I Know Somebody Houston: Women Networking Dream

On Thursday, January 19, I was honored to attend another meeting of I Know Somebody Houston. I've been a member of this group for about two years and always get a boost when attending their meetings. I Know Somebody Houston is a womens networking group founded by Elizabeth Pudwill who saw a need for women to network together on a regular basis, support, empower and inspire each other in business and everyday living. Its a great way to professionally connect with other women in the Houston community.

The meeting last Thursday was held at Thinking Girls Boutique, 1570 S. Dairy Ashford, Houston. Its a lovely little spot featuring clothing, make-up, skin care, jewelry, books and other accessories every professional woman needs. The speaker for the evening was Tracie Jae. An introspective guide. Tracie lead us in a workshop designed to create clarity in our lives. It was a fabulous exercise in introspection and just taking five minutes to think about where my life is headed personally was just the thing I needed since I'm going through this transition with opening a new business and moving on in my life professionally.

The workshop was well attended and we have a very good discussion about where each of us were headed with our lives and how sitting back and contemplating our lives for just five minutes in silence helped clarify our goals. I look forward to seeing the group again at the next workshop.

For more information on I Know Somebody Houston see http://www.iknowsomebodyhouston.com

For more information on Thinking Girls Boutique see http://www.thinkinggirlsboutique.com

For more information on Tracie Jae see http://www.traciejae.com

Pictures by Ana Khan Dorante

City ArtWorks Celebrates 35 Years

In the early 1980s, budgets were cut on public education throughout the country. When the budget is cut, withdrawing important elements in our children' education is soon to follow. It has been a pattern that plays out across our country every few years. Budgets get cut, classes get cut, education gets cut and soon there is no art, no music, no physical education and we find the education of our children is down to bare bones and not quite adequate. Children need a well-rounded educations in a variety of subjects in order to thrive in this world, and one of the most important element is creativity. Hands on art classes are essential in the development of children. Hand eye coordination, critical thinking, and historical study are just some of the benefits visual arts practices have when educating. A group of teachers recognized this and didn't just complain but decided to do something. They saw an opportunity to allow kids to learn visual art in an after-school program and thus formed City Artworks.

City Artworks is now one of Houston's premier after-school programs for the visual arts, serving children pre-K to 6^th grade.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the executive director of City ArtWorks, Margaret Bott. Margaret told me about their various programs for youngsters in the greater metro area, including Art After School for K-6 grades, Start Smart (Pre-K) and Sculpture & Clay programs.  These programs are conducted at schools, apartment complexes, and other facilities. City Artworks also features art camps during times when children are out of school at their Spring Branch facility – winter, spring and summer breaks.

Margaret explained that the lesson plans are written by a team of artists and art teachers with the guidance of a program coordinator. Each lesson focuses on a famous artist, generally one whose work can be found in one of several museums in Houston. Then the children use some element from the famous artist to be inspired and create their own art-piece using some element from the lesson learned about the renown artist.

City Artworks can be found in over 50 locations within the greater Houston area. They employ 35+ artists, as well as an office staff.

If you want more information about City ArtWorks, to sign your child up for a class, more information on becoming an instructor or would just like to make a donation to an awesome local 501(c)3 organization, see www.cityartworks.org.

Galveston Continues to Have Fun with ArtWalk!

On January 14, 2017, Galveston Texas came alive with artists and art lovers alike, walking the streets, enjoying live music, sipping wine and perusing galleries, antique shops, pubs, clothing stores, restaurants, and other various walls along the route.

Galveston has a fabulous arts districts that continues to grow better every year. In the Art Lofts on Market Street and 23^rd, there is a new space called The Proletariat Gallery & Public House at street level, which is a great jumping off point when participating in art walk. I found a fabulous exhibition of artwork by local tattoo artists including renown artists Catfish, Chuck Jones, and more.

Moving down 23^rd St. I stopped in Affair D'Art, a local artists co-op gallery. Many great names are showing there, Christian Perkins, Jim Adams, Marilyn Lowry, Rona Lesser, Maria Hart, just to name a few.

I then crossed 23^rd to visit a new place called Art from the Heart featuring artwork by Kelly Halbach, Shirley Scarpetta, David Mortensen, Rose West and more as well as live music and refreshments. This is a lovely spot with nice rooms for each artist to showcase their works.

Then I decided to have a stroll down Postoffice Street where I popped into Ray Heard Gallery where I found a very interesting artist, new to the area and directly from Hawaii, Ricky Pa, and his wood batik creations.

I wondered into Design Works and met the owners of the gallery Elisabeth and Stephen Lanier. This is a very interesting upscale design gallery where they feature top artists from around the USA.

After walking down the street a little more, sticking my nose into several other spaces, like the Galveston Art Guild gallery, it was already going on ten and time to drive back to Houston. ArtWalk in Galveston is still a perfectly romantic evening, fog rolling in off the water, sea breeze, and heightened senses.

The next Galveston ArtWalk is scheduled for March 4, 2017 beginning at 6pm.

Chimney Rock Market Kicks Off 2017!

Sean and Mary Connell are to be congratulated on the success of the first ever Chimney Rock Market, located at 3300 Chimney Rock, Houston on January 8, 2017, 10am - 3pm. This is a new outdoor market this will feature local artists, crafters, artisan food producers, and creatives from all over the area each first Sunday of the month in 2017. The first market day was a huge success. Proceeds from the first market day went to benefit Forgotten Dogs of the 5^th Ward Project and is organized by Sean and Mary Connell, owners of Sean Anthony Salons also at this location. The Connells raised $800 for the dogs this month. Other shelters and pet organizations in the Greater Houston area will be the beneficiaries of the market in coming months.

Despite the 30 degree weather, vendors showed up bright and early. The sun shone on this hardy group setting up their canopies and displays on the bone chilling temperature. As the day progressed, the air warmed and visitors stopped by to visit the vendors, sample food from the food truck, enjoy the sunshine and pick up a variety of fabulous items. Vendors hawked good such as baked goods, oil & vinegar, candles, soaps, books, artwork, jams & jellies, pet treats, leather goods, glass art, paintings, photography, and custom made t-shirts.

It's inspiring to see people come together to support such a great cause as a dog rescue. One dog was present in the cool weather. She was up for adoption and the rescue group would pay for the extensive health care costs require for the dogs recovery from abuse. Stray dogs are a huge problem in Houston. Every dollar of support for these organizations are greatly appreciated and needed. Please support your local shelter today and consider fostering or adopting a pet from a shelter.