Issuu

JUNE 2020

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

The Men's Issue

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JUNE 2020 PUBLISHER

Kamilla Batchelor | kamilla.batchelor@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@lifestylepubs.com

Let’s Hear It for the Boys! FIRE UP THE GRILL, BOYS. This month is all about the men of Houston. What are your favorite things about the men in your life?

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kimberly Cross

Here at River Oaks Lifestyle, we are always inspired by what the men in our community do and create. We truly have some talented gentlemen in our midst, and we’ve taken this issue to highlight some of them and learn from their experiences in life.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Spicks

We are especially humbled by the healthcare workers, who have served our country and given so much to protect our health. We hope that the sacrifices they have made have touched your hearts as well. Wish You a Happy & Healthy Father’s Day, Houston!

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

Kamilla Batchelor, Publisher

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Daniel Noyola, Studio Artist, Houston Grand Opera

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIYANG CHEN 4

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

Proverbs 3:5-6 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River Oaks 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 River Oaks 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 JUNE 2020 FEATURES 14 Men of Houston On business, motivation, and their love of Houston.

26 More than a Century of Bespoke Tradition Hamilton Shirts reigns supreme as one of the oldest custom clothing companies in the country.

30 Giving Back in Times of Crisis The Southern Smoke Foundation is helping food and beverage workers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

32 Texas’ Contemporary Art Pioneer, Mark Whitmarsh Whitmarsh on beginning his career as

26 14

a lone contemporary artist and what inspires him today.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Back Stage

Inspired By

22 Local Limelight 26 DIY 30 Giving Back 32 Artist’s Palette

AROUND TOWN and most researched list of champagne in the city and quite possibly the country. Virene is on a mission to make champagne both accessible and affordable and compliment the menu designed to pair well with bubbles. Perfect for celebrations and everyday occasions.

APTEEK PHARMACY At Apteek we are a full-service pharmacy. Whether you have a need for traditional prescriptions, compounding, consultations, or supplements for nutrition depletion, providing a more personal alternative to big box pharmacies is at the core of our practice. We guarantee unmatched per-

RUN ON!

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A'BOUZY Restaurateur Shawn Virene’s a’Bouzy is a champagne-fueled concept, featuring a fresh, ripe menu, seasonal seafood, gorgeous greens, prime meats and a large raw bar. Simple, shareable small plates play sidebar to Virene’s jaw dropping wine list that features

UPPER HAND

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River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

of the most well established locally owned salon groups in the area. All three locations boast a beautiful aesthetic and the most talented artists in the city. Whether you are looking for a complete transformation, subtle balayage, superior gray coverage, or a precision cut, The Upper Hand delivers. The Upper Hand has won Elle Magazine’s Top 100 Salons in America five times in addition to many other awards and accolades.

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BACK STAGE

B a c ks ta g e w i t h D a n i e l N oyo l a

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

DANIEL NOYOLA ALWAYS DREAMED OF SINGING ON

singing,” he says. Noyola indulges in pasta “for fuel” and a

STAGE. The second-year Houston Grand Opera Studio

lot of silence until about 4 p.m. when he begins to warm up

Artist started singing mariachi music and performing in

his voice slowly. He begins to get into character and goes

musical theater before the age of 10 in his home town of

over his parts of the show, all the while warming up his vocal

San Luis Potosí, Mexico. When he entered high school, his

cords. “I love digging into the characters and the story of the

vocal teacher introduced him to classical music, and he very

operas I sing in – it is one of my favorite things about per-

quickly realized his voice was suited to the complexity of the

forming,” says the bass singer.

opera. Fast forward through musical conservatory in Mexico

Once the curtains close, Noyola basks in the feeling of the

City and a stint as a resident artist at the Academy of Vocal

performance adrenaline leaving his body. “When we are on

Arts in Philadelphia, Noyola landed in Houston for two years

stage, we are on ‘high alert’ because anything could happen,

as a Studio Artist.

and it feels good to come down again,” he says.

Years of vocal training, language classes, dialect training,

As for what comes next for the rising star, after a few more

technique, costume fittings, and more vocal training are

scheduled appearances stateside, it appears he has his sights

just some of the rigors opera singers go through to prepare

set on Europe. “My next big dream is to move to Europe and

themselves for the stage. Noyola’s life with the Houston

become immersed in the opera scene there. I want to move

Grand Opera is no different, and he has a strict pre-perfor-

to Germany, Switzerland, or Austria – there are so many great

mance ritual.

opera houses, and I want to experience them all,” says Noyola.

In preparation for a typical 8 p.m. performance, his day starts with a workout – nothing too extreme or tiring. “I

Enjoy Noyola while you can locally because the next time you see him in a live performance might require a passport.

work out a lot on my core because it is what supports my

DANIEL NOYOLA PREPARES FOR EACH PERFORMANCE WITH WORKOUTS, PASTA AND SILENCE UNTIL ITS TIME TO GO ONSTAGE.

Photo Credit: Jiyang Chen 10

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

Photo Credit: Douglas Marquez

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

YOU ARE HOUSTON’S REIGNING KING OF TIKTOK. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND MAKING THOSE

MEN OF HOUSTON ON BUSINESS, MOTIVATION, AND THEIR LOVE OF HOUSTON.

HILARIOUS VIDEOS? I spend anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours on any given TikTok video, depending on how complicated the production is. With dancing, no matter how simple the choreography, it probably takes me 50 times to get it right. Sometimes, the actual editing process can take a while, like the time I sent a coffee cup rocketing out of the studio in my video.

owen conflenti

WHAT IS ATTRACTIVE TO YOU ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?

ANCHOR, KPRC2

I love the way music and sound are central to the content. Mashing up video, text, graphics, and effects isn’t as cool or entertaining without TikTok’s extensive audio library. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with other creators, it is something I’ve never done before with other platforms. WHAT DO YOUR KIDS THINK ABOUT THEIR DAD HAVING ALMOST 1 MILLION FOLLOWERS? It’s funny because my kids are the reason I’m on TikTok at all! They showed me the app in late 2018, and I haven’t looked back. They enjoy producing videos with me, and I think the process of creating content develops their creativity and sense of humor. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? The people. The people make the place, and this place is full of great folks. You see it during any crisis — incredible souls doing the best they can to help themselves, their friends, family, and neighbors. 14

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

KPRC2 Anchor, Owen Conflenti, Photo Credit: Michael Moon Photography

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE

blue crabs, shrimp, and oysters from the Texas coast that

GOING TO BECOME A CHEF?

have inspired countless dishes on the Louisiana coast

I knew I wanted to be a chef early on; I started in a small

is a real treat. I could envision a spread of raw and mes-

kitchen during high school and cooked my way through

quite-grilled oysters along with a salad of chilled crab and

college. I grew up around great home cooks and learned

shrimp dressed in avocado, tomato, and fresh lime. A well

that a great pantry and fresh local ingredients, many of

smoked beef brisket with all the fixings from Feges BBQ

which were smoked, caught, and hunted by friends and

and fresh warm flour tortillas would be on the table, as

neighbors, were keys to great cooking.

well. To drink, we would have a mixed six-pack from some of the incredible Houston breweries and wine picked by

WHAT PERSONAL QUIRKS DOES YOUR TEAM

my buddy Guy Stout. Strawberry gelato from SweetCup

TEASE YOU ABOUT?

Gelato would be the perfect way to end our meal.

I have a very distinct southern Louisiana accent and

tend to talk fast when I get excited. From New York to our

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST

kitchen today and all places in between, I think everyone

ABOUT HOUSTON?

has their version of the “Drake” voice.

Houston is a fantastic place to live. The support that

Houstonians have shown our restaurant, our team, and my

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL HOUSTON MENU?

family has been truly humbling.

I love to cook and entertain at home, but my ideal Houston menu would have the foods that my family and I eat when I’m not cooking. Having access to the same

EXECUTIVE CHEF, EUNICE

drake leonards “ The suppor t that Hous tonians have shown our restaurant , our team, and my f a m i l y h a s b e e n t r u l y h u m b l i n g .”

Chef Drake Leonards of Eunice, Photo Credit: Courtesy of Eunice

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

pierre russell OWNER, SPAR HOUSTON

WHAT IS THE MOST PROMINENT MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT WORKING OUT? People think you need a lot of time to get a good workout in, but in reality, you only need between 20-30 minutes. Some of the best sessions I have with my clientele are 30-minute sessions. If you are working within the right heart rate zones and know how many calories you are trying to burn, it is easy to get in a great workout without spending hours in the gym. IF YOU COULD ONLY HAVE ONE PIECE OF WORKOUT EQUIPMENT FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? The piece of equipment that is most versatile and that I have used the most is really simple – a resistance band. You can use it for upper body, lower body and total body. It’s just a piece of rubber, but they come in different weights and widths, and you can do so much with it to have an excellent resistance-based workout. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? That is easy – the thing I love the most about Houston is hands down the food. I love walking down Washington where I can have almost any kind of meal I want. I love the diverse food culture.

“For mos t people , there is no reason to spend hours in t h e g y m . Yo u o n l y need between 2030 minutes for a Photo Credit: Ashton Joe 16

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

g r e a t w o r k o u t .”

HOW DO YOU STAY INNOVATIVE IN ALL OF YOUR

IS THERE ONE THING THAT YOU ARE SECRETLY

RESTAURANT CONCEPTS?

OBSESSED WITH HAVING IN ALL OF YOUR

From an innovation standpoint, it is essential to under-

RESTAURANTS?

stand what the consumer wants and is doing - to under-

I believe firmly from a restaurant design experience that

stand consumer habits. Secondly, it is important to look

a great crowd with good energy is the secret sauce to a

at what the competition is doing and try to do it a little

successful restaurant. It is vital to figure out the way to

bit differently so that we stand out. For example, from the

bring the crowd to you. Once you have that – everything

beginning The Rustic was philosophically a restaurant

else becomes a backdrop.

with live music as opposed to a live music venue that serves food. Our newest concept, The Rustic Post Oak, is

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT

going to be an elevated dining experience with live music.

HOUSTON?

It is going to cater to the inner-loop crowd that wants a great meal and live music.

I love Houston’s diversity. It is the most international city, and I love the spirit that comes from that. You get so much flavor and excitement from all the different perspectives that make Houston so special and unique.

“I be lieve firml y from a restaurant design experience that a great c r o w d w i t h g o o d e n e rg y is the secre t sauce to a s u c c e s s f u l r e s t a u r a n t .”

kyle noonan CEO, FREERANGE CONCEPTS CONTINUED >

Free Range Concepts, Courtesy Photo CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

lou savarese OWNER, SAVARESE FIGHT FIT

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE SPORT OF BOXING? My family has a history of fighters, so I have always been around boxing. I received a college scholarship but wasn’t interested in college, because I knew I always wanted to be a professional boxer. BEING INDUCTED INTO THE NEW YORK STATE BOXING HALL OF FAME IS QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT – WHAT ARE THE NEXT GOALS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? I own Savarese Fight Fit and want to help my clients genuinely feel good about themselves. I am building a brand that I hope one day I can turn into a franchise and hand it over to my kids. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? Houston has become home to me for sure. It’s a lot easier to get around in versus New York City. It’s

Photo Credit: Daniel Ortiz

diverse, I have so many friends here, and the food is fantastic. I am Italian, so we’re all about the food.

william wheless

Photo Credit: Chris Specks

REAL ESTATE IN HOUSTON CAN BE

style can be appealing as long as it is well

VERY VOLATILE. HOW DO YOU STAY

done and doesn’t cut corners.

MOTIVATED DURING LEAN TIMES? Real estate is an ebb and flows business, so I try to prepare for the slow seasons mentally and not fight it when the tide is out. During lean times, I aim to nurture my relationships, both professionally and per-

REALTOR, WHELESS REALTY

sonally, which helps when the real estate business starts to accelerate. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE OF HOME RIGHT NOW? I was initially drawn to real estate because I love architecture and appreciate all the various styles across the city of Houston. Any

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? I love the fabulous restaurants and the wonderful people who make up this great city.

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The River Oaks | 3433 Westheimer PH 3W 3 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3 Reserved Parking Spaces The last available penthouse in River Oaks. This move-in ready, never-lived-in unit is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Floor to ceiling glass walls and over 1,000 sq. ft. covered patio provide incredible natural light with North, South, and West views allowing one to take in the breathtaking sights of River Oaks, St. Johns Ball Fields and The Galleria. This penthouse is 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, with a gas fireplace, plentiful entertaining space, and a fabulous bar. Oversized media room could converted to a 4th bedroom. Unit comes with 3 reserved parking spaces, as well as 4 designated storage lockers. The River Oaks is located on a 3 acre piece of prime real estate and boasts five star level service and amentities including: two resort style pools, pet grooming, spa and dog park, massage therapy room, yoga/pilates studio, fitness center with Peloton bike, catering kitchen, private conference room, hotel style room for guests, valet parking and concierge. Contact William at Wheless Realty for further details & appointments.

1512 SOUTH BOULEVARD, HOUSTON Wonderful English Tudor originally designed by L.W. Lindsay circa 1925, and carefully renovated. This light filled home is one of a kind. Sitting on a fully fenced/gated 21,000+ sqft corner lot. Updated Poggenpohl kitchen with Miele appliances, wood flooring, grand formals, high ceilings, separate guest-house (961 sqft) with billiard room and quarters. Beautiful oversized pool perfect for keeping cool!

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Beautiful custom home built in the contemporary French country style circa 2012 on 11,250 sqft lot per HCAD. The property backs up to River Oaks Elementary Spark Park, where kids can run and play. Wonderful features including a walk-in wine cellar, fabulous formals and large kitchen, oversize master with views of the park, garage apartment with large movie theater, custom outdoor kitchen.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

Levi Goode, Photo Credit: Candace Moore

OUTLASTING THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD 22

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

The Armadillo Palace, Photo Credit: Goode Company

THE WORLD’S FIRST MULTIPURPOSE DOMED STADIUM, THE HOUSTON ASTRODOME, MADE ITS DEBUT IN 1965 AND WAS DUBBED THE “EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD.” Home to the Astros and Oilers, the dome reigned supreme for 43 years until it was forced to close in 2008 due to code non-compliance issues. In 1977, just 12 miles from the Astrodome, Goode Company began selling barbeque sandwiches at their barn turned restaurant on Kirby Drive. Smoked all night on a mesquite fire, Jim Goode and his Uncle Joe Dixie made a name for themselves with their authentic Texan fare. Fast forward 43 years, and Goode Company has become a Houston staple and part of what makes up the fabric of the city. With several restaurant concepts including the original barbeque, seafood, and Mexican food, the family-run business shows no signs of slowing down. Levi Goode, CEO of Goode Company, showcases his family’s multicultural background and passion for an authentically regional experience. “It is wonderful to be able to represent our family’s heritage as well as the great bounties of this region. I look at what we do as sharing a little bit of our family’s heritage with the public,” Goode says. “Our Goode Company's newest seafood restaurant located in Memorial. Photo Credit: Alex Montoya

newest restaurant pays homage to our original seafood restaurant that opened in 1986. Opening this restaurant was an opportunity to take a look at what Goode Company Seafood means to the city of Houston. Our menu has offerings from not only Texas but Mexico,

GOODE COMPANY, A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS AND HOUSTON STAPLE, IS POISED TO OUTLAST THE CITY’S ICONIC LANDMARK.

Louisiana, with Cajun and Creole influences, as well. There is a lot of love and thought put into our menus.” The menus at all of Goode Company’s restaurants showcase food cooked over a mesquite fire grill. Examples of this include fresh woodfired oysters, Gulf Coast fish, and most famously, fajitas. “We developed our skillset cooking over live fire mesquite, and we were one of the first ones to do that with fajitas in Houston,” says the CEO.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

When asked about what comes next for the family business, Goode laughs and says, “whatever is fun.” Goode may project a jovial attitude, but he is also hyper-focused on maintaining a deep connection to the community. The company remains innovative in its menu offerings, restaurant concepts, and even décor, but they do it in a way that still pays homage to their roots. “I am aware of my family’s legacy, and the response of our customers is what fuels me. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to the community, and I think it shows in what we do with our food, culture, and region,” says Goode. “We put our best foot forward in everything we do to represent who we are as a brand and as a family in this city.” After decades, Goode Company still cooks over a mesquite fire. Photo Credit: Goode Company

The Astrodome’s premiere status in the city may have come and gone, but Goode Company keeps innovating with the times and is here to stay.

Photo Credit: Goode Company

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

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DIY

Each garment is carefully handcrafted with attention to fit and comfort.

More than a Century of B e s p o ke Tr a d i t i o n ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

HAMILTON SHIRTS HAS REIGNED SUPREME AS ONE OF THE OLDEST BESPOKE SHIRT MAKERS IN THE COUNTRY. THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF COMPANIES THAT HAVE POSITIONED THEMSELVES TO WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME, AND HOUSTON HAS BEEN HOME TO ONE OF THEM FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY. Through a rich history of depressions, recessions, and the ever-changing trends of the fashion world, Hamilton Shirts has reigned supreme as one of the oldest bespoke shirt makers in the country. Founded in the 1800’s at a time when men’s shirts were more of an undergarment than the focal point of an outfit, the Hamilton Brothers started a clothing company and made all kinds of men’s apparel - everything from suits to hats. Over the years, the Hamilton brothers went their

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

separate ways, and the family business consolidated into what it is today, Hamilton Shirts. Now run by the family’s fourth generation, brother and sister team David and Kelly Hamilton, the shirt makers continue to focus on the values that have remained at the core of their business: customers, the highest quality products, and their employees. “The retail space and fashion are always changing and sometimes dramatically, but our business stays the same,” says David Hamilton. “Quality and fit have always withstood the test of time. People want something that is high quality and enduring. If you take any man and put him in a shirt that fits just right – he is going to look better. We have never had to advertise; we rely on word of mouth and satisfied customers.” The clothing company is best known for its two types Fourth generation co-owners Kelly and David Hamilton.

of custom shirt programs, Hamilton Made-to-Measure and Hamilton Bespoke. The made to measure option is a simple program with fewer measurements. Customers can stop in the store to try on several possibilities, or the try-on shirts can be shipped directly to them, very similar to a Warby Parker shopping experience. The customer then decides which one fits best, and a few tailored modifications are made before the final shirt is produced. The Bespoke Program, however, is customized from start to finish with a paper pattern and fitting specialist available to walk the customer through the whole personalized experience. “In general, there has been a shift to more individualized things. I think because of online shopping, people are used to ordering something and having to wait a time to receive it,” said Hamilton. “Customization in all kinds of products is here and is only going to increase. Men’s fashion is going to become more casual, and men are going to want to wear the same item of clothing in different environments. We are working to keep up with those changes.”

Hamilton Shirts' storefront is located in the Galleria area of Houston.

For the first time in history, consumers spend the least amount of their income on clothing but have more clothing than ever before. In a time where Instagram feeds proffer a different outfit for each day at unbelievably low prices, Hamilton Shirts remains steadfast in their commitment to slow fashion.

“ Q u a l i t y a n d f i t h av e a l w ay s w i t h s t o o d t h e t e s t o f t i m e . Pe o p l e want something that is high quality a n d e n d u r i n g . I f y o u t a ke a n y m a n and put him in a shirt that fits just

“We spend almost all of our budget on our materials and the people who make the shirts. We have customers who ten years later are wearing the same shirt, and they still look great,” said Hamilton. “As consumers, we should demand more from the people who make our clothing. It is important to buy your clothes somewhere where you know that they value their employees and where you will also know that you are buying something made to last.”

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GIVING BACK

GIVING B AC K I N TIMES OF CRISIS

ORDERING CURBSIDE BECAME THE NEW NORMAL FOR MANY IN HOUSTON BEGINNING IN MARCH. Not only did it help local eateries that were suffering during COVID-19, but it also complied with official orders that kept restaurants and bars shuttered. James Beard Award winner and famed Houston restauranteur, Chris Shepherd, took helping individuals in the food and beverage industry one step further with his nonprofit, Southern Smoke Foundation. Shepherd launched the foundation in 2015 after learning his former sommelier was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Passionate chefs from all over the nation united to help their friend in need by hosting a fundraising festival. The one-time event benefitting the Multiple Sclerosis Society was a huge success, and Southern Smoke has gone on to donate nearly $800,000 to the MS Society, making it the most significant third-party fundraiser in a five-state area. In 2017, Shepherd witnessed the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey, and his attention pivoted to find a greater way to help people in the food and beverage industry. The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey prompted the Southern Smoke Foundation to create the Emergency Relief Fund, which provides aid to individuals in the food and beverage industry during natural disasters. However, much like the rest of the world, there was one disaster the foundation did not anticipate - COVID-19. “Normally when we are dealing with crises in large populations, it is usually natural-disaster related-- whether it is wildfire, floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Coronavirus was a very different animal because we do not know how long this is going to last,” said Kathryn Lott, Executive Director of the Southern Smoke Foundation. To-date the Emergency Relief Fund has donated over $2.8 million to individuals and to organizations that help represent people in the food and beverage industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, 22,000 applications from all over the nation have poured in. The foundation has given over $1 million to nearly 600 individuals in immediate need.

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

THE SOUTHERN SMOKE FOUNDATION IS PUTTING MONEY DIRECTLY INTO THE HANDS OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS.

Chris Shepherd, founder of Southern Smoke Foundation. Photo Credit: Catchlight Photography

“Coronavirus was a very different animal because we do not know how long t h i s i s g o i n g t o l a s t ,” s a i d K athryn Lott, Executive Director of the Southern S m o k e Fo u n d a t i o n . This foundation did not stop with funding and has also employed furloughed Houstonians internally to work for the organization. Setting aside time to train new hires on how to manage cases, communicate, and screen applications are just other parts of their bigger mission to serve the food and beverage worker community. “They are great folks who already know how to take on pressure,” said Lott. Aside from donating to relief foundations such as Southern Smoke or Restaurant Workers Community Foundation to help those in the food and beverage industry, Lott suggests buying gift cards. “Gift cards are a great way to provide urgent funding to restaurants without having the pressure of using them immediately,” said Lott. If you are interested in supporting local individuals in the food and beverage industry, you can donate to Southern Smokehouse directly online at www.southernsmoke.org. If you are in the food and beverage industry and need assistance, you can apply online at https://southernsmoke.org/fund/.

ARTICLE KIMBERLY CROSS CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

ARTIST’S PALETTE

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

Te x a s ’ Contemporary A r t P i o n e e r, Mark Whitmarsh

WHITMARSH ON BEGINNING HIS CAREER AS A LONE CONTEMPORARY ARTIST AND WHAT INSPIRES HIM TODAY. River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

Mark Whitmarsh at work. Photo Credit: Southwest Gallery

DURING THE LATE 1980’S, IN THE FOOT-

region, he continues to push his work forward.

HILLS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, MARK

“When I am creating on canvas, I am inspired

WHITMARSH BEGAN PAINTING. His creative

by randomness and chaos,” Whitmarsh says of his

accomplishments have spanned the ups and downs

creative process. “When I start, I paint the whole

of trends, styles, and economic bubbles for more

canvas black and add layers from there. I am not

than four decades. Whitmarsh’s art can be found

one who plans everything from the beginning – I

in galleries in Texas and the southwest, and his art

just get too bored. I don’t call a painting done until

shows he continues to be inspired and is not afraid

it has between 8-10 layers on it. Many people don’t

to move in new directions.

realize that all of my paintings are finished with a

“I started painting professionally in the time when a lot of people were not buying contemporary

coat of oil paint, which I really like, because I can manipulate it a lot longer than acrylic.”

art. I was a lone artist for quite some time,” says

Although many artists concentrate their efforts

Whitmarsh. “People were more interested in south-

on one or possibly a handful of paintings at a time,

western art, but luckily that has changed.”

Whitmarsh spreads a minimal amount of time

It is no surprise that Whitmarsh has captivated

across hundreds of paintings. “I paint really small

audiences for decades. The mixed media artist, who

amounts of time throughout the day. Sometimes

primarily paints in acrylic, has a style that is light

just 10-15 minutes at a time,” says the artist. “I paint

and full of movement. He has three gallery shows

when I am inspired or when I get an idea. I just don’t

per year, and although he has already cemented his

have the temperament to spend hours and hours at

reputation as one of the contemporary artists of our

a time on a painting.” CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks 33

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

Whitmarsh draws inspiration from his childhood in Colorado and simple moments spent in nature, but he is also influenced by the classics. “I don’t want to be boring, but I am still inspired by Picasso and his creativity,” he says. “I always go back to Monet, and de Kooning because I feel like their work is the expressionist side of the human psyche.” When asked about what comes next in his professional career, he laughs and says, “You have to remember, my goal was never to be a professional artist,” said Whitmarsh. “I picked it up because my parents were good artists and I went to art school, but I didn’t become a professional artist until I got laid off from a job and started getting commissions for my art. I started gradually - it was never planned.” Planned or not, patrons of the art are fortunate Whitmarsh hasn’t put down his paintbrush.

Mark Whitmarsh’s art can be found locally at Jack Rabbit Gallery. 228 E 27th St. Houston, TX 77008 832.991.8113

River Oaks Lifestyle | June 2020

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