The Art Crowd Flocks to the ‘Burbs: A Cutting-Edge Museum Creates Buzz Outside Houston

What: Art Is the Sauce Ungala

Where: Katy’s LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.

PC Moment: Nearly 150 artists, collectors, gallerists, and supporters gathered to toast the New Year at the Katy Contemporary Art Museum‘s first annual gala. Cleverly branded as the Ungala, the deconstructed evening kicked off with jazz tunes by headliners Ronnie Coleman Jr. and Merlot while artists Tyler Kay and Mark Deleon painted canvases in front of the crowd, which vied for the creations via sealed bids.

Other performing arts high points were Le’Andre Douglas‘ smooth break dancing moves and teen Alessia Braggiato‘s contemporary take on classical ballet.

Culinary sponsors Bonchon (Korean fried chicken appetizers), Bonefish Grill (the night’s popular taco bar), and Nothing Bundt Cakes curated the buffet. Drinks were devised by Leafology — an organic tea bar — and World of Beer.

For this big night, the KCAM’s first ever gala honored Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers by presenting him the Terri Payne Bieber Award for Arts Leadership, bestowed by namesake arts educator and activist Terri Bieber. The Ungala gala furthered KCAM’s mission to bring art to the ‘burbs.

Who: Museum founder/director/curator Ana Villaronga-Roman; board prez Kevin Douglas West and wife Michelle; chairmen including guest speaker Minnette Boesel (former arts advisor to Mayor Annise Parker), Deborah Colton, Stan Goss, Billie Van Slyke, and Adriana Rubin; gallerists Meg Poissant, Dan Allison, and Sarah Foltz; architectural historian Stephen Fox; collectors Kenny Baldwin and Michel Muylle; Woodlands arts advocate Malu Piza; scribe Susan Chadwick; and artists including Richard Stout and Ibsen Espada.