Honoring Texas History, Heritage Society Lunch Was a 'Big, Wonderful Thing'

Priscilla Dickson
Honoring Texas History, Heritage Society Lunch Was a 'Big, Wonderful Thing'

Phoebe Tudor, Mark Sullivan and Minnette Boesel

HOUSTONIANS WERE CAPTIVATED by beloved Frank Billingsley's recounting of his family history at the Heritage Society's annual luncheon, where Billingsley was the event emcee.


He told the tale of how his 11-generations-great grandfather Captain Jesse Billingsley led his men into the Battle of San Jacinto and originated the battle cry "Remember the Alamo." And this story was followed up by author Stephen Harrigan's onstage appearance, giving an insight into the pages of Big Wonderful Thing, Harrigan's latest book about Texas' struggle and triumph in a land of extremes. In conversation with podcaster Ken Wise, Harrigan discussed the Spanish explorers, Comanche warriors, Tejano activists and Texas wildcatters who have made our state so great.

Chaired by Gwen and Ed Emmett and Angela and Will Cannady, the event also honored Gary White, who is retiring from the Heritage Society after 30 years.

Jo Furr and Harriet Latimer

Donna Vallone and Kristina Somerville

Carleta Sandeen and Fran Callahan

Carol Brooks and Steve Lucchesi

Alison Bell, Gary White and Carolyn Johnson

Jean Wilson, Tim Richey and Carla Bisong

Barry Mandel and Frank Billingsley

Nancy Willerson, Jane Wise and Caroline Hassell

Will and Angela Cannady and Gwen and Ed Emmett

Mary Maxey, Nancy Willerson and Ginger Blanton

Stephen Harrigan and Ken Wise

C. C. and Duke Ensell

Parties

The Line by Rick Lowe (Photo by Will Michels, courtesy of Public Art UHS)

LAST MONTH, IT was announced that Houston-based artist and Project Row Houses co-founder Rick Lowe’s majestic map collage The Line will be on permanent display to the public at the University of Houston’s new John M. O’Quinn Law Building.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

'Voz de Mujer' by Escallon

THIS WEEKEND, A new show goes up at Anya Tish Gallery. Dialogues: A Convergence of Color and Form features works by Colombian-born painter Tatiana Escallón and sculptor Marisol Valencia, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico. Escallón’s large-scale abstract paintings are filled with color and action, and Valencia’s twisted and folded porcelain and steel sculptures are just as beautiful as they are unsettling. While each artist explores wildly different mediums of expression, hot-blooded emotion is contained in the colors they choose and the forms they create. The show opens Friday, Jan. 12, and both artists will be present.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment