SPECIAL EVENTS

Houston Greeters Presents Hats Off to Houston -The Big Greet, Saturday February 5.  The celebration at Winter Street Studios showcases local art and the Hats Off To Houston! Celebrity Hat Auction.

Houston’s first celebration of local art, music, culinary delights and celebrity hats will take over the eclectic Winter Street Studios on Saturday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m. to benefit Houston Greeters. Called The Big Greet, the event includes an art raffle, entertainment, music, food, beverages, lots of artwork and a gallery of hats donated by notable Houstonians as part of a silent auction.

The Big Greet is a fundraiser for Houston Greeters, a nonprofit organization that provides a free service that connects volunteer Houstonians with visitors and residents interested in experiencing a part of Houston. Entry is $35 per ticket and includes food and beverages donated by St. Arnold’s Brewery, Budweiser and Pura Vida Tequila.

Winter Street Studios, located at 2101 Winter Street, is one of the most exciting workspaces for Houston’s creative community with 87 local artists in 75 art studios. Stroll through the converted furniture factory and see the various works representing the city’s thriving art community while listening to local musicians.

Sandi Seltzer Bryant, a successful artist and co-chair of The Big Greet, created two original works of art – one available via raffle and one included in the silent auction. Seltzer Bryant’s original creations are acrylic on paper and depict an artistic view of the Houston skyline.

“I just went for the gusto of Houston and the energetic spirit of the city,” said Seltzer Bryant. “The skyline, bayous, neighborhoods, freeways and green spaces are the elements I reflect in the paintings. My artwork is a celebration of the city’s spirit and beauty, and the good work of Houston Greeters.”

Raffle tickets for the artwork cost $100, with discounts for multiple tickets, and are available online at www.houstongreeters.org  and at the event where the drawing will take place.

Event Co-Chair Michele LaRocco, founder of 360 Degrees of Art, says The Big Greet is a very special type of event.

“This is an opportunity to experience Houston’s art community, enjoy the best of local entertainment, and bid on some fantastic hats from well-known Houstonians like Barbara Bush, graffiti artist Gonzo 247, Joanne Herring Davis, former Houston Astros Jose Cruz or Maria Todd of Mix 96.5,” said LaRocco.

The donated hats are part of Hats Off To Houston!, a celebrity online hat auction that started in December on eBay and will conclude with The Big Greet. “Hats Off To Houston! was generated by the idea that so many people ‘tip their hat’ figuratively to Houston Greeters in recognition of how volunteer Greeters familiarize people with the city’s vast experiences and offerings.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker donated a straw rancher’s hat to the event and calls Houston Greeters a shining star in the city. “Houston Greeters is a true extension of our positive reputation as an international city with gracious and friendly people.”

LaRocco said there has been a terrific response to Hats Off To Houston! “Now, we look forward to hosting a large crowd at The Big Greet.”

About Houston Greeters
Houston Greeters is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2005 to enrich visitors’ experiences by connecting them one-on-one with volunteer Greeters who share their knowledge of, and passion for the Houston region. For more information, visit the Web site at www.houstongreeters.org. Houston Greeters is part of the international Global Greeters Network, a voluntary association of independent welcoming programs around the world.