On the way up

Critical art mingling: CAMH's The Studio gets edgy at Colton & Farb

Photo by Kennon Evett
Photo by Kennon Evett
Photo by Kennon Evett
Photo by Kennon Evett
Photo by Kennon Evett
Photo by Kennon Evett

The creative class convened within the halls of the North Boulevard Colton & Farb Gallery on Wednesday evening for the opening of the exhibition, Mixing the Medium. The wintery mixer was hosted by Contemporary Arts Museum Houston startup art patrons group, The Studio.

The show on view is the curatorial creation of The Studio co-chairs Philip Beck and Philip Berry. Their emphasis is on local artists on the way up — such Colton & Farb-repped talents (many in attendance at the fête) as Katy Anderson and Patrick Medrano, Roberto Del Rio, Paul Horn, Michael Meazell, Angelbert Metoyer and Mary Ann Strandell. Philip²have curated an exhibition that takes a critical eye to pop culture and the study of the subconscious.

"We wanted to find artists that touched on edgier issues that we thought would be culturally relevant to those interested in The Studio group," Berry tells CultureMap. The YHAs (Young Houston Artists) on view relate to The Studio's raison d'être: provide a forum for enhancing art literacy to a diverse audience. "We want to encourage people to get involved in contemporary art, whether through collecting, volunteering or creating on their own terms," Berry says.

Mixing the Medium derives its name from the broad spectrum of materials used by the artists on view.

"Art isn't what it traditionally used to be," Berry says. "In the show you'll see not only painting, but also assemblage, video and sound pieces and works that are digitally fabricated."

Houston's next generation of collectors savored the visual feast while sipping drinks provided by Hudson Ferus Vodka and Republic Tequila. Seen galavanting in the galleries were The Studio steering committee members Caroline Starry LeBlanc, CTRL Gallery maestro Bryan Miller and CultureMap's own Nic Philips.

Mixing the Medium is on view through March 5.

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Spritzed With Style

Houston charity’s Pearls of Wisdom gala is a real gem of a night

Photo by Andy Phan

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

Some came for the Aperol Spritz, others for the cause, and all left a little more hopeful.

Photo by Andy Phan

Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn and David Guion.

On a lively evening at River Oaks Country Club, guests gathered for Vita Living’s annual Pearls of Wisdom gala, where community, compassion, and a splash of Italian flair came together for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Chaired by Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux, and Bryan P. Smith, the evening began with a color-splashed cocktail hour, where attendees mingled in vibrant attire, sipping spritzes and eyeing a meticulously curated silent auction. Among the standout items were a six-night escape to a riverfront condo near Beaver Creek (courtesy of Doug Dawson), a luxury three-night getaway to Chablé Yucatán Chocholá (thank you, Chablé), and a striking aluminum-mounted photograph, Golden Koi by Joe C. Aker, gleaming with texture and motion.

Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the program with warmth and wit. Joseph Cooper, Vita Living CEO, delivered the invocation before passing the mic to the evening’s co-chairs for special remarks. Guests then watched a moving video introduced by Myrla Menn and Beth and John Hoffman, which offered an intimate look at the lives changed by Vita Living’s services.

The live auction helmed with high energy by Johnny Bravo Entertainment brought gala-goers to their feet, paddles flying in support of the nonprofit’s essential work. But the night didn’t end with dinner and donations. Supporters lingered and celebrated with a late-night gelato bar and warm camaraderie.

Founded in 1982, Vita Living has grown from a single home created by founder Renée Wallace for her son to a network of 20 group homes across Houston. The organization’s case management program serves more than 300 children and adults across seven counties.

This year’s record-breaking total — $207,000 raised — underscores the community’s growing commitment to supporting inclusive care and lifelong dignity.

Among the 300 present were Kara Willis, Charcole Santiago, Peter and Krystyna Cawthorne, Jim Roberts, David Payne, Clint Fritts, Andrew Campbell, Eddie and Kim Perdomo, Brian and Sarah Crawmer, David and Marilyn Guion, Larry and Christina O’Donnell, Chris Mehling, Lorraine Olah, Bella McNeill, Jonathan Puig, Ellie Rotan, Juliana Workman, Forrest and Katie Wynn, Louis and Ashley Pearce, Chandos Dodson Epley, Evans and Theresa Attwell, Mariquita Masterson, and Andy and Ashley Mejia.

vita living fundraisers