It’s almost time for one of the most eagerly anticipated events in The Woodlands – the Art Dash Party, held annually to begin The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival weekend celebration. The event is set for “festival eve”, Friday, April 9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel in the Waterway Ballroom. It’s a magical evening where guests will enjoy mingling with festival artists, savoring light bites and special cocktails, listening to live music, and best of all – the opportunity to “dash” for their favorite works of art and take home their one-of-a-kind treasures.
Tickets are now on sale to attend the party and participate in the 60-Second Art Dash. A variety of options are available, including opportunities to participate virtually as well as in-person. Tickets for the party are $150 per person and “dash” tickets are $250 each. Local attendees who are enjoying the event virtually will have the option to have light bites delivered to them and proxy dashers so they can participate in the 60-second Art Dash.
Honorary Chair Haley Garcia, member of The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) Board of Directors, is thrilled to be chairing this popular event. “The festival artists are amazing, and have continued to collaborate with our staff to produce one of the top fine arts festivals in the country, even through this challenging year,” Garcia said. “We are excited to celebrate with them at the Art Dash Party and thank them for their incredible talent and ongoing support. We also thank our presenting sponsor, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, for being a steadfast and dedicated partner to TWAC for many years.”
Other sponsors include The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Progressive Commercial Aquatics, Kelly Malatesta Mortgage Banker, Parlour by Design, and Inter America Title Group.
Highlights of the evening include musical performances by Houston-based vocalist/saxophonist David Caceres, who offers a rare combination of a soulful, emotive voice with the potential to go toe-to-toe with some of the best alto saxophone players of his generation.
“Listening to David play and sing while savoring fine food and perusing fine art are the ingredients for a magical evening,” said Garcia. “We will also be auctioning off the Featured Art piece created by 2021 Featured Artist Yoram Gal of Tel Aviv, Israel. His colorful and exuberant style of painting has been popular with festival-goers since 2006.”
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is set for April 10 & 11 from 10 am – 6 pm (with a special early access from 9 am – 10 am each day for those 60+), along The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park. This awarding-winning, juried fine arts festival features nearly 200 artists displaying their original art created with a variety of media, including painting, drawing, wood, clay, fiber, metal, jewelry, mixed media and photography. COVID requirements will be followed during the Festival including social distancing, mandatory masks and sanitation stations throughout the site.
Learn more about The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival and purchase tickets.
The festival is a major fundraiser that allows TWAC to continue to impact the community through educational scholarships, outreach programs, and public art acquisitions. To date, more than $300,000 has been awarded in scholarships to talented high school students to pursue their education in the arts.
All festival proceeds go towards educational outreach programs. Major sponsors of the festival include The Woodlands Township, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Stella Artois, The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, and The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.
Like all non-profits during this challenging time, donations and sponsorships are needed to continue The Arts Council’s events and community programs. To help, you can join Friends of the Arts Council or make an individual donation. Hundreds of volunteers are also needed during the festival. Sign up to volunteer online.