IYO Art House creative director Isaac “Chill” Yowman was honored with “IYO Day” Friday in celebration of the art house and his contributions to the Houston community.
The day was not only a celebration of Yowman’s latest feat with IYO Art House but doubled as the 10-year anniversary of IYO Visuals in the Houston community. The creative team at IYO Visuals has brought multiple cultural projects to the city of Houston, including “Closet Chats,” liquor brands Martell and Cîroc, and Houston basketball legend Tracy McGrady.
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Staging at IYO Art House.
Courtesy IYO Art HouseIf you’re unfamiliar, Yowman is also the creative mind behind DJ Screw’s visual tribute, “All Screwed Up” and the forthcoming documentary on the Houston legend.
The flagship creative space is located in the historic Cultural Arts District of Fifth Ward, and the goal for the multi-level art house is to continue the rich legacy of arts through film and photography.
Yowman spoke adamantly about why he chose Fifth Ward to be the official home of the creative house, mentioning its rich history and Black culture.
“A lot of people looked at me crazy when I said ‘we’re going to build this in Fifth Ward.’ Nothing looks like it. I’ve got a lot of deep roots in Fifth Ward, my grandmother and grandfather grew up in Fifth Ward. My grandmother and grandfather grew up right off Stables and Nobles,” Yowman said. ” I was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, and I got a lot of deep-rooted history in Fifth Ward.”
The IYO Art House green room.
Courtesy IYO Art House
Yowman’s latest venture is an attempt to provide creatives with a home in which to create.
“If you’re ever driving down 59, and you see the big five-story space, that’s us. IYO Art House,” Yowman said. “It’s a space for creatives to come in and create, photographers, filmmakers, podcasters. Whatever you want to do, that’s what this place is for.”
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The art house is complete with multiple stages, dressing rooms, a creators lounge and a green room.
The creative director was venerated with a commendation from Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and a proclamation from Mayor Sylvester Turner, making May 14 officially IYO Day.
On a day dedicated to the creative, Yowman decided to celebrate the best way he knew how by giving back to his community through service. The art director provided groceries to senior citizens at Pleasant Hill Village and gave 60 students at Mickey Leeland art supplies. Yowman also spoke to students about achieving their goals.
Creative Director Isaac Yowman on “IYO Day,” Friday, May 14, 2021.
Courtesy Keiser“I appreciate everybody for coming out. Obviously, this is a celebration of ten years, serving the creative community, and we’re minority-owned and operated, and that’s a big thing,” Yowman said.
The IYO Art House is currently open in the Historic Cultural Arts District of Fifth Ward. For more information, visit the IYO Art House website.
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