A handful of Houstonians joined the vibrant scene in New York recently for Armory Arts Week, during which they made the party rounds. Tops on their dance card was the evening co-hosted by Houston-based Glasstire.com, the University of Texas Visual Arts Center and Art Lies, the contemporary art journal.

Glasstire founder and director Rainey Knudson emceed that art world bash that was held at The Half King, a Chelsea restaurant and pub owned in part by writer Sebastian Junger. Familiar faces in the crowd included Houston Museum of African American Culture CEO John Guess Jr., Katherine and Mark Yzaguirre, Patrick Reynolds, Arturo Palacios, Jenny Schlief and Eleanor Williams.

Several partygoers at The Half King strolled over to the nearby fundraiser for Artadia, the support group that provides grands to artists around the country. Mark Yzaguirre reports that works from several Houston artists — Robyn O'Neil, Rachel Hecker and Francesca Fuchs — were among pieces for sale at the benefit.

Also making the Armory Arts Week scene were gallery owner Kerry Inman, Menil Collection curator Kristina Van Dyke and Alison de Lima Greene, curator of contemporary art for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

 A generous move

That cute Rich Little — all publicist Judy Nichols had to do was ask him to be the celeb entertainer at the Astros Wives Gala on Aug. 18 and he responded with a resounding yes.

When Judy, his long-time friend asked his fee, the comedian responded that for the Astros Wives there would be no charge. All he needed was the airline ticket for travel from his home in Las Vegas. Nice guy.

 Looking good

If you happened to see Erica Rose on The Bachelor on Monday night or in the current issue of Glamour magazine, where she is photographed at a celeb bowling party in LA, you might have noticed that it's a new slimmer, trimmer look for the law student cum Bachelor alumn.

Proud mom Cindi Rose reports that Erica has been working out with personal trainer Cari Shoemate, who has helped Erica slim her 5'8" frame down to a svelte 126 pounds. In fact, the duo is working on a video for Exercise TV.

As Cindi said in her recent proud-mom e-mail regarding the Glamour mag photo, "She makes Texas proud, and is sporting a cowboy hat that has a tiara on it. She looks beautiful in the photo, and stole her blouse from my closet. Of course, what person would not want to shop in my closet?" Indeed.

 Ride 'em cowboy

What recession! Certain purveyors of high-end western wear aren't feeling the pinch. Just ask Pinto Ranch honcho Walter Pye. He just can't get the smile off of his face as the handmade boots are flying off the shelves as RodeoHouston moves into high gear. In fact, sales for February were 23 percent above last year, which was a record.

 Rosemary Schatzman, Sheridan Williams, Vanessa Sendukas and the March of Dimes Jennifer Gammill headhuddling at Tony's to discuss next fall's Signature Chefs event which Rosemary and Vanessa chair and for which Sheridan serves as honorary chair. Look for a livelier and grander event than in recent years on this evening that honors venerable restaurateur Tony Vallone . .

 Diane and John Connally chowing down on steaks at Eddie V's in West Ave with Karen and Mike Mayell . . .

Texas Aggies lunching at Grotto 610 albeit at separate tables — Ray Childress, Paul Bettencourt and Ken Wise.