Cypress, TX February 2020 by City Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

FEBRUARY 2020 PUBLISHER

Peggy Garner | peggy.garner@lifestylepubs.com MANAGING EDITOR

Erica Hernandez | erica.hernandez@lifestylepubs.com

Curating Creativity FEBRUARY—IT’S THE SHORTEST MONTH OF THE YEAR, BUT THERE’S

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Samantha Eklund | samantha.eklund@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

DEFINITELY NO SHORTAGE OF EXCITING THINGS HAPPENING HERE IN

LAYOUT DESIGNER

CYPRESS. When thinking of ideas for our Arts + Makers issue, we were inspired by

Dani Moore

the talented local creatives who beautify our community with their work. Whether it’s local theater performances or handmade goods from local artisans, we were inspired by the creative culture Cypress is bursting with.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erica Hernandez, Bethany Alexander CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

In this issue you’ll discover several artists each using different mediums but all creating beautiful works of art. We also introduce you to Tommy and Lisa Lau from L3

Janet Buller | Buller Photography, Shannon Valentine | Lunalux, Marie-Andrée Lemire | Cirque du Soleil, Vicky Suarez

Craft Coffee. They recently created a special coffee blend for Cypress that you can only find at their shop in Lakeland Village on Fry Rd. You must stop in to try it! We love the theater and are so lucky to have Stageworks Theatre in our backyard. Named the “Best Gem of a Theatre” by the Houston Press, Stageworks produces eight different award-winning theatrical works each season. We also profile one of the oldest Cirque Du Soleil shows, Alegría, which has been reimagined with new sets and costumes. Alegría is the most iconic Cirque show and has been playing for

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

audiences for 25 years.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

We hope you find inspiration in these pages and come to appreciate our unique

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

perspective here in Cypress. Consider this issue your guide to all things creative

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

and hit the town to unleash your own creativity See you around town!

Peggy Garner , Publisher Peggy.Garner@LifestylePubs.com

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Cirque du Soleil performer PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIE-ANDRÉE LEMIRE | CIRQUE DU SOLEIL 4

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

CypressLifestylePubs.com

Proverbs 3:5-6 Cypress Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Cypress areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Cypress Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE FEBRUARY 2020 FEATURES 14 Art in a Cup L3 Craft Coffee Offers Latte Art, Worldly Coffees and Unique Drinks in Bridgeland

18 The Best Little Theater in Cypress Stageworks Theatre Creates Community Through Performance Arts

22 Artists and Makers in Cypress Artists Create Memorable Pieces in Variety of Media

28 Cirque du Soleil’s Iconic Show Comes to Town Alegría Immerses Audience in

22 28

Colorful Fantasy World of Power and Change

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Locally Owned

Giving Back

22 Artist’s Palette 28 Back Stage 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Page Turners

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GOOD TIMES

Family Ties’ 1st Annual Casino Gala Fundraiser Family Ties, Family Resource Center held its 1st Annual "What Happens in Vegas" Casino Night Gala to “BET” against child abuse. The 501c organization is a children's crisis and advocacy center located in Waller and serves Waller County, Austin County, and North West Harris County. FamilyTiesFRS.org

TVFFRF 22nd Annual Parade of Lights The Texas Volunteer FireFighter’s Relief Fund held its annual Parade of Lights to raise awareness and funds to provide assistance to volunteer firefighters in Texas during their time of need such as a loss of a family member, loss of home due to fire or other natural causes, or a major medical event. TVFFRF.org PHOTOS/LT. DANIEL ARIZPE, PIO/ CY-FAIR FD

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

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AROUND TOWN state titles from the last two seasons. Elliott swims year-round for Premier Aquatics of Klein (PACK) and is a USA Swimming Scholastic All-American.

CY-CREEK LINEBACKER NAMED TOUCHDOWN CLUB’S TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER Cy-Creek High School senior linebacker Josh 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, winning the honor

CFISD STUDENTS PLACED IN HOUSTON FIRE PREVENTION POSTER CONTEST

among 10 finalists in Greater Houston at a ceremony

Nine CFISD students placed in the 45th annual

at the Bayou City Event Center. White, a three-year

Houston Fire Prevention Poster Contest. Copeland

starter, helped lead the Cougars to a second con-

fifth-grade student Sofia Nathani’s poster (shown

secutive appearance in the Division II-6A Region III

above) won second place overall, receiving a $200

championship game. He was also honored by the

cash prize. Copeland students Aileen Pavon (5th)

Touchdown Club as part of its 2019 UIL High School

and Alfie Robinson-Powell (K) each won second

Preseason Team and recently earned his second

place, Salina Khamly (4th) and Claire Jones (3rd)

consecutive District 17-6A Defensive MVP.

each placed third, and Eliana Guevara (2nd) placed

White was named the Touchdown Club of Houston’s

first in their age divisions. Spillane sixth-grade students Audrey Szilagyi, Chloe Moon, and Jacob Herred received first-, second- and third-place, respectively.

CYPRESS CHRISTIAN SENIOR SWIMMER QUALIFIES FOR OLYMPIC TRIALS Elliott Jones, a senior at Cypress Christian School qualified for the Olympic Trials with a qualifying time of 2:02.88 in the 200-meter backstroke. The swim-

SALYARDS MS STUDENT WON NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK PHOTO CONTEST

mer is already committed to Auburn University, but

Salyards Middle School eighth grade student

before leaving high school he will defend his TAPPS

CONTINUED >

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

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February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

AROUND TOWN (CONTINUED) Ashley Trapp won the Region 4 Red Ribbon

third in Best Poster and fifth in Best Peer Review.

Week photo contest hosted by the National Family

Both teams were among the top teams in Best

Partnership. The contest is held in conjunction

Model/Display. The wins earned the teams’ 11

with the national celebration of Red Ribbon week.

students $8,000 in scholarships and represents

The contest invites schools across the country to

LSC-CyFair’s fourth time TSGC challenge win. This

submit photos that incorporate the year’s theme,

spring both teams will formally manufacture proto-

which was “Send a Message, Stay Drug Free” in

types of their tools in metal and put their designs to

2019. Trapp’s submission shown above received

the test at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In con-

the most votes in Region 4.

junction with TSGC, teams participate in the NASA Micro-g NExT Program. LSC-CyFair had two teams among 19 teams statewide presenting their work at TSCG, and both teams advanced to the next level of the nationwide Micro-g NExT Design Challenge. For information about the LSCCyFair Engineering Program, visit LoneStar.edu/ Engineering-Dept-CyFair.

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CY-WOODS HS SENIORS PLACE IN NATIONAL AVP COMPETITION Cypress Woods High School seniors Zachary Stickle, Ralph Garrett and Matthew Melancon earned a Sports Feature Story Honorable Mention award in the Student Television Network (STN) Challenge. The trio, who have taken audio visual pro-

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duction (AVP) classes since sophomore year, had six

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days to complete the challenge. Stickle, Garrett and

Living Show March 22-23 at the Berry Center.

Melancon received the prompt, developed the story,

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with many local vendors showcasing the latest

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creative at the DIY workshops from A|R Workshop

LSC-CYFAIR ENGINEERING PROGRAM STUDENTS WIN 4TH STATEWIDE DESIGN CHALLENGE

and the Tallest Tulip, pick up your favorite plants at the Harris County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, check out cooking demo’s by Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen, shop at the GHBA & Remodeling

Lone Star College-CyFair two student engi-

Council’s Charity Garage Sale and enjoy local food

neering teams took first- and fourth-place overall

trucks. Make plans to see the headliners on the

in the Top Design Team category at the Texas

Home Ideas Stage, sponsored by Cypress Lifestyle,

Space Grant Consortium (TSGC) Fall 2019

including Randy Lemmon, Sherwin-Williams Color

Design Challenge. Team C.R.A.T.E.R. (Cultivating,

Snap Color Consultants, Flood Frame Owner

Retrieving, Analyzing and Testing Experimental

Tasha, and Tammy Atchison Organizing pro.

Rocks) also won first in Best Peer Review and

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LOCALLY OWNED

ART IN A CUP

L3 CRAFT COFFEE OFFERS LATTE ART, WORLDLY COFFEES AND UNIQUE DRINKS IN BRIDGELAND

AT L3 CRAFT COFFEE IN BRIDGELAND, A CUP OF COFFEE IS A WORK OF ART. Order a latte with steamed milk, and you’ll find an elegant drawing of a swan, tulips or hearts. It’s all part of the thoughtful coffee-drinking experience owners Tommy and Lisa Lau hope their customers feel when they order a steaming cup of brew. “It puts the whole experience into perspective,” Tommy says. “They put a lot of care and time into making the drink for the customer. It also helps the baristas know they texturized the milk.” The baristas mostly taught themselves how to create latte art. Most enjoy drawing in their free time. Two baristas even created a large mural showing the coffee-making process. The mural shows how a coffee seed is farmed, roasted, transported and specially prepared for drinking. L3 coffee beans journey from all over the world before ending up in a customer’s cup. Some come from Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica or El Salvador while others are grown across the globe in Ethiopia. Coffees are rotated often so customers can taste blends from all over the world. Tommy and Lisa even created the Cypress Blend, a mix of medium roasted beans from Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Sumatra, and Tanzania. Several blends were put to a customer vote to decide the winning mix. “This one was very complex,” Tommy says. “It had a few regions blended together which made it pretty special.” 14

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SHANNON VALENTINE | LUNALUX

1885

latte

gobble-switz

frappe

L3 Craft Coffee offers specialty coffees, hot and cold drinks, teas and sandwiches. Their 1885 drink mixes Dr. Pepper, vanilla and espresso. Their Gobble-Switz turkey sandwich is a popular order as well as their frappe made ofÂ blended cold brew coffee, flavoring and milk. Teas arrive to you with a nifty timer for accurate brewing.

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

Love. Laugh. Learn. Tommy and Lisa opened their shop in 2018 hoping to share their love of coffee with the community. The three L’s in their name each represent the shop’s values: love of coffee, laughter and continuous learning. Tommy worked in the coffee industry for 12 years where he tasted coffee brews to make sure each met high standards for brands such as Folgers and Starbucks. “We just had a really big passion for coffee,” Tommy says. “We wanted to bring our knowledge to the community and share what we knew about coffee.” Tommy and Lisa also offer regular monthly coffee tasting classes where coffee lovers can learn about and taste different coffee brewing styles and sample flavors from around the world. “We really try to find ways that we can have them sample it and really figure out their preferred coffee beverage,” Tommy says. L3CraftCoffee.com 10615 Fry Road, Cypress, TX 77433 832-653-2826 16

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

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GIVING BACK

THE BEST L I T T L E T H E AT E R I N C Y PR E S S AT FIRST GLANCE, STAGEWORKS THEATRE, FORMERLY HOUSTON FAMILY ART CENTER, LOOKS LIKE ANY OTHER STOREFRONT IN JUST ANOTHER SHOPPING CENTER IN CYPRESS. On the contrary, the theater has served as a safe haven and community center for its loyal patrons and local volunteers since 2005. Named the “Best Gem of a Theatre” by the Houston Press, Stageworks Theatre produces eight different award-winning theatrical works each season. The Garza Mainstage auditorium boasts 150 seats and with the variety of dramas, musicals and comedies offered, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Just this past year, plays such as Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, Cabaret by John Van Druten, and It’s a Wonderful Life- A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry, took residency for four weekends each. Stageworks Theatre does just as much for the actors on stage as it does for the audience members in the seats or volunteers backstage. Whether attending a show or performing on stage, theater arts contributes to education, literacy and the economy. Any given play or script may require cast members from different generations, cultures, religions and orientations. Behind the

STAGEWORKS THEATRE CREATES COMMUNITY THROUGH PERFORMANCE ARTS

scenes, there are many working parts involved in putting on a show. From the green room to the concession stands, and every entity in between, there are so many responsibilities that require time and dedication from the volunteers who are passionate about the arts. Without the set designers and stage crew, there is

ARTICLE BETHANY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY STAGEWORKS THEATRE

no set. Without a story to be told, there is no show to put on. And as they say in show business, the show must always go on. Board member and past president, Julie Montgomery, joined the Stageworks family in 2009 when her daughter first auditioned for a part in a children’s show. Montgomery believes the scripts she reads and the people who gather at the theater are what make her a better person and creates unity within our community. “The theater is a place to learn about ourselves, whether as an audience member, student or theater practitioner. It’s the community’s theater; it’s everybody’s,” says Montgomery.

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

STAGEWORKS THEATRE 10760 Grant Road Houston, Texas 77070 281-587-6100 StageWorksHouston.org

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

T H E G I F T O F L O C A L T H E AT E R

education & literacy Theatre connects the performers and audience members to literature from across generations.

safe place Students develop confidence,Â communication and performance skills in a safe and supportive environment.

creates community Stageworks gives back to the community by creating a community within itself.

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

“Theater is about capturing moments and creating experiences that move the audience. The world is hectic and sometimes life seems to get away from us. In the theater, time stands still, and we are able to forget about the worries outside of those four walls,” Montgomery elaborates. “The stage influences the way we look at ourselves, value our lives and view our behaviors.” THE ACTING ACADEMY The Stageworks’ Acting Academy provides young people of all ages a place to develop confidence, responsibility and teamwork in a friendly, safe and supportive environment. Whether the student is looking for something fun to do or is serious about developing acting, singing or dancing skills for performance theater, the academy offers classes for every skill level. Scholarships to the academy are available through sponsorship opportunities, volunteers and donors. Stageworks is a steppingstone for many actors who go on to grander stages and screens. Alum Sadie Sink, who played Annie in a student production at the academy reprised the role on Broadway in New York, and recently played Maxine “Max” Mayfield on the Netflix® hit television show, Stranger Things. Her brother Mitchell Sink, who plays JoJo on the Garza Mainstage production of Seussical, went on to perform as Bruce on Broadway’s Matilda. Other notable alums include Paul Schoeller, who played the role of Ralphie in A Christmas Story on the Mainstage and appeared in national tours of Finding Neverland and The Sound of Music. Additionally, Jana Ellsworth, an actress who performed in Oliver!, Footloose, Into the Woods, and Beauty and the Beast at Stageworks, is currently on the international tour of Phantom of the Opera performing the roles of Wild Woman/ Spanish Lady and Carlotta to rave reviews. The Stageworks Theatre is all-volunteer run and dependent on donations and ticket sales from the shows. With support from loyal patrons, season ticket holders and sponsors like the Shining Stars Guild, Texas Commission on the Arts, and Steeplechase Pediatric Center, Stageworks is able to keep their lights on while maintaining the quality of licensed work at the theater they are blessed to call home for nearly 15 years. Like most non-profits, they are always seeking donor and volunteer support. Between licensing, utility bills and quality set supplies, Stageworks is truly grateful for the contributions from local businesses and the community. For adults with a flair for the dramatic, theater is a form of self-care and expressiveness. For students who may not be the star athlete or mathlete, the stage is a place for them to shine. And for all the behind the scenes volunteers from the sound booth to the concession stand, Stageworks is a place to find fulfillment. No matter the casting call, Stageworks Theatre has a role for everyone. Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery plays through February 9th and She Loves Me by Joe Masteroff is showing February 28 through March 22. If you are interested in auditioning, volunteering or donating, many opportunities are available for the 2020-2021 season. February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

ARTIST’S PALETTE

ARTISTS AND MAKERS IN CYPRESS

USING DIFFERENT MEDIUMS LOCAL ARTISTS CREATE BEAUTY

MY MISSION IN LIFE IS...TO MAKE THESE LEGACY MAKERS. TO REMIND OTHERS TO BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

SHIRLEY SCARPETTA Shirley Scarpetta sculpts legacies. The monuments she builds often tell the stories of community members who’ve made a lasting change. “My mission in life is to keep sculpting these beautiful works of art,” she says. “To make these legacy makers. To remind others to be kind to one another and love one another.” She created the life-sized sculpture of Ken Walden, Tomball’s beloved volunteer train station agent. Ken, an elderly gentleman, for years offered tours while dressed as an old-timey train conductor. Ken died of a heart attack in 2015. Shirley, who personally knew Ken, was commissioned by the city to sculpt his figure, which now welcomes station visitors. Another of her more prominent works is of Harris County Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal, a Sikh officer who was fatally shot last year during a Cypress traffic stop. Shirley knew Sandeep before his death and described him as friendly with a “you-can-do-it attitude.” Attending Sandeep’s funeral vigil compelled her to sculpt his life-like bust. “He united all of us, and I’ll never forget that as long as I live,” she says. Most recently, Shirley sculpted a figure of Meleah Davis, a 4-yearold Houston girl who went missing last summer. Her mangled body was later discovered in Arkansas. The tragedy compelled Shirley to sculpt the girl so she would not be forgotten. “A lot of times things just kind of overwhelm me,” Shirley says. “It will get inside my head and I’ll just have to sculpt it out.” Shirley began sculpting in 2007 and quickly “went all in.” She never attended a formal art school opting instead to apprentice and learn on her own. By 2012 she’d sculpted a 750-pound, snarling wildcat for

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ AND PEGGY GARNER

Cypress Woods High School which still guards the school property.

PHOTOGRAPHY JANET BULLER

She hopes her work will inspire others to pursue their own passions.

BULLER PHOTOGRAPHY, VICKY SUAREZ AND

SculptorScarpetta.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

sculptor212@gmail.com

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

CHANEL WILSON Chanel Wilson makes handwriting dance. Her letters loop across wooden signs spelling out Bible verses, wedding wishes or poetry. Making written messages beautiful is her art.

time and didn’t know it would soon become her primary source of income. In 2014 Chanel had her first son, Memphis, but quickly realized they both were in danger. Her husband at the time

“I would love for people to be inspired by and appre-

was unemployed, abusive and drug-addicted. One day, in a

ciate the beauty of my form of art,” she says. “Art in itself

“burst of courage” she left home with her son and two bags

can be a universal language.”

of clothing. She filed for divorce and relied on her budding

Chanel owns Cypress Calligraphy and creates artistic memories from her clients’ messages. Chanel handwrites anything from home decor signs to wedding address labels. She creates freehand designs without stencils or templates. “You can’t just go to the store and buy something that I’ve done,” she says. “Each piece is made by hand with love and purpose.” As a child, the art of making letters intrigued Chanel. It

calligraphy art to support herself and Memphis. “I started doing it out of interest and love,” she says. “Sadly, it became a necessity.” Chanel remarried and now has an 8-month-old son, Murphy. She is a survivor who believes her story gives her strength. She encourages others to pick up a pen and create. “There are so many different ways of expressing calligraphy,” she says. “If one type doesn’t work for you, there’s other ways of getting involved. Don’t give up.”

wasn’t until 2013, however, that someone suggested she start selling her designs. A few months later, she took a

Facebook.com/CypressCalligraphy

calligraphy class and hoped to use her skills as a way to

281-793-2031

get extra income. She was six months pregnant at the

cypresscalligraphy@aol.com

I WOULD LOVE FOR PEOPLE TO BE INSPIRED BY AND APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF MY FORM OF ART.”

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

AR TIST ’ S PALE T TE (CONTINUED)

SALLY PENNINGTON MOORE

For Sally Pennington Moore, nothing is quite as magical as glass. Her hand-blown glass art pieces are bright and playful. All are created in her studio, Three Dimensional Visions, using sand, her breath and a whole lot of heat. “I take raw material - glass made from sand in the Earth,” she says. “An idea, plus some imagination, and make it into something that will bring joy and enrichment to someone else.” Sally is a resident artist at the studio, which she owns and operates with her husband, Michael Kerry Brown, and her son, Patrick Kerry Brown. Sally, who has a background in geology, opened the studio in 2014 after she retired from a 35-year career with ExxonMobil. Her husband, an experienced sculptor, had always wanted to open a hot-glass studio. And after a few glass-cutting and fusing classes, the two were hooked. Now, Sally says the best part of doing her job is getting to share her love of glass blowing with her husband, son, customers and fellow glass collectors. “We try to enrich their lives through artistic self-expression,” she says. “By making glass with them or for them.” Creating glass art starts by melting a silica-based mix until it’s the consistency of honey. The glassmaker then takes a long pipe, swirls it into the molten glass and shapes her piece by blowing through the pipe. The glass is reheated and reworked until the glassmaker gets a perfect shape. Three Dimensional Visions is the only open-access glass blowing studio of its kind in the area. Aspiring glass artists can watch a demonstration, host a party or take a six-week introductory class. “All it takes is breath, imagination, heat, and money,” Sally says. “Oh yes, practice, practice, practice.” ThreeDimensionalVisions.com 281-734-7366 17442 FM 2920, Tomball, TX 77377 24

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

WE TRY TO ENRICH THEIR LIVES THROUGH ARTISTIC SELF-EXPRESSION.”

I LIKE TO CREATE A FEELING OF HAPPINESS...SOMETIMES YOU CAN CREATE THAT WITH THE VIEWER.”

VICKY SUAREZ The art Vicky Suarez creates usually doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t portray a scene or anything concrete. It exists to evoke a feeling that’s somewhere between whimsical and abstract. “I like to create a feeling of happiness,” she says. “Sometimes calm. Sometimes you can create that with the viewer.” Vicky creates ceramic sculptures and bright abstract paintings

their young son to escape political conflict. She also hoped the United States would offer a better life for her son who has cerebral palsy. Vicky’s journey to becoming an artist was a winding road. She’d always loved art but was dissuaded by family to try a different career. “My mom would say, ‘art is not a career. Art is more of a hobby,’” Vicky says.

doused in reds, yellows and greens. She likes to show the connec-

She earned an accounting degree in Venezuela, but never really

tion between humans and the natural world. Her inspiration comes

wanted to be an accountant. Then she studied graphic design at

from experiencing the world.

Lone Star College. But after a short while, she wanted to create

“When you are an artist, I think inspiration can come from anything,” she says. “And you need to be present to receive the inspiration.” Her work has been on display at Lone Star College Cy-Fair where she studies, but her experience is far from traditional. Originally from Venezuela, she fled the country 10 years ago with her husband and

her own designs rather than for a client. She credits the Lone Star College art department for helping her believe in herself. “I think you need to be surrounded by people who support you,” she says. “Who say, ‘You can do this. You are good enough.’” SuarezVicky@gmail.com

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

AR TIST ’ S PALE T TE (CONTINUED)

GRANT MANIÉR Grant Maniér’s journey started with an obsession with paper to help soothe his anxieties from autism. As a teenager, he began tearing and cutting the paper to make artwork. He calls it “Eco-art” because he uses recycled materials, such as puzzles, cards, calendars and posters to create his masterpieces. Each piece begins with a sketch on a canvas then Grant painstakingly tears and glues the recycled materials to

IT’S NOT WHAT I CAN’T DO, IT’S WHAT I CAN DO THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.”

construct what he imagines. One of his pieces can take up to a month or more to create and uses over 6000 pieces of recycled paper. Winning Grand Champion for his artwork in the 2011 Austin Rodeo changed the trajectory of his life. Word got out about his win and when Westview School for Autism invited him to teach eco-art to their students, his business and philanthropy began. Through his website JigsawGrant.com and Grant More Books Acts of Kindness program, he promotes literacy and environmental responsibility. He and his mother Julie also travel with his art exhibit and Jigsaw Grant mascot to schools and organizations around the country where Grant speaks and teaches eco-art. While Julie keeps most of Grant’s original pieces, they offer prints of them. He has donated some original pieces to raise money for charities and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars funding equine therapy, wheelchairs, hearing aids and physical therapy for people with special needs. Grant is also passionate about promoting inclusion for everyone. He is the Red Carpet reporter for the Dallas and Houston Night of Superstars, an “Oscar-like” charity event celebrating local kids who haven’t let their disabilities define them, an honor he was recognized for in 2015. His motto is “It’s not what I can’t do, it’s what I can do that makes a difference.” You can purchase prints from his website or Impulse Art at 15404 FM Rd 529, Houston.

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

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BACK STAGE

Cirque du S o l e i l ’s Iconic Show Comes

ARTICLE ERICA HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY MARIE-ANDRÉE LEMIRE | CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

WORLD-RENOWNED CIRQUE DU SOLEIL WILL SOON BRING ITS GRAVITY-DEFYING ACROBATICS, STUNNING THEATRICAL SETS, AND RIVETING MUSICAL SCORES TO THE CYPRESS AREA WITH A COME-BACK SHOW OF ITS POPULAR PRODUCTION, ALEGRÍA.

t o To w n

The show opens Feb. 29 under the iconic Cirque du Soleil Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park and runs until April 12. A modern remake of its 1994 show, Alegría was shown in 250 cities and seen by more than 14 million viewers during its 19-year run. Alegría has since been updated with daring acrobatic routines, elaborate new costumes, and music. The show depicts the quest for power, the shaking up of established order and how an emerging movement can inspire hope and change. The show immerses its audience in a fantasy world where a once-thriving kingdom is in decay. The country is led by the former king’s court jester alongside a horde of decrepit aristocrats who seek to retain their influence by siding with the manipulative, unpredictable fool. The jester, Mr. Fleur, fancies himself as the legitimate heir to the throne and carries around the old king’s royal scepter. The aristocrats are portrayed with warped faces and tattered clothing to illustrate their selfish fear of change. They attempt to flaunt their power with high-flying acrobatics and human-tower building. Street folk, known as The Bronx, portray stark a contrast to these forces. Energetic and literally wielding fire, they represent change and hope in a gloomy kingdom. Their acts include fire dancers who lick and juggle flaming sticks, gymnasts performing synchronized trampoline routines and freefalling aerial routines executed 30 feet in the air. Other characters such as angels, clowns, nymphs,

ALEGRÍA IMMERSES AUDIENCE IN COLORFUL FANTASY WORLD OF POWER AND CHANGE

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

and singers help The Bronx fully tell their story. Alegría is Cirque du Soleil’s 44th original production since its founding in 1984. Tickets are available now starting at $44.

CONTINUED >

February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

BACK STAGE (CONTINUED)

Acrobatic Per for m a nc e s + A Look Behindthe- Scenes CROSSED WHEEL A Bronx performs an act with a globe-like apparatus. The two intersecting wheels represent change is brewing in the kingdom. Using his own force to roll forward and backward, the artist becomes a human gyroscope as he performs fluid acrobatics inside and around. HULA HOOPS A Bronx mesmerizes the kingdom with her talent. Using all her limbs, the artist dazzles with her ability to spin and twirl a multitude of hoops.

SYNCHRONIZED TRAPEZE DUO Perched on side-by-side swinging trapezes, two artists perform intricate spins and breathtaking maneuvers in perfect sync.

FIRE KNIFE DANCE An artist demonstrates complete mastery of his craft. He doesn’t juggle with fire - he is fire. He eats, breathes, and touches the flames, while his sticks become virtual extensions of his body.

COSTUMES It took more than 20,000 hours of work to put together the costumes of the show. Artisans in the costume workshop spent 300 hours making Mr. Fleur’s costume alone, which contains 16 feet of electrical wire.

MAKE-UP Designers spent nearly 500 hours developing the make-up concepts and more than a thousand hours teaching the artists how to apply it to their own faces. Approximately 1,800 items are used in applying make-up: 1,500 brushes, 1 mile of foil paper, 12 gallons of coconut oil and 35 pounds of glitter.

CirqueduSoleil.com/Alegria.

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020

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FEBRUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

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SHIELD BEARER FREE COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

The cost is $70 per person and

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L3 CRAFT COFFEE DISCOVERY BAR EXPERIENCE

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DATE NIGHT | THE PRINCESS BRIDE

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Presented by the Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office,

JEFF HAAS MAZDA GRAND OPENING

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29 2ND ANNUAL CY-SPRINGS HS BAND & GUARD MATTRESS FUNDRAISER Cy-Springs High School

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Movie begins at dusk.

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AR Workshop Cypress

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CFISD Exhibit Center

one, two, or three projects - lunch two or three projects. Register at ARWorkshop.com/Cypress.

Livestock Show & Sale where district schools’ FFA students auction their livestock. Judging is Feb. 6-7, the silent auction begins Feb. 7 at 9 AM and the live auction starts at 1 PM on Feb. 8.

29 HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Don’t miss the 26th Annual CFISD

Spring Creek Park Tomball

Take a trip back in time for an

CHUNKY KNIT BLANKET WORKSHOP AR Workshop

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February 2020 | Cypress Lifestyle

PAGE TURNERS FROM THE VINE MINISTRIES LOVES SHOWCASING LOCAL AUTHORS IN OUR COMMUNITY. “These dear Princess Warriors share their trials and hearts to refresh and empower others. I have walked beside them, love them and highly encourage you to meet them!” From the Vine Ministries provides a safe place for women of all ages seeking answers, healing, counseling, direction, support or just the need to hear someone else’s story. Email cyndy@ fromthevineministries.com or visit FromTheVineMinistries.com

The Struggle is Real: But so is God, Misty Phillip The Struggle is Real: But So is God is a six-week in-depth Bible study that will help you grow spiritually by claiming God’s promises as your own. This study was birthed out of Phillip’s personal struggles and how walking with Jesus helped her to overcome the trials of life. MistyPhillip.com

Journey to Better Than Okay, Zandra Grant Grant provides tools and strategies for navigating the difficult transition of divorce and intimately shares her own life story, the breakdown of her marriage and her subsequent divorce experience. In this #1 Best Selling short read, Grant shares with readers a dynamic reference guide into the socially challenging climate of divorce recovery. MajorMark.org

Mommy and Me, Lindsey Duncan Mommy and Me is a rhyming children’s book that tells the morning wake-up routine from the baby’s perspective. Experience Baby’s routine through bouncing rhyme, bright illustrations, and a clever point of view! Clap, laugh, and cuddle along as Baby and Mommy start their day together. Amazon.com ARTICLE PEGGY GARNER

Spot light on Local Au t ho rs

BOOKS TO EMPOWER AND ENCOURAGE WOMEN 34

CYNDY GUSLER, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF

DADDY’s Girl Forever, Vanessa A. Harris, M.D., M.S. Your father’s ability to support, protect and love you unconditionally in your childhood impacts your resilience, security and confidence today. Harris addresses women wounded by their father’s physical or emotional abandonment and offers healing through the ultimate father-daughter relationship with God. Amazon.com

Cypress Lifestyle | February 2020