Yvonne Garcia Leads Houston's Oldest Gallery with Texas Artists and Personal Touch
Yvonne Garcia, who serves as the owner and director of Hooks-Epstein Galleries, is upholding the tradition of Houston's longest-running commercial gallery after assuming control following the passing of founder Geri Hooks on June 7, 2021. Transitioning from acting to the art world, Garcia joined the gallery in 2006, having been mentored by Hooks and previously working at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Established in 1969 and currently situated at 2361 Colquitt, the gallery has recently undergone renovations to enhance its modern vibe. It showcases works from Texas artists such as Kermit Oliver and rising ceramicist Hayun Surl. Ongoing exhibitions include Edward Lane McCartney's Connections and Lynn Bennett-Carpenter's The Rages, both available until May 9, 2026. Garcia prioritizes building personal connections with artists and nurturing local talent.
Key facts
- Hooks-Epstein Galleries is Houston's oldest operating commercial gallery, founded in 1969 by Geri Hooks and Evan Epstein.
- Yvonne Garcia became owner and director after Geri Hooks's death on June 7, 2021, having been hired in 2006.
- The gallery moved to 2361 Colquitt on Gallery Row in 1995, after originally being at 1200 Bissonnet.
- Kermit Oliver has been represented by the gallery since 1986, with his allegorical paintings popular among collectors.
- Hayun Surl, an emerging ceramicist teaching at San Angelo State University, joined the gallery in 2024 after Garcia discovered his work.
- Current exhibitions include Connections by Edward Lane McCartney and The Rages by Lynn Bennett-Carpenter, on view through May 9, 2026.
- Garcia previously worked at Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Sicardi Gallery before joining Hooks-Epstein.
- The gallery features a record player post-remodel, playing music like Françoise Hardy and David Bowie's Let's Dance.
Entities
Artists
- Yvonne Garcia
- Geri Hooks
- Evan Epstein
- Kermit Oliver
- Mark Greenwalt
- Hayun Surl
- Prince Varughese Thomas
- Kathryn Dunlevie
- Edward Lane McCartney
- Lynn Bennett-Carpenter
- Charles Hooks
- Alex Barber
- Chris Becker
- Françoise Hardy
- David Bowie
Institutions
- Hooks-Epstein Galleries
- Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Sicardi Gallery
- Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino
- University of Houston
- DuBose Gallery
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
- San Angelo State University
- Glassell School of Art
- Glasstire
Locations
- Houston
- Texas
- United States
- 1200 Bissonnet
- 2361 Colquitt
- Gallery Row
- Waco
- San Angelo
- West Texas
- France