EVENTS2 Jan 2009: Houston Lifestyles Magazine Reports on Houston Area Events and Happenings

THROUGH JAN 3

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ART EXHIBIT: GREENERY GALA - A NEW LEAF

Turn over a new leaf at the Green House Gallery, located in the heart of Houston's Montrose district, with a distinctive, living exhibit that blends plants and artwork.

The Green House Gallery is celebrating Houston’s long growing seasons and temperate holidays with a profusion of greenery and signature artwork. One of Houston ’s youngest art venues, the Green House Gallery promotes eco-friendly themes with an eclectic and appealing body of paintings, prints, gicl ée, ceramics, metal sculpture, wearable art and jewelry.

The new exhibit highlights Helena Gijsbers van Wijk’s captivating, feminine torsos, delicately formed in textured ceramic and splashed with gorgeous glazes. Miquel Correl ’s ceramics, also exuberantly glazed, range from small functional pieces to contemporary serving-ware and vases. Metal sculpture by luminary emerging artist Jonatan Lopez is rapidly gaining a following: scrap metal is transformed into whimsical geckos and butterflies,

NOW SHOWING

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa at HMNS Wortham IMAX® Theatre Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is now playing at the Houston Museum of Natural Science Wortham IMAX® Theatre. Digitally re-mastered through IMAX DMR, a technology with crystal clear, larger than life images and state-of-the-art digital surround sound, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa in large format, puts audiences in the movie for

sinuous sea creatures or abstract free-standing pieces. Lois Morton’s giclée prints and collages incorporate festive materials such as Halloween candy wrappers, confetti from concerts, party napkins and images from Las Vegas. Adine Rotman ’s watercolor animals play with Christmas ornaments.

The gallery’s festive wear includes handbags by Keyvan Yousefi and brilliantly exotic jewelry by Mina Agah. Nan Stombaugh ’s “retro-classy” jewelry uses semiprecious and vintage materials, including WWII-era glass and antique buttons. Monique Weston’s playful new collection of necklaces uses miniature cars to honor Houston’s “art cars.”

The Green House Gallery fosters an unpretentious atmosphere, including prices that make art accessible to all, from first-time buyers to longtime collectors.

The exhibit will run through Jan. 31.

Gallery hours are 11 a.m-6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and by appointment. A reception is held every first Friday of the month.

opera in the heights presents verdi’s macbeth, jan. 29-31and feb. 5-7

Opera in the Heights will present Verdi’s MacBeth Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.

Shakespeare’s drama interpreted by Verdi is a treasure trove of powerful music as well as incomparable poetry. This story of unbridled ambition, bloodshed and sorcery is as timely today as it ever was. Its electrifying score will galvanize each and every listener.

Individual ticket prices range from $31-$45. Season tickets are also available.

To purchase tickets contact the box office at 713-861-5303 or go to www.operaintheheights.org for more information.

disco ball gala, feb. 6-7

The Junior League of Houston Inc. will celebrate its largest fundraising effort of the year at the “Disco Ball” Gala on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at The Junior League of Houston Inc.

This event will transport you back in time to the groovy sounds of the 1970s. The attire is black tie. Guests will shake and groove the night away with cocktails, dinner and a musical show.

For underwriting opportunities or ticket information, contact Kathryn Smith at 713-627-8777.

Museum of fine arts lecture, feb. 12

The Museum of Fine Arts Lecture: 27th Annual HADA Lecture will be held on Feb.12 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the Brown Auditorium of the Museum of Fine Arts, 1001 Bissonnet.

Maureen Cassidy Geiger, an independent scholar and curator of the Arnhold Collection, will present a lecture on “Meissen, a Fragile Diplomacy.”

This event is sponsored by the Houston Antiques Dealers Association. The lecture is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

chapelwood united methodist church women’s lunch, feb. 11

Chapelwood United Methodist Church’s Celebration Women’s Ministry Luncheon will be held on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fern Nichols, the internationally recognized founder of the prayer ministry Moms in Touch, will be the guest speaker. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 713-354-4490.

Chapelwood United Methodist Church is located at 11140 Greenbay Drive, near the intersection of Voss and Memorial.

For more information, go to www.chapelwood.org.

bike university training, jan. 23-24

Sun & Ski Sports will kick cyclists’ training for the 25th anniversary MS 150 charity bike ride into first gear with its annual Bike University Open House on Jan. 23 from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. and Jan. 24 from noon-6 p.m. at Sun & Ski Sports, 6100 Westheimer.

The free event is open to the public and will feature customized bike fit sessions, cycling courses, clinics and hands-on demonstrations to enhance cyclists ’ safety and overall bike riding experience.

Bike University will feature a variety of 30-minute presentations led by cycling, fitness and nutrition experts on road safety, maintenance, bike fit analysis, training, nutrition and women ’s specific cycling clinics. The program will offer the CRM body scanning laser fit and an “on your bike” fit evaluation at the store’s customized fit station. Sun & Ski Sports’ permanent fit station customizes the bike’s seat height, cockpit length and knee-to-pedal relationship to allow for the rider ’s ultimate comfort and power on his or her bike, enabling them to ride further and faster while expending less energy.

There will be cycling-oriented door prize give-aways every two hours.

For more information, contact T.J. Jones at 281 340-5000, ext. 128, or visit www.sunandski.com for a complete Bike U course schedule.