THE CARNI*BALL benefiting Fresh Arts
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Garage HTX
1201 Oliver Street, Houston, TX 77007
STEP RIGHT UP and enter into the spectacular world of THE CARNI-BALL, a one-of-a-kind, carnival event raising critical funds to support Fresh Arts.
Fresh Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Your support of The CarniBall* directly funds our 2025 operating expenses and year-round artist services, which are vital to sustaining Houston’s vibrant arts community. Your generosity helps provide local artists with career-enhancing opportunities and resources—including public art projects and community engagement initiatives—that enrich the lives of all Houstonians.
ms. YET and AlieRose of Renegade Carnies | Video by Jon Conner
What to expect
🕺🪩 Electrifying Entertainment
Tear up the dancefloor with beats by DJ YungChris and experience jaw-dropping FIRE❤️🔥 performances by Renegade Carnies.
🍸 Creative Cocktails & Libations
Sip on a curated selection of wines donated by Magpies & Peacocks, craft brews from Saint Arnold, crisp ciders from City Orchard, tastings by BeatBox Beverages, seltzers by Nectar Hard Seltzer, plus craft cocktails featuring Simple Vodka and Hawthorn’s Gin. Non-alcoholic options also available.
🍿 Carnival Concessions
VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive bites courtesy of Ol’ Railroad Cafe, while all party goers can indulge in late night treats including fried chicken samples from Tumble22, churros from Rocio’s Bakery, walking tacos, plus a few delicious classics!
🎯 Carnival Games
Step right up and test your luck at a variety of fun carnival games and win some awesome prizes!
📸 Photo Booth
Capture the night with a themed photo booth, courtesy of Shop Local Market.
🖼️ Silent Auction
Place your bids to win unique arts experiences, luxury items, and incredible local artworks (keep scrolling to preview now).
Jaw-dropping live performances
Silent Auction
An incredible collection of works by some of Houston’s most talented visual artists with bids starting at $300
Curated with support from our gallery partners FLATS and Heidi Vaughan Fine Art
Magnificent costume attire
Embrace the playful spirit of The Carni-Ball with a full-blown Carnival Chic Costume or simply put your creative twist on classic cocktail attire. Whether you’re channeling a glamorous ringmaster or curious freakshow, bring your vintage carnival vibes and be ready to dazzle under the big top! Need inspiration? Click here to check out our Pinterest board!
Honoring local arts champions
Originally from Versailles, France, Mr D. was inspired to begin creating art at the age of 14 by the American Pop Art and Graffiti movement. He migrated to the United States in 1998 and soon launched his company Eyeful Art, which is now a driving force behind Houston’s vibrant public art scene. By collaborating with educators, designers, and city planners, Eyeful Art not only enhances Houston’s visual landscape but also fosters self-expression, inspires students, and champions street art as a powerful tool for connection and social dialogue.
From their origins as an informal gathering hosted by late founder Shane Patrick Boyle in 1993, Zine Fest Houston (ZFH) has grown into Texas’s largest and longest-running event dedicated to promoting zines, mini-comics, and other forms of small press, alternative, underground, DIY media and art. The goal is for attendees to discover new zines, and be inspired to create their own DIY art and media projects. ZFH is currently organized by Patrick Brooks, María-Elisa Heg, Anastasia Kirages, and Ruben Ramires.
Event Sponsors
See our most recent gala: The Wonder Ball (2024)
Fresh Arts’ 2024 Gala Took Guests Down the Rabbit Hole of Houston’s Vibrant Arts & Culture. Fresh Arts, a nonprofit that empowers local artists through its resources, skill-building programs, and community connections, hosted its 2024 gala, The Wonder Ball, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Silver Street Studios. Attendees were dazzled by extraordinary performances, breathtaking decor, and a lively dance party. Proceeds raised from the gala went towards annual operating funds. Read more | View photos
Sign up to volunteer
THE CARNI-BALL benefiting Fresh Arts
Saturday, March 29, 2025
The Garage HTX
1201 Oliver St #106, Houston, TX 77007
Carni-Ball Host Committee
Mehek Ahmed
Ruth Sosa Bailey
Lindsey + Jeff Boudreaux
Hannah Bull
Carla Lyles
Leandre Douglas
Laura Drey
Tony Evans
Nick Gaitan
Ryan O Harris
Ezrah Hezekiah
Chris Pinon
Chris Thomas
Charles Scott
Fresh Arts Board of Directors
Jackie Staple | President
Austin Thomas | Vice-President
Bob Card | Secretary
Andrea Downs | Treasurer
Marita Fairbanks | Founder
Kendahl Bermudez
Faith Cisneros
Sean Collins
Sha Davis
Ericka De Leon
Adam Faust
Jocelyn Gutierrez
Elsa Mendoza
For over 20 years, Fresh Arts has provided Houston artists of all disciplines with opportunities, resources, and tools to create art, advance their careers, serve the public, and support their own livelihoods. Our programs highlight and empower traditionally underrepresented artists, connect communities, make the arts more accessible for all, and foster a thriving arts ecosystem in Houston.
All proceeds from The Carni-Ball will directly fund Fresh Arts’ 2025 operating expenses and year-round artist services which are essential to sustaining Houston’s thriving art community. These programs and services include commissions for public art projects, professional training workshops for artists, fiscal sponsorship for artist-led projects, a six-week artist residency, an online resource library and opportunity board, a weekly newsletter promoting local artist-led events, and more.