Art Mart

Treasured Houston art market puts fresh twist on holiday shopping

For the last 13 years, Fresh Arts in Houston has been putting on the Winter Holiday Market, also affectionately known as WHAM. As this year's WHAM approaches on November 16-18 at Winter Street Studios, here are all the important things you need to know before you go.

What is WHAM?
It's an arts market that fosters professional growth, connects art lovers to creative makers, and supports artists across a variety of disciplines. It's a grassroots initiative that has since grown to generate over $1 million in sales for the Houston arts community, with more than 600 artists participating in the event.

How much does it cost to attend?
Nothing! WHAM is free and open to the public on Saturday from 11 am-8 pm and Sunday from 11 am-4 pm. Parking is free, and all your purchases will be tax-free.

But what about Friday?
That's the preview party and happy hour from 6-10 pm, and you'll definitely want to buy a $15 ticket to attend ($20 at the door, and free for Fresh Arts members). You'll get early access to the shopping, lite bites, festive live entertainment, and an open bar featuring drinks from Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co., Dripping Springs vodka, and Austin Eastciders. Oh, and be sure to wear an ugly Christmas sweater if you have one — that's the theme on Friday.

What sorts of items will I find at WHAM?
Shoppers can browse handcrafted items from a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, clothing, soaps, and more from emerging and established independent artists.

Which artists will be featured?
Michael Leanes Design (furniture), Claire Drennan Knits (textiles), Studio Leep (sculpture), Kathrine Zeren (men's fashion and home goods), Domestic Papers (paper goods), and Outspoken Bean (poetry). Jewelry artisans will include Modern Artifacts, fLuxe Jewelry, Cindy Schulze, Brenda Grands Jewelry, and Panache by B. There will also be fine artists such as Angela Fabbri, Tony Parana, Lenora Palacios, Joel Anderson, and Rene Victor.

I heard a rumor that this is the last year for WHAM. Is that true?
Yes, so you'd better be sure not to miss it. Fresh Arts is shifting focus to provide a deeper level of support for artists through new programs such as an annual Artist Summit, which will provide skill-building tailored to the evolution of the local arts economy.

What if I still have questions?
Head to WHAM's website to learn more about Fresh Arts and to see the full list of WHAM artists. The event is made possible by Houston First, Fresh Arts, and Visit Houston.

I don't live in Houston, but I still want to come. Got any hotel deals for me?
You bet — Omni Houston Hotel is the official hotel of WHAM, and it's offering a package that includes luxurious accommodations for stays November 16-18, a $25 food and beverage credit, tickets to the WHAM preview and Ugly Sweater Party on November 16, and an exclusive offer for Mokara Spa. Remember, this is subject to availability, and is not applicable to groups, conventions, or in combination with other savings or discounts. Taxes and gratuities are not included.

Shoppers can browse handcrafted items from a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, clothing, soaps, and more.

Photo courtesy of Fresh Arts

Shoppers can browse handcrafted items from a variety of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, clothing, soaps, and more.

jewelry shopping galleries promoted holidays

Dipping into society

Dallas Symphony debutantes put their best bow forward at 2023 Presentation Ball

Photo by Gittings

Elena Dewar doing the Texas Dip

Executing the most athletic feat ever attempted in a ginormous white ballgown, 26 debutantes took their "Texas Dip" into society at the 37th Annual Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ballon February 11.

In grand tradition, each young woman was escorted onto the stage of the Meyerson Symphony Center by her father as the Dave Alexander Orchestra played a theme of her choosing. Dad then kissed her on the cheek, stepped to the side carefully (Don't step on the dress!) and looked on proudly as she walked forward.

Slowly, gracefully, purposefully, each woman curtsied all the way to the ground - arms out, head forward, head bowed, head to the side - all while clutching a floral bouquet. A member of the Honor Guard then assisted her onto her feet and carefully (Don't step on the dress!) escorted her off stage to relax.

While most in the audience politely applauded each performance, occasionally an entire cheering section of the young women's peers (mostly of college sophomore and junior age) would stand up and yell for their friends, as if at a sporting event. (The program specifically requested no air horns or cowbells.) A breach of etiquette, perhaps, but some added celebratory élan at the swanky formal affair.

The 2023 DSOL debutantes were: Britton Barcus, Margaret Bracken, Stephanie Ciarochi, Kate Clark, Sarah Crow, Elena Dewar, Gracie Dix, Natalie Duvall, Arden Eiland, Charlotte Esping, Kaitlin Ann Kelly, Celeste Lay, Ella Marks, Ellie Michaelson, Gigi Miller, Lydia Pigott, Morgan Potter, Sasha Schwimmer, Ellie Steindorf, Catherine Stiles, Elizabeth Thompson, Lucy Tilden, CeCe Tribolet, Danielle Ward, Paige Williams, and Nicole Zimmer.

The DSOL Presentation Ball is a time-honored tradition for many of Dallas' most influential and philanthropic families. For example (try to keep up here) ...

Gigi Miller made her debut, and brothers Vaughn andVance served as Honor Guards. Their grandmother, Tincy Miller, founded the event in 1987. Her son (their father) Vaughn Miller was among the first Honor Guard group in the inaugural year.

Then there is the Averitt family, who has been active in the event for 30 years. Members of the Averitt/Duvall families were present for the debut of Natalie Duvall. Her mom, Susan Averitt Duvall, made her debut in the inaugural presentation ball, and sister Madelyn Duvall was presented in 2020. Susan’s brother Mark Averitt was a member of the first group of Honor Guards, and other family members were involved, as well.

Several parents present had had debutante daughters in prior years, including Heather and Bill Esping, Megan and John Pigott, Dawne and Patrick Tribolet, and Michelle and Erik Ward.

During the onstage ceremony, emcee Stan Garner recognized this year's honorary co-chairs Lisa and Clay Cooley, Presentation Ball chair Karen Cox, and DSOL president Cynthia Beaird. Legendary fashion show producer Jan Strimple was honored, as this was her final year as choreographer of the ball; she is handing the reins to Densil Adams assisted by Mia Davis.

After each young woman was presented, the audience scurried quickly into the lobby, where trumpeters lined the grand staircase in anticipation of the debs' procession. Escorted by Honor Guard members, the women were announced and ushered onto the dance floor for the traditional father-daughter dance.

Then patrons found their tables for a sumptuous seated dinner: spring greens bouquet salad with artistically presented red and yellow tomato, mozzarella tower; roasted filet mignon with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, baby carrots, and spinach; and a decadent flourless chocolate torte with brandied cherries and vanilla bean whipped cream for dessert.

Following dinner, Limelight Band took the stage, and the door floor filled for a high-energy after-party.

The Presentation Ball, which was first held in 1987, is the largest fundraiser for the DSOL. Over $13 million has been raised for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through the annual black- or white-tie event.

Founded in 1946, the DSOL's mission is to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra through service, education and fundraising activities. Since 1998 the League has contributed over $21 million in support of the DSO's many community initiatives.

Photo by Gittings

Elena Dewar doing the Texas Dip

Ball Debutantes Presentation symphony young professionals galas