and vintage furniture, unique decorative objects & contemporary items. It is fun to pop in and browse, as their inventory is always changing.

Shabby Slips recently moved into a new showroom, also down the street. A chic furniture shop stocking fashionable antiques and classically styled furniture and mirrors from Europe. Make sure to look up, they always have unique and elegant chandeliers and light fixtures on display.

If you’re looking for home goods and gifts, you must stop into Kuhl-Linscomb, a design and lifestyle boutique on an epic scale. Here you’ll find everything from furniture, tabletop and kitchenware, fashion, cosmetics, even baby and children gear. Don’t miss the paper goods and stationary department, always a favorite for the perfect birthday card.

Upper Kirby Consignment is also a great little shop for those antiquing or searching for treasures. A consignment shop, they offer high quality 20th century furnishings, antiques and objects of charm.

Untitled Art: Where and how does Houston fit into your own biography?

Liana Schwaitzberg: I, like most in Houston, am a transplant. Never did I think in my youth that I would be calling Houston home, yet here I am, 11 years in and the longest I’ve ever lived in one place. But that’s what I love about Houston, diverse cultures, diverse backgrounds, diverse perspectives in a growing metropolis with down-home neighborhood vibes.

People always ask me where I am from, and I never have a short answer. I was born in Cambridge, England; lived in Connecticut, Minnesota, and Virginia during the bulk of my childhood; went to college in Washington, DC; graduate school and working in contemporary art galleries in New York City; later moved to London, England for another graduate degree and stayed after working at a blue-chip gallery. While in London, I met my now-husband, who was born and raised in Houston. We stayed in London for a few years, followed by two years in Boston, and then landed here!

After some minor adjustments, going from zero to two cars, I quickly adapted and settled into my new home. I was pleasantly surprised to see the strong sense of community, celebration of diversity, and deep ties to arts and culture with significant support by local industries. I can’t celebrate the culture of Houston without mentioning the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, an annual event spanning three weeks, part blockbuster concert series, part state fair and amusement park, and of course the BBQ Cookoff. Great fun for the whole family if you find yourself in Houston in March.

I should also mention my partners & associates at our art advisory firm, MKG Art Management. We are a great team of women, continually inspiring one another.

Houston is a wonderful city for arts and culture with so much to offer. I am so excited to share the magic we experience daily with all visitors participating in the inaugural edition of Untitled Art, Houston.

Michael is a Houston-based marketing and communications professional known for his creative approach to brand strategy and storytelling. As the founder of Studio MM, he brings over 15 years of experience helping clients stand out through imaginative campaigns, compelling narratives, and strategic thinking. With a background that includes a degree from Georgetown University and work with top fashion houses and agencies, Michael blends business insight with artistic vision to deliver impactful, results-driven marketing that elevates every brand he touches.

Untitled Art: What is the first place that you like to show to your visiting friends and family?

Michael Mandola: Such a tough question because it depends on the visitor and the purpose of their trip. Most often it is a stroll through The Menil Collection and its campus because it evokes the spirit of Houston through its sense of community, programming, its serene campus, and no admission cost. It’s able to bring together everyone, whether you have a large or small appreciation for the arts. I have a massive amount of respect for its history, the properties and buildings, the art, its beauty and that land. That area of Houston – and specifically the land – is special because it was a haven of hope and safety for the LGBTQ community during the late 70s and 80s as the AIDS crisis was spreading, and that’s never been lost on me.

Untitled Art: What’s a recent encounter or observation in Houston that surprised you or shifted your perspective?

Michael Mandola: Not much surprises me these days! Last month Houstonian Solange Knowles returned home to curate her El Dorado Ballroom Houston series throughout different venues all over town. Each event highlighted a different musical focus and cast of performers. I was fortunate to make it to several events that week, however the one honoring the roots of black folk and zydeco music was an amazing time. Zydeco legend Rosie Ledet threw down and I met a lot of new people that evening!

To specifically answer your question, I would say, as an observation, to go out solo if you want to do something. Houston is so sprawling that you must push yourself to venture out alone, meet new people, and do your thing. I went to everything solo that week and truly had the best time every night - it felt like such an ‘only in Houston’ moment.

Untitled Art: Is there a seasonal tradition or fleeting event in Houston that you look forward to each year?

Michael Mandola: Each April Houston has The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Parade and it’s a great time where so many people come together to look at all the art cars. My grandmother took me to the Orange Show and to the Art Car parade and I have fond memories from childhood where I realized it was a possibility to paint a car! Next year will be the 39th anniversary of the parade and it’s something that is quintessentially Houston in every way because of The Orange Show’s commitment.

Untitled Art: How do you find inspiration or recharge in the city when you’re feeling uninspired or overwhelmed?

Michael Mandola: When I feel overwhelmed with life, there are a few places that I go to carve out alone time to get more grounded and to slow down.

Walking around the 132-acre ‘museum of plants’ at The Houston Botanic Garden is incredibly peaceful and you feel the love. It’s quiet enough to hear the plants speak. You can never go wrong sitting under one of the many oak trees on The Menil campus. It’s nice to reflect at the trails at Memorial Park followed by a meal at Vibrant, a restaurant overlooking the Bayou Wilds trail designed by Schaum Architects. The light-filled space compliments the natural aesthetic of its surrounding and the food is sourced locally. Visiting Pazda Butler and their Tara Donovan sculpture in the back is a serene backdrop and is a great place to exhale while taking in beautiful art.

Untitled Art: Are there parts of Houston you feel are misunderstood or underappreciated, but that you love?

Michael Mandola: There are so many parts of Houston that are misunderstood and/or underappreciated. The men and women who developed and built central Houston, as we know it, deserve so much respect for their vision, their work ethic, their values, and their sense of community. Like the rest of the US, immigrants with a vision and dreams developed the Houston all of us love and call home today. It’s truly an amalgamation of flavor from all over the world.

Often I drive through the East End and Eastwood neighborhood, as well as the wards. Eastwood is one of Houston’s first master planned subdivisions and several Italian families created lives for themselves out there after moving from Houston’s first and third wards. Lunch at Mandola’s Deli, followed by a drop into Lawndale Cemetery to say hi and to show respect to my ancestors makes me feel more connected. As the East End gentrifies, many parts of it still remain the same and the spirit of the neighborhood can be felt.

Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat? Does this cuisine or culture tie into your life more broadly?

Michael Mandola: My favorite place to eat in Houston would have to be my cousin’s deli on the east side of Houston, Mandola’s Deli. It hasn’t changed much in 50 years and brings back so many memories of my childhood, family, traditions, and comfort. I try to go at least once a month to see my cousins and get a dozen cuccidati. It’s also not far from Lawndale Cemetery…

Untitled Art: Where do you shop? What are your favorite Houston businesses/institutions?

Michael Mandola: Another tough question! Some of my favorite Houston businesses are below:

The Flat – Owned by Houston’s legendary DJ Sun, it’s a Houston institution for dancing and all-around good energy. It’s simply the best and conjures true Houston spirit in every sense of the word. It’s a great place with a vibe to get down and/or chill and grab a coffee, listen to house, jazz, disco, or hip-hop.

CAMH – the significant work the CAMH is doing for artists young and old and the community they are pulling together is truly one of the best things happening in all of Houston right now. Their work with Freedmen’s Town in Houston’s fourth ward is extraordinary and necessary.

Josh Pazda Hiram Butler – Pazda Butler’s fine eye has built a reputation on realizing long-term artist’s projects that are executed outside of the gallery space and in the national public domain.

Nancy’s Hustle (restaurant) – Nancy’s Hustle is an off the beaten path bistro and wine bar on the East side of Houston that serves delicious food in a relaxed and chill environment.

Ragin’ Cajun (restaurant) – my dad opened his first restaurant in 1974, and it was the first restaurant in Houston to offer boiled crawfish on a menu, so I always pop in and take friends whenever they are craving crawfish or a po-boy.

Mitra Murthy, Banker, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

As a Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Mitra assists a diverse clientele, including individuals building their wealth and multi-generational families, by providing reliable financial guidance. With a background in fine art, including six years spent with the auction house Christie's in New York, Mitra is an enthusiastic supporter of the arts and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Art League Houston.

Untitled Art: Where and how does Houston fit into your own biography?

Mitra Murthy: I'm a Native Houstonian and as a result completely took it for granted growing up. I left the city to do my undergrad in DC and would use the word 'yalls' -- I remember feeling shocked that people had never known such a word existed (as it is arguably the most efficient of all words in the English language!). This was a delightful novelty to many of my classmates who would then ask where the rest of my "Texas accent" was, thinking it's all horses, cowboys, and Southern twangs. Houston is Texas but it is also undeniably and uniquely itself, which is actually the most Texan characteristic something can have.

It wasn't until I moved to NYC when I came to the realization of what a top-notch food scene Houston has. I have this argument with many, but I truly believe that Houston has the best dining options and restaurants in the States. The diversity here is unmatched - that paired with the city's funny zoning laws and the relatively low barriers of entry when compared to other major cities - leads to an exciting, competitive, and trailblazing restaurant landscape, all to the benefit of the diner!

Untitled Art: Are there rituals or habits you’ve developed that are unique to your life in Houston?

Mitra Murthy: My husband and I moved back to Houston in 2020, and partook in many cliche pandemic activities including 'serious jogging' and getting a dog. At the time, we lived by Hermann Park, and it became (and still is) my special place. I volunteered with the Park's Conservancy, weeding flowerbeds in the Centennial Gardens and the Japanese Garden, and remember attending a particularly impactful propagation class in the Herb Garden. We now live in a different neighborhood, closer to another park which is still great, but Hermann Park remains special. We try going for a run there at least one morning a weekend and then get breakfast tacos from a quintessential Houston gas station taqueria - Sunrise Taquitos.

Untitled Art: What is your favorite place to eat? Does this cuisine or culture tie into your life more broadly?

Mitra Murthy: Anyone who knows me is undoubtedly bored of my saying this, but I am a loud and proud fan of Neo sushi! The group is Comma Hospitality, they are a team of young guys oozing talent and style. The restaurant is in a townhouse, centered around a 12 seat omakase serving up to 20 courses. What they are doing is nothing short of mind-blowing with a different menu every night. Earlier this year they teamed up with a Copenhagen restaurant, Agnes and Nino, and brought those chefs to Houston. The menu was a mix between Scandinavian, Japanese, and Gulf Coast. The collaboration process was fascinating with the Copenhagen chefs flying to Houston with many of their ingredients in suitcases and not having tasted some of the local ingredients here before arriving.

Honorable mentions: Mala Sichuan (any New Yorkers reading this: remember Cafe China on East 38th St when it was good pre-pandemic - I promise this beats that!). Himalaya - the Chef Owner is Zoroastrian and grew up in Karachi (like my family) - his dishes are a mix of Indian and Pakistani and his mutton biryani cannot be beat!

Untitled Art: Where do you shop? What are your favorite Houston businesses?

Mitra Murphy: The Guild Shop. It's a local consignment store filled to the brim with treasures. I've found everything from some perfectly whimsical silver earrings, to a pair of Regency side tables (still get a rush thinking about that find!), to a most appropriate Balinese figure for a friend's housewarming, ...and beyond!

Untitled Art: Where do you like to go to see art?

Mitra Murphy: The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is obviously renowned for their powerhouse exhibitions, but one of my favorite things to do is take a solo stroll through their quieter galleries. A precious Houston art memory is when the new MFAH building came up - I had grown up regularly visiting the museum with my parents and had unwittingly created soft spots for various pieces (Franz Kline (Orange and Black Wall), both of their Clyfford Stills, and the museum's iconic Kupka, The Yellow Scale). I went on a desperate hunt that first visit to the new building trying to spot all these old friends, not realizing I was holding my breath hoping each one would still be on view. They all are and have new life injected into them with their new settings. Art League Houston also invariably has a great show up - oftentimes carrying an important message and really encouraging the viewer to stop, think, and reflect instead of rushing through an exhibition. Brava to Jennie and Zhaira! [Jennie Ash is the Executive Director of Art League Houston; Zhaira Costininano is the organization’s Curator & Exhibitions Manager]