Two Fort Bend artists hope to raise the standard of visual arts in the community | Community

“Our mission statement is ‘To support, encourage and raise the standard of the visual arts in our community by giving upcoming artists a platform and using outreach events to encourage our creative youth,’” she said.

Cummins and Crowell are aiming for a VIP soft opening on Sept. 3 from 6 to 9 p.m., followed by a grand opening for the public on Sept. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The gallery will feature a range of quality arts, styles, and mediums from “some of the area’s best established and upcoming artists,” they said.

While their immediate objective is to “create an excitement, a buzz, about being a new gallery in the Houston art scene,” both Cummins and Crowell are determined to become “a staple in the community through art, and establish ourselves as a reputable gallery that supports our community.”

Considering that art comes in many forms, Cummins said she’s been an artist since she was three years old. For the past four-plus years, Cummins’ works have been primarily paintings. Most of them are on canvas, but she paints other structures as well.

“It is such an intoxicating feeling to be lost in the process of creating art. Like many artists, I am in the moment and not thinking about yesterday or tomorrow,” said Cummins, who lives in Needville, Texas. “I crave that emotion and energy of just being in the now. It is a calming feeling that can relax my mind and anxiety.”

Cummins said she draws inspiration from several sources, including her 22-year career as a master peace officer. Cummins’ law enforcement career began with three years at the University of Houston, followed by the Sugar Land Police Department, where she has been the past 19 years.

As the department’s victim service coordinator, Cummins has received multiple awards for her efforts in the community. “My job is to begin the healing process of victims of crime by providing them guidance, resources, and a listening ear,” she said. “It is the work I am proudest of as a police officer.”

She explained she has a connection with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault because she has been in their shoes.

“I have been a strong vocal advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors,” Cummins said. “The advocacy work will continue until I leave this world. I can’t help but be influenced by the strong children, women, and men that have survived traumatic events in their lives.”

It was this very passion for advocacy work that placed Cummins on the course to cross paths with Robyn Crowell at a boutique in Missouri City, Texas where Crowell was a manager.

“We were hosting a book signing event for William Shaw, who wrote a book about being a survivor of sexual assault. Amy is the victims’ assault officer for Sugar Land Police Department and attended. I also am a survivor,” Crowell said. “We held a fashion show in conjunction with the book signing, and all of our models were survivors. Amy and I hit it off and continued our friendship connected with our love of art.”

It wasn’t until last year that Cummins suggested the idea of opening a gallery with Crowell, who admitted she was hesitant at first.

“The first time she brought it up, I was not that enthusiastic,” Crowell said. “It’s a lot of work, and I had been there, done that, got a T-shirt. Well, she made an announcement [on social media] that she was actually doing it and had a space, and I panicked,” Crowell recalled with a laugh. “I immediately messaged her to see what was going on and asked her if I could be a part of it.”

“She got me. Hook, line, and sinker.”

Despite her initial doubt about opening Gallery Skye, Crowell said she is grateful Cummins took the necessary step forward.

“This gallery is up and rolling at a fantastic pace right now,” said Crowell reflecting on the happenstance of connecting with Cummins years ago. “The gallery is going to be different than any other gallery out in the Houston area because we are outreached focused.”