A Live Sketch at Art on the Avenue |
Avenue
CDC hosted its 7 th annual ART ON THE AVENUE Celebration
Saturday, November 15, 2003 at the Winter Street Art Space.
Over 1,000 people were in attendance for this annual celebration
of Houston artists, which benefited Avenue CDC's affordable
housing programs.
Event Chairs George Lancaster and Linda
Marroquin |
The 7th annual ART ON THE AVENUE affair
continued in its tradition as an evening celebration and
silent auction of the works of artists with a connection
to the Historic Washington Avenue Corridor and Near Northside
neighborhoods located north and northwest of downtown.
In addition to the traditional Art on the Avenue event,
Avenue CDC broke new ground with its first annual Preview
Party on Thursday, November 13 giving art
gurus a slight taste of what could be expected from ART
ON THE AVENUE . “The event was a great success
for Avenue CDC and the community,” noted Mary Lawler,
Avenue CDC Executive Director. This
event has been conceived and is managed by the leadership
team as a marketplace for community artists, in which the
artists share the proceeds from the auction of their work
with Avenue. Thus, the event promotes the economic success
of these local artists while also raising funds for Avenue's
affordable housing programs. This year 1,200+ people attended
the event. Over $46K worth of artwork was sold; $31K from
art sales was returned to artists, while $15K from art sales
went to Avenue. When Avenue's proceeds from art sales was
combined with sponsorships and admissions fees, this year's
event netted over $60K for Avenue's operations. It is much
more than a fundraiser, however. This event is entirely
driven by Board members and an army of volunteers with staff
support. Art on the Avenue has become a high-profile event
which raises public awareness about the need for affordable
housing and Avenue's programs.
The event highlighted the works of various artists including
Mel Chin, Joe Havel, The Art Guys, Ellen Hart, and Joan
Bohn among others. In addition ART ON THE AVENUE provided
live entertainment, beer and wine, as well as a vast array
of cuisine sure to satisfy attendees. The event also auctioned
vacation packages, jewelry, and other remarkable items provided
by local business owners.
Two spectators enjoying art
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ART ON THE AVENUE raises funds
for Avenue CDC's revitalization programs
which promote economic opportunities and affordable housing
for the residents of Houston 's Washington Avenue and
Near Northside communities. Under Avenue's award-winning Move
Home program, donated homes are moved to vacant
lots, rehabilitated, and made available for purchase by
low-income families. Other projects include Oak Arbor ,
a 94-unit mixed income townhome development, Washington
Courtyards , a 74-unit mixed income apartment development,
and the upcoming renovation of the historic Jeff
Davis Hospital as affordable rental
housing.
Board Member Janet Meyer and Artist Debbie McNulty at Art on the Avenue |
Live Music at Art on the Avenue |
Photography
by Kim Coffman
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