A few weeks ago, a client of mine was visited by the big guy. (No, not Jesus. Easter is well over 2 weeks away. I should know, I haven’t had alcohol since Fat Tuesday. I’m counting.)

Last year I did some consulting work with  OPOWER, an Washington DC-based energy efficiency software company that helps utilities meet their efficiency goals through effective customer engagement. Formerly Positive Energy, I helped OPOWER with a full rebranding, new logo, new website, and social media program.

Think about viewing your energy bill like you view your cell phone bill. Getting information on various inputs of your usage. Which appliances are using more energy, what time of day? How much could you save if you were to replace an old appliance? What side of your house is higher on energy usage.   All of these variables are determined by information inputs from Smart Grids, which deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers using two-way digital technology.

However, OPOWER’s game-changing approach to changing consumer energy usage is based on behavioral studies and how social norms affect change.  Study after study, research shows that, by far, the factor that impacts behavior change in energy consumption is social approval or disapproval. More simply put, consumers who are told that they are using more energy than their neighbors, are more likely to reduce usage. Each OPOWER energy report scores a household in comparison to the neighborhood average, in the form of a smiley face, or frown face.

The Arlington, VA company has quickly become the leader in their technology field, and continues to successfully grow at a rapid rate, the reason for President Obama’s visit a few weeks ago.

After Obama’s visit, we received the following email from the company founders:

“Friends and Partners, Wow! We’re still pinching ourselves from the honor of having hosted President Obama at our office on Friday. He spent a half hour with us, touring the office and meeting our staff, and then held a press conference on creating jobs in the clean energy economy. For everyone here it was a lifetime highlight, and we’re thrilled to share our excitement with all of you without whom our work — and the President’s visit — would not have been possible. We’ve pasted highlights of the President’s speech below, and for those inclined, there are links to videos of his visit and photos as well.”

Links to videos and photos:

• Whitehouse Official Video: http://bit.ly/WhiteHouseOfficialVideoOPOWER
• C-SPAN video includes tour of the office: http://bit.ly/C-SPAN_OPOWER_Video
• Reuters and Associated Press Photos: http://bit.ly/Reuters_and_Associated_Press_Photos
• OPOWER’s Photos: http://bit.ly/OPOWER_President_Obama_Photos
• Alex’s follow up interview on Bloomberg Television: http://bit.ly/OPOWER_Bloomberg_Interview

Excerpts from President Obama’s speech at OPOWER’s headquarters:

“It is great to be here at OPOWER. And just looking around, this looks like a fun place to work. The work you do here, as we just heard, is making homes more energy efficient, it’s saving people money, it’s generating jobs and it’s putting America on the path to a clean energy future.”

“We know that there have been success stories all across America. OPOWER is one of those success stories. This is a company that works with utilities to help folks understand their energy costs and how they can save money on their energy bills. And for the folks in the press that weren’t able to hear, this board testifies to the number of kilowatt hours that have been saved, the amount of money that’s gone back into consumers’ pockets, and the amount of carbon that has been taken out of the atmosphere as a consequence of the great work that these people here at OPOWER are doing. Now part of the reason, I suspect, you’re growing, is that you’re doing your jobs well. But I also know that a big part of the reason is that you’re seizing the opportunities of the future. The jobs of tomorrow will be jobs in the clean energy sector, and this company is a great emblem for that.”

Congrats, OPOWER. Keep up the awesome work!

image: kenziepoo.com

Ok, yes it’s been almost three weeks since the Altitude Design Summit. And it’s taken me that long to get over the fact that I’m the worst skier in America. Maybe even North America.

Way overdue is a wrap-up post on the wonderfulness (that’s absolutely a word) that was the first annual Altitude Design Summit. There are many,  many, many, many, many more timely, great wrap-up posts. Instead of recreating those, I decided to pick my top 10 best memories from ALT. The things (and people) that 3 weeks later, I’m still thinking about.

I was completely honored to be a part of this amazing gathering of creativity, technology, and community. I know where I’ll be in Jan of 2011 (not on the slopes).

1. The SLC Welcome Wagon: Steve Urquhart + Alan Dayton

By far my favorite part of Salt Lake City was meeting and hanging out with these two. Who would have thought that two Utah politicians could be such a hoot? Not me. But that they were.  Taking us far and wide from the streets of SLC to Sundance in Park City, Steve and Alan graciously volunteered to spend time away from their rad families to serve as our official tour guides. I have a feeling that when the Olympic Host Committee visited SLC, these two had something to do with the win. I’m eternally grateful to their hospitality and look forward returning the favor in Texas one day.

2. Those Stunning Stanley Girls

I love hanging around families that are close. And even better, families that are close AND are all creative geniuses. Take the Stanley family, of St. George, UT. I first met Gabby Blair (Design Mom) 2 years ago and was instantly in love with her wit, brain, and heart. Next, I met the hilarious, talented Jordan Ferney (Oh Happy Day) at last year’s Mom 2.0 Summit. At this year’s Alt Summit I had the pleasure of meeting yet another Stanley sister, Sara Urquhart (wife to Steve) who was one of the main organizers of Alt. As an event planner, I can say that the 48-hours leading up to the event resemble something of a war zone on speed, and you would never tell by Sara’s fun and calm demeanor. She truly did a bang up job of organizing this vast undertaking. Also in attendance, Liz Stanley (Say Yes to Hoboken) who married into the Stanley clan, and if you know my freakish obsession with Hoboken, NJ, you can imagine my thrill. I’m so lucky to have gotten to know this family over the last few years. And they cease to amaze me with all of their talents. (Also FINALLY got to me the infamous Ben Blair! woo!)

3. My Conference Partner in Crime: David All

David All sat on the Politicopia pre-ALT panel that I also sat on Wednesday. He and I, along with Colin Delany, Laura Mayes, and Ric Cantrell taught a half-day social media workshop to local Utah politicians. David runs a grassroots communications company in D.C., The David All Group. I was instantly impressed with his presentation and work with recent clients such as Congressman Joe Wilson, and results his firm was able to achieve using social media (or as David will argue, Direct Media, tactics.) I got to know David over the next few days, and found that we had lots of common, outside of our political affiliations. ;-) (I think I confused him when I mentioned Halliburton. “Wait, you’re a Democrat?”) David also showed off his stellar snowboarding skills at Solitude, as I was rolling down the mountain trying to keep my skis in tact. We packed a lot of fun in 3 days and look forward staying in touch with David, and working on future projects together.

4. Meeting Joslyn Taylor of Simple Lovely. She’s simply that. Lovely.

I’ve been a HUGE fan of Joslyn’s blog, Simple Lovely for a long time.  Always incredibly beautiful content. And, she’s a Texas gal! Joslyn was the host of the Dallas Kirsty Book party last Fall, and I was so happy to finally meet her in person. Joslyn moderated a panel on creating a community online, and I was excited to hear some of the ways she chooses content and manages her blog. Hope to see more of Joslyn in the future!

5. Jyl Johnson Pattee showing me the Mormon gang sign.

Man are mormons fun. Yes, fun. as. hell. Which I’m sure was entirely judgmental of me to assume that weren’t. But Jyl topped them all. She was the life of the party at the Thursday night Opening Social. I haven’t thought it was possible for someone to be so fun sober since I was 16. Ok, 15. Jyl showed me the Mormon gang sign. Ok, so yes just an upside down #3, but I was highly amused. Her intoxicating laughter put a smile on everyone’s face. Damn, Mormons are fun.

6. LEAP!

I love Kirsty events, because it means I get to spend time with some of my favorite gals in the world. This trip was no different, and I finally got to meet Kirtsy guy, and Laurie Smithwick‘s other half, Bob. I sat in on Laurie and Bob’s session on Friday (along with Bryan Mason of Typekit and StruckAxiom) where the panel discussed the intersection of design and programming. A particular interest of mine.  Later in the week, I had a blast with Laurie and Bob at Solitude Ski Resort (they are expert skiers!). However, my favorite thing about this Leap Design duo is their exquisite taste in music. Always get new, great recs from these two. Excited to be seeing them at their home in Charlotte this March as Andrew and I travel there during his solo tour. Get the East Coast ready for us, Laurie and Bob!

7. Joy Deangdeelert Cho of Oh Joy

I’ve been a fan of Joy and of her blog, Oh Joy, for a long time. This Christmas, I found out that Joy has recently been designing a line of products for Chronicle Books (also at Alt), when my assistant Kara gave me a super cute notebook designed by Joy. I was ecstatic to find out that she would be a speaker at Alt. Laura and I joked on the plane that I would stalkerishly reveal my notebook to her casually at Alt.  I was thrilled when she walked into the session I was leading on Friday on Twitter for Designers. Until we discovered that, yes, Twitter was DOWN. For an hour during the session Laura and I taught Twitter, without access to Twitter. I will tell you, this is not easy. The attendees were super great about it and seemed to get at least something out of it. I snapped this pic of my notebook, and Joy. I know. Geek. It was pretty rad.

8. Erik Natzke + DJ Earworm = BEST CONFERENCE SESSION EVER.

Seriously. This session blew me away. Blew us all away. I was sitting in between Amber and David and we keep looking at each other like, is this for real? Erik is an artist, designer, and programmer, who creates and gives material substance to his ideas through immaterial computer code. Natzke’s work focuses on aesthetics and methodology, in which code and numbers generate beauty. When Natzke wants to draw something, he doesn’t pick up a pencil. He opens his Flash software editor and starts writing code. After Erik’s amazing presentation, DJ Earworm gave an amazing demonstration of how he creates a mashup. It was amazing to watch him find similar elements of entirely unrelated songs, and make it work. Check out a mashup he played for us of Beyonce’s “If I Were a Boy” and Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” or as DJ Earworm has dubbed it, “If I Were A Free Fallin’ Boy.” This was seriously the most entertaining session I have EVER seen at any conference. EVER.

9. The Goodie Bags. Dude, Seriously. Awesome.

Here is a great post from Not Martha on the goodness that was THE goodie bag.

10. My Roll Dawgs: Laura + Amber

Last but certainly not least, my Texas girls Laura and Amber, who made this trip unforgettable. With out them, I’d never have had as much fun, or ever made it down the mountain for that matter. I’ve had so much fun with these girls over the past few years. So many adventures, and so many more to come. Love you, guys!

—

header image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/harpy

images 5, 6: gabby blair’s flickr stream

images 2, 8, 10 alt summit flickr stream

2009 was a year filled with ups and downs, and disorder, and rebuilding, and many wonderful lessons. As I’m sure there will be all of that in 2010, as well, I begin the year with a feeling of calm, confidence, and optimism. I’m constantly blessed with being surrounded by amazing people and projects that give me dream opportunities, and I’m super excited to share a few of the things I’ll be doing in 2010. Still pinching myself on some of these.

Alt Summit – I’m presenting! (in unrelated news…I’m dying…of excitement)

Pretty much a design junkie’s dream conference. Set in the beautiful town of Salt Lake City, UT smack dab in the middle of the Sundance Film Festival. Oh, and did I mention all of my design idols are speaking? I didn’t? Well, THAT is the best part. (Unless, I track down Justin Timberlake at Sundance. In that case THAT will be the best part.)

Um, Apartment Therapy? Hell yes. Design Milk? oh yeah, they’ll be there. NOTCOT< check!  Design Crush, {frolic!} and Design*Sponge. Yep. I know, right? Breathe. Oh yeah, and that guy who created the Mastercard “Priceless” campaign. I can’t think of a better word to describe this experience. Oh, joy! (yeah, she’ll be there, too.)

I’m HELLA honored (I know, hella is classy) to have been invited by Kirtsy to present a pre-conference social media workshop with Laura Mayes. After I realized I wasn’t dreaming, panic set in that I’d instantly turn into a babbling idiot when faced with the purveyors of lovely that grace my Google Reader daily. Let’s hope I can at least keep up with them on the slopes. Did I mention the Sundance party we’re going to? I didn’t? Back to pinching myself.

Running away with the Sun

During a packed performance last night at Houston’s Continental Club, Texas blues rock favorites, Runaway Sun, made a major announcement. They have recently been selected to play in New York City as part of the Best Buy Live at Best Buy Music series on March 26th. Following an amazing year that included the release of their first full-length LP, and being nominated for a Houston Press award for Best Blues Band, the Texas foursome is preparing for a Southeastern U.S. tour this Spring.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Andrew Karnavas is wrapping up recording a solo album at Sugar Hill Studios, before he embarks on a few solo shows on the way to the NYC performance. And I’m going with him! ROADTRIP! We plan to drive through Nashville, Charlotte and D.C. on the way to New York. If you’ve got peeps in those areas, let them know we’re headed that way!

WordCamp comes to the HTX

If there’s one thing I’m more passionate about than design and music, (or Justin Timberlake), it’s technology. And if blogging is my sickness, then WordPress is my drug of choice. Created by Houstonian Matt Mullenweg, WordPress is an open-source blog publishing platform that beautifully organizes all the posts, comments, and sidebar content that you see on this blog, and thousands of others. I’m a huge WordPress groupie, as are most who use the software. It’s hard to not fall in love with beautiful code. Especially when you don’t have to look at it.

We’ve just confirmed that my company, co.lab, my sister design company, Primer Grey, along with fellow WordPress enthusiasts will be hosting Houston’s first WordCamp later this year. PG and I are passionate about technology education and are friggin’ excited (official emotion) to host this incredible user group. We’re working on details and will share as soon as we lock down a date and location. Visit http://wordcamphouston.com or follow @wordcamphtx on twitter for breakin’ news. Yes, breakin’! We’re from Texas, y’all!

FTW, 2010. Bring. It.

I’ll be at ACL fest in Austin this weekend for a much needed getaway, and I’m totally beside myself just thinking about seeing Them Crooked Vultures on Thursday night. Must. clam. down. Holler if you’re gonna be out there, and i’ll c.u.t.here! Peace, Love + Sound, Peeps! Speaking of, I’ve got a gCal for upcoming shows that you can access here. Have at it. Soon to be one for events as well. Stay tuned. c.u.there, peeps!

{Tuesday.29}

The Architecture of Social Networking

Facebook, Twitter, Wiki, Blogs, Forums, LinkedIn, and everything else you’ve ever wondered about. What is social media, what it means to you and how you can use it.

Panelists:
Filo Castore, AIA LEED AP
Fayza Elmostehi (Schipul – The Web Marketing Company)
Jeromy Murphy, AIA

{Wednesday.30}

Robert Ellis + the Boys at Mango’s

Craving your country fix? Stop by Mango’s for some pre-ACL celebration as Robert Ellis and the boys infuse this local music joint with some honky tonk blues.

{Thursday.01}

Elizabeth Irvine Lunchtime Lecture Series

I recently finished a site redesign for Elizabeth Irvine. Beth is an amazing mentor and friend. She’s most definitely positively impacted my life in the short time that I’ve known here. She’ll be doing 2 lunchtime series this fall the first one in October is focused on creating balance and well-being. In November, she will lead lunchtime meditation at Bright Sky Press. Stressed out? You seriously need this like I do!

Thursdays in October: 1, 8 and 15, 12 noon – 1 p.m
COST: $100 for series, $40 for individual lecture. Lunch provided

click here to register

Three Simple Ways To Create Balance in Everyday Life

Thursday October 1, 2009 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Beth shares ideas of how to relieve stress and replace it with balance and well being. How do I deal with the frustration of mundane tasks day after day? What can I do to have more energy and clarity? What are three things I can do to improve my diet? Do I really enjoy what I do?

For more info on all her workshops, visit http://www.elizabethirvine.com/engage/workshops/

Divergence Vocal Theater Presents: Autumn Spectre

6 – 9pm | First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (2119 Avalon Place) | facebook invite | $20

I’ve recently found out about Divergence and met the lovely Misha Penton. I’d be here if i weren’t in Austin. Check it out!

Boundary-defying performances featuring historic and new opera, art song, piano works, theater, dance, and multimedia arts. Contemporary staging, a progressive attitude to repertoire selection, and an exciting fusion of interdisciplinary arts characterizes our non-traditional approach to opera and classical vocal works. Artistic Director: Misha Penton.
www.divergencevocaltheater.org

An ethereal October eve of contemporary art song in English, piano & harp works, with sitar music, film, butoh inspired dance, & shadow play. Music of Dominick Argento, Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Jake Heggie, Benjamin Britten, and more…

Friday, October 2nd, 8pm
Saturday, October 3rd, 8pm

For more information and tickets: http://www.divergencevocaltheater.org/performances.html

Join us immediately following the performance for a meet-the-company after-party.

Opera in the Heights: Il Tabarro + Pagliacci

7:30pm | Lambert Hall | www.operaintheheights.org| facebook invite

Final Performances Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Kicking off it’s 14th season on September 24th, Opera in the Heights! adventurously takes on the unique double bill of Il Tabarro with Pagliacci, two unforgettable stories paired together to heed the tale of unfaithful women, jealousy and revenge which result in their untimely death.  Could these be the desperate housewives of a century ago?

Opera in the Heights! is a professional regional opera company that exists to provide a stage for emerging performers and to bring affordable opera to the greater Houston area. All operas are presented in the original language with English surtitles in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Blvd. located in the Houston Heights, with easy and convenient parking.  Experience these traditional productions in an intimate, historic setting, where the audience can enjoy the performance up close!  Ticket prices start at a mere $10 per performance, with the best seats in the house for only $45. Restrictions apply, call 713-861-5303 or visit www.operaintheheights.org for more information. See you UP CLOSE!

29-95.com Presents Buxton at the Continental Club

10pm | Continental Club | www.operaintheheights.org| facebook invite

2995 continues their free concert series at the Continental Club this week with one of my fav local bands, Buxton. Listen to some of their tracks here. Or just show up. It’s free. duh. You won’t regret it.

{Friday.02}

C2 Creative presents Hous(e)ton: the photography of Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto

7pm-9pm | Caroline Collective (4820 Caroline) | www.carolinecollective.cc | facebook invite

Please join the C2 Creative community in opening their newest show at Caroline Collective Friday, October 2nd from 7pm to 9pm. The show features work from local Houston photographers Shannon Duncan and Ben Desoto.

The works collected here from the talented Houston Artists Ben Desoto and Shannon Duncan speak about home, house, and Houston – home to us all. Each artist has chosen to explore the shadowy axioms of house, home and Houston. That’s not to say in a derogatory manner, but to say from the inverse. Each of their subjects is shown without house, or home. Their work shows us the oft-overlooked side of our fair city. Shannon’s works painstakingly reveals the beauty in the everyday mundane detritus of urban life while Ben’s work forces us to confront the very human realties of homelessness. Each set however has an optimism that far outstrips the meager realities of the objects or people shown. Together each artist elevates the inverse, the shadows of our homes, houses and Houstonians to a place of touching poignancy. And together each photographer reminds us that every great image, and maybe every great story, starts with a negative. Light refreshments will be provided.

Horsehead Theatre presents Red Light Winter

8pm | Frenetic Theater (5102 Navigation) | www.horseheadtheatre.org | facebook invite

I’ve been hearing so much buzz about this performance, I can’t wait to make it out to see this. Naked people, sex on stage, and Amsterdam. I’m so there. Warning: this performance is not for the easily embarrassed or squeamish. OK, see, now you’re intrigured and you’re gonna go, right?

September 24, 25, 26; October 1, 2, 3 & 8, 9, 10
All shows at 8:00 pm

General admission price: $15 first weekend; $20 second & third weekends; Student price: $10 per ticket per student ID & must be purchased at door;
Tickets available now at http://horseheadtheatre.org/tickets and will be available at the door.

Horse Head Theatre Co. presents Red Light Winter as its premiere production running September 24 to October 10 at Frenetic Theater. Written by Adam Rapp, Red Light Winter has not been seen in Houston before. Horse Head Theatre hopes to bring an exceptionally new and engaging theatre-going opportunity for Houston audiences by creating a completely designed experience. Horse Head Theatre’s goal with all of its shows is to create a theatrical presentation that reinvigorates the soul and reawakens the human spirit. Horse Head productions begin and end with ceremonial rituals and create opportunities for audiences to break the traditional code of theatre etiquette.

The story of Red Light Winter centers on misplaced affections between long time friends Matt and Davis, and an enigmatic Amsterdam prostitute, Christina. All three characters have flaws that they are aware of but do nothing to change. Because of this, emotions are propelled in a tragically wrong direction, creating an end sequence that rips out your heart with rage, disgust, pity, and complete stupor.

A few things you should know about RED LIGHT WINTER:
• Don’t expect a traditional theatre experience.
• Red Light Winter audiences will not sit in standard theatre chairs in rows. You are encouraged to sit, stand, lounge, spread out and move around any time you’d like during the course of the show. There will be no intermission.
• Red Light Winter contains nudity, explicit language, drug references, strobe effects and fog. Cigarette smoking will take place on stage during the course of the show.
• No one under 18 will be admitted due to the content of the show.
• Photography or video of any sort is not permitted.
• Drinks and snacks will be available before, during and after the show. Please bring cash for the bar and vendor stand.
• You can party, drink and lounge before and after the show. The Frenetic Theater lobby will open at 7:00 pm.
• Smoking is not permitted.
• Please turn off your cell phones.

{Saturday.03}

Buffalo Bayou Walking Tour

10am-noon | Buffalo Bayou / Architecture Center (315 Capitol) |website | $10-$15

Every 1st Sunday my buddy Jim mParsons leads this fantastic walking tour of Buffalo Bayou. Jim will be the first to remind you I haven’t bene yet. But I still know it’s fantastic if he’s involved.

Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) with the cooperation of Buffalo Bayou Partnership invite you to a stroll along Buffalo Bayou Parkway for an overview of downtown Houston’s history and architecture from it’s beginnings in 1836 to the efforts to revitalize the central city today. ArCH docents will lead you on this 2 hour architectural tour.

WHEN: Every First Saturday of the month – 10am-noon *(weather permitting) These tours will take place every First Saturday of the month. Reservations are not required but appreciated.

WHERE: Architecture Center Houston 315 Capitol Street, Suite 120

FEE: $15, $10 for AIA Houston, ArchiTypes, and Bayou Buddies members. Cash/check only at the door. Credit card purchases must be in advance. Call 713.520.0155 for tickets.

PARKING: Theater District and Hobby Center parking garages recommended due to 2 hour limited street parking.

About Architecture Center:
Architecture Center Houston (ArCH) houses offices of the American Institute of Architecture, Houston Chapter, the Houston Architecture Foundation, a gallery for rotating architecture-related exhibitions, meeting rooms, and a terrace overlooking Buffalo Bayou. ArCH aims to promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the ways in which architecture and urban design influence and enhance the quality of life in our community. For general inquiries, please call 713.520.0155, or visit www.aiahouston.org online.

About Buffalo Bayou Partnership:
The Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a non-profit organization that oversees Buffalo Bayou improvements. The Partnership coordinates the integration of major amenities into the Bayou greenbelt and seeks ways to increase community involvement through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities, permanent and temporary art installations, and other natural and built attractions. For general inquiries, please call 713.752.0314, or visit the Partnership online at www.buffalobayou.org.

{Wednesday.09}

HP Rocks Off hosts Beatles Rock Band Rock Off Contest

The Houston Press and Rocks Off Music Blog present The Beatles RockBand Rock Off! Celebrate the release of The Beatles Rock Band edition and be the first to play on Wednesday, September 9th at Coffee Groundz (2503 Bagby). Free Event! Enjoy Beatles inspired cocktails while you rock out. Prizes awarded for the highest score in each skill level and the best Beatles costume. Sign up your band starting at 6pm. Rock off competition starts at 7pm.

Hotel Sorella monnalisa lounge launch party

6:30-8:30pm | Hotel Sorella (800 West Sam Houston Parkway North (between I-10 and Memorial Drive) | facebook invite

I had a chance to check out this place a few weeks back and was hella impressed. If you find yourself outside the loop, don’t panic.  Head here for come luxurious pampering. The pool is small and quaint, and once the restaurants get built up around the area, we may even find ourselves heading OTL more often. Gasp!

{Thursday.10}

“POKE!” Opening Reception at FotoFest

6 – 9pm | FotoFest (1113 Vine St. | www.fotofest.org

Totally stoked about this exhibit. My worlds collide = social media + art. They’ve got tons of events in conjuction with the exhibit, including a social media panel discussion that I will be sitting on Oct 7th at FotoFest.

The increasingly pervasive, user-created content of online social media – tweets, confessional video, status updates, online gaming – are these subjects for art? In online parlance a poke is a virtual gesture intended as interaction without any specific purpose, usually interpreted as “hello.” POKE! is also a new FotoFest exhibition featuring eight technologically savvy artists who explore online social media and its evolving relationship with the public, the media, and art.

On view September 10 – October 24, 2009, POKE! explores the inter-personal intentions of social media technology and the nature of modern internet-mediated relationships with work that references and uses source material from popular online social media websites such as Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Craigslist, and YouTube.

{Friday.11}

FreshArts FreshFest!

5 – 8:30pm | Discovery Green | facebook invite

Take a breath of Fresh Art.

FREE dance, theatre and poetry performances; an instrument petting zoo, poetry booth, costume dress-up trunk, scratch film project and after-dark film screenings. A festival celebrating Houston’s alternative art scene.
FREE food provided by Strip House.

5-6PM: Educator’s Preview – Open to all educators! Come see what Houston´s alternative art scene has to offer you and your students! Incorporate arts into your classroom or come to us! You´ll also be treated to a free dance workshop from Dance Houston and performance from Main Street Theater.

6-8:30PM: FRESH FEST
Performances from U of H Dance Ensemble, Travesty Dance Group, Michael Khalil, Dance of Asian America, Mildred’s Umbrella and Main Street Theater; film screenings from Aurora Picture Show; scratch film project from SWAMP; an instrument petting zoo, costume dress up trunk and more!

HIWI Book Launch Party!

7-10pm | Craft Salon -(2307 Dunlavy St) | facebook invite

It’s finally here! It was worth the wait, Houston.

HIWI: IKE tells the story of the hurricane that hit Houston last year through real stories and images. Late Friday, September 12, 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston Island and the Texas Gulf Coast and continued its track inland through Houston, Dallas and as far north as Indianapolis. Many Galveston residents chose to remain on the island despite the National Hurricane Center’s warning of “certain death” for those who did so. Likewise, after witnessing the disastrous mass exodus preceding Hurricane Rita three years earlier, Houstonians were inclined to hunker down too. And hunker down they did. Houstonians met their neighbors while preparing for the storm, stayed together with friends and family during the storm, worked and cleaned up together after the storm, and endured the days, even weeks, without electricity. Without air conditioning. In Houston. At the end of summer. Together. In the spirit of HIWI: The Book, Houston. It’s Worth It. asked Houstonians to submit their accounts of Ike. This result is a personal perspective from some of those who experienced it, to remind Houstonians that, despite the occasional natural disaster, our city is very much still “worth it.” And while there were plenty of photos of destruction (with apologies, not all submitted photos of fallen trees are included), the camaraderie and support brought about in the storm’s aftermath was well documented in photographs and words, proving yet again that it takes more than a big storm to break the spirit of a Houstonian or of our neighbors to the south in Galveston.

DJ Josh Zulu, cocktails, giveaways, and a photo booth named Queso.

Diverseworks Season Kick-off

6 – 8pm | DIverseworks (1117 East Freeway)| facebook invite

Join us for the DiverseWorks season kick off as we celebrate the opening of Now That I’m by myself,” she says, “I’m not by myself, which is good” in the Main Gallery and I found myself an innovator in the flickerlounge. Plus, we will have lots of other surprises. too!

Now That I’m by myself,” she says, “I’m not by myself, which is good”
Sept. 11-Oct. 24, 2009
Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 11, 6-8pm

Rachel Cook brings together Brian Bress, Wynne Greenwood, Laurel Nakadate and Yuki Okumura, all of which take isolated private experiences from within studio, within the empty landscape, within the feeling behind the gut, within the fantasy of an alien inside your head, and bring them into the public realm through video, photography, sculptural cutouts, and even drawings.

I found myself an innovator
Sept. 11 – Oct. 24, 2009
Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, 6 – 8pm
In partnership with Aurora Picture Show

In this installment of flickerlounge, a selection of films and video art works will feature artists from the upcoming panel Je me laver, Je regarde moi-même as well as other artists who use themselves as subjects in their work.

{Saturday.12}

Ars Lyrica Season Kick-Off Party at Block 7

noon-3pm | Block 7 Wine Co. (720 Shepherd) | facebook invite

Join Ars Lyrica on Saturday, September 12th at the new Block 7 Wine Co. for a preview of the 2009/2010 Season, A Musical Grand Tour.  Musicians will be on hand to showcase some of this season’s performances, as well as wine and food pairings from France, Italy and Germany, representing the many places this season’s programming will take you!

This event is free to the public and open to all. Block 7 Wine Co. holds free tastings every Saturday from noon-3pm.

In additional to previewing the season, subscriptions will be on sale at the event for up to 33% off regular ticket prices. Receive an extra ticket to any performance by purchasing a subscription at the party!

Wines included in the tasting are: 2003 Chateau Bellevue sur Vallee « Vin de Bob », Bergerac, France; 2007 J & H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling, Mosel, Germany; 2004 Cantine Due Palme “Selvarossa,” Salice Salentino, Italy; 2006 Murinais “Caprice Valentine,” Crozes-Hermitage

Museum District Day

10am-5pm | Museum District | www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org

Get ready to enjoy a free day in the Houston Museum District on Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Board a free bus shuttle at any participating museum and spend the entire day exploring favorite museums and discovering new destinations. Museum District Day will feature fascinating exhibitions, hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances throughout the day. Seventeen museums will waive their general admission fee to offer the community the opportunity to enjoy the District’s diverse displays of art, science, nature and history.  For more details about Museum District Day please visit the website or (713) 790-1020.

Participating museums include:
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum
Children’s Museum of Houston
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Czech Center Museum Houston
The Health Museum
Holocaust Museum Houston
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Houston Center for Photography
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Jung Center
The John C. Freeman Weather Museum
Lawndale Art Center
The Menil Collection
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Rice University Art Gallery
Rothko Chapel

Picnic in the Park with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater

6pm-10pm | Miller Outdoor Theater | facebook invite

Before Dominic Walsh Dance Theater’s September 12th performance of The Trilogy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, join us for the third annual Picnic in the Park at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Individual tickets are $25 and include cocktails, a boxed supper (vegetarian options available), and a reserved seat for the performance. Co-hosted by SNAP. Visit www.dwdt.org to purchase tickets today!

{Sunday.13}

Back to School with Dr. Sketchy

2-6pm | Advant Garden (411 Westheimer) | facebook invite

We’re jumping back into Houston Dr. Sketchy classtime with a RED HOT model – JenXer!  An accomplished artist herself, she’s putting herself onstage for a color study in red.

What: Houston Sketchy September party goes red hot, hot, hot!
When: Sunday, September 13th 2-6pm
Where: Avant Garden (411 Westheimer)
How much: $10 + model tips

Bring your sketchpads, drawing pencils and sass – this is one back to school Sketchy that will be blazingly etched into your memory and drawing pads alike.

{Tuesday}

Montage of Houston Grand Opening Party

5-8pm,  Montage of Houston (5927 Almeda) | www.montageofhouston.com

The sister tower to the Mosaic on Hermann Park is finally finished! Join us tonight in breaking in the new digs on the 7th floor terrace overlooking Hermann Park. Sweet, views. For realz.

If you didn’t RSVP via email or facebook for this event,  sorry, we’re at capacity!  But become a fan on Facebook for exclusive invites to upcoming parties.

{Wednesday}

Rockstars of Wine @ 13 Celsius

5:30pm-7:30pm,  13 Celsius (3000 Caroline) | www.13celsius.com

Join Dan Redman of Mosaic Wine Group as he presents the wines of the ‘literal’ rock star, Maynard James Keenan (TOOL, A Perfect Circle & Puscifer) and the ‘viticultural’ rock star, Randall Grahm (Bonny Doon).

PLEASE NOTE: This is a wine tasting event hosted by Dan Redman – neither Maynard nor Randall will be in attendance, just their fabulous wines!

Facebook Event

{Thursday}

Mix & Mingle Summer Fashion Show @ Pravada

6:30-9pm, Pravada (2815 South Shepherd) | http://houston.fgi.org

The Fashion Group International of Houston, Inc., (FGI) is proud to host Mix & Mingle Fashion Event on August 13, 2009, at Pravada, to show case five talented local fashion designers & boutiques, as well as a number of local hair stylists, make up artists, and beauty specialists.

Models on the runway will be showcasing clothing lines from Lucho at Uptown Park, POSH Boutique, F.Nebuloni, Au Paradis Swim wear and Kelly Kathleen Designs. Our talented beauty specialists are Hair Stylist – Janelle Alexis of Norris Day Spa & Salon and Make-Up Service is provided by Tree Vaello.

Appetizers + door prizes + fashion show.

{Friday}

Block 7 Wine Co. Opening Weekend Festivities:

Join us for events all weekend to celebrate the Grand Opening of Block 7! Art, live music, wine tastings, yummy bites, travel & education… plus the unveiling of our full menu. Also, any purchase you make over the weekend benefits local arts non-profit Spacetaker.

FRI AUG 14 @ Block 7
4-7pm | Special Art Exhibition: Western Appliance Meets Wine Warehouse featuring works created from salvaged materials from our warehouse
9pm | Live Music: Robert Ellis & listenlisten

Don’t Fight It @ Boondocks

10pm-2am, Boondocks (1417 Westheimer)

Easily my favorite monthly at Boondocks. Join all the usual suspects, my heart Young Squaddy, along with  DJ Good Grief, Piss Heavy +  Hosted by Miss Shina Rae + my baby boy 25 Cruz.

We want our party to feel like the best house party scene from your favorite 80′s movie. No genre of music is off limits, we play it all. Don’t Fight It is the most accessible and fun club party in Houston. Come see us and find out for yourself!

{Saturday}

Block 7 Wine Co. Official Opening Party

Noon-4pm | Saturday Tasting Market: free tastings of over a dozen of our carefully selected wines plus case pricing on all bottles
5pm-till | Block Party: great wine prices & free delicious bites all night
9pm | Live Music: Andrew Karnavas & Runaway Sun

INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY: THE DOWN SOUTH EDITION

7:00 PM – 11:00pm |  Caroline Collective (4820 Caroline St.) | www.carolinecollective.cc

ROFLCon, The Caroline Collective, Schipul the Web Marketing Company and Saint Arnold Brewery proudly present… A Gathering Of Houston Tech

Houston is full of cool Internet people. Why aren’t they meeting each other?

INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY is the new monthly party for Houston gathering hackers, activists, artists, designers, nonprofits, startups, academics and general geekery to hang out and connect with one another.

*No agenda, no “networking,” no presentations. Just beverages, food, ideas and cool people.
*Best of all the price is free, and where else are you going to get that kind of deal in this kind of economy?!

Facebook Invite

Pieced Together: All Texas Graffiti art exhibition

7:00 PM – 11:00pm |  Aerosol Warfare Gallery  (2110 Jefferson @ Hutchins) | www.aerosolwarfare.com

Aerosol Warfare has the privilege to host the final leg of Texas’ 1st traveling graffiti art exhibition. The show started its journey last year in Austin, TX when local graffiti pioneer (and curator), SLOKE, pulled together some of the top aerosol artists from each major city in Texas and ‘pieced together’ the exhibition. Since then, this art show has traveled to cities such as Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Houston is the final destination and we are ready to throw a Texas Size Ho-Down to celebrate the successful run of an exhibition that the LA Weekly called a “hybridized style existing in this stylistic space between two art worlds”!

Artists Include: Austin – Sloke, Wake, Spain & Mez; San Antonio – Enks, Duo & Supher; Houston – Coler, Weah, Sode, & GONZO247; Dallas – Soner & Lawgic; El Paso – Grave, Myker & Durock; The Valley – Dmise & News.

Facebook Invite

{Sunday}

Block 7 Wine Co.

2-3pm | Travel Seminar: Unbelievable Undiscovered Wines of Southern Italy
4pm-till | Join us for dinner as our full menu is unveiled
8pm | Live Music: Kenneth Scott

Prairie Cadets with Benjamin Wesley, The Julys, Finnegan @ the Mink

9:00 PM – 1:00am |  The Mink  (3718 Main)

Come out and see us, with our new songs and some fantastic other bands! Seriously, Benjamin Wesley will blow your mind. We’re convinced The Julys are one of the next great Houston bands, and Finnegan will charm you quick.

It’s gonna be a great show. Do it.

Facebook Invite

So I set out this morning to find a new desk for my new iMac that I received yesterday. for the last 2 months I’ve been working on mom and dad’s kitchen bar height table, hovering over my tiny 13 inch macbook. it was time for an upgrade.

my mission:

• cheapo. under $200.
• had to match decor in mom’s red and black “Paris Room”
• needed it today. (i’m impatient).
• minimal assembly.

On recommendations via twitter, I checked out target, IKEA, cost plus, and back to IKEA where i settled on a simple desk top and 2 legs. cheapo. classy. functional. the whole desk cost me $100. FTW! (Visit the photo on flickr for more info on each piece)

I had to take apart my sister’s boys’ racetrack to put the desk up. they are gonna be livid, seeing as though they are already pissed i “took over their room” :-)

So I’ll be working from mom and dad’s for a few more months, and very excited about the new work area.

“Mom, can you send up a sandwich?”