Heights Happenings: May 30- June 6, 2012

Thursday, May 31, 8 pm: Opening night of “And I Feel Fine...” at Obsidian Art Space

• Obsidian is so happy to present another showcase from Big Head Productions
• “What do a bare stage, snowmen, EMT's, 666, apples, infidelity, complicated coffee, street people, conversations with God, Doritos, and picnics have in common? Come see this showcase to find out.”
• "And I Feel Fine..." is a series of shorts with an end of the world theme. The company received over 100 submissions from playwrights all over the country and selected 11 pieces by 10 authors to present to you. Join Big Head Productions as they explore the apocalypse from 10 viewpoints. 
• Click here to buy tickets now. They're only $10!  
• Runs through June 16
• 3522 White Oak

Thursday, May 31, 7:30pm- 11:30 pm: Corkaoke at The Corkscrew

• Wine, karaoke and some fish tacos that they like to brag an awful lot about!
• 1308 W 20th

Friday, June 1, 7:30 pm: Heights Live! presents Steve Young and Jubal Lee Young

• Great description/all you need to know about the history of this father and son on Heights Live’s Facebook event page
• 240 W 18th, on the ground of Heights Presbyterian church

Saturday, June 2, 7 am: Heights Fun Run

• You can register day of at Marmion Park.
• For more details, visit the HHA race page here
• PLEASE DRIVE EXTRA CAREFULLY SATURDAY MORNING! There will be lots of folks on foot!

Saturday June 2, 10 am: Butterflies 101 at Buchanan’s Native Plants

• Linda Reid is returning to the nursery for a special engagement. Join her for "Butterflies 101" where Linda will discuss butterflies of Houston and how to attract them to your garden. 
• It “won't be the usual ‘gardening for butterflies’ fare” as she plans to discuss native and adapted plants and the natural cycle of predatory insects for balance.  Sounds interesting!
• 611 E 11th

Saturday, June 2, 6 pm- 9 pm: BrassTacks exhibit opening at G Gallery

• BrassTacks features an eclectic group of artists working in diverse disciplines who were selected for the exhibition “using a methodology not unlike a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. The initial idea was to establish a visual dialogue among three core artists from San Antonio. In turn, each of the core artists selected another artist for inclusion in the show and those artists selected yet another three artists to participate. Unfolding in an organic and  expansive way, the  resulting exhibition, rather than being dictated by a specific thematic direction, points more to the essential connections that these artists have with one another and the creative affinities each of them possess.” Sounds interesting, no?
• Featured artists include: Tommy Gregory, Megan Harrison, Rachel Ziegler, Justin Parr, Eric Taylor, Shiri Mordechay, Joseph Duarte, Clay McClure, and Willie Sanchez
• 301 E 11th St

Saturday, June 2, 6 pm- 10 pm: First Saturday Arts Market starts "Art After Dark" evening shows

• Featured artist is Lauren Luna, whose work for the show is all about the shoes
• Vintner's own will be on hand with some vino offerings, as well
• 548 W. 19th Street @ Lawrence

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Friday, June 1, 11 am- 2 pm: Planning Design Research building tour - Certified Green Building 

• The Office of Planning Design Research, 2 Houston Center, 909 Fannin Street, Level 39
• "Open House Style" guided tour approximately every 30 minutes
• Free and open to the public
• Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2012, LEED for Commercial Interiors - Platinum level
• Visit www.houstontx.gov/mayor/leedtour.pdf for more details and a map.  For questions contact Steve Stelzer at 832.394.9050 or email steve.stelzer@houstontx.gov. 
• For more information on City of Houston sustainability efforts, visit www.greenhoustontx.gov

IN OTHER NEWS:

Please read this very interesting Houston Press Houston 101 blog entry about Will Hogg, who basically created the wonderful slice of the Heights which I call home.

Heights Happenings: May 22- May 29, 2012

Yeah, so, ummmm... Totally missed Happenings last week. Life. Sigh. I think most of you knew about Great Taste of the Heights from "Plan Ahead" a couple weeks ago anyway. Who went? What did you think? Anything really stand out to report?

Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 22: Sale at Installation Antiques

• Hours listed on flyer.
• Looks like H-town StrEats will be on hand for breakfast and lunch. Yummers.
• 611 W 22nd, in the same building as Kraftmen Bakery

Saturdays, 9 am- 1 pm: Garden Oaks Farmers’ Market

• Yeah, yeah. Not in the Heights but still deserves some top billing. This is a great little market hosted across from the Petrol Station. 
• Recent items have included farm fresh eggs, organic produce, vendors selling crepes, Indian food, pastas, breakfast tacos and homemade marshmallows. 
• Corner of Golf and Wakefield

Saturday, May 26, 6:30 pm- 9 pm: Brazarre- BRAS ARE ART! Second Annual Auction benefitting American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Greater Heights.

• Brazarre is a “free art opening showcasing imaginative renditions of a woman’s most supportive sartorial asset.” 
• Houston artists have submitted three-dimensional works of art, showing their unique interpretation of “the bra.” The artists’ contributions will be offered in a silent auction, which also includes Houston-area merchant donations. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life Greater Heights.
• Such a fun and creative way to join the fight against cancer!
• “The Brazarre is a festive way to celebrate and honor those who have battled cancer while raising money for the cause,” said Vicki Eaker, event coordinator and Heights resident. “Houston artists have been so generous in supporting The Brazarre. Their artful bras are inventive, beautiful, fun, funny. The event as a whole is not only fun, but a very special event”
• The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. 
• Hosted at G Gallery, 301 E 11th

Tuesday, May 29, 6:30 pm: Sewing machine basics class with Crafty Ever After

• Want to finally pull that sewing machine out of the closet and use it already? Learn the ins and outs of your machine while making a simple project with Sarah of Crafty Ever After. Project materials are included.
• Students will learn to: Thread their sewing machine and bobbin, identify the bobbin, navigate the landscape of levers and buttons on their machine, sew straight lines, turn corners, and be the boss of your sewing machine!
• Students bring their sewing machine and 1 bobbin to fit it
• Students are also encouraged to bring a bottle of water or your favorite soda plus a little snack if you get hungry
• Class Locations (click for a map!): Heights Presbyterian Church - Scout House 
• $35
• Want to know when more classes are posted? Sign up for the newsletter

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Every Wednesday, 6 pm- 9 pm: Lois Albez at Convivio

• Enjoy wonderful tapas and Latin music at this great restaurant on Durham.
• ** Personal note: I have been here a couple times with friends and the food is amazing. It’s about time we had really good tapas in Houston. This blows Mi Luna out of the water and no need to drive to the Village. Nice wine list and excellent service. For the music or any other night, I suggest you check it out!
• 700 S Durham at Floyd

Saturday, May 26, 11 am- 3 pm: East End Studio Gallery’s Spring Art Studio Cleaning Sale

• This is a great chance to grab some wonderful pieces by a variety of Houston's own talented artists
• There will be paintings, prints, handcrafts, posters and other unique items for sale from $5 to $50
• Tamarind Rita's will be also be served
• The Houston Institute for Culture's East End Studio Gallery is "a community based, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a platform for artistic expression and exhibition of community works in all media."
• 708 Telephone Road, Suite C 

PLAN AHEAD:

May 31: Deadline for “Fashion Camp” in the Heights, hosted by Coronation Vintage

• “When most people think of summer camp, images of camp sites, late night bon-fires and log cabins come to mind. But, what do you do when your child shows more interest in macramé than macaroni art or sewing than sing alongs?”
• Fashion Camp Houston 2012 will be held June 18- June 22, 2012. This week long day camp is specifically for 12-18 year old kids interested in the fashion industry. Campers will learn how to create a fashion inspiration board, design sketches, create a millinery piece and garment, participate in a fashion photo session with industry professionals and be familiarized with the business behind the industry including press, retail and show production. 
• Covering everything from design to editorial to retail, campers will be exposed to the many facets of the ever growing and evolving fashion world. The Fashion Camp team's goal is that every camper leaves with "the skills, resources, inspiration and motivation to pursue their dreams … along with specific college courses to seek out and valuable sites and blogs to bookmark and follow." 
• Attendees also have the “opportunity to interact with Houston fashion heavy hitters.” Campers will be visiting the studio of Chloe Dao http://chloedao.com/, (winner of 2nd season of Project Runway)Houston Fashion Week designer, to watch as a garment goes from concept to design to window display. They will also be treated to guest seminars by an impressive list of Houston press and fashion trend setters.
• Cost of the camp is $320.00 which includes a materials fee of $50.00. Deadline is May 31st. Camp must be paid in full by this date. Registration information and speaker list can be found here.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Nominations are currently open for the Houston Web Awards, closing June 1

• You can add your nomination on their website

Heights Happenings: May 9 - May 16, 2012

We all know the Art Car Parade is this weekend. Here are some other fun things to enjoy while you're out and about in the Heights!

Thursday,May 10th, 12pm -5pm: Langford Market summer kick off event

• Jessica Cortez from Beautifully Bronzed will be doing airbrush tanning at the store. Beautifully Bronzed (Heights owned and operated) brings airbrush tanning to your front door. From single sessions to tanning parties, their top of the line products leave you with a beautiful bronze lasting up to two weeks.  Jessica emphasizes that “tans I provide are natural and do not produce an orange appearance.” Get ready for summer, avoid skin cancer. Sounds good!
• Refreshments will be served.

Thursday, May 10, 5 pm - 8 pm: Opening for Myke Venable at Public House Heights

• Recently owners of Public House Heights, Emily and Chris Mcreavy, decided they would like to use their large, open wall space to support local artists.  After hosting a fun and successful one-night-only pop up show in April, they will welcome the first full-length exhibition of art with a reception for painter Myke Venable this Thursday.
• “Port Arthur native Venable, who has lived in Houston for nearly 15 years, explores color through his ‘clustered paintings.’ Venable combines meticulously painted, solid color canvases in unusual combinations. The square panels, rotated as diamonds, are joined in vibrant, intriguing groupings of color yielding innovative, reductive compositions.” Venable’s work will be on view through July 6, 2012.
• This exhibition is the first of many full-scale exhibitions the pub has planned. 
• Happy Hour prices throughout the reception
• 2802 White Oak

Friday May 11th, 2012 from 4 pm – 8 pm: Mon Venin and Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs trunk show

• Just in time for Mother’s Day, this trunk show will feature exotic skin handbags and accessories by Latin American designer Haydee Callejas.
• Inspired by the vibrancy of her native Nicaragua, designer Haydeé Callejas
• creates unique accessories in exotic skins like python, boa, and alligator. Every piece is handmade by Haydeé's master artisans in Nicaragua.
• Erica DelGardo Jewelry Designs will also have special pieces for sale, including Erica’s stackable rings, customizable with Mom’s birthstone.
• 327 W. 19th 
• A purchase of $25 or more qualifies you to enter in the 19th St Mother’s Day Gift basket giveaway (valued at $1400).

Friday, May 11, 7:30 pm: Heights Live! presents Rita Hosking

• Doors: 7:30PM Show: 8:00PM $15 donation at the door
• “Rita’s style of country-folk has been lauded for story and sense of place, and her performances praised for capturing the audience. Honors include winner of the '08 Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at the Sisters Folk Festival, finalist in the '09 Telluride Troubadour Contest, and more. "This California girl comes by her mountain-music sensibility with true authenticity, with original songs deeply rooted in her family's frontier experience," (Dan Ruby, FestivalPreview.com.) A descendant of Cornish miners who sang in the mines, Rita grew up with deep regard for folk music and the power of the voice.”

Saturday, May 12, 12 pm- 4 pm: Second Saturday Craftacular

• In addition to the usual crafty, handmade goodness, Fat Cat Creamery will be there to help you stay cool and well rounded.

Saturday, May 12, 3 pm- 10 pm: Better Block on Washington Avenue

• Join Better Block Houston this weekend to envision what is possible along Washington Avenue with more pedestrian and bicycle amenities! Learn about Complete Streets, enjoy food trucks, music and vendors, and enjoy the day with family and friends.
• This is a free event, starting at the end of the Art Car Parade (which starts at 1pm along Allen Parkway) - a full day of fun and inspiration of what is possible with a little energy and some fresh ideas!
• 2000 and 2100 blocks of Washington
• Food trucks and pop-up shops, a crawfish boil at Liberty Station, art, a bike repair station (and training courses), music, sidewalk cafes, a dog park, games, shuttle service to and from the Art Car Parade and more! 
• Bicycle and Walking tours of the neighborhood will be offered during the event!
• Bands will include: Jealous Creatures, Ben Godfrey (from listenlisten), Tyburn Jig, Charles Peters
• Parking will be available (for both the parade and the better block) at the lots at Silver at Bingham and Silver at Washington. 

PLAN AHEAD:

Thursday, May 17th 6:30 pm-9 pm: Beginners’ Yoga Workshop at Samadhi Studios

• Have you ever thought "I'd love to try yoga but I'm just not that flexible and I don't know what to do"?  If so, Samadhi Studios in Sunset Heights is offering a beginner's yoga workshop, which is a great opportunity to try out yoga with a small group of beginners.  
• “You'll leave with a solid foundation in yoga and a comfort level to attend any yoga class and launch your personal yoga practice.”
• The 2.5 hours class covers: What is yoga? Different types of yoga. Importance of Breath. Correct alignment. Basic postures (asanas). Yoga Equipment and Etiquette
• The class will be offered again Saturday June 9, 9:30 am - 12 pm if this one doesn’t work for your schedule.
•  *Space is limited, please RSVP to secure your spot by logging onto their website at: http://www.samadhistudios.com/schedules.html
  $35. Purchase your ticket in advance and receive a $5 discount
• 217 E 28th Street

Thursday, May 17, 7 pm: HHWC Founders Day Reception 

• The Houston Heights Woman’s Club is holding their annual Founder's Day Reception. This event honors a deserving, female South Texas College of Law student in honor of one of the Club’s founding members, Hortense Ward. Mrs Ward was the first woman admitted to the Texas State Bar and was an outspoken advocate for women’s suffrage in the South.
• The reception begins at 6 pm with light bites, wine and cheese that will be "topped off" with some historical Houston trivia!  
• The presentation of the scholarship to will begin at 7 pm.  This year’s selected recipient is Jamie Lauren Morrison, a graduating senior.  Please come, meet Jamie and join the HHWC to learn about the women of Houston Heights in 1912
• Questions, contact Heather Whitfield at heatherkoster@hotmail.com  
• Hosted at the HHWC’s Historic Clubhouse, 1846 Harvard

Sunday Supplemental: Apex Auction, May 12

Just wanted to post a little reminder of an upcoming event... Hope you're all having a great weekend!

Monday, May 12, 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm: Apex Scholarship fundraiser

• Aryn Romero, 18, has been taking Taekwondo from Master Portal at Apex Taekwondo in Oak Forest/Garden Oaks for a year. Aryn happens to have Down’s Syndrome. Master Portal at Apex has been “amazing with Aryn and has included her in a typical taekwondo class learning the same things every other student at Apex learns,” says her mother, Kristin.  Aryn has participated in two tournaments and has earned several medals for sparring, board breaking and forms.  Kristin believes Master Portal has a “special ability to reinforce each student’s strengths, while patiently improving their weaknesses.”  It has an amazing experience for their family and everyone involved. Due to the overwhelmingly positive experience this has been for Aryn and her family, Kristin and Master Portal have created a 501(c)(3) to provide taekwondo scholarships children with Down's Syndrome, and economically disadvantaged children.  Their goal this first year is to give out as many as 12 scholarships for children from these two groups, allowing them to have the enriching experience of Taekwondo without the tuition fees.
• “The program at Apex Taekwondo is designed to provide a positive outlet for students to gain confidence, commitment and determination, as well as expose students to an active lifestyle through individual competition as well as teamwork. Taekwondo is more than kicking and punching.  It is a place where students who otherwise feel isolated by disability or lack of financial resources can make friends while receiving appropriate training and coaching to help develop physically and mentally to perform their best in the sport and in all aspects of life.”
• Kristin would like to build this program to “define our children by their abilities, not disability.”
• Please support this new venture and enjoy music, food, drinks and great auction items.  You can meet the instructors and other students in the program. 
• That Pizza Place
• 3322 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77018
• Please contact Master Portal at (713) 290-1911, Kristin Nielsen at (713) 822-5161 or email apexscholarship@gmail.com if you are interested in helping, donating or finding out more about a scholarship for your child.

Heights Happenings: May 4- May 9, 2012

Well, the week kind of got away from me but there are still a couple things worth highlighting:

Friday, May 4, 6 pm- 8:30 pm: Heights Beatniks presents their May art exhibit: by Children

• Beatniks is so happy to present Kipling Street Academy's 'Farm Room' class art
• These “students,” ages 3- 4 years, let loose on their art supplies and made something special for their friends and art admirers in the Heights.
• Please join Beatniks to kick off the summer properly; wild and free! “Bring yourself, bring your kids, bring other people's kids, just bring it!”
• Meredith Schaffer will be also be selling at Beatniks 6-8pm. Her pieces are made from resin and tangrams, as well as sapphires, rubies, silver, and gold. There will be something for every mood and budget. Meredith is deeply inspired by color interactions, metaphysical stone properties, raw materials, art movements, and a vast array of decorative arts.
• Light refreshments and snacks will be served.
• 709 E. 11th St. Parking is available in driveway, in front area of shop, on side streets: Beverly, 10 1/2 st, and 11 1/2st.

Saturday, May 5, 11 am- 6 pm : First Saturday Arts Market- Last daytime show of the season

• 11:30- WindSync will start the music for the day.
• 3 pm: Kenneth Scott Peters, aka “Houston's Soul Rocker,” plays
• St. John's Fire and Heights’ own Porch Swing Desserts will have food trucks on site
• This month’s featured artist is Eugene Hughes of Kingwood. Eugene is currently the media darling of north Houston, read more about him in the Kingwood Observer! Eugene also shows his work at Watson Huff Galleries in Kingwood. 
• Starting June 2, FSAM returns to summer schedule, with evening shows 6-10pm to beat the heat. 

Saturday, May 5, 7 pm- 10 pm: HEIGHTS: Behind the Lens

• Amy Taylor and Kevin Chenevert, along with First Saturday Arts Market, invite you to join them for a special evening celebrating the Heights. 
• As photographers, Amy and Kevin “are always trying to find inspiration. Living in the Heights and being part of the community; how could you not be inspired to photograph the Heights? It's beauty, history and community loyalty can be seen in everywhere.”
• For this show, the photographers used traditional film cameras and their own darkroom to bring the “beauty and individualism of the Heights alive.”
• This will be Kevins first show as an up and coming artist
• Hosted by Carter and Cooley, 375 W 19th. Complimentary food and drinks.

Saturday, May 5: Look for bras and boxers on 19th St!

• Curves in the Heights is a team sponsor for the Relay for Life being held on May 18 at St. Pius High School.  In order to promote awareness, Curves will be hanging Bras and Boxers up and down 19th street on Saturday.
• There will be food, fun and awareness going on with a local band, First Tuesday. Healthy meals from Real Meals 365 will be on hand. There will also be raffles and promotions, all to promote cancer awareness, healthy living, and to raise money for the Curves Relay for Life team.  
• Sponsors include: Curves in the Heights, Real Meals 365, Batterton Chiropractic Clinic, Mary Kay Cosmetics- Flora Perez, The Trunk gifts, First Tuesday 

Sunday, May 6: Houston Lemonade Day

• “The foremost objective of Lemonade Day is to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow.”
• Lemonade Day is super fun “experiential learning program,” aiming to teach children how to start, own and operate their own business, in this case a lemonade stand. It in Houston in 2007 and participation is over 50,000 kids in our city.
• There are going to be several stands around the Heights area. If you see one, stop and buy. Support our homegrown businesses. They all start somewhere!
• If you have a specific one you’d like to promote, please leave it in the comments section!

OUTSIDE THE HEIGHTS:

Saturday, May 5 & Sunday, May 6, 10 am- 6 pm: Wine and Cheese Festival at Spec’s

• Enjoy tastings from a vast array of wines, beers, and cheeses. The event will showcase over 150 cheeses from around the world.
• Specs Midtown, 2410 Smith St
• For more information, call 832-660-0250.

PLAN AHEAD:

Saturday, May 12 & Sunday, May 13, noon- 5 pm: 2nd annual Haute Wheels Houston

• This two-day festival features over 20 local food truck vendors, a wine and beer garden, live music and more. All food trucks sell seperately
• Tickets $16 and include a $5 beverage voucher. 
• Location: Houston Community College's Southwest (West Loop) campus.

May 21- all week: "Critical Mass Mulching!" at Garden Oaks Elementary School

• Mr Coppes, Garden Oaks Elementary School's environmental sciences teacher, is hosting a muclching event to keep the grounds in good shape during the hot Houston summer.
• Help support these efforts to keep the school happy. Simply rop your leaves and yard clippings to GOES the week of May 21st!
• 901 Sue Barnett in GO

IN OTHER NEWS:

Anyone interested in owning their own business on 19th Street? 

• The owner of Young at Art, Paint Your Own Pottery Studio is selling, almost giving away the business ($25,000, OBO) to someone who will love it as much as she does. The business has been open for 5 years and she is selling everything including the name. Email if you have any interest and more want more details: harberg@hhjwlaw.com

If you live in Woodland Heights, it’s time to renew your Constable Program membership

• Benefits the Constable Program provides to members: vacation watches, security checks, and the ability to call the Constable dispatch office 24/7.  You can list the Constable's number with your alarm company if your alarm is triggered
• New this year- the addition of yard signs showing homes which are a Constable Program members.
• Costs for the program are the same as last year--$315 if you pay by check or $325 for PayPal, which includes $10 is a processing fee.  If every current member of the program could get one new member to join, the neighborhood might be able to add another patrol shift.
• More info, contact: Casey Ballard, VP - Security, Woodland Heights Civic Association, security@woodland-heights.org

Mark your calendar: August 4, 2012, White Linen Night in the Heights!

Wondering what food trucks are going to be hanging out at Buchanan’s Native Plants this weekend?

• Click here for the schedule