Fresh Arts Coalition's recent Spring Forward party brought out its members in full force for a balmy evening of cocktails and conversation on Canopy's open-air patio. The 25-member Coalition of small and mid-size arts organizations is in growth mode, with an expanded staff, vision and visibility.

"Since Spring is the time when our members roll out their seasons, it seemed an ideal time to come together and share information," says Ian Garrett, Fresh Arts' new executive director.

Members plugged their upcoming shows, talked shop and got better acquainted with Garrett, who took over the helm in late December. "We did a Cultured Cocktails when I first got here, but now I've been here long enough to have done something," quips Garrett, who relocated to Houston from Los Angeles for the position.

They also had a chance to meet the newest member of the staff, Meghan Hendley, the new membership coordinator. Hendley, a former reporter for KUHF's The Front Row, is charged up about her new role.

"I've known Houston's art community over the years, but it's great to meet with members face to face," Hendley says. "There's nothing like that human connection."

With Hendley joining Garrett and program coordinator Candace Kizer, Fresh Arts' shop of one has grown to three. "The staff has recently tripled in size," Garrett says. "It's essential for people to see us as a team now."

The arteratti partied until well into the night at the fave Montrose eatery. In the crowd, consisting of representatives of 18 different groups, were Kirk Markley of Catastrophic Theatre, Trish Rigdon of Cinema Arts Festival and Mildred's Umbrella Theater Co., Jennifer Wood and Vipul DiVecha of Suchu Dance, Jeff Bowen of Blaffer Gallery, Zachary Doss of Mildred's, Rebecca Green Udden and Andrew Ruthven of Main Street Theater, film writer Regina Scruggs and CultureMap prez Nic Phillips.

In a short period of time Garrett has already put his mark on the organization and has some changes coming down the Fresh Arts pike soon.

"We are revamping Friends of Fresh Arts to allow individuals access to our members through discounts and other perks," Garrett says. "Some of the changes are more conceptual. We don't want to talk about Fresh Arts without its members."