At Dress for Success and Women of Wardrobe's annual Summer Soiree, generously hosted by Tootises, fashion-forward attendees dressed in pretty pastels, bold patterns and lots of ruffles — many designed by Houston's Hunter Bell, who showed off her fall line alongside jewelry by Claudia Lobao. Chairs Karishma Asrani, Courtney Campo, Allie Danziger and Melissa Sugulas welcomed guests to the event, which toasted the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success, and raised more than $20,000 for the org.
Two Artists Cultivate Friendship from Halfway Across the Globe — and Show Their Work at a Houston Gallery
Jan. 2, 2024
THE FRUITS OF a cross-cultural, multigenerational friendship are on display in Things Fall Apart, an exhibit across two galleries at Redbud Arts Center. The show features recent paintings by New Orleans-born, Houston-based artist Randall Mosman and Copenhagen’s Anders Moseholm; it opens Saturday, Jan. 6, and runs through Jan. 27.
Mosman first encountered Moseholm’s work in Stockholm in 2013 and was so impressed with his work he included him in a group show at Redbud alongside several other Scandinavian artists. Known for his fever dream-like paintings of urbane interiors and futuristic cityscapes, Moseholm had never visited the Deep South, and seeing the arid landscapes and fecund swamplands of Texas and Louisiana, and later, the deserts of the American West and the Grand Canyon, would have a profound impact on his work. While in Houston, Mosman put his new friend in touch with gallerists, helped him get a studio, and the two embarked upon a series of collaborative exhibits, including one at Devin Borden Gallery in 2019. Their upcoming show at Redbud is their most expansive yet, and Moseholm will be in Houston for the opening.
The show’s title refers to Chinua Achebe’s 1958 novel Things Fall Apart, and its story of pre-colonial life in Igboland, now modern-day southeastern Nigeria, and the impact of colonialism on its people and culture. While still wholly recognizable, the subject matter of Mosman’s recent paintings has been streamlined to stark effect. The rural and swampland inhabitants who once populated his work, such as the couple making love in “Under the Apple Tree,” and the crowd gathered to witness a river baptism in “The Power of Water,” are now gone. Instead, the viewer is now confronted with a veritable wasteland, along with Mosman’s trademark whitewashed houses, most of which are falling to pieces. In contrast, Moseholm’s busy multiverse paintings of city streets, bridges, and buildings are overlaid with denizens of the natural world, including plant life and animals, giving the viewer the sense they are traversing two or more dimensions at once. Whereas Mosman deals with the remnants of a collapsed system, Moseholm presents the potential for regeneration after that collapse. “It’s left for the viewer to determine is this the end or is this the beginning?” says Mosman.
Since their first meeting, the two artists have developed a brotherly rapport and watched each other’s practice and families grow. Mosman, now 41, and his artist wife Tarina Frank are now parents of a son and a daughter (“Fire and water!”), and post-pandemic, he has moved on from teaching art to more fulfilling employment with the non-profit organization Urban Harvest, who provide community garden programming, farmers markets, and gardening classes.
“Going out and helping people get access to good food and teaching people how to grow food has been important for me,” says Mosman. “It’s really fulfilling.”
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IT'S THAT TIME of year — already— to close out 2023 with end-of-year celebrations. Here are dozens of delicious suggestions for an evening out on the town. Reservations highly recommended. Hello, 2024!
A’Bouzy
Immerse yourself in the New Year’s Eve Winter Wonderland brunch event featuring a “Special Cuvée” Brut NV by Beau Joie, gently priced at $49 a bottle. Anticipate a delectable menu, lots of bubbles, and a picturesque snowy atmosphere — courtesy of the on-site snow making machine! Secure your spot at this exclusive event (10am-3pm) by making reservations now through OpenTable.
Aya Sushi
Greet the new year with a special omakase experience including 21 bites of Aya’s favorite menu items of 2023. The Howdy 2024 Omakase is $175 per person. With over 100 selections by the bottle, anticipate the largest sake selection in Texas, as well as a stand-out cocktail program.
MaKiin
Ring in the new year at the new upscale Thai concept in luxury high-rise Hanover River Oaks by Kin Dee owner, Lukkaew Srasrisuwan. Expect a special New Year’s Eve dinner with highlights including Chef O’s award-winning chicken and the Sizzling Northern Adventure, sliced short ribs in a northern-style yellow curry broth with crispy egg noodles, quail egg, and chili oil served on a sizzling hot stone. From 10pm to midnight, MaKiin will transition into a festive party with complimentary Thai entertainment and a Champagne toast at midnight. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Marmo
Hit this handsome Italian chophouse specializing in decadent hand-rolled pastas, house-made charcuterie, and hand-cut prime steaks. On Dec. 31 come hungry for a four-course prix fixe menu ($145) before your midnight plans begin. Or ring in the new year with a Champagne toast and midnight festivities including a jazz trio. Reservations are required and can be made via Open Table.
Citizens of Montrose
All day brunch is the move at Citizens of Montrose, a cheery all-day café. On New Year’s Eve and Day, enjoy a hearty Australian breakfast, boozy cocktail and beautiful caffeine concoctions. Both days 7am-7pm.
Tony’s
Ring in the new year Tony’s-style with a four-course prix fixe menu featuring a Moutaurd Brut “Grand Cuvee” Champagne toast at both seatings. Reservations are at 5:30pm ($115) and 9:15pm ($195) featuring live music from Nick & The Hits. Click here to view the menu Call 713.622.6778 to reserve.
Four Seasons Hotel
The beautifully decorated Downtown hotel keeps it posh for NYE. Kick things off upstairs with an early evening party at Bandista speakeasy or hit Bayou & Bottle downstairs where things get popping at 9pm with a New Year’s Eve party including live music, a photo area, party favors and a Champagne toast.
Doris Metropolitan
One of Houston’s best New Year’s Eve parties will offer all the glitz and glam you can imagine. Enjoy a red carpet-style event with DJ Just V, a balloon drop, festive favors and more. Black tie attire is encouraged. The beats begin at 9pm, followed by a Champagne saber at 11:30pm, a New Year’s countdown and complimentary toast, and entertainment.
Uchiko
The sleek sister to Uchi is rolling out a New Year’s Eve omakase menu from Dec. 29-31. Menu highlights include oyster Champagne with finger lime and blood orange, grilled lobster, dry-aged New York strip and more ($350 for two). Reservations here. Uchi Houston also offers a special omakase menu.
The Warwick
Known for its delectable menu and flashy cocktails, The Warwick is a fun place for brunch on New Year’s Eve — you’re sure to impress with a Martini Tree or a towering Bloody Mary, and a shareable Brunch Platter. The three-course New Year’s Eve dinner experience ($125) features a red-carpet entrance, 360 photo booth and more. Closed on New Year’s Day.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Where else can you toast under the dinosaurs? Ring in the new year with HMNS! Featuring live music, DJs, food trucks and cash bars, you won’t want to miss this one, 8pm-1am. Tickets are on sale now.
Hotel Zaza
You cannot go wrong with NYE 2023 package. It includes overnight accommodations, complimentary valet parking for one vehicle, entry to the NYE party and New Year's Day brunch. The on-site party also includes live music, cocktail pop-ups, passed appetizers, and a midnight Champagne toast. The brunch features an elaborate ballroom buffet, mimosa Bar and bloody Mary bar.
Nobu
This contemporary Japanese spot in the Galleria is ready with a special New Year’s omakase menu. Guests can sup on a sashimi tasting, a chef’s sushi selection, and more. Opens at 5pm.
Traveler’s Table
Close out the New Year at Traveler’s Table with a four-course prix fixe menu with special guest DJ Danielle Dupont spinning. The eclectic restaurant also offers a New Year’s Day brunch. Visit Resy for reservations.
Trattoria Sofia
Start early on New Year's Eve with a festive brunch or evening of Italian food (regular dinner menu), drinks, party favors and live music. One of Houston's favorite piano players and singers, Bubba McNeely, will be performing that evening.
Turner’s
Ring in 2023 in true New York City style at a black-tie affair with live music, dinner and New Year's Eve-inspired specials. With a countdown Champagne toast at midnight under a sea of gold balloons, expect a sight to see.
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