DINE AROUNDS
Select from a short curated list of prolific Houston arts leaders to join for a casual dinner in a small group setting. This experience is designed to foster meaningful conversations with mentors and fellow creatives alike and is sure to have you walking away with new connections and reawakened inspiration.
Reserve your seat at the table for $10. Seats are limited, so act fast!
Taking place on Friday, November 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM following the Kick-off Party.
HOW TO SECURE A SPOT (INSTRUCTIONS)
- Check out each of the dine around mentors below. There is a mix of artists and arts administrators with varying experience to tap into.
- Once you pick a mentor, click the “BUY ADD-ON” button below.
- You will be directed to the Eventbrite page. Click the “Get Tickets” button and select your desired mentor.
- Continue through the check out process, and once you’ve submit payment, you’ve secured your spot!
REMINDERS:
- All spots are first come, first serve.
- Each summit attendee may only reserve ONE spot.
- BE ON TIME!!
- If you signed-up and can’t do the dine around, please let us know so we can open the spot to another person.
If you have any questions or issues signing up please email summit@fresharts.org with the subject line: Dine Arounds
DINE AROUND MENTORS
Faith Cisneros, Shop Local
LOCATION: Cyclone Anaya’s Tex Mex Kitchen
Faith Cisneros, is an entrepreneur based in the Houston Arts District. Cisneros owns several small businesses located in the downtown area. Cisneros works closely with community leaders to create and curate events that support local businesses. Cisneros is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and creatives, helping them grow and succeed in their own ventures.
Debra Barrera, The Menil
LOCATION: Piola Midtown
Debra Barrera focus is in the arts is to create and establish sustainable and generative pathways for visual art and artists at all stages of development. As a recognized artist, gallerist, and educator, Barrera’s goals are to find, give, and create spaces for artists to thrive.
Jennifer Ash, Art League Houston
LOCATION: Tacos a GoGo
With over a decade of experience in arts leadership and strategic program development, Jennie Ash is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of the arts in fostering community engagement and social change. As a visionary leader, she has spearheaded initiatives that curate immersive arts experiences, inspiring diverse audiences and driving meaningful connections. Jennie’s expertise lies in researching, developing, and implementing innovative arts programming that resonates with stakeholders and amplifies the voices of artists. With a foundation in art history and fine arts, combined with hands-on experience in exhibition curation, fundraising, and staff management, Jennie is committed to leveraging the arts as a catalyst for positive impact. As Executive Director of Art League Houston, she has led multidisciplinary teams to create inclusive spaces where creativity thrives and where art serves as a tool for healing and empowerment.
Armando Silva, MECA
LOCATION: Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Armando Silva is a former professional dancer & choreographer with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT). Currently serving as Executive Director of Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) he’s worked as an arts administrator for the past 18 years with organizations including, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and Voices Breaking Boundaries. Armando is a 2009 graduate of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture’s Leadership Institute. As Executive Director, Armando is responsible for daily operations of MECA’s arts education and outreach programs at its headquarters in the Historic Dow School and East End campus at the former Talento Bilingue de Houston Center. Additionally, he curates MECA’s performing arts series and chairs the annual dia de muertos festival. Growing up in Houston, he attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and later Southern Methodist University in Dallas and The Ailey School in New York City.
