Out-of-this-World Bash Celebrates 40 Years of the Orange Show

Emily Jaschke
Out-of-this-World Bash Celebrates 40 Years of the Orange Show

Aida Eltorie, Surena Matin, Laura Rathe, Tracy Levit Larner and Glen Larner

KNOWN BEST AS the presenter of the world's largest art car parade, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art showed off its artful past and fabulous future at a 40th-anniversary bash on Saturday.


More than 500 festively clad guests attended the out-of-this-world event, which adopted a theme of "The Big Bang" and was chaired by Melissa and Paul Dobrowski and Julia and Will Robinson. Immersive art installations throughout the Orange Show's 31,000-square-foot warehouse transformed the venue into a psychedelic spaceship.

Street artist Gonzo247 live-painted a piece that went up for auction alongside items like a trip to the Grammy's or a decadent steak dinner from B&B Butchers. And Valobra Master Jewelers donated a $10,000 pair of diamond earrings, which were up for grabs via a balloon-popping contest dubbed "The Big Bang Moment."

After guests noshed on bites from Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House, Tony's exec chef Austin Waiter prepared a beautiful spread for the main meal, which preceded a speech by Orange Show Executive Director Tommy Ralph Pace. Pace toasted the organization's 40-year history and announced a plan to develop a new facility on the current property with the help of architect firm Rogers Partners.

Morris Day & The Time took to the stage — in elaborate outer-space-themed costumes! — as guests mixed, mingled and danced their way through the rest of the night.

The party raised $800,000 for the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art and its projects like Smither Park and the Beer Can House.

Mark Sullivan, Catherine Anspon and Libbie Masterson

Melissa Dobrowski

Fabricio Esquivel, Florencia Vial and Dean Putterman

Hannah Bull and Alex Lechin

Katherine Barthelme and Melissa Lujan

Chris and Katherine Gillman, and Amy and Slade Stargel

John Gregory, Karen Desenberg and Gary Williams

Rebecca Bass

Gonzo247

Ashley Langley

Morris Day

Julia and Will Robinson

John Kerr Smither and Anne Hyde Smither

Parties
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Valentino, Debbie and Rudy Festari

A STYLISH CROWD of more than 350 gathered at a River Oaks Country Club luncheon to celebrate Italian culture in Houston and take in a bright fall fashion show from Saks Fifth avenue.

Keep Reading Show less
Fashion+Home

Lady Stephanie Kimbrell, Cory McGee, and Butler Studio artists, Ani Kushyan, Alissa Goretsky and Elizabeth Hanje (photo by Michelle Watson)

ALL OF THE top performing arts organizations in Houston have now officially opened their 2024-2015 seasons, now that Houston Grand Opera has bowed with a stirring performance of Verdi’s Il trovatore at The Wortham followed by a lavish al fresco dinner in a tent on the plaza out front.The Houston Ballet and the Houston Symphony held their own grand opening night festivities earlier in the fall.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture