Party Arty! Hobby Center Bash Raises $325K for Public Art

Johnny Than
Party Arty! Hobby Center Bash Raises $325K for Public Art

Breanna Blankenship, Nicholas Stuart, Zsavon Butler, Outspoken Bean

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston Arts Alliance pulled inspiration from global art, fashion and culture for a spectacular gala at the Hobby Center. “The World’s Stage” gala, chaired by Zsavon Butler and Nicholas Stuart, raised $325,000 to benefit the Houston Arts Alliance’s public-art and artist resiliency initiatives.


A meaningful moment was when former Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean honored longtime chef and food-writer Adán Medrano with a spoken-word performance. Works by other beloved local artists, like Jamal Cyrus and Vincent Valdez, adorned the walls, and music was provided by Breanna Blankenship and DJ Flash Gordon Parks.

The 350 guests also enjoyed a runway show featuring fall looks by Chloe Dao, modeled by icons like Lauren Anderson, and a spread prepared by Jackson & Company along with H-E-B. A nod to the global theme, the menu included Korean-style short ribs and Greek kourabiedes — washed down with French and Italian wine, of course. Cheers!

Ross Smith, Leigh Smith, Caroline Smith, Alecia Harris, Whitmire Vo, Owen Duffy

Casey Valverde, Tammy Dowe, Marco Martinez

David James, Judge Lina Hidalgo, Honoree Adan Medrano & Richard Jimenez

Rita Garcia, Sergio Selvera

George Farah & Michele Leal Farah, Nicholas & Zsavon Butler, Lauren Anderson & Chris Stanaway, John Abodeely & Edward Kachinske

Chloe Dao with her models

Michele Leal Farah

Lisa and Saul Valentin

Leigh Smith, John Abodeely, Lauren Anderson

Aerialist from J&D Entertainment

Joel Rottier, Council Member Mario Castillo, Rep. Christina Morales, Michele Leal Farah

Parties

Molina and Thirumalaisamy

A PROJECT FROM Rice University's Moody Center for the Arts, the Tent Series is a public-art exhibit erected in the heart of campus on the front of the Provisional Campus Facilities, found on Loop Road. It changes every school year, and this fall, the new art will be unveiled on Sept. 11.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

FAVE FOODIE DESTINATION Central Market is renewing its commitment to customers Sept. 11-24, promising a journey of taste and discovery in honor of its milestone 30th anniversary. Join Houston’s one and only location for the delicious series Let’s Renew Our Wows featuring in-store events, foodie strolls, cooking classes and more.

Keep Reading Show less
Food