parties

The Red Queen Kicks Off Riotous Dance Party — and Raises Major Funds for Fresh Arts

Charlie Horse
The Red Queen Kicks Off Riotous Dance Party — and Raises Major Funds for Fresh Arts

Marita Fairbanks, Palmer Schooley, Kasi Kubiak and Connor Estes

STILL RECOVERING FROM a devastating fire at its HQ in 2022, Fresh Arts expanded on its Instagram-worthy dance-party fundraiser by adding a dinner to this year’s gala, themed The Wonder Ball. Dressed in lavish Alice-in-Wonderland-themed costumes, guests were transported down the rabbit hole as they arrived to Silver Street Studios, which was completely transformed into Lewis Carroll’s fantasy land.

The decked-out patrons perused a silent auction featuring art exclusively from Houston artists to the sounds of The Charlie Trio Band, and enjoyed cocktails from LALO Tequila and Boheme. Following cocktail hour, a dinner from Hungry’s was served while radio personality Sarah Pepper emceed the night, and also hosted a live auction that included a trip to Paris!

Fresh Arts executive director Angela Carranza was cut off during her closing remarks by the White Rabbit, who announced that everyone was very late for an important date! As the lights dimmed “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs played, and a 10-foot Red Queen appeared to usher all the guests to the awaiting dance party!

DJ Hiram kept revelers on their feet, while bubbles, with the gas from dry ice trapped inside, poured onto the dance floor. One touch of the bubble released the gas to dazzling effect.

“The Wonder Ball transported guests into a world of wonder and imagination,” said Carranza of the over-the-top evening. “Every detail spoke to the power of imagination, and our supporters wholeheartedly embraced the theme, showcasing an impressive diversity of creativity.”

Pizza from Betelgeuse Betelgeuse and popsicles from Wonder Pops HTX were served on the dancefloor as the party continued until close to midnight. Funds raised from the gala will go toward supporting Fresh Arts long-anticipated return to Winter Street Studios following the 2022 fire.

Cole and Lulia Rockman and David Nelo

Bob and Cynthia Card

Matt Manalo and Sarah Darro

Rouzi and Eva Sagisaka

Sha Samiuddin, Gabriel Luna, Andrew Carlin and Chris Cuellar

Annabeth Turcios, Christopher Manriquez, Ruby Rivera and Cynthia Rojas

Parties
design

Inspired by Midcentury Flair, an Interior Designer Brings Palm Springs to Braeswood

Sonya Sellers

Floating shelves and a pop of burgundy in the kitchen.

UNREALIZED POTENTIAL CAN provide a powerful pull. Such was the case when interior designer Victoria Sheffield discovered a semi-neglected midcentury gem in Braeswood Place, with key architectural details intact. Situated on an expansive 11,500-square-foot lot, the A-line, asymmetrical home preserved its orange-tone brick, board-and-batten cedar siding accents, and even the original rolled glass in the single-page picture windows.

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Home + Real Estate
art

Meet the 15-Year-Old Art Prodigy Who Painted the New Lina Hidalgo Mural

Guerrero in front of her new mural

ON THURSDAY, JULY 27, 15-year-old artist Abby Guerrero, who just completed her freshman year at North Shore Senior High School, unveiled and dedicated her mural Free of Judgement to Judge Lina Hidalgo. Among those present to celebrate the unveiling were County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Guerrero’s art teacher and mentor Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr. and his mother and Sylvia “Donkeemom” Roman; and artist Franky Cardona. Judge Hidalgo was also there and was clearly moved by the sight of such a powerful work of art realized by a young and talented Houstonian. “To hear Abby say she’s inspired by me is so touching,” said Hidalgo, who is the first woman and Latina to hold office as Harris County Judge. “We’re lucky to live in a place where young minds feel empowered to express themselves in larger-than-life ways.”

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Art + Entertainment