News Summary
The Glasstire Party & Auction held in Houston showcased Texas’ art scene while raising $48,000 to support independent artists. Organized by Anna Deans and Jessica Phifer, the event featured an online auction and recognized outstanding contributions in art journalism. The festive atmosphere and contributions from attendees strengthened the community’s commitment to promoting creativity in Texas.
Houston Hosts Glasstire’s 24th Annual Party & Auction
The Glasstire Party & Auction took place in Houston, Texas, celebrating the state’s vibrant art scene and raising a total of $48,000 to support independent artists and enhance art discussions. This year’s event was organized by co-chairs Anna Deans and Jessica Phifer and featured an online auction for artworks that began a week prior to the main event.
The event was held at Soirée Venue, a transformed industrial warehouse known for its elegant ambiance, marked by brick walls and barrel ceilings. Attendees adhered to the dress code of “Sunset Chic,” wearing outfits in golden hues, contributing to a celebratory atmosphere throughout the evening.
Support and Highlights
Lead supporters of the auction included prominent figures such as Ben Ackerley, Emily Kirby, Alexandra Pruner, and David Pruner. The night featured music provided by DJ Goodfat and a catering menu from Little Kitchen HTX, which included popular dishes like beef Wellington bites and an assortment of desserts.
This year’s event featured the inaugural Texas Art Writing Award, aimed at recognizing journalists who actively enhance discussions around art in Texas. The first recipients of this award were Ruben C. Cordova and Robert Craig Bunch, highlighting the importance of media in the art community.
Auction Success
The online art auction attracted participants from across Texas, allowing them to place bids on a variety of artworks. Among the notable pieces was “An Exploration of Nature’s Substance” by Preston Gaines, which sold for $6,900, and “Shadow Tools” by Erin Curtis, fetching $3,400. Proceeds from the auction were distributed not only to the event’s overall fundraising goals but also provided support directly to the featured artists.
Community and Impact
The event drew a diverse crowd, including Glasstire publisher Brandon Zech, founder Rainey Knudson, and numerous members of the Houston art community including gallerists and enthusiastic supporters of Texas art.
Glasstire, the oldest online-only art magazine in the United States, was founded in 2002 by Rainey Knudson and has continually served as a platform for promotion and critique of Texas artists and their work. This annual party and auction continues to play a vital role in not just celebrating Texas artistry but in fostering a robust community centered around critical discourse in the art world.
Conclusion
The Glasstire Party & Auction underscored the importance of supporting independent artists and promoting the arts in Texas. With spirited participation and generous contributions, the event reinforced the organization’s mission of enhancing the visibility and appreciation of the creative community across the state.
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Additional Resources
- PaperCity: Glasstire Gold Night Party Auction
- Glasstire: 2025 Online Auction Is Now Live
- PaperCity: Houston Glasstire Gala Party Auction Returns
- Glasstire: ACLU of Texas Call for Artist in Residence
- Glasstire: The Glasstire Party Houston Edition
- Wikipedia: Art in Texas
- Google Search: Glasstire Party Auction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Contemporary Art
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
