parties

After Stylish Opening Fête, Show Featuring Artwork by Kids with Autism Open at River Oaks District

Daniel Ortiz
After Stylish Opening Fête, Show Featuring Artwork by Kids with Autism Open at River Oaks District

Kelly Anznotti, Keri Jo McCrory, Anna Reger

A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND art exhibition with special meaning is now up at River Oaks District. It features the work of kids navigating life with autism.

In a space in the District's Central Plaza — with neighbors including Toulouse Café & Bar, Dior and de Boulle — the KNOWAustism nonprofit presents pieces curated from its "As I Am" art project, its first art show. And supporters of the cause gathered to open the exhibit in style earlier this month, with classical music performances and delicious nibbles such as Toulouse's famous Ahi tuna tacos, and Champagne donated by the District's Ouzo Bay.

"We are thrilled to partner with KNOWAutism in this endeavor that combines philanthropy, fashion and art," said River Oaks District Marketing Director John Pearson in a statement. "Their work in the community is critical to Houston's strong philanthropic landscape, and this exhibition creatively brings to life their advocacy for the families and talented children they continue to serve."

The "As I Am" project, implemented by KNOWAutism board members Sherri Zucker, Marian McClendon and Paul-David Van Atta, was first said to be "an effort to provide a healthy outlet for families and their children when schools and extracurricular programs were halted" due to Covid last year, according to a rep for the organization. The initial response to the project was overwhelming and quickly grew. More than 250 child artists and a dozen Houston-area schools and philanthropies have participated.

"We hope the community will see the joy and magic captured by children and better understand the potential of all children if only given the chance to create," said KNOWAutism Board Chair Amy Pierce. "Art is an outlet to express feelings one can't easily articulate. Many children on the autism spectrum have difficulty with communication. Art gives them a voice and self-confidence. We hope art will give them a voice. We believe in the importance of inclusion and acceptance and hope this exhibit will further spread this key message."

The show is open to the public and free of charge until Sept. 12. Proceeds from the gallery will benefit KNOWAustism's mission of helping families with kids impacted by autism as they navigate diagnostics, treatment, intervention and education.

Adriana Patterson, Sonya Gaines

Donae Chramosta, Ruchi Mukerjee

KNOWAutism Art Gallery

Amie Parker, Corbett Parker

Jess Fields, Varda Fields

Marian and Bruce McClendon

Sherry Zucker

KNOWAutism Art Gallery

Tammy Nguyen, Jane Chen, Vivian Ye and Julia Nguyen

Tracy Faulkner, Miya Shay

From Your Site Articles
Parties
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres
Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Symphony Springs to Life with Floral-Fabulous Fete

Jacob Power and Priscilla Dickson

Chairs Brady and Zane Carruth, Brittany and Adam Clark

IT ALREADY FEELS like spring in Houston and the spring social season is here with it! 375 guests donned in white-tie flocked to The Post Oak Hotel for the annual Houston Symphony Ball, one of the city’s most anticipated and A-list galas.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties
food

The Truffle Masters Returns — with a New Competition — Benefitting Southern Smoke

THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.

Keep Reading Show less