Mawi Sampogna, Mauricio Vallejo, Andrés Piki Martinez at the Art of the World Gallery Auction
Besides the big galas, Houston’s arty party scene is marked by a number of cool and creative evenings. Here are some memorable nights all about art that also gave back.
Art of the World Gallery Evening with Javier Marín
What: An auction event benefiting the Dr. Sonrisas Foundation
Where: Art of the World, a blue-chip gallery in River Oaks
Celebrating its “Javier Marín: Materiality” exhibition, Houston’s Art of the World Gallery hosted a fundraiser and auction event supporting Mexico’s Dr. Sonrisas Foundation.
The art appreciators in attendance had the opportunity to meet Marín himself and feel his gratitude for their support. A renowned sculptor, Marín centers his work around portrayals of the human form through mixed mediums. In “Materiality,” the Mexican-born artist incorporated new techniques such as lost-wax bronze casting, intervened photography and 3D printing. This gallery exhibition marked Marín’s second showing in Houston, with his H-Town debut coming in 2019.
This evening was made possible through sponsor Frida Valentina Catering — which served bites and drinks — as well as Mezcal Contraluz, Rodadora Sotol, Metalogics Global Nexus and Caps & Bold.
Fall Tabletop
The main attraction of the colorful evening centered around the sale of a piece from Marín’s Knots-Nudos collection. The auction raised $17,000, benefiting the Dr. Sonrisas Foundation, whicb helps support children and families struggling with illnesses.
PC Seen: Art of the World Gallery owners Liliana Molina and Mauricio Vallejo, Michelle and David Settles, Teresa and José Ivo, Dr. Madaiah Revana, Francisco Uzcátegui, Vickie Castillo, Mawi Sampogna, Veronica Lopez, and Johanna Donson
Art of the World Gallery Evening with Javier Marín
Veronica Lopez, Johanna Donson, Javier Marín, gallery owners Liliana Molina & Mauricio Vallejo at Art of the World Gallery Auction
CoolxDad’s Giving Projects
What: A gift drive, gift-wrapping events and more
Where: All around Houston
Father-focused group CoolxDad marked the start of its gift drive called Color Box with a kickoff ceremony at Art Is Bond Gallery. Hosted by gallery owner Janice Bond, this vibrant evening celebrated the nonprofit organization’s goal of boosting fathers of color and families in need.
Color Box has become a staple in CoolxDad’s community support services. Collaboration with Houston volunteers and businesses remains at the root of these efforts. Mo’Better Brews, OST Liquor, Ellio Fine Art, the Houston Dynamo and others served as drop-off gift locations for this month-long initiative.
Three weeks later at SANMAN studios, CoolxDad hosted a memorable free family portrait day in partnership with Cricket Wireless. Following this was the 5K FunxRun at Hennessy Park, which commemorated former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s final term.
“Mayor Turner has been continuously supportive of our mission,” CoolxDad founder and director Kevin Barnett says of the organization receiving a mayoral proclomation. “We’re grateful to him for awarding us this recognition, and for the work he’s done in Houston over the last eight years.
“The proclamation says it all: Celebration of Fatherhood is not confined to the walls of a home. It’s about making sure we embody our values as men and role models in and out of the house and that we show up for the next generation of children, our communities, and our best selves.”
CoolxDad’s Giving Projects
CoolxDad founder Kevin Barnett receives a mayoral proclamation for his nonprofit's important work empowering fatherhood.
Magpies & Peacocks After Dark
What: The sustainable fashion-focused design house’s edgy annual fundraiser
Where: Magpies & Peacocks’ new EaDo location
Co-chairs Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl and Chris Goins invited more than 260 fashionable Houstonians to Magpies & Peacocks’ annual fundraiser dubbed After Dark, presented by Southwest Airlines.
Attendees were able to sneak a first glimpse at Magpies & Peacocks’ new Take Flight collection, created by Magpies & Peacocks founder Sarah-Jayne Smith. The design house is known for its focus on sustainability and protecting the environment. All 25 looks in the collection were upcycled from post-consumer textiles.
One particular fabric might have looked familiar. Southwest Airlines’ blue e-leather, commonly seen on its aircraft seats, which were donated through the airline’s Repurpose With Purpose program. Other textiles used in the collection include banners from the 2021 Women’s March Convention in Houston and black tulle from the Alley Theater and Houston Ballet.
At the end of the night, 30 raffle winners each received a zip clutch that included a round trip Southwest Airlines ticket. Attendees also saw a live art performance from graffiti artist Gonzo247, who spray-painted on 60 upcycled leather pouches created from the Southwest Airlines e-leather.
The SWA blue e-leather looks from the Take Flight collection are for sale in store and online by Magpies & Peacocks.
PC Seen: Magpies & Peacocks’ Brittany Reap, Giovanna Boyd, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s Sarah Darro, René Garza, Magen Pastor, Tena Lundquist Faust, Portia Shaw, BeDesign’s Chantal Martinez, Daniel Crocker; Alton DuLaney, and Iclan Studios’ Clarence Lee
Magpies & Peacocks After Dark
Co-chairs Chris Goins and Carrie Brandsberg-Dahl with designer René Garza at Magpies & Peacocks After Dark (Photo by Jesse Greene)
_md.jpeg)
_md.jpeg)
