Party Watch
Fresh Arts supporters have a sweet time at Gum Ball in crazy Candyland fashion
What: The Gum Ball: A Willy Wonka Themed Gala.
Where: 115 Hyde Park Blvd.
The 411: Houston's arts community had a sweet time at the Fresh Arts gala centered around the legendary Willy Wonka chocolate factory. A Montrose party space was turned into Candyland with oversized lollipops, gumball machines and sweet treats from Candylicious and Bite Macarons, along with plenty of light bites from Phoenicia Specialty Foods and libations from Dripping Springs, Demetrio Tequila and SlimRita. DJs A Fistful of Soul kept the music going, with performances by burlesque dancers Tifa Tittlywinks and Emma D’Lemma and avant garde opera singer and performance artist Amanda Gregory.
Guests got into the spirit of the occasion, dressing in cotton-candy colored wigs, oversized Willy Wonka hats and tuxedos dotted with gumdrops. Among the fashion standouts were Nancy Wozny in a cocktail dress festooned with lollipops in intricate patterns, and Vivian Wise in a leopard print Alexander McQueen dress and hot pink hat.
The gala raised nearly $100,000 for Fresh Arts, an organization dedicated to strengthening the sustainability and vibrancy of Houston’s arts scene.