Save the date for February 25th and join event chairs Kimberly + James Bell, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson + John Domolky, Jennifer + Blake Perrin, and Karla Modesto + Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau at one of the most notoriously lively events of the year.
In true Fresh Arts form, the annual “Ball” combines an immersive atmosphere, over-the-top outfits, creative cocktails (shaken, not stirred!), delectable bites from local restaurants, and fantastic arts entertainment featuring exciting performances and a stellar silent art auction – showcasing 50+ of Houston’s most dynamic emerging and established artists.
As a new Underwriter benefit, this year’s Ball will include a new VIP Red Carpet Experience from 7-8pm that you won’t want to miss!
Proceeds from the annual gala benefit Fresh Arts programs and operations raising key funding that strengthens our city’s arts community by championing the vibrant creatives who make it all possible. Your support of the THUNDER BALL funds career-building for local artists and connects them to new audiences through free and accessible exhibitions, public art, and performances that benefit the entire Houston community.
Additionally, your donation supports our ability to recover from the Winter Street Studios firebombing which has resulted in the temporary loss of our work space. We are actively working to support the 100+ artists that were also impacted, many of whom lost years of artwork and supplies.
More than just the best art party in town, the annual Ball funds Fresh Arts programs that strengthen the Houston arts community by supporting the artists who create it. Fresh Arts’ annual Ball also highlights local arts champions who embody the empowerment of Houston’s artists and creatives.
Performing arts and community advocate Jorge Garza is an internationally renowned operatic tenor, Owner/President of GARZA STUDIOS, and Founder of Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus. GARZA STUDIOS houses professionally equipped performance spaces that create opportunities for arts education and expression in a neighborhood traditionally underrepresented in Houston’s artistic landscape. Segundo Barrio Children’s Chorus is Houston’s first bi-lingual children’s chorus, whose mission is to enrich the lives of children and families in the Second Ward and East End District through music. In addition to his community work, Garza continues to travel the world as an award-winning performer.
Art and philanthropy power-duo Dana and Taft McWhorter have been living an #artlife for the past 15 years. While Taft is the artist, Dana and Taft run the logistics of the business as a team. A main focus of their business is serving their community through philanthropy. Through donating artwork, the dynamic duo has raised just shy of a million dollars for local charities. With a heart for supporting artists, the couple founded The Seekers, an artist collective and spring board for emerging artists. Dana and Taft recently published a book titled “50 Artists Houston” spotlighting the local art scene.
Benefiting Fresh Arts
Saturday, February 25, 2023 | 8pm – 12am
VIP Red Carpet Experience: 7PM
@ Silver Street Studios
2000 Edwards Street | Houston, TX 77007
Kimberly + James Bell
Kaleta Blaffer Johnson + John Domolky
Karla Modesto + Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau
Jennifer + Blake Perrin
Ahshia Berry + Sarah Jayne Smith / Magpies & Peacocks
Katie + AJ Brass
Leon Brener
Kristen and David Buck
Stephanie + Ernie Cockrell
Claudia + Roberto Contreras
Marita + JB Fairbanks
Whitney Hart & Jean Paul Capin
Travis Hedemann
Isabelle Kafarela + James Engel
Kathy + Matthew Kelley
Gretchen + Andrew McFarland
Harry McMahan
Edgar Medina + Brandon Buras
Andrea Parker
James Phalen
Nadia Rasouli & Jonathan Aron
Lutfi Rukab
Lily + Jonathan Schnitzer
Jackie Staple + Adam Russ
Kathryn & Colby Swain
Austin Thomas
Laura + Michael Umansky
Ann and Richard Vaughan
Rassul Zarinfar
Tina + Josh Zulu
Fresh Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
For the past 20 years, Fresh Arts has empowered Houston artists and creatives of all disciplines through programs that build knowledge, amplify local resources, and connect communities.
Our programs include fiscal sponsorship for artist-led projects, resource and information sharing via our Artist Opportunity Board, Artist Resource Library, Toolkits, and Podcast, career-building and mentorship support through our workshops, panel conversations, and 8-week Artist INC seminar, innovative project development through the Space Taking Artist Residency, and public art projects through our management of Arts District Houston.
PO Box 66494 Houston, TX 77266 | angela@fresharts.org
Empowering Artists +
Connecting Communities
Tuesday – Thursday:
10AM – 5PM
Closed all major holidays + the last 2 weeks in December.
Appointments Required.
Contact a team member to schedule an appointment.
Mailing address:
PO Box 66494
Houston, TX 77266
Office address (CLOSED due to Winter Street fire)
2101 Winter Street, #C1, Houston, TX 77007
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