DiverseWorks Changes Up Its Popular Fundraiser — and a Midtown Marvel Takes Center Stage

For 10 years, DiverseWorks‘ trademark springtime fundraiser has been its annual Luck of the Draw Gala, a light-hearted concept where ticket buyers waited to hear their number called before laying claim to a desired art piece — provided, of course, that someone else didn’t snatch it up first. It was meant to encourage friendly gamesmanship and helped to fund the varied programs and exhibits offered by DiverseWorks.

This year, though, that all changes. Art – Design – Life is the new innovative concept dreamed up by DiverseWorks’ Xandra Eden, and chaired by Surpik Angelini, Natalye Appel, and Sharon Engelstein. Peeling away the competitive nature of DiverseWorks’ previous flagship fundraiser, Art – Design – Life’s main innovation is in its presentation: five vignettes curated by five different artists/designers/curators, each loosely themed, conceptualized and brought to vivid life by its creator.

Architect Appel’s space is inspired by ships. Eden’s is inspired by home and hearth, complete with an Eames chair and an open, living room-inspired set, brought to life in collaboration with architect Kathrin Brunner. Other vignettes are presented by Engelstein, interior designer Courtney Blair, and artists Janice Freeman and Geoff Winningham together.

Inspired by the natural conversation among artist, architect, and designer, and the intersection of all three disciplines, Art – Design – Life’s smart concept is further enhanced by its location, at the MATCH center in Midtown. The shining jewel of a building, integrating public outdoor space and covered, private lobby space, serves as a beacon for the diversifying neighborhood.

Says Appel, a recent PaperCity Design Award winner (for her work restoring and renovating Levy Park): “The idea of a multi-disciplinary exhibition was especially appealing given the collaborative nature of architectural practice, and working with my co-curator, artist/architect/builder Onézieme Mouton, and my co-chairs [Engelstein] and [Angelini] has been more enlightening than I can convey.”

Co-chair Engelstein explains what makes Art – Design – Life so vitally different: “As a committee of art advocates we wanted to to do more than put products on an auction block. We created an exhibition — five unique visions tied together by the overall premise that can art exist in every aspect of living. And it is clear from this show that Houston has an abundance of talent proving this to be true.”

Potential buyers and the curious had the chance to see the unique space of Art – Design – Life in person this weekend, another wrinkle that previous galas could not offer: the chance to see and interact with the art, rather than simply be primed with the chance to buy it the night of. ADL will be open this Wednesday, May 16, as well, from 12 to 6 pm, for the chance of those who may not have auction-type dollars, to see the multi-disciplinary works as an exhibit.

All proceeds will go towards DiverseWorks’ 2018 programming, and, keeping in the spirit of its geneorus artist-focused mission, up to 50% of the silent auction sales will go directly back to the artists and designers participating Art – Design – Life.

The main event goes down this Thursday, May 17 at 7 pm. Tickets start at $150 ($100 for DiverseWorks members). Catering will be provided by Underbelly Hospitality, with wine by Vinology and brews by Saint Arnold.

Artists, furniture makers and objects to be presented include works from names such as: Daniel Anguilu, Rabéa Ballin, Ballroom Marfa, Natasha Bowdoin, David Brown, Lily Cox-Richard, Creative Flooring, Thedra Cullar-Ledford, Claire Cusack, Sarah Fisher, Francesca Fuchs, Dixie Friend Gay, Gin Design Group, David Lackey, NEST, Danny Nguyen Couture, Russell Prince, Julie Soefer, Randy Twaddle, Marco Villegas, Geraldina Wise, and many, many more.

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.