HOUSTON — In celebration of Black History Month, we’re taking you on a tour and introducing you to the founder of the Gite Gallery.
The house in Houston’s Third Ward is more than just a home. Inside is an explosion of modern African art, from statues to masks and paintings. Houston native Lloyd Gite, a journalist turned gallery owner, started selling art more than 30 years ago.
"Ninety-nine percent of the art I buy is art that I like,” he said. “That is something that has to resonate with me."
He was drawn to African art after his first trip to the continent in 1976.
“As a child, I was always fascinated with Africa,” he said. “Don't ask me why, because as a child, I didn't understand it, but I always wanted to go to Africa, Africa, Africa. I want to go to African when I became grown.”
He now uses a network of dozens of artists from Nigeria to South Africa and even Cuba.
“He sells quite well,” Gite said, pointing to one of the items in the gallery. “The pieces are just stunning.”
All of it is packed into a two-story home.
“I didn't want a gallery with white walls,” Gite said. “I wanted a gallery that made you feel at home."
Gite turned his passion into a business and created an artistic jewel in historic Third Ward. In the process, he helped African artists make a living.
Git spent 18 years as a reporter telling stories to educate people.
“And now, I am sort of doing the same thing, but telling stories through the eyes of others, and I think the art can do that,” Gite said.
Gite said he also wants to get art in Brazil.