This year’s annual event honors Marita Fairbanks and promises a thrilling evening in celebration of Houston’s art community
January 4, 2018 – Houston – Fresh Arts – Houston’s foremost arts organization supporting local artists – hosts its annual gala, The Crystal Ball, on February 2 from 8 p.m.- 12 a.m. at Silver Street Studios. The event honors Fresh Arts Coalition founder, Marita Fairbanks, and attendees can expect a thrilling evening of over-the-top costumes, entertainment, art installations, food, drinks and a dazzling art and lifestyle auction.
The annual gala is Fresh Arts’ largest fundraiser of the year and the funds raised make it possible for Fresh Arts to fulfill its mission of strengthening the sustainability and vibrancy of Houston’s arts community by providing critical resources and development opportunities for local artists and organizations and facilitating connections between artists and patrons of the arts.
“Last year was a tough year for many Houston-area artists affected by Harvey and we’re excited to use our gala as the catalyst to kick off a much stronger year for the Houston arts community in 2018,” explains Fresh Arts executive director, Marci Dallas. “Our honoree, Marita Fairbanks, and the gala chairs are passionate and committed to creating a one-of-a-kind event and we are thrilled to have them play a crucial role in the success of our organization.”
Whether it’s 20’s glitz, 80’s glam, a futuristic-inspired design, or even head-to-toe crystals, guests are encouraged to create costumes based on their unique interpretation of the Crystal Ball theme.
“Fresh Arts’ annual gala is always my favorite event of the year because it’s the perfect opportunity to get dressed up in creative, elaborate costumes and come together to support Houston’s art community,” explains Marita Fairbanks, Fresh Arts Coalition founder and Crystal Ball honoree. “Each year, the gala is an over-the-top celebration and this year’s promises to be the best one yet!”
Guests will enjoy entertainment provided by Fresh Arts vendor partners including, live painting by local artist John Whaley, body art by Rudy Campos of RCC Creations, fortune tellers coordinated by Next Iteration Theatre, fortune telling poetry by Traci Thiebaud, a performance by YET Tourres, and a photobooth provided by Shutterbooth. Food and drink vendors include signature cocktails from Deep Eddy Vodka, an all-you-can-eat candy bar from Candylicious, popsicles by Popston TX and Austin EastCiders and much more.
Tickets to The Crystal Ball are available online ($50 for Fresh Arts members; $100 for non-members).
For additional information or to schedule an interview with a Fresh Arts representative, media can contact Alex Autrey at alex@integrateagency.com or 832-655-4033.
About Fresh Arts
Fresh Arts is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to strengthening the sustainability and vibrancy of Houston’s arts sector by bolstering the capacity and professional practice of artists and arts organizations and enhancing the public’s engagement with the arts. Fresh Arts is committed to the growth of a thriving, innovative, and diverse arts sector in Houston and towards that end, provides programming and services in the arenas of professional development training, resource aggregation, showcasing, community building, and audience development.