HOUSTON,TX – Houston’s vibrant arts scene took center stage Saturday night as the Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) hosted its annual Luminescence Gala,drawing Mayor John Whitmire alongside prominent political and philanthropic leaders. the sold-out event celebrated creativity, community, and culture, raising critical funds to support HAA’s grantmaking and civic art investments throughout the city.
The gala featured performances by the Houston Contemporary Dance Company and vocalists Christina Wells and Labraska Washington. A live art auction, curated by PAC Art Residency founder Paola Creixell, showcased works by Kaima Marie Akarue, Zsavon Butler, Abbie Preston Edmonson, Janavi Mahimtura Folmsbee, Preston Gaines, Robert hodge, Gerardo Rosales, and Chayse Sampy. DJ MLE provided music throughout the evening,and Mayor Whitmire was seen on the dance floor.
Among those in attendance were District H Councilmember Mario Castillo, District J councilmember Edward Pollard, and Mayor Whitmire’s chief of staff, Dr. cynthia wilson. Other notable guests included Leigh Smith, George and Marilyn DeMontrond, michael heckman, Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell, Winell and Doug Herron, Brandon Bourque and Derrick Shore, and Michael Carr, General Manager of ABC 13 Houston.
The Luminescence Gala received multi-year support from H-E-B, with additional corporate sponsorship from Advantage BMW, KeyBanc, Coca-Cola Southwest, Insperity, and Houston First.
HAA implements the City of houston’s arts grantmaking and civic art investments and also undertakes privately funded projects supporting the arts community. More facts about the HAA and its initiatives can be found at www.haatx.com/haa-gala or http://www.houstonartsalliance.com.
