Today we’d like to introduce you to Dragos Tapu.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dragos. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It all started with opening the first fine arts gallery in 2015 – Glade Gallery at the Waterway in The Woodlands, and realized that there was a much greater need for cultural events and activities in the community. Together with Lisa Fuller Harra, we formed Glade Cultural Center and Glade Arts Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization residing within the cultural Center.
Glade Cultural Center is a multi-faceted organization that focuses on delivering fine art exhibits not only with contemporary artists but also museum exhibits from private collections and other organizations from around the world.
Mission: Glade Cultural Center provides a unique and accessible fine arts experience with a hosted fine art gallery and antiquities. Curated museum-like exhibits showcasing local and international artists with acclaimed private and public art collections along with non-profit programs delivered by the Glade Arts Foundation a (501(c)(3) focused on art education, scholarships and community-based public art projects.
Vision: Inspiring our community through art, to foster an appreciation and connect our emotions and feelings to the visual effects of fine arts, establishing it as a core element in our lives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The reception in the community has been extraordinary. The biggest challenge that we are still experiencing is simply advertising in the surrounding area in Montgomery and Harris Counties. Glade Cultural Center opened its’ doors in April 2018.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Glade Cultural Center – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We are a true cultural center, with fine art exhibits, in the commercial gallery as well as the museum space. From the start, we have set ourselves apart as promoters of performing arts also. With the partnership with The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, Glade Cultural Center is set on stage a fall and spring concert series on an annual basis.
The Glade Arts Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit organization within Glade Cultural Center has developed a robust educations curriculum that includes fine arts and music. The Foundation is also working with special groups in The Woodlands and South Montgomery County to promote art either through healing classes for the Alzheimer’s Association patients or adults with disabilities or foster children.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Starting with September 2019, Glade Cultural Center will open a high-end wine and cocktail bar inside its’ venue – Mercury Bar. The mission of Mercury Bar is to integrate the art of wine with the fine art and performing arts, and also address the ever-growing list of cultural events hosted at Glade Cultural Center throughout the years.
With a little over one year in existence, the Glade Cultural Center will continue to deliver on the key elements of its mission:
Fine Arts Museum – will host a permanent collection as well as curate rotational art exhibits from resident artists, other foundations, collections and/or museums from around the world. These exhibits will include wall art along with three-dimensional sculptures.
Glade Gallery – represents local and international contemporary artists alongside masters. The gallery provides art brokering, consulting, restoration and conservation services.
Antiquities – G.C.C. partnering with international brokers to curate unique commercial exhibit experiences and periodic auction events.
Glade Arts Foundation – Is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization within the Glade Cultural Center that will provide a unique and accessible fine arts experience for the community via programs including art education, community-based public art projects and art scholarships for those that apply and meet the requirements set forth by the foundation.
Event Venue – the facility is a full-service venue for any type of event or special occasion. We offer architecturally stunning and educationally rich spaces from which to choose in a complex that houses a unique experience both inside and out, the venue has full A/V and advanced technology to support any needs and have full-service catering services available to provide simplicity in event coordination.
Performing Arts – will offer ongoing live intimate concert series in the museum from Symphonies to local and visiting musicians.
Pricing:
- concert tickets during the Fall and Spring start at $50
- Art Classes are available throughout the year – pricing starts at $55
- visit gladeculturalcenter.com for up-to-date information
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 Woodlands Parkway
The Woodlands, TX 77380 - Website: www.gladeculturalcenter.com
- Phone: 832-557-8781
- Email: dragos@gladeculturalcenter.com
- Instagram: gladeculturalcenter
- Facebook: gladeculturalcenter
- Twitter: gladecenter
Image Credit:
John Hallet Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
