Photos by Sergio Santos Photography
Renowned Houston designer Kelly Gale Amen is set to unveil his new KGA Boutique inside the downtown Dakota Lofts, with a grand opening reception set for Tuesday night.
Amen, who has been an influential part of the Houston arts community for decades, is known for his functional art furniture pieces and has spoken widely on luxury design. He is also well-known for making commemorative bronze benches for many charitable organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, the I Ask For Peace Foundation and the Zina Garrison Academy.
The Dakota Lofts also serve as Amen’s first art space since closing his KGA Compound in Montrose, a space which he maintained for 30 years.
As such a dedicated philanthropist, it comes as no surprise that the opening of Amen’s new boutique will benefit others. The opening is in partnership with Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH), which will receive 10 percent of all net sales from Tuesday night’s event. Additionally, Amen tells CultureMap that it will be announced at the event that Los Angeles-based GLEH will be expanding to Houston, and Amen is currently working on creating one of his famous commemorative benches for the organization.
As Houston’s oldest loft building, the location of the boutique is significant as it was the site of Amen’s first functional art furniture show in 1993. The Dakota Lofts also serve as Amen’s first art space since closing his KGA Compound in Montrose, a space which he maintained for 30 years.
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, champagne shots and jelly-filled doughnut holes will be served and guests will be able to browse the boutique, which features Amen’s functional art furniture pieces, whether made of wood, resin, metal or upholstery. Also expect many pieces collected by Amen through his travels, including beautifully hand-woven tapestries and unique paintings.
Amen describes the boutique as a “composite of all of [his] past, present and future work. His goal is to have people “surrounded by creative energy.”
The boutique, located at 711 William St., will be available for viewing by appointment after the grand opening event.
