Shelby's Social Diary

Grey's Anatomy star returns to Houston to reveal Medal of Arts winners and tout Texas clout

As one of the inaugural Texas Medal of Arts honorees, it was fitting that Emmy Award-winning choreographer and actress Debbie Allen returned to hometown Houston on Tuesday to join the Texas Cultural Trust in announcing its 2013 honorees.

Taking a break from her role in Grey's Anatomy, for which she directed this season's third episode, Allen told the gathering at Houston Ballet Center for Dance that with these awards, "Texas is acknowledging and claiming the diaspora of great talent that has gone out of Texas and is making a difference in the world."

Saluting the impact of arts worldwide, Allen said, "The most powerful diplomacy we have is cultural diplomacy."

Setting for announcement of the awards, which will be presented at a two-day event in Austin in March, could not have been more appropriate as Houston Ballet was named Dance Award honoree. Ballet executive director Jim Nelson welcomed the gathering of local and statewide cultural leaders.

"The most powerful diplomacy we have is cultural diplomacy."

In addition to Houston Ballet, award recipients are Dallas' Gene Jones and Charlotte Jones Anderson honored with the Individual Arts Patron Award, the Kimball Arts Foundation with the Foundation Arts Patron Award, Texas Monthly with the Corporate Arts Patron award, Big Thought/Gigi Antoni with the Arts Education Award, James Surls with the Visual Arts Award, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams of Greater Tuna fame with the Theatre Award, Steve Miller with the Music Award and Desperate Housewives' Ricardo Chavira with the Television/Film Award.

Kelli Blanton and Marita Fairbanks, chairs of the March festivities, joined Patricia Dewhurst, Awards honorary chair and Texas Cultural Trust board member, in the program.

Notables in the luncheon gathering included the Alley Theater's Gregory Boyd and Dean Gladden, artist Jesus Moroles, The Art Guys, Houston Arts Alliance CEO Jonathon Glus, HoustonPBS' Ernie Manouse, the Mayor's assistant for cultural affairs Minnette Boesel, Eddy Blanton, Merrill and Joe Hafner, Phoebe Tudor, Philamena Baird, Isabel David, Jennifer Roosth, Patsy Chapman and Philamena Baird.

009, Texas Medal of Arts luncheon, January 2013, Shara Fryer, Grace Kelly

Photo by © Michelle Watson CultureMapSNAP.com

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Jolly & Jazzy

Fashion Santa brings holiday swagger to Texas Children’s party

Texas Childrens Ambassadors holiday party 2024

Photo by Johnny Than for Jenny Antill

Eric and Courtney Hass; Lane and Chita Craft; Lauren and Curtis Cox.

Fashion Santa in the house, y’all, and that’s something to be jolly for. Because everyone wants that stylish fellow as an accessory for end-of-year selfies.

Photo by Johnny Than for Jenny Antill

Eric and Courtney Hass; Lane and Chita Craft; Lauren and Curtis Cox.

The surprise, surely transported by magic reindeer — or perhaps via luxury chopper? — courtesy of event chair Lauren Fertitta and her husband, Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, added another celeb sighting for the Ambassadors for Texas Children’s Houston Holiday Party at The Post Oak Hotel.

The December gathering swept into a whimsical winter wonderland, complete with sleigh bells, carols by the Houston Children’s Chorus, and enchanting decor by Richard Flowers and The Events Company, who brought “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to life with spirited vignettes.

Holiday revelers indulged in culinary marvels ranging from cider-brined turkey to sushi and sashimi stations, followed by desserts at Bouchée, the hotel’s patisserie. A wine-tasting masterclass, led by master sommelier Julie Dalton, delighted oenophiles with perfectly paired vintages from Italy and France.

In the spirit of giving, guests decorated a towering Christmas tree with ornaments hand-painted by young Texas Children’s patients. Each $100 donation placed an ornament on the tree, later returned to its creator with holiday magic in tow. Funds raised will benefit the Nursing Talent and Education Program, empowering the next generation of caregivers at Texas Children’s. Special appearances by Texas Children’s Pawsitive Play pups, Lawton and Melman, added extra warmth to an already heartwarming fete.

Seen were Dr. Debra Sukin, Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Dr. Michael Belfort, Jackie Ward, Nicole and Evan Katz, Victoria and Aaron Bludorn, Collier and Richard Blades, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Chita and Lane Craft, Jen and Ben Fink, Jennifer and Matt Girotto, Suzanne and Harry Grant, Disney and Max Harris, Willie Alexander, Martha Carnes, Earl Cummings, Anthony DeLuca, Nancy Gordon, Ronald Hulme, and Carolyn Sabat.

fundraisers texas children's hospital