Luck of the Draw (and Golden Tickets) Make a Dramatic Return to Houston

What: DiverseWorks’ Luck of the Draw Party and Art Auction

Where: Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (MATCH)

PC moment: In a return to form after last year’s high-concept Art – Design – Life gala, DiverseWorks hosted its renowned fundraiser Luck of the Draw again. This lighthearted and joyful competition saw ticket buyers patiently, yet eagerly, standing by all night for their number to be called after which they could peruse MATCH’s walls for one-of-a-kind works of art to take home.

Per usual, whether a newbie or experienced art collector, Luck of the Draw is the perfect opportunity to spot new artists and add work to a personal collection.

Artists from across Houston and more, including Art Basel Miami-exhibited Jamal Cyrus, Cruz Ortiz, photographer Geoff Winningham, Debra Barrera, sculpturist Lily Cox-Richard, Tomory Dodge and Charles Mary Kubricht, proudly donated 300 original artworks for lucky Art Chance ticket buyers to scoop up.

Jereann Chaney, Kevin Clark and Natasha Bowdoin co-chaired the big art night. Artist Emily Peacock (who also had a piece up for grabs) took charge of the fast-moving action with help from delightful assistant and fellow artist Iva Kinnaird.

Every contestant is guaranteed art from this competitive auction starting with the first draw, Gold Art Chances $200 buyers, whose numbers are called first. Guests also vie for Silver Art Chances priced at $100 – these numbers are called up after each Gold Art Chance buyer claims their desired piece. Additionally, in a new twist, each Art Chance ticket holder participated in a “Second Chance” wildcard drawing for the opportunity to win more art of their choice – provided they were in the room when their number was called.

As they made the rounds, guests enjoyed tasty cocktails from Treaty Oak Distillery, and brews courtesy Saint Arnold Brewing Co. Flavorsome bites were also served by Little Kitchen HTX. DJ Fredstr soundtracked the fast-paced, playfully cutthroat nature of the night with his rhythmic, electronic beats. The museum raised $50,000 in support of Diverswork’s exhibitions and community outreach.

PC Seen: Artists who roamed the gallery inside MATCH included Pen Morrison, Henry G. Sanchez, past Luck of the Draw chair Sharon Engelstein, Tracey Meyer, Gerardo Rosales, Hedwige Jacobs, Luisa Duarte, Rabéa Ballin, photographer Ronald L. Jones, Nick Barbee, Gabriel Prusmack, Lili Tafilaj, and Stephanie Gonzalez; gallerists Zoya Tommy Kemp and Apama Mackey; publisher at Glasstire Brandon Zech; executor director of Diverseworks Xandra Eden; and other art connoisseurs Surpik Angelini, Jeanne Jones, Candice and Daniel Horvath, Jason Fuller, Nancy Wozny, Russell Smith, Martha Daniels, and photographer Sarah Sudhoff.