For the first time, the cancer-fighting Alcides E. Rosaura Diniz Foundation hosted a gala at the Astorian. Ana Paola Diniz, who lost her father Alcides to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2006, praised MD Anderson, the night’s beneficiary, for its dedication. … Meanwhile, Catholic Charities’ “happy”-themed 75th annual Spirit of Charity event did indeed bring smiles to many faces. The evening, held at the Marriott Marquis, raised $1 million. … This year’s Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award dinner honored President George W. Bush for his lifelong commitment to service and country. The total till doubled the previous record, coming in at $4.2 million. … In addition to celebrating the induction of five new members of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, the Lone Star Flight Museum’s Flights of Fancy event garnered $700K for the museum. … And the 30th annual Goodwill Gala was the organization’s most successful ever, with more than 400 black-tie-clad guests — including Simone Biles and her family, guests of board member Leisa Holland Nelson — partying for a cause at the River Oaks Country Club.
Texas’ Mural Capital: BIPOC Arts Group Propels Houston’s Street-Art Scene Brilliantly Forward
WITH AN AESTHETIC that reads as something between stained-glass and graffiti, Daniel Anguilu is arguably one of the best-known street artists in Houston. The vibrant, abstracted and large-scale pieces often feature motifs inspired by his Mexican heritage, and also address injustice and political issues like immigration.
In a city where artists of all ethnicities, disciplines and career stages thrive, Anguilu is one of many who have enjoyed its collaborative and community-driven nature; in fact, HoustonMuralMap.com estimates the city has nearly 1,000 murals in public spaces. As Houston commemorates its 188th birthday, local organizations Culture of Health-Advancing Together (CHAT) and BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) continue to enhance neighborhoods and build networks of support via street art.
BANF, with a mission to build a “revolutionary arts ecosystem,” has long supported artists like Anguilu, helping source both materials and inspiration. "This support has been transformative, helping me reach out to a different audience and achieve community empowerment through my murals," says Anguilu, whose latest project at Box13 addresses the idea that colonization is a myth.
For its part, CHAT created 17 murals in the Gulfton area via a project dubbed Gulfton Story Trail. The beautifying works of art have transformed schools, community centers, businesses and public buildings, and have fostered a sense of identity among residents.
The murals “symbolize hope, resilience, the potential for a brighter future for immigrants and refugees, and the cultural diversity that defines Houston," says CHAT’s executive director Aisha Siddiqui. The nonprofit received an inaugural grant from BANF, and those funds have enabled CHAT to expand its programming and impact among the immigrant and refugee community it serves.
If street art is a tool for building community and culture, then Houston is undoubtedly the ultimate craftsman.
CHAT's 'For a Better Future'
CHAT's 'Celebration of Diversity'
Street art by Daniel Anguilu
More art by Anguilu
- Mother-Son Artist Duo Donkeemom and Donkeeboy to Celebrate New Mural with Group Bike Ride ›
- Sprawling New Mural Honors Civil-Rights Leader During Hispanic Heritage Month ›
- Downtown Is Still Empty — But Art Is Making it Feel Alive ›
- Big Painting to Raise Awareness for Big Problem — Hunger — Goes Up Downtown ›
- Houston Mural-Painting Festival Now in Full Swing ›
- On Main Street, United Nations Unveils First-Ever ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ Mural Designed to Grow More Trees ›
IT’S THAT TIME of year again — already! — and The Union Kitchen is honoring teachers and educators with a gratis brunch this weekend at all locations.
On Aug. 10 and 11, teachers and educators would be smart to show up from 9am until 2pm to enjoy a leisurely brunch before school begins the following week. This promotion falls hot on the heels of the concept's generous Kids Eat Free promotion that ran throughout June and July.
As a matter of fact, a total of 7,760 kids' meals were gifted this summer — including 1,250 kids' pizzas, 1,000 chicken tenders, and 1,500 of Houston’s best pancakes — saving parents in Houston $62,080. Led by restaurateur Paul Miller and his wife, Doris Miller, Gr8 Plate Hospitality runs The Union Kitchen's five Houston-area restaurants. The hospitality group also owns and operates local favorites Jax Grill, Passerella and Vine Memorial, a wine-bar-slash-café.
“As parents, we are deeply indebted to the tireless efforts of the teachers and educational support staff who have sparked inspiration in our children throughout their school years,” said Paul. “This is our way of paying it forward to these passionate people who selflessly shape young minds daily.”
It will be worth getting up early for a scratch-made spread of classics like biscuits and gravy, a pancake plate and The Union Kitchen Bowl. The latter is a hearty signature favorite comprised of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes and veggies topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The Union Kitchen’s expansive “locally famous” weekend brunch and cocktail menu also are on offer, along with $1 espresso martini shots, $6 espresso martinis and the popular $19 Build-Your-Own-Bubbles deal.
The exclusive deal applies to teachers and staff with a current, valid school identification card. (And the offer is not available to-go, sorry!) All five of The Union Kitchen locations in Greater Houston will be participating including Memorial (77024), Oak Forest (77018), Cypress (77433), Katy (77494), and Kingwood (77339).