Art League Houston (ALH) will hold our first one-of-a-kind 2020 Virtual Gala: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop on Friday, October 16, 2020, 7 p.m. CST. Co chaired by Dr. Rachel Afi Quinn & Eesha Pandit, Dr. Greg Shannon and Claudia Solís & Dr. Matthew Wettergreen, this digital event will combine many components of ALH's signature in-person gala along with some special surprises! The evening will be emceed by artist Houston artist Phillip Pyle, ll and feature a delicious, three course dinner created by Underbelly Hospitality. Gala guests will also enjoy a captivating online silent art auction featuring work by both local and nationally recognized artists, a live-streamed performance by the New York–based duo The Illustrious Blacks, plus our annual awards ceremony honoring some of the brightest lights in the arts and arts philanthropy in Texas.

This year’s gala marks ALH’s 72nd anniversary investment in our mission to honor those who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and outstanding achievement in the visual arts, and whose work has had a significant and positive impact on contemporary visual art in Texas. We are particularly thrilled to be celebrating legendary artist Rick Lowe as the 2020 Texas Artist of the Year, Celia Álvarez Muñoz as the recipient of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award in the Visual Arts, and Mary & Bernardino Arocha as the 2020 Texas Patrons of the Year. ALH is thrilled to honor these individuals for their outstanding history of generous support and commitment to the arts, and whose work underscore the importance of art as a vehicle to re-imagine our past and transform our future.

Historically, the gala has served as a major fundraiser for Art League Houston. Proceeds raised from this event provide critical support for our community engagement, exhibition and public art programs. As one of Houston’s oldest non-profit arts organizations, ALH sustains a large ecosystem of distinguished artists who rely on us for support. The difficult circumstances surrounding the current pandemic, however, pose an unprecedented threat to our work and sustainability as an organization. Support from our community is more vital now than ever.

Please do not miss this opportunity to celebrate with us as we raise a glass to Rick Lowe, Celia Álvarez Muñoz and Mary & Bernardino Arocha. October 16th will be an evening to remember and we look forward to seeing you there!