Edge Life

The Cindi Rose of Texas: When a socialite's silhouette is not quite what itappears

Governor Rick Perry posed for a silhouette in October during a visit to theRose's home
Artwork using her Mother's cookware, a remembrance after she passed away.
Photo by Matthew Williams
A series of Cindi's cast bronze faces welcome visitors to the Rose's home
Photo by Matthew Williams
Cindi's paintings are on display throughout her home, most have faces as acentral theme
Photo by Matthew Williams
A pottery piece created by Cindi...another study of the human profile
Photo by Matthew Williams
Cindi's silhouette of Dr. Michael Debakey from the 1980s, Houston'sworld-renowned cardiac surgeon, innovator, scientist, educator, and statesman
Photo by Matthew Williams
President Obama posed for a silhouette as he faced his own kind of change
Photo by Matthew Williams
Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Cindi with a fresh portrait during a get together lastmonth
Portraits of the Rose family: photographs accompanied by silhouettes
Photo by Matthew Williams
Soft layered colors shape breasts as landscaped hills and valleys
Photo by Matthew Williams
Plastic doll faces embrace in a sculpture of melted toys from a girlhood past
Photo by Matthew Williams
A news article decades ago chronicling a young Cindi's passionate discovery ofsilhouette art
Photo by Matthew Williams
Outside her studio, Cindi continues to celebrate her art with a playful toss ofthat day's work
Photo by Matthew Williams

Edge Life is a periodic CultureMap column that chronicles unusual people with uncommon passion. People out on that thin ridge of life where not many of us have the courage, conviction or will to reach — let alone stay.

Fellow CultureMapper: "She cuts silhouettes"

Me [snarky and dismissive]: "Huh? Uhhmmm...pass"

Fellow CultureMapper: "She has the world's record as the fastest silhouette..."

Me [interrupting]: "Dude, I'm hanging up"

Fellow CultureMapper: "She uses it to raise money for charities — good causes and all that."

Me [sighing]: "Fine, fine, I don't see it as 'Edge Life', but I'll give her a call."

So I called Cindi Harwood Rose, Houston's professed and obsessed silhouette artist — a passion spanning 40 years, with as stated, a world record in cutting more individual human silhouettes in one hour (144 to be exact) than anyone else on the planet.

Indeed, over the phone, Ms. Rose recounted celebrities, politicians and other notables and a list of charitable events that through her silhouette art have produced a fair and worthy mass of social good. Of course, one brief phone conversation was not enough for me to decide if she qualified for Edge Life.

I had to get past the obvious: an attractive well-to-do socialite (a label she summarily rejects); wife of renowned plastic surgeon Franklin Rose; and mother to a son, Ben, and daughter, Erica, Houston's celebrated reality TV star and recent guest of Dr. Phil along with Cindi.

"How about lunch at my house?" she offered. Owing it to readers of this column, I accepted in search of a story.

----------------------

"I don't eat out often" she told me as we munched a fresh, uber-healthy lunch prepared in her Iron Chef of a kitchen. "I just enjoy cooking so much that I prefer dining at home."

And it showed, our lunch could have been served by any of Houston's finer restaurants; with seasonings that only come from a true joie de vie for cooking.

Fortified and with small talk quickly turning to real, we toured the house, stopping at her artworks ... a series of waypoints navigating to the inner artist of Cindi Rose. As we walked and talked, I wondered if this was a well-worn path: perhaps her standard house tour? Or was she opening herself up to me with trust and sincerity?

All the while I struggled to mute the art critic in me wanting to comment on the quality of her art. The temptation that comes from artists sharing their works for all to see and surmise ... where we all fancy ourselves as experts.

Mind you, this was not a tour of the thousands of silhouettes she has created in her lifetime: Rich, antique black paper cutouts of the likes of Elvis and Liberace to just last month Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Texas Governor Rick Perry, who the Roses entertained in their home.

On the contrary, it was a display of paintings, sculptures, pottery and other works she has produced since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Fine Arts; further influenced by study at institutions in Paris, Aspen and New York City.

For every piece of artwork, she offered a detailed story describing its meaning and the inspiration behind it. Testimonies to the people, places and things she wished to memorialize within the confines of her Houston home. But neither an artist displaying her life's work nor talking about its meaning is unusual.

What did strike me as unusual about the artwork of Cindi Harwoord Rose was in what it did and did not reflect. It reflected a desire and discipline to express herself — the process to "be" an artist. Yet that desire was not reflected by any coherent artistic identity in her works; only emulations of others.

But again, this is not unusual. All artists emulate styles as a way of finding their own. It is a normal part of any artist's journey.

I shared my observation with Cindi who paused and contemplated it for a moment. Without defensiveness or insult, she confided that cutting silhouettes may well be a comfort zone for her; not just because of what she says is a "God given" talent, but because of the deep, personal satisfaction she gets from using it to promote the Rose Ribbon Foundation, an institution established in 1997 that provides free reconstructive surgery to post-cancer patients who are not able to afford health insurance.

Hearing her say this made me wonder if for a while now, her dedication to this larger cause has come at some personal sacrifice to her artistic journey.

"Holly was my inspiration," she told me.

When her sister, Holly Harwood Skolkin, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer (too late for a mastectomy) in 1997, Cindi was inspired by Holly's will to fight, a will that has continued for 13 years. From this grew Cindi's desire to help other women fight breast cancer with special recognition of the importance of their feeling complete to the success of such a fight.

As Holly told me during a phone interview, "when a person has a life threatening illness, it makes your priorities crystal clear. It's not like you want to climb Kilimanjaro or anything, you just want to be with loved ones and feel normal."

Fair enough I thought and since Holly's ordeal launched a foundation to help others like her, I wanted to talk to someone whose life has been impacted by it.

I tracked down Teresa Marroquin, one of many cancer survivors who has received help from the Rose Ribbon Foundation. She told me that "when you finish cancer treatment you are happy and thankful to still be alive, but every time you are in front of a mirror and look at your body you feel frustrated by what has happened ... your life changes."

Marroquin went on to explain that "you cannot even wear a swim suit or a party dress with confidence ... the Rose Ribbon Foundation gave me a new body and helped me build my self esteem."

Let me confess: the original seduction of this story was to assess Ms. Rose's rigor as an artist. As some kind of self-qualified judge, I would decide if she was pursuing her art with an edge worthy of writing about. After meeting her, I realized that I was looking for the wrong edge.

It goes like this: Ms. Rose continues to do this work when in fact she could do anything else or nothing much at all. And for me or anyone else to assess her motivation misses the point that like her art, the silhouette of Cindi Rose is cut from her shapes as an artist, wife, mother, socialite and philanthropist.

So it is the layering of all these shapes that I think do in fact come together to produce her edge: one where for decades now, she, through her foundation, has helped women find normalcy in a suddenly terrifying and abnormal world.

On this I give her sister Holly the last word, "after so many years of battling cancer with Cindi and her family by my side the whole way, I know how beautiful and loving she is in her heart ... this is the Cindi I know."

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weekend event planner

These are the 15 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio is celebrating his 60th birthday on Thursday.

With Christmas season in full swing, Houstonians have the opportunity to attend many joyous events, including holiday markets, theater shows, and Lights in the Heights.

The stunning new Ismaili Center makes its debut, and Astros legend Craig Biggio will celebrate his 60th birthday. Record collectors have two opportunities to search for treasures. Without further ado, here are this weekend’s best events:

Thursday, December 11

Lindsey Leigh Jewelry presents Sparkle Market 2025
Lindsey Leigh Jewelry announces the return of its beloved Sparkle Market — a three-day holiday shopping event that celebrates community, creativity, and all things that shine. This year’s Sparkle Market promises an unforgettable experience, filled with local vendors and plenty of holiday cheer. Before the shopping on Friday and Saturday, it starts with a ticketed VIP night, where guests will enjoy first access to all vendors, cocktails, light bites, and exclusive swag bags. 5 pm (10 am Friday and Saturday).

Marriott Marquis Houston presents Craig Biggio's 60th Birthday Bash
Marriott Marquis Houston will present an evening celebrating Houston's legendary Craig Biggio with the man himself. Guests can enjoy a night filled with fun, laughter, and cherished memories as they raise a glass with Biggio. There will be appetizers, drinks, and a bourbon tasting. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Sunshine Kids, one of Biggio’s favorite charities, dedicated to bringing joy to children with cancer. 6:30 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Very Merry Pops"
Houston’s biggest holiday spectacle returns with performances by Ali Stroker, the Houston Symphony, and a merry chorus. Houston’s treasured holiday tradition continues to deliver magical holiday cheer, 26 years and counting. Featuring sparkling decorations, your favorite carols, and a special visit from Santa, this concert delivers instant holiday cheer. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

Friday, December 12

Queensbury Theatre presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
The classic animated special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life in this faithful stage adaptation, where Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang discover the true meaning of Christmas. First staged two years ago at Queensbury, the show will welcome several cast members back for this production, including Marco Camacho as Charlie, Austin Colburn as Linus, and Lauren Salazar as Lucy. Through Sunday, December 21. 7 pm (2 and 7 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

Punch Line Houston presents Bob The Drag Queen
The alter ego of non-binary comic/actor Caldwell Tidicue, Bob The Drag Queen won the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar'' on season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Through her work on We’re Here, HBO’s first unscripted show, Bob has been awarded a Peabody Award, GLAAD Media Award, and a Television Academy Honors recognition. She also won a Queerty Award as well as another GLAAD Media Award for the podcast Sibling Rivalry, which she co-hosts with Monet X Change. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm Saturday).

Theatre Under the Stars presents Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Inspired by the iconic 1954 film, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a dazzling Broadway musical packed with show-stopping numbers, heartwarming romance, and timeless holiday cheer. Two charismatic army buddies turned song-and-dance sensations team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a Vermont inn - and find love along the way. The production features Berlin’s unforgettable classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the show-stopping “White Christmas.” Through December 24. 8 pm (2 and 8 pm Saturday; 2 and 7:30 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 13

Coma Salon and Team Savage presents Autry Park Holiday Toy Drive & Car Showcase
Coma Salon will host a holiday toy drive/Coffee & Cars event at Autry Park Plaza. More than 70 luxury and exotic cars will be on display, with appearances from fan-favorite Houston car collective Team Savage, known for its high-performance vehicles and community engagement. In lieu of purchasing tickets, guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped toy donations, all of which will be delivered to The JuCan Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children battling cancer at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital. 8 am.

Ismaili Center Public Opening Event
The Ismaili Center, Houston officially opens its doors with a day of family-friendly programming and cultural experiences. Guests can explore levels 1-3 of the 150,000-square-foot center, where they will experience dance performances, live music, art installations and other cultural activities. Guides will be stationed throughout to share more information about the Center’s architecture, spaces and cultural significance. Visitors will enjoy exploring the nine acres of gardens and culinary delights from local food trucks and a hot chocolate bar. 9 am.

The Union Kitchen presents Santa Brunch
The Union Kitchen is hosting a Santa Brunch at all five Houston-area locations. Guests can enjoy seasonal holiday dishes and the full brunch menu as well as receive complimentary photos with Santa from 11 am – 1 pm. Additionally, Houstonians can bring unwrapped new toys and Walmart, Target, or Amazon gift cards to any location to benefit Casa de Esperanza. It’s the perfect way for Houstonians to enjoy a magical holiday morning while also giving back to local children in need. Through Thursday, January 1. 10 am.

OMG! Burger Galleria Location Grand Opening Celebration
Family-owned burger brand OMG! Burger will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location, right in the heart of the Galleria. The Westheimer location will kick off with special promotions, including complimentary smash burgers for the first fifty customers; 50% off orders from 11 am to 3 pm & 6 pm until sell-out; and raffle giveaways throughout the day, with OMG! Burger gift cards ranging from $5 to $100. 11 am.

Creo presents Lights in the Heights Warmup
Join creative wellness space Creo for its Lights in the Heights neighborhood warm up! They’ll have wine tasting room everywine pouring glasses of their favorite selects, plus take away bottle packages to ensure the lights aren't the only thing that’s lit. They’ll also have a courtyard full of local makers, food, matcha, and a live set from Ruckus. Creo will also have 10% off every purchase from their mercantile. 3 pm.

Sunday, December 14

Houston Record Convention and Houston Record Swap
You have two opportunities this weekend to attend a wall-to-wall record market and get some last-minute LP gifts for you and/or those vinylheads in your life. You can start your morning by heading to GSH Event Center for the last Houston Record Convention of the year. Later in the afternoon, you can bounce over to Axelrad Beer Garden for its last Houston Record Swap of the year. Either way, you are certain to find the licorice pizza you’ve been looking for. 10 am and 2 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Studio Ghibli Anime Favorites
The MFAH will be showing two classic Hayao Miyazaki adventures – in glorious 35mm! First up is Spirited Away, the 2001 fantasy masterwork that won the second Oscar for Best Animated Feature. This will be followed by Kiki’s Delivery Service, the 1989 coming-of-age story about a resourceful young witch who uses her broom to create a delivery service, only to lose her gift of flight in a moment of self-doubt. 2 and 6 pm.

I’ll Have What She’s Having presents Good Soup Cook Off
The local nonprofit that’s focused on improving health care access for hospitality workers will hold a soup cook off at Axelrad Beer Garden. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite creation from more than a dozen contestants. A panel of judges will also pick its own winner. 6:30 pm.

River Oaks Theatre presents The Magic Before Christmas – A Holiday Magic Show
Join Dave and Jake Rangel, Houston’s favorite father-and-son magic duo, as they weave illusion, laughter, and heartfelt storytelling into an unforgettable evening that captures the true spirit of the season. Expect miracles wrapped in mistletoe, mind-reading beneath the lamplight, and the warmth of candlelit tales that remind us all to “honor Christmas in your heart and try to keep it all the year.” 7:30 pm.

10 things to know about America's first Ismaili Center opening in Houston

Photo courtesy of Craig Biggio

Craig Biggio is celebrating his 60th birthday on Thursday.

event-planner weekend events