SUMMER 5Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets FUN Furniture +5Great Dates That Makesa in June Statement!

VOLUME 5ISSUE 8|June 2012 |theVIPmag.com

Meet 7 great SE Texas artists. of southeast texas artful

Howtw toob build (and display) your ownart collection

RobClark: Apassion forcreativity Themagic (and science) of macarons th CatHoltzclaw: eVIP guideto Found-object art SUMMER 5must-have kitchen gadgets FUN Furniture +5great dates that makesa in June statement!

complimentary

Beautiful Skin Is Just the Beginning!

FREE Inclusive Health Consultation (a $125 value)!

Your consultation will introduce you to the life enhancing beneﬁts of an Inclusive Health lifestyle—a scientiﬁcally proven approach to living that’sdesigned to build ahealthier, happier and more youthful you.

Call 409.899.7SPA(7772) Inclusive Health® to schedule your appointment. Topical + Internal + Sense of Self The world’s most comprehensive system for promoting and protecting the health of every cell in your body.

Learn more about Inclusive Health. Go to http://muradinclusivehealth.com/vision to sign up for our newsletter.

CHRISTUS Outpatient Pavillion, 1st Floor *Offer valid with the purchase of two or moreSignatureServices at the CHRISTUS Healthy 755 North 11th Street, Suite D1300, Beaumont, TX 77702 Living® Spa on or before7.31.12. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. 409.899.7SPA(7772) |christushospitalspa.com ©Murad, Inc. 2012 vip magazine

contents

Editorial Executive Editor 07 vip home DAVID CONSTANTINE 07 Fresh fauxfinishes inside june [email protected] 10 Furniture that makes Contributing Writers astatement CATHLEEN COLE AmANDA COrbELL mArgArET b. gArDNEr 14 vip style LArENA HEAD 14 Dress&Dine: AMSET grACE mATHIS and TwoMagnolia's jANE mCbrIDE HOLLI pETErSEN 15 vipersonality CHEryL rOSE 30 7area artists: 7points Editorial Assistant of view TAmArA mENgES Photography 24 vip viewing Contributing Photographers SCOTT ESLINgEr 24 Artmuseums: the SILVIA C. mCCLAIN ultimate collectors rENé SHEppArD LEE E. STINSON

28 food&drink Graphic Designer 28 The art of macarons DAVID CONSTANTINE 31 5hot kitchen gadgets Advertising 44 To advertise in VIP, 32 vip spotlight 409.880.0700 32 SE Texas events Contact Us VIP of SoutheastTexas 39 vip worthy 380 main Street 39 Cat Holtzclaw: From beaumont, TX 77701

junk to treasure to sUbsCribE 41 Architect and art pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821 Or SubSCrIbE collector RobClark ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm to disPlAythE mAgAzinE 44 vip adviser AT yOur buSINESS LOCATION, 44 10 great things to do pLEASE CALL 409.838.2821

this summer 34 sUbmissions 47 5great dates in June TO SubmIT AN EVENT,OrgANIzATION Or pErSON 48 Calendar fOr CONSIDErATION IN AN upCOmINg ISSuE, SubmIT ONLINE AT www.THEVIpmAg.COm Or TO 49 Crossword puzzle [email protected] Or by uSpS AT ADDrESS AbOVE. 50 vip voices 50 AFather's Daygift 10

Adivision of hearst newspapers Publisher bILL OffILL

jOIN uS ON fACEbOOK! on the cover www.facebook.com/thevipmag Southeast Texas artist and self-proclaimed flower child Margo Holst was radiant in clothing provided by Bella Bella in Beaumont and hair and makeup by James Harvey of Salon Method. Margo was one of seven local artists VIP photographed at The Art Studio in Beaumont to spotlight the variety and strength of the SE Texas art scene. Storypage 15. Photography by René Sheppard Styling by Grace Mathis

4 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com IF YOU’RE LOOKING FORAPRIMARYCARE PHYSICIAN IN SOUTHEAST TEXAS, call CHRISTUS Hospital –St. Elizabeth and St. Mary.Wehave you covered. Aprimary care physician is your partner in managing your healthcare across many specialties and conditions. At CHRISTUS Hospital, we think the right preventive care and agreat relationship with your doctor can help you live aheathier and happier life.

call 1-866-683-DOCS (3627) or visit christushospital.org

A HIGHER STANDARD of HEALT HCARE ")!!$) #1 IN SALES•#1 IN SERVICE FULL SERVICEREALESTATECOMPANY #%&$! FORALL OF SOUTEAST TEXAS ($%')%'

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

OF SOUTHEASTTEXAS

3%#) :611/+/ "59 WWW.KWSETX.COM

#+$,)$% ($%!)* ")*&% %!'!./!" (,%%/( ")*&%---

+$3%-*-%(3(3 111"/)!##./0&',#2'"/&'

! &#$% '!(' " $')"!#&"(#!%& vip home

faux finishes

Who needs art when your walls (and ceilings) ARE art text by ChERyl RosE

he plain, matte, off-white walls of their newhouse left Dawn and Gene Isabell cold. In their quest to “warmify”and personalize the home, the couple chose to create acustom look by utilizing faux finishes. Though the couple recognizes what theylike when they Tsee it, planning and creating these painting techniques required professional assistance.

“Wehavealittle recessed area where hance existing architectural elements,” the artists wanted to paint the ceiling she said. “Homes without the same tortoiseshell,”Gene Isabell recalled. architectural bones use faux finishes to “It sounded so crazy.Theysaid they create ‘wow’factor,interest and age.” were going to use eight or nine different Glazing is the most popular faux colors. Ithought, ‘We’re going to end up treatment requested by customers, she painting over this.’Wewould neverhave said. In this technique, she takes athin thought of doing this.” layerofcolored gel, applies it over the Of course, theydidn’t paint over it. wall paint and manipulates it to achieve Theyloved it and have expanded the the desired effect. Finished effects can faux finishes throughout the home, involvedifferent textures, washes and lending aunique personality to each layers. room. The next most popular request Lydick gets is forVenetian plaster,a Forthe walls marble-based plaster that is applied Decorative wall treatments are with atrowelbyhand. “You can waxit always in vogue, according to Summer and buff it to apolished sheen or leave it Lydick, the artist and owner of The rawfor alimestone look,”she explained. Painted Wall in Beaumont. “Well-de- The Isabells recentlyhired Lydick to signed homes use faux treatments to en- transform their master bathroom with >>

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 7 Ilookatceilingsasthe fifth wall —the hat

Venetian plaster.The process can clients to change the color in couraging the use of descriptive with experience in choosing the be slow, involving multiple layers. each room, even just alighter or language —calm?energized? —to right color,who can tweak it so “Atfirst you’re like, ‘That is too darker shade of the same color, express what will best suit their it won’tbeout of style in two dark,’but each layerhas color and so the eyepicks up the subtle dif- décor goals. years.” adds to it, then at the end there’s ferences.” “People areoften afraid to asheen to it,”Gene Isabell said. In selecting afinish or acolor commit to strong color,” Lydick Touch of elegance Jeremy Schmitt, adesigner for plan, Lydick asks clients how noted. “That’s’wherehiring a Five years into recreating McManus &Co.,said his cus- theywant to feel in the room, en- professional comes in –someone their home, with afamilythat tomers frequentlydesirecustom walls. Though faux finishes remain popular,healso sees more people using non-traditional wall- paper fortextureand depth. Forthe ceilings “The biggest leap of faith for us waspainting the ceiling,”Gene Isabell said. “It made us nervous.” Dawn Isabell wasafraid it would make the rooms feel enclosed and small. Instead, painting alighter variation of the wall color opened and warmed the rooms. “I have to paint the ceiling in every room nowthat Isee what it can do,” Dawn Isabell said. Lydick is aproponent of colored ceilings. “I look at ceilings as the fifth wall,”she said. “The hat or scarf on the outfit.”For example, to create adramatic dining room wherethereislow light, Lydick suggested aburgundy, brownoreggplant color for the ceiling. Rooms with multi-levelortrayceil- ings create opportu- VIP tip nities formultiple colors or finishes. Tuscan Gold is Old, Muted Grays to Stay Schmitt also The Tuscan look has had agood 10-year run, but will sees people us- become dated soon as home décor fashion leaders are show- ing bold colors casing soft and subtle neutrals and alot of gray tones, according on the ceilings. to Lydick. Schmitt agrees. “Everything is going lighter and more “Don’t think that neutral,”hesaid. “Weare seeing alot of gray tones in finishes, fur- ceilings need to niture and walls.” Lydick described the trend as “French cottage” match from room with afocus on softer finishes, painted and distressed furniture to room,”hesaid. and linen for slipcovers and window treatments. “Subtle is in,” “You can change she said. Schmitt’stake on the trend was more modern with up ceiling colors.” sleek, clean lines, more minimalist and structured. The gray tones are reminiscent of dove, pebble and drift- Colorize wood, he described. “One color we’ve been using The simplest wall alot is Sherwin Williams ‘Anonymous,”a or ceiling treatment is darker gray,” he said. using color.Understand- ing the powerand influence of color in aspace with the available light makes ahuge difference in the final result. “I’mall about each room having its ownper- sonality,” Lydick said. “I advise

Photos at right and bottom right of previ- ous page: Faux finish work by Summer Lydick of The Painted Wall in Beaumont.

8 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com FLOORING or scarfonthe outfit.” Beaumont•Houston•Baytown Systems —Summer Lydick,The PaintedWall has expanded to four children, good people whohaveanartistic the Isabell’soccasionallyconsider eyeyou appreciate, trust their moving. “Sometimes Ithink we advice. areoutgrowing our home, but I Also,inher opinion, it’s don’t want to leave my newbath- important not to overdo the faux room,”DawnIsabell joked. finishes. “Using touches of it What she’slearned from the throughout the house dress it up process is that if youwork with and make it elegant,”she said. FLOORING SAVE ON FABULOUS FLOORING BY THE COUNTERTOPS SQUARE FOOT. RUGS OUR QUALITY, FURNITURE SELECTION & PRICES CAN’T AREA RUGS BE BEAT

6460 Phelan Boulevard (located in the Westmont Shopping Center next to Exygon) Beaumont, TX 409-347-8516 •www.flooringsys.com Paint it “Haint”

hroughout the South, manyoutdoor porches have ceilings painted avariation of blue. Though ablue ceiling can be calming, aesthetically-pleasing and offbeat, there is moretothe tradition than puredecorative appeal. T According to lore, the Gullah people of the South Carolina LowCountry used blue paint on their homes to fool the “haints” (ghosts, evil spirits). In this superstition, the blue color represents water,which the spirits can’t cross. Theypainted the ceilings, windowframes and door frames of their homes to ward off the bad influences. As impoverished slaves, the LowCountry inhabitants mixed up pigment dyes(most likelyindigo) with lime, white lead and milk to create paint. Manyspeculate that the repulsive quality of this toxic mix is what led to the belief that blue paint deters insects as well as haints. Though modern paint no longer has these toxic elements, the tradition persists, handed down from generation to generation. Grand- parents tell their grandchildren howwasps and spiders won’tbuild nests on the blue paint, tricked into thinking it is unsheltered, open sky. Though thereisnoscientific basis forthe idea, even authorities such as nationallyknown landscape architect and columnist Howard “The DirtDoctor”Garrett suggest it’s worthatry. Because the paint washomemade, no official “haint blue” color Framed Art, Furniture, exists. Colors in the blue/green range including powder blues, aquas, Floral Arrangements,& More! periwinkles and ceruleans all fulfill the desired “blue.”However, the Charleston Historical Foundation has licensed paint collections through Duron Paints, including one called “Gullah Blue,”avivid 37373737 CalderCalder,, turquoise. The Georgia version of haint blue ranges from mint to teal. Mon.MMS–SSSAat.t9t 9AAMM–7PM 7 M Beaumont, TX Even if youdon’t believe in the extra powers of the blue color,it Sun. 12 PM –6PM can be acharming twist on plain old white, and aconnection to our 409-839-8473 regional history and traditions. VIP

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 9 vip home

furniture

15 home decor 12 statementpiecesto buildaroomaround

by Tamara menges photographybysilvia C. mCClain 2 WOW

4 FACTORS

13 1

1. Khaki nailhead accent chair, Howell’sFurniture $2,200 ($788 sale price) 2. Cream sette with wood accents and nailhead detail, Howell’sFurniture. $3,000 ($1,500 sale price) 3. Southwestern turquoise leather wingback with nail head, $3,810 ($2,290 sale price) 4. Curved Back upholstered accent chair, Ashley Furniture. $526 5. Console table/cabinet, Ashley Furniture. $440 6. Wooden Turned Accent Chair, Ashley Furniture, $405 7. Khaki Dome chair, High Fashion Home, $1,399 8. Caitlin Armless Chair,Berry, High Fashion Home, Houston, $769 9. Teak root Coffee Table, High Fashion Home, $1,499 10. Oval Ring Table, High Fashion Home, $769 11. “S” Chair,green, High Fashion Home, $129. 12. Arched cathedral table, High Fashion Home, $1,999 13. Jump Seat Leather Chair, High Fashion Home, $2,199 14. Origami Coffee Table, High Fashion Home, $399 15. Verona Transparent Brown Dining Chairs, Overstock.com, $838 (set of 4). All prices subject to change.

10 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com 6

WOW 7 ACTORS

5 14

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 11 GIANNI BINI

Tess fringed knit top. $58.00

Nancy printshorts. $68.00

Lelani platform sandal in tanorblack.$89.99

Call 1-800-345-5273 to ﬁndaDillard’sstore near you. Dafne hobo in blackoryellow. $99.00 14 styling,text and hair by grace mathis

Ju photographybysilvia c. mcclain ne makeup by meagan phillips

2012 clothing providedbygaudie &company

model brieann fiorenza of Port Neches dr | ess the vip VIP st &d yle mag.com ine ultimate flower simple keeping are comfy girls, Tw Orange From that Ladies dine av the dress the al accents. feminine Kahlo Release dress 11 883-5913, Street, hidden to east block Art Magnolia’ sandals, Tw salads enjoyed light five turquoise ring ring, plus spaghetti. such is and like tempt and and your backgrounds. cobbler Friday not oM oL unch a.m. ariety Museum galleries. breezy set, perfect the years, $28 creamy homemade the lunch Te daily luncheon ips Gaudie meal pleated you’ll as agnolia’ Beaumont, to with in foodies beaded in and xas. and . and . to but $28; gem $87; “Bead tomato date chocolate the the necklace accessories your this be nod Perfect of the color 2p si Open specials The magenta with know lovers ethnic dress. strong. stay &C sandwiches, for gentlemen colors For missed, dress, nside Ye s, Multi-bead .m., menu chicken asparagus that boldly of with hair to Embrace inner It” llow -block 500 Finish of ompany: fare crab wedges viewing for coffee basil the South- summer (409) wedge Monday cool soups and the for all is of is $128; The cocktail the The lunch Main by fudge color A of Tw Frida have past the dip ear in o - - . vipersonality

local artists personas artisttext by CATHLEEN COLE ic etting to the artofthe matter is easyin Southeast Texas because artand artists arevalued in this region. From the experienced painters and sculptors to G the younger ones just starting out, they all have unique points of view.

SE Texas’ top medical spa! �� skin�� ologie�� medical spa &laser center

@baptist hospital in beaumont 810 hospital dr., suite 100 409.833.0342 skinologie.com

francis mijares, nurse practitioner

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 15 Christopher Maldonado

Free spirit “I gave up art afew years ago,” Christopher Maldonado said. “I never felt like Iwas really good at it.” He was an art major at Lamar University,left school to travel the country, and then came back and attempted his art studies one more time. But the structure just wasn’t working for him, so he changed his major to geology.That’swhen he began drawing again. Maldonado describes himself as afree spirit, someone not afraid to take chances. He describes his art as “cartoony” –almost like graphic design using Microsoft Paint without the computer.Heuses solid, bold colors but won’t use red or orange. He will use black, white, gray,blue, brown, green and only mustard yellow.“It’sweird and goofy and silly,” he says of his works. The message for each piece is open for interpreta- tion, he explained, adding, “It’slike eye candy.” The young artist credits his friends with inspiring him. “They’re my biggest inspiration,”hesaid, specifically mentioning his buds at Victoria House where underground bands play.“They’ve been totally supportive of my work and encour- age me more than anyone to keep working on my stuff, and alot of my characters are inspired by them.” For Maldonado, his art is a distraction from life. “A lot of times Iget confused with reality –the harshness and gnarliness of life,”he explained. “It’saway to withdraw from the dark forces of reality.”

photographybyRenÉ SheppaRd styling by GRaCe MathiS clothing providedbyeXpReSS and aRtiSt

16 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com photographybyrenÉ sHeppard styling by grace MatHis hair and makeup by jaMes Harvey,salon MetHod clothing providedbybella bella and artist

Margo Holst

Flower child Margo Holst loves nature, especially bird watching. “I’ve seen 532 species in Texas,”she proudly states. Art is her first love. Birding is her second. “I’m truly an outdoor woman,”the easy-going artist said. “I’m an old flower child.” She began with realism, painting birds and mammals in water colors. About three years ago, she tried abstract painting for which she credits Beaumont artist D.J. Kava. “He always told me to open my eyes to other forms of art,”she said. Holst, who shares her time between Beaumont and Crystal Beach, didn’t start out as aprofessional artist. She owned afinancial-services business with her husband. She was always creative but had never taken an art class. That is until her cousin, Pattee Newman, suggested she take instruction from her husband, Lamar University’s JerryNewman. That was in 1994. “I really miss him,” she said of her favorite artist who died in 2008. “I was blessed having him in my life.” According to Holst, her art doesn’t have to have a message. “It is what it is,”she mused. And it doesn’t have to have adeadline, either.“Ipaint for myself,”she said. “I paint when Iwant to paint.”

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 17 Delle Bates

Believer of angels him his artwork was verygood, and Delle Bates believes in angels. he continued to “play” with painting Hurricane Rita destroyed much of the through his later years. In the 1980s, Louisiana native’sworks in his adopted he started taking his art more seriously. hometown of Orange in 2005, and, as “I took classes back in the ’80s for one week,”heremembered. “I learned how part of his healing process, he painted little Iknew.” In the 1990s, he sold his angels for more than ayear.Hebelieves plywood business and began painting in causes too, including breast cancer six to eight hours aday.“Art was akind awareness. He bought the month of of escape,”hesaid. October in the “Orange Leader” news- Bates considers himself acolorist, paper’s2012 calendar that depicts his noting his works encompass color,form, “Awareness Bouquet” –abouquet of and aname. “I love naming them,”he multicolored flowers tied with apink rib- said. “Tome, that’spart of the fun.” bon. He made the work into small prints Russian impressionist Nicolai Fechin and and sells them for $25 each, giving 100 Israeli Theo Tobiasse are his favorite art- percent of the profits to the Julie Rogers ists. “I like him because of his style,”he “Gift of Life” Program. “I enjoy doing photographybyRenÉ SheppaRD noted of Tobiasse. “He dances all over things for benefits,”hesaid. styling by LaRena heaD anD the page like Ido.” GRace MathiS Although art was not his first career, For Bates, his art is arelease. “I get clothing providedbyLa tee Da, Bates knew he had some artistic ajoy from doing each piece,”heex- S&M and aRtiSt talent. His fourth-grade teacher told plained. “I think it’sjust self satisfaction.”

18 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Joey Blazek

The Big Lebowski all he taught me in such ashort period Joey Blazek thinks of himself as of time.” “The Dude” in the cult film “The Big The artist loves solving design Lebowski” but with amuch stronger problems –creating and working with work ethic. “I’m just areally laid-back, his hands. “It is what Ihave done my entire career as an art director,illustrator live-and-let-live type,”the Beaumont and photographer,” he said. He uses the native said. same approach everyday,whether it is Blazek spent most of his career aconstruction project, graphic design, as agraphic designer,finally starting landscaping or even trimming atree. his own design firm and breaking into The basic elements of design are the more photography work. In 2009, he same, he believes. Only the medium has decided to go full time with his fine art. changed. His formal training is in graphic design “Right now Iamtrying to focus most from Lamar University,where he also of my efforts on painting,”hesaid of his took many classes with art professor works that are mostly oil on canvas and JerryNewman, who inspired him. “I am include many scenes of the Texas Gulf always looking and learning from all art- Coast. “But the objective is the process ists, from the old masters up to present of solving the problem, so the finished day artists and illustrators,”hesaid. “I product is more of aby-product of the like Rubens, Degas, Cezanne, Edward process. Ienjoy doing my best at my Hopper to name afew,but if Ihad to work, but Iamnot particularly attached pick an absolute favorite it would have to it once it is completed. Ican always to be JerryNewman, mainly because of produce another.”

photographybyRenÉ SheppaRd styling by LaRena head and GRace MathiS clothing providedbyButch hoffeR theVIPmag.com |June 2012 19 annie orchard

Truth-level seeker As ayoung child growing up in Beaumont, Annie Orchard was captivated by agreat uncle who was an engineer and an artist. He carried asketch pad and she’d ask him to draw for her –adog, aship, anything. “He was also an oil painter,and he fascinated me,”she remembered. When she was alittle older,she began taking lessons from painter Ruth Borinstein. Her interest in art led her to Lamar University,where she studied with Robert Madden and JerryNewman. She furthered her education in art at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and also studied at the Louvre in Paris one summer. After her studies, Orchard spent 25 years in Dallas – 13 years as adesigner/display artist for Neiman Marcus and as afreelance catalog and advertising designer.She also got into the real-estate game –buying, restoring, decorating and selling more than 40 houses. All the while, she still worked on her own pieces. Orchard’sabstract art includes mixed media, sculptures, collages and watercolors. Robert Rauschenberg and Pablo Picasso are among her favorite artists. “When I’m on aroll, when Ihave that connection –I call it the ‘truth level’ –itjust happens,”she said. “You’re just somewhere else.” According to Orchard, her art portrays her feelings. “When you put passion and energy together,itgives you the courage to create,”she believes. She describes herself as an intuitive artist. “I work from feelings rather than visual,”she explained. “The visual comes later.” She’slaid back and easy going, but still somewhat of aperfectionist. “I still think I’m an old hippie sometimes,”she said. Orchard’sart is her life. “Art is everything to me,”she said. “It’smyexistence.”

photographybyscott eslinger styling by larena Head and grace matHis hair and makeup by james Harvey,salon metHod clothing providedbyla tee da

20 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com carloBuscemeiV

The constant artist When Carlo Busceme IV was young, he never hesi- tated when asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. “An artist,”hewould reply.Itsort of runs in the family. His uncle, Greg Busceme, is an artist who had some influence. “It was more of asubconscious thing until recently,” the younger Busceme said. As astudio art major at Lamar University,Busceme draws, paints and sculpts. He describes his works as abstract –balancing line and form. “It’salways some inter- nalized subject matter,” he said of his art, which is atype of self-reflection for him. And it’susually spontaneous. “I rarely have aplan,”heexplained. “Creating, observing, reacting –that’sthe whole process. The purpose is in the process. The goal is aunified understanding of myself and the stimuli which form me.” His favorite artists are Pablo Picasso and Adam Neate, one of the best-known street artists in the world. He describes himself as inquisitive and compulsive. And he’s committed to adaily work ethic. “I put something out photographyby everyday,” he said. scott eslinger styling by Awareness and communication are the goals of larena Head Busceme’sart. “It’sthe most sincere way that Ican com- clothing pro- municate,”hesaid. “I want to continuously develop my videdbyal’s visual vocabularytomore effectively communicate in the formal wear, most sincere way Ican.” express

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 21 photographybyscott eslingeR styling by lARenA HeAd hair and makeup by jAmes HARvey,sAlon metHod clothing providedbyluxe boutique, HARdweAR

AllisonReho

Cat woman Allison Reho realized at ayoung age that she was meant to be an artist. “Ever since Iwas little, Ialways knew,” she said. “I would sit by myself at daycare and draw pictures of my family holding hands.” She’sstudying studio art with an emphasis on painting and ceramics at Lamar University.Her works often include depictions of decrepit, old men seated in chairs and surrounded by cats. She loves cats. Her pet Molly Dee Kitty,who died at age 19, was one of her inspirations. She wasn’t so forthcoming about the decrepit, old men part. “Usually the themes come from personal content,”she explained. “I don’t reveal that to everyone.” So it’s up to the viewer to come to his or her own conclusions. One of her favorite artists is Ameri- can sculptor Alexander Calder who was most famous for inventing mobile sculptures. Reho particularly likes Calder’swire figures in his sculptural circus. “I like the idea of something you can make with your hands, but you can also change it,”she said. When she paints, she mostly uses oils. “It becomes extremely sculptural,” she noted. “I use materials to build them out. They really are three-dimen- sional.” For Reho, her talent is ahighly personal and emotional endeavor.“My art is where Igotowork out personal problems,”she said. “It’ssort of like therapy.”

22 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Linen ... for the CRAWFISH ARE BACK! Happy Hour Specials Resort Monday-Friday 4PM-7 PM Lifestyle! Ev�ry�ody�s ��m��ody �� Floy�’s!

LA-TEE-DA 2290 10 South at Washington Blvd. •(409) 842-0886 4004 Dowlen next to Hobby Lobby Sun -Thur •Fri -Sat 11-11

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 23 vip viewing

art museums ulthe timate artcollectors Explore Southeast Texas’ local art scene at two special exhibits this summer

text by MArgArET BATTiSTElli gArdnEr photographybyScoTT ESlingEr

t’safairlycommon —and sad —phenomenon that folks don’t seem to appreciate the treasuretrove of art, cultureand history that exists right in their ownback yards. Southeast Texas is no exception. Artabounds in our little area of the world, and we have our own treasuretrove of uber-talented local artists. This summer is agreat time to acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with that fact, as both the ArtMuseum of Southeast Texas and the Dishman ArtMuseum at Lamar University are Ifeaturing shows that highlight their diverse and wonderful permanent collections. ArtMuseumofSETexas

MSET wasfounded in is on American art, with agrowing focus on 1950 as the Beaumont regional folk art. ArtMuseum in the west Approximately10percent of AMSET’s end of Beaumont. A$4.2 collection is comprised of artspecifically million capital campaign from Southeast Texas artists, Castle said. Aushered in the museum’s Fifty percent is from the Texas region; and rebirth as the ArtMuseum the remainder is from throughout the coun- of Southeast Texas and amovetoits current, try and abroad. permanent home. The museum’s mission is “toprovide According to Executive Director Lynn education, inspiration and creative vision Castle, AMSET is one of just 7percent of throughout Southeast Texas through unique museums in the country that is nationally collections, exhibitions, public programs and accredited, allowing it to receive funding outreach in the visual arts” —something and national attention forits educational that Castle, whohas been AMSET executive outreach programs forchildren and adults. director since 2000,takes very personally. AMSET currentlyhosts morethan “It is my desiretosee this museum be- 1,000 original pieces that include paintings, come an indispensable partofour communi- sculptures, prints, photos and examples of ty’s culture, enriching the livesofSoutheast the folk and decorative arts. The emphasis Texans through art,”she said.

24 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com ArtMuseumofSoutheast Texasexecutivedirector Lynn Castle standsnear “Forsythia,” apainted wood reliefbyDavid Bates(alsopicturedonleftpage).Right from toptobottom: “ThreeAls”oil on canvas by Gael Stack, Melissa Miller’s gouacheonpaper piece,“After Ike” and Al Soza’s “May Be BayBees,” allpartofAMSET’s permanent collection.

Each summer,AMSET hosts ashowcase of its permanent collection. The theme for2012 is “Collection in Reflection: 10 Years of Acqui- DishmanArt Museum sition,”featuring regional modern/contemporary pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. ishman is the showcase museum whereart students from The showruns June 30 to Sept 2. Lamar University can exhibit their work alongside that of Featured pieces will include “The Beast” contemporary artists from around the region. (pastel and charcoal on paper) by interna- The museum opened in 1983 as the Dishman ArtGallery tionallyknown Southeast Texas native John and changed its name to the Dishman ArtMuseum in 1983 Alexander and “I Fled Him Down the Days D“tosymbolize our mission to enhance the permanent collec- and Down the Nights,”anassortment of tion and reach alarger audience in the community.” media in collage by Nacogdoches native Mary According to Jessica Dandona, whohas been the director at Dishman since McCleary,aswell as pieces by Dallas resident 2010,the museum is heavilyfocused on contemporary art. David Bates; internationallyknown photogra- “[Wefeaturemainly] artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries,”Dandona pher Keith Carter,aprofessor at Lamar; and said. “Seventy-five percent of it will be from local artists from the Southeast Melissa Miler,aprofessor at UT Austin. Texas region and throughout Texas.” “It’s agreat opportunity forSoutheast Tex- She added that the museum also has an extensive collection of masks and ans to see astrong representation of regional original African tribal art. >> art,”Castle said.

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 25 Our See Come Look! New

Top: “StandingBather”byLynne Sweathangsonasliding rack in thestorage area of LamarUniversity’sDishmanArt Museum.Below, Dishman director JessicaDandona, holdsamixed mediapiece by Rick Lewisentitled “Gate,”which is part of themuseum’spermanent collection as is LarryLeach’s “IconSeriesII,”picturedatright.

Dishman —and Dandona —are especially 17th century through the 20th century;200 19th- jazzed over the upcoming 20th anniversary of the and 20th-century porcelain pieces from France museum’s Heinz and Ruth Eisenstadt Collection, and Germany; enamel, cloisonné, silverand ivory which wasbequeathed to the Department of Art objects; and bronze and marble 19th-century at Lamar in 1991. sculptures. The Eisenstadts began collecting artbefore This summer,Dishman will spotlight its escaping Nazi Germanyin1937and continued to permanent exhibits in its “Highlights from the grow their collection after moving to Port Arthur, Permanent Collection”showJune 8toAug. wheretheylived for40years. Heanz Eisenstadt 10.Dandona said the showwill featurestudent died in 1988 and his wifein1991. artwork, as well as large-format canvaspieces by The collection consists of 47 paintings by well-known artists and Lamar alums Paul Manes European and American artists ranging from the and John Alexander. VIP

26 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Because Southeast Texas deserves the verybest in swimming pool design andconstruction... Anthony&Sylvan hasbeen building custom designed swimming pools for nearly 70 years. We have constructed more than 370,000 swimming pools nationwide, and have developed areputation for quality and innovation. We know that when deciding to purchaseapool, youneed to believethatthe company youchoose locally is going to deliver the highest quality materials and designs as well as have the financial strength to stand behind the product they build for years to come. Anthony &Sylvan Pools is that company.Call your local design consultant to get started on your dream pooltoday.

VIP Mag Readers Visit AnthonySylvan.com/VIP for aspecial offer 866.419.3270 www.anthonysylvan.com/VIP COBB CONSTRUCTION Building on the Bolivar Peninsula since 1972!

With over 40 years of experience building on the Bolivar Peninsula, Cobb Construction is afamily-owned custom 2290 Highway 87 home builder with hundreds of completed projects since 1972. Want to build in the Port Bolivar,Crystal Beach, PO Box 1429 Caplen, or Gilchrist area? Give us acall! If you are looking for aquality home, mixed with awonderful experience in Crystal Beach, Texas 77650 building, Cobb Construction is the right builder for you! 409.684.3791

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 27 food dining

macarons mathemagicca(androsciencnse) of

text by WEndEll Brock thereal to the tongue, bright All this decadence comes at some cost. and pleasing to the eye, the Trendymacarons areexpensive to buyand intimidating to make. Rumors that theyare dainty Parisian pastries “the newcupcake” have been greatlyexagger- known as macarons aretiny ated. Onlyaperson whohas neverexecuted a macaron would offer to bake them foraparty. bites of luxury.Made of When Iwas assigned astory on macarons, I little morethan almonds, fretted over wheretofind powdered egg whites E and powdered food coloring. Ididn’t owna egg whites and sugar,often pastry tube. Ihemmed. Ihawed. Ipostponed. dyedtoabright, lacquerlike sheen, the shells But then IdiscoveredJialin Tian’s lovely little book “Macaron Magic.” aretantalizinglycrisp,with aslightlyspringy Tian, whoreceivedadoctorate in electri- interior.Dissolving in the mouth, theygive cal and computer engineering from Georgia waytofillings of beguiling and delicious Tech, turned out to be apatient instructor, hand-holder and email correspondent. AChina variety:ganache, buttercream or citrus-and native wholives in Virginia and conducts re- whiskey-soaked concoctions dancing with search forNASA, Tian told me she fell in love with classic macarons in Paris adecade ago. complexity. Her book, which includes impeccable

28 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com step-by-step directions and pho- tographs, is filled with all kinds of Making macarons macarons that reflect her personal tastes: tea and espresso,coconut In Jialin Tian’s“Macaron Magic”, most of and lemon grass, peanuts and pe- her fanciful creations begin with two basic cans, margaritas and mojitos. Yet recipes, for shells and Swiss Meringue thereisscience here, too.Tian’s Buttercream. By adding color and flavor- book espouses the careful preci- ings, she creates magic. Italian meringue is sion and methodology of ahighly an essential component of the shells, but disciplined and analytical mind. because it’shard to make the meringue in And making macaron shells is astand mixer with one or two egg whites, ascience, let me tell you. It takes Tian uses four,which makes enough shells practice and patience. for about 90 macarons. If this seems like a To get that authentic look, the lot of work, pace yourself. Make the fillings shells should puff up and sit on one day,shells the next. To add variety,we little “feet.”When yousandwich divided the batter and the Swiss Meringue them together,theyare supposed Buttercream in half to create Meyer lemon to look like tinyhamburgers —not and rose water-scented macarons. We whoopie pies. The shells aremade dyed the shells bright yellow for the Meyer by blending apaste of aged egg lemon and apretty rose pink for the rose whites and almond meal with a water.Finally,wecouldn’t help but strut stiff Italian meringue; then adding color if desired. “Aging”egg our Southern-ness by adding pecans to the whites means that youlet them shells, and bourbon to the ganache. dry overnight (or longer) in the refrigerator.Because eggs vary in Basic shells size, youmust weigh the whites — all the ingredients, really—before Hands on: 90 minutes Total time: 4 assembling the batter. hours (plus overnight time for aging egg “Variables such as the texture whites) Makes: Shells for 85 to 90 (1 of the almond flour,the tem- ½-inch) macarons peratureand state of the sugar,the For this recipe, fresh egg whites are “aged” moisturecontent of the egg whites, overnight to reduce moisture content. and the viscosity of the macaron batter,” Tian writes, “aswell as Because eggs varyinsize, it is essential to random environmental variables weigh the egg whites before assembling such as ambient temperatureand the batter.Besure to take temperature humidity,can all playacrucial role readings on the Italian meringue, and beat in macaron baking.” it until it is quite stiff and cooled to about No surprise that my first batch 95 degrees. Hot meringue will soften the wasamajor failure. Delicious and batter,reducing thickness and viscosity.You chewy,but flat as Thin Mints. No want your shells to make little “feet.” Don’t feet! worryifthey don’t. They’ll still taste good. Imay have overmixed the bat- For the base: ter,and the almond meal could 4ounces (113 grams) aged egg whites have been too fine. Icommitted (about 4egg whites), at room temperature twoother no-nos: Ididn’t weigh 2cups (10.58 ounces/300 grams) the egg whites, and Idon’t think blanched whole almonds or 22/3 cups my Italian meringue wasstiff (or (10.58 ounces/300 grams) blanched cool) enough. Youhavetobeat the almond flour meringue forquite along time — 1½ cups (10.58 ounces/300 grams) 15 or 20 minutes —and measure the temperaturealong the way. granulated sugar As Istarted my second try,I Powdered food coloring, water soluble wasanxiouslyrehearsing howI (optional) would tell my editor this macaron For the Italian meringue: story might not happen —unless 4ounces (113 grams) fresh egg whites he wanted ahumor piece. Still, (about 4egg whites), at room temperature Ihad afew moretricks up my ½teaspoon (0.035 ounces/1 gram) sleeve.Iground my ownalmond dried egg white powder meal. Iupped the baking tempera- 1½cups (10.58 ounces/300 grams) turefrom325 to 335 degrees and granulated sugar doubled the thickness of the bak- 1/3 cup (2.67 fluid ounces) distilled ing pan by adding asecond tray. water Voilà! The shells puffed up 1recipe of Swiss Meringue Buttercream magically. “I’ve got feet!”Iemailed (see recipe) Tian excitedly. She responded accordingly. To make the base: On the day before “The macaron is one of the hardest baking, separate 4eggs and place the pastries to make,”she said. “Even whites in amixing bowl. Loosely cover some of the most experienced pas- the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate try chefs have trouble getting them overnight. Reserve yolks for another use. right.”(Nowshe tells me!) “You One hour before baking, take the aged egg will be very popular at parties,” whites out of the refrigerator and allow she concluded. them to return to room temperature.

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 29 In the bowl of afood processor,combine cup finely chopped pecans for sprinkling on top of for one full batch of macaron shells. blanched whole almonds (or almond flour) and 1½ macaron shells before baking. Ingredients: cups granulated sugar.Process the almond-sugar Note on adding color: Macarons taste delicious 2whole eggs mixture for about 15 seconds or until mixture whether colored or not. In order to minimize 1/3 cup granulated sugar becomes afine powder.Donot overmix. Pour the moisture content, Tian uses powdered food color- Zest of 3Meyer lemons mixture into alarge mixing bowl and reserve. ing, which may be found at craft or specialty-food 1/3 cup Meyer lemon juice (juice of about 3 Mix powdered food coloring (if using) with the stores or ordered from online sources such as lemons) aged egg whites. Add the colored egg whites to the amazon.com or chefrubber.com. Because the 3tablespoons unsalted butter,chilled reserved almond-sugar mixture. Mix all ingredients strength of the food coloring varies depending on 1recipe Swiss Meringue Buttercream well with aspatula or bowl scraper until the brand, you may have to experiment. athick, sticky paste has formed. To make: In amedium stainless-steel mixing Set aside. bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar until To make the Italian Swiss meringue the mixture is light and fluffy.Combine lemon your meringue: Place fresh zest and lemon juice in medium saucepan. Bring How did buttercream turn out? egg whites in a5-quart mixture to aboil over medium-high heat, about 3 at electric-mixer bowl. Add Hands on: 30 minutes Total time: 30 minutes minutes. Whisking vigorously,pour the hot lemon macarons icture us ap the dried egg white Makes: Filling for 85 to 90 (1 ½-inch) macarons juice and zest over the sugar-egg mixture. Pour the Send powder.Attach the entire mixture back into the saucepan. Whisking Ingredients: be mixer bowl to the mixer [email protected] 4ounces (113 grams) fresh egg whites (about 4 constantly,cook the mixture over low heat until it is you fitted with the whisk and edi- egg whites), at room temperature thick and creamy,about 4minutes. Remove from com next attachment. in the 1cup (7 ounces/200 grams) granulated sugar heat. Let cool slightly.Whisk in the chilled butter Cook the 1½ cups featured Magazine! 1½ cups (12 ounces/340 grams) unsalted but- until well combined and set aside to cool. Beat the of VIP granulated sugar and tion ter,atroom temperature room-temperature Meyer lemon curd into the Swiss water in asaucepan over Meringue Buttercream until smooth. medium-high heat. Stir To make the buttercream: Combine egg constantly until the sugar has whites and granulated sugar in a5-quart electric- dissolved, about 2minutes. When mixer bowl. Place the bowl over asaucepan filled the mixture comes to aboil, insert acandy with simmering water over medium-low heat. Beat thermometer and stop stirring. When the sugar the egg whites and sugar with aballoon whisk syrup reaches 230 degrees, turn on the mixer and constantly until the mixture turns opaque, glossy beat the egg whites at high speed. When the sugar and warm to the touch (about 160 degrees), about syrup reaches 244 degrees, slowly pour the syrup 3minutes. in asteady stream along the sides of the mixer Remove the bowl from the water bath, and bowl while the mixer is whisking. Continue to beat attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the wire until stiff, glossy peaks form and the meringue has whisk attachment. Beat the mixture on high speed cooled to about 95 degrees, about 15 minutes. until stiff, glossy peaks form and the meringue has Mix the Italian meringue with the almond-sugar cooled to room temperature, about 5minutes. Re- paste using aspatula or bowl scraper until a duce the mixer speed to medium-low,and whisk in soft, glossy batter forms. When lifted up with the the soft butter in small increments. Make sure each spatula, the batter should flow back into the bowl addition of butter is completely incorporated into Chocolate in ribbons. the meringue before adding more butter.Scrape down the sides of the bowl with aspatula if neces- bourbon ganache To make the shells: Preheat aconventional sary. Once all the butter is incorporated (about 10 oven to 325 degree. Line a13-by-18-inch baking minutes), adjust the mixer to medium-high speed. Hands on: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes tray with asilicone baking mat or parchment paper. Continue to beat for afew more minutes or until the Makes: Filling for about 85 to 90 (1½-inch) Fill alarge (18-inch) pastrybag fitted with a3/8- buttercream is light and fluffy,2-3 minutes. macarons inch plain tip with the macaron batter.Pipe the mix- Add flavoring ingredients (such as rose water ture into 1-inch mounds on the baking mat, leaving or Meyer lemon curd) if using. Whisk to combine, Ingredients: about 1inch between each mound. The mixture will about 1minute. Place the buttercream in acon- 10 ounces (284 grams) bittersweet baking spread out to about 1½inches in diameter. tainer.Cover the surface of the buttercream directly chocolate, finely chopped (may use acombination Gently tap the baking pan against ahard surface with plastic wrap. Use at room temperature. of bittersweet, semisweet or milk chocolate) to reduce air bubbles in the batter.Use atoothpick 1cup (8 ounces) heavy whipping cream to pop any remaining air bubbles. Bake shells for 1tablespoon light corn syrup or glucose syrup about 12-15 minutes on the upper-level rack in the 1tablespoon unsalted butter,atroom tempera- oven. Cook in batches, if necessary. Remove the ture baking pan from the oven and place it on acooling 3tablespoons bourbon (optional) rack. To make: Place chocolate pieces in amedium Let shells cool completely before removing them stainless-steel mixing bowl. Set aside. Bring from the silicone mat. Place them on alarge clean the cream and corn syrup to aboil in amedium surface with the smooth side up. Flip over half of saucepan over medium-high heat, about 2minutes. the shells and pipe the Swiss Meringue Butter- Immediately pour the hot cream onto the chocolate cream (or other filling of choice) onto the shells pieces. Allow the chocolate-cream mixture to sit using amedium (12-inch) pastrybag. Cover with undisturbed for about 2minutes. Stir with aspatula remaining shells to make sandwiches. until mixture is smooth. If there are any remaining Refrigerate overnight. Macarons will stay fresh solid chocolate pieces, place the ganache over a for about 3to4days in the refrigerator or about Meyer lemon curd warm water bath to melt the chocolate. Do not heat 3to4weeks stored in the freezer.Serve at room above 94 degrees. temperature. filling When the ganache has cooled to room temperature (about 15 minutes), stir in the soft butter and To make pecan macaron shells: Follow the Hands on: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes bourbon (if using). Place ganache in acontainer. recipe above, substitute almonds with 1cup pecan Makes: Filling for 85 to 90 (1 ½-inch) macarons Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap. Allow halves (100 grams) and 11/3 cups blanched Mix this lemon curd with one recipe of Swiss to solidify at room temperature for several hours. almonds (200 grams). If desired, have on hand ½ Meringue Buttercream. Youwill have enough filling Use at room temperature. MCT

30 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com food dining kitchen tools 5 hot kitchen gadgets

Oil Mister Zyliss 5-Way Jamie Oliver Salad Dressing Citris Reamer Cut down on those fat Opener Flavour Shaker Emulsifier The ball-tip design will calories! Mist your salads Five functions in one Totally new concept! A One-handed lever makes unleash just about every with oil (you can add device: pops open bottle ceramic ball pulverizes it easy to whip up aquick drop of juice from hard- your favorite herbs to the caps, lifts soda can pop fresh herbs and dried vinaigrette. $15. CHEF’N skinned fruit. $10. ART glass reservoir) instead of tops, unseals machine- spices —even cinnamon THROUGH WILLIAMS-SO- AND COOK: artandcook. drenching them. Great for tightened bottle caps, sticks —with asimple NOMA: 877-812-6235; com. HEARST grilled meats, too. Tabletop removes pull-tabs, and cocktail shaker action. williams-sonoma.com. Mister,$20. PREPARA: breaks the seal of jar lids. $30. DKB HOUSEHOLD: 888-878-8665; surla $7. DKB HOUSEHOLD: 888-794-7623; flavour table.com. 888-794-7623; zylissusa. shaker.co.uk. com.

www.paintingwithatwist.com/beaumont

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 31 vip spotlights

setx events Christus Golden AnniversaryGala

scott eslinger

Kevin Steele, Susanne Montondon Regina Rogers, Charline Dauphin and Robin Dauphin Jennifer Thompson, Keith Barnett David Parkus, JoAnna Wortham

Melissa Cornwell, Ann Jones Jeff and Tricia Totten, RosemaryJimenez, Tommy Allred Ron Noah, Stephanie Roberts, Derek McWilliams JerryMcMillian, Kelsey McMillan and Nancy McMillan

Bill and Minni Lindsey,Father Anthony Paulose John &Margaret Guillory, Bishop Curtis Guillory, Diane Tate, Zoway GuilloryDr. Denny Harris, Pat and Tommy Frank Life’Life’saBsaBeach!each!

Sales Staff: BB Wilson &Christy Duhon Beach Properties Sales &Rentals Locally Owned •Locally Operated VACATION Serving Bolivar more than 50 years RENTALS Experienced &Knowledgeable Staff Loyal Customer Base 2840 Hwy.87 www.swedesrealestate.com Crystal Beach 409-684-3345 •800-624-0071

32 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Gift of Life's Champagne &Ribs

Bruce and Cheryl Cummings, Jennifer and Paul Bergen

Dr.Kyle and Laura Peterson

Keith Kelly,Nathalie and Michel Masson Carol Eddins, Betty Greenberg

The Holiday InnHotel &Suites BeaumontPlaza Experience theresortfeeling without theprice!

Julie and Alan Coleman, Melanie and Jamie Smith

Jill and Kevin J. Roy Dedie Orta, Carol and Gerald Eddins, Johnny Orta

Letusshare in planning yournextevent! Contactour professional salesdepartment.

3950 I10South@Walden Road Beaumont,TX77705 Kent and Davilyn Walston Phone: (409) 842-5995 Fax: (409) 842-7810 www.holidayinn.com/beaumont-plaza Reece Graffagnino, Cody Bonvillion, Monica Boyd, Joseph Patrizi scott eslinger

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 33 Lobsterfest Neches River Festival

Coronation Ball lee e. stinson

Dennis and Kim Isaacs

Roland, Dolores, Christian and Jade Respess, Amy and Alice Nash Caitlin and Bill Benning

Greg and Monique Lumpkin

Jerryand Samantha Richards J. Coffey and Vivian Pieternelle Lisa and Kendall Laughlin Caleb, Sheila, Samantha and Pat Barton

Brenna and James Rodriguez

Laurie, Daniel and TomMessina Julie and Craig Sherlock Katheline and Vickie Thompson

Robin and Lee Williams

lee e. stinson MaryEllen Bartilucci, M.C. Carrington Fran Eidom, Preston, Tressa and Kristen Warner Jenny and Dean Talbot

34 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Arc of Greater Beaumont Celebrity Style Show CLOTHING •ACCESSORIES

COOL COMFORTABLE

Clark and Tommie Colvin, Yvette and Frank Crorey CONTEMPORARY

Bill and Stephanie Offill, Arthur Berry

Brenda Sullivan, GaryHidalgo 6755 Phelan, Ste. 17 Beaumont, TX 77706 •409.861.5762

Bob and Kelli Phillips Jada Kelley,Tanya Goldbeck and Connie Berry Beaumont’spremier shopping spot for24years. Featuring designer jewelry,one of akind pieces, casual comfortable clothing, luxeleather bags and more. Our friendly, Jody George, Paul Szuch John and Paula Lovoi knowledgeablestaff willassist youwith all your needs. 6385 Calder •Beaumont Jay and Wendy Spikes 409-866-9742 Katy Hambright, Phoebe Dishman lee e. stinson

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 35 Justiceis Served Dinner Gulf Coast Gala

renÉ sheppard

Toby and Kelli Nash

Judge Hollis and Courtney Horton Lydia Light, Dana Pritchard, Michael Manuel and Cheryl Bertrand

Denise and JerryFancher Jr.

Jack Verrett, Carol Wommack, TerryDoyle and Ashley Molfina Carol and Bernie Brown and Beverly Lauer

Kent and Davilyn Walston

Bonnie Turnbull, Kathryn Monk Stuart and Patti Saulter Rep. Allan and Peggy Ritter

Charlie and Carmen Rojas

Mitch and Becky Osborne, Raelynn and Eric Earnheart Dwight Wagner,Pat Holmes, Laura Ryan and Arleen Calais Charlene and Carlo Jr.Busceme

Lisa Briggs and Irish Lewis Bob and Laurie Grissom; Kim and Mike Parker Alan and Melany Ferrell; Lenny and JoAnn Larson lee e. stinson

36 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Democratic Ladies Luncheon

renÉ sheppard

Betty Fontenot and Dr.Elnita Stanley

Lynda Kay Makin, Susan Lampson, Stephanie Gertz and Julianna Gertz Sheila Sachitano, Leah Isbell and Syble Jeffcoat Sandy Welch, Geraldine Beckett

Latanyua Robinson and Juaune Clemons

Kathleen Hawkins, Vickie Brekel, Rebecca Landis MaryNixon, Laci Mendez, AvaGraves, Carolina Ramirez and Alberta Jones Joyce Philen and Suzanne Stafford

Baptist Hospital’s School of Radiologic Technology 50 years of Teaching Excellence ACareer In Radiologic Technologyoffers apromising future. Associate of Applied Science Degree inin Radiologic Sciences nowoffered! TRISUN Healthcare Hometown choices forskilled nursing care Career Advancement opportunities include: and individualized medical rehabilitation. •Nuclear Med •Education BeaumontOrange •Rad Therapy •C.T. Summer PlaceThe Meadows •Mammography •MRI 2485 South Major Dr.4201FM105 Call Becca at Call Lori at •Ultrasound 409-861-4611 409-883-8803 Accepting Port Arthur Applications Cypress Glen CypressGlen East For Brochure and Application 7200 9th Ave. 4225 LakeArthur Dr. visit our web site: www.bhset.net Call Lluvia at Call Christina at or contact us at 409-729-8701 409-727-3193 409-212-5724

Call for more informationor JRCERT stop by today for atour! Accredited

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 37 Mud Pie is the leading New Location manufacturer of innovatively designed and affordably priced gifts, C Castaneda and it is nowavailable at Ashton LS House. Choose from awide variety Lawn Service, LLC of summer and travel-approved accessories – sundresses, shoes, beach totes, hats, and more. •Bull Rock 2’’ to 4’’ •Hardwood Mulch The Mud Pie collection offers items •River Rock •Black Mulch •Garden Mix •Red Mulch for everypurpose and for every •White Rock •Cedar Mulch personality. •Mortar Sand •Rainbow •Light 60-40 Sand Gravel 5/8’’ •Red Lava3/4” x3/8” •Pea Gravel 3/8’’ •Decomposed Granite •Top Soil Looking for anew in-ground concrete or fiberglass C Castaneda swimming pool, look no further than anthony and Sylvan LS Pools. Backed by over 66 years of experience built into Lawn Service, LLC everypool Anthony&Sylvan is the name to trust. It’swhere Southeast Texas Swims! 10549 Hwy.90

Ashton House Anthony &Sylvan Pools 409-866-0949 6250 Phelan Blvd., Beaumont Call 866.419.3270 409-860-7233 or visit anthonysylvan.com/VIP 409-892-4508

Southeast Texas’ highest ranking Black Belt, 9th degree Grand Master Fred A. Simon, is nowoffering classes in his new studio. Study martial arts under aTexas Legends Hall of Fame and Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame Member.Call nowtoreserve aspot for you or your child! Classes are conveniently offered at noon and at night. *Member of the BBB

2788 Gulfview Lane Beautiful new 2nd row homewithawesome beachfront views from everyroom! Living room has 18 ft. Cathedral ceiling and gorgeous ship lap wood walls. Soothing coastal colors throughout. This home features 3Bedrooms/3 Baths, with Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom on downstairs main level. Ceramic tile in living, kitchen, dining, and baths, with wood-look Laminate in bedrooms. The fabulous kitchen fabulous ﬁnds has granite counter tops with glass tile back splash and stainless appliances. $385,000 8 For RentorFor Sale! $1,565 Winter Week /$2,465 Summer Week (Changes in Attitudes) Cobb Real Estate Retailers we love and their Crystal Beach, Texas 77650 merchandise we love to have! 409.684.3790 office Fred A. Simon’sTae Kwon Do 409.684.2622 fax 3965 Phelan Plaza, Suite 107 http://www.cobbrealestate.com/ Beaumont, TX 409.212.9669

Forover 25 years, Fine Touch has been restoring furniture for South East Texas residents. From antique LUXE Boutique, located heirlooms, to mid centurypieces, to new creations.... afew doors down from Nickolina’s offers we give your furniture new life. Madison’s, is abrand new interior design services shop that carries high-end utilizing an eclectic mix •Refinishing/Repairs pieces —including brands of decorative accents, •Upholstery availableatNordstrom and furniture, lighting, and •Furniture Stripping more. We offer avariety •Water&Fire Damage Restoration Saks —that will satisfy both of framed art at great •Pick-up and Delivery your classic and fashion- forward sides. prices, including this original oil painting – Cardigan /Darling: $98.99; a23” x35” work of art. Skirt /Darling: $139.99; Tank /Luxe Junkie: $21.95; Leather Quilted Purse /High Fashion Handbags: $104.95 Let Nickolina’s customize your space and find your fabulous!

Fine Touch Nickolina’s Furniture Restoration LUXE Boutique 1257 W. Lucas, Beaumont, TX 77706 835-3535 4036 Dowlen Rd. –Beaumont (409) 896-2543 1347 Park St. •Beaumont 409.239.5561 www.nickolinas.com finetouchfr.com www.facebook.com/nickolinas vip worthy cat holtzclaw

thone man’stisrash is woman’s “Beforesea glassisborn, it hasadifferent life… vibrantand clear…apurpose andmission. Then, it becomesuseless…discarded.Some glass treasure finds itsway into theocean,whereitistossed, text by Jane MCBrIde photographybyLee e. STInSon weatheredand smashedmanytimes into the atherine Holtzclawfinds beauty in objects others oceanfloor. It takesonadifferent life down in the discard. Whether it’s ashardofacola bottle transformed by the sand and tide into abeautiful dark,churningwaters…emergingassmooth, piece of sea glass, ashattered bowl that once graced the center of adining table, or ableached piece of frosty,opaquegems…thepurpose of itslifenow bone with apattern so lovely it begs forreplication, she finds away to elevate the mundane into the C >> in theeyesofthe beholder.”—CatHoltzclaw extraordinary.

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 39 LEFT After Hurricane Ike, Cat Holtzclaw’shusband Tommy re-created their destroyed patio. He built amold and poured concrete blocks to showcase Cat’smosaic work. He built the patio’slouvered walls and shutters from wood destined for “the FEMA piles” along the beach. Even the posts came from destroyed cabins. The tables also are salvaged pieces. RIGHT Cat found abottlenose dolphin dead on the beach, where construction trucks and equipment kept running over it as it were apiece of trash. She salvaged a bleached vertebrae. When she noticed abeautiful pattern in the bone, she made an impression and used it as amold to create silver earrings and bracelets. “The dolphin lives on,”she said. “He is remembered and honored.”

Cat comes from acreative family. The art. It helped bring her back from the verge mosaic pieces, she left unadorned spaces to artist and jewelry designer wasborn with a of depression after Hurricane Ike’swaters “givethe eyearest.” gift for“seeing”the end results of aproject swept away the communities of the peninsu- Cat listened as LaNell described their beforeshe puts paint to canvasorpicks up la. It destroyed their neighborhood; Cat and life. She combed through the salvaged bits apair of snips. She credits her ability to Tommylost everything from the stairs down, and pieces, asking about the significance of find beauty in the lowliest of materials to but the upstairs living area wassaved. Cat each. Worked in among the shards of china, her mother,who always joked that when struggled amidst such suffering. She painted tile and pottery arespecial mementos: a she died, her children wouldn’t fight over aseries of dark, troubling paintings that cigarette lighter from her husband’strucking money, jewelry or expensive heirlooms. depicted the storm’s greed. Eventually, she company, ahandful of coins from his once Theywanted the simple sign that hung in returned to the colorful medium she loved extensive collection, U.S. Navy memorabilia her kitchen: “Make do.Use it up,wear it out, most, turning the broken pieces of her life from his career,the head to one of the Wild or do without.” into something beautiful and lasting. Turkeybottles he collected, dice from Las Long beforerecycling wasa“green”way She developed afollowing from those Vegas vacations and adomino. of turning old cans, bottles and newspapers whoappreciate salvaging once precious One of her favorite pieces became the into cash, Cat and TommyHoltzclawwere possessions. Strangers began dropping off focal point. scouring the shores of the BolivarPeninsula boxesfilled with their grandmother’s china, “I had abeautiful platter with abeach fortinytreasures to turn into art. The couple asking, “Can youcreate something forme scene that sat on atable on the screened traveled from their townhouse in Beaumont with this?” porch. We discussed world affairs formany to walk Crystal beach, eyes trained on the By far, the most challenging project was hours around that platter,” LaNell said. “All sand. They’dleave with twogallon buckets afireplace surround she made forafriend Icould find after the storm wasone big filled with beach glass, which Cat soon began twohouses down at Crystal Beach. LaNell chunk.” to turn into crosses and earrings. Tommy, a Oehlers had endured her ownlosses. In When LaNell looks at the fireplace, she machinist, would make the copper backs and January,2008, she lost her husband. Eight sees “a lot of good times.” wiring and Cat would add the glass. months later,she lost her home and five “Everything we did, we did with passion. Cat later developed aloveofworking with rental beach cabins. We lovedithere. That fireplace tells astory mosaics. She took broken pieces of pottery, LaNell salvaged the fewthings she could that might not mean anything to anyone else, china, tiles and even weather-worn shards of find. Each item wasprecious, from her but it’s the journal of 28 years of our lifeon asbestos siding and created tabletops, garden husband’sset of keys to the cabins to broken the peninsula.” pots and landscape tiles. She turned plain pieces of china. She knewofCat’s mosaic LaNell hopes the fireplace will be with mirrors into “paintings” made of seashells, work and wondered if she could do some- her forever. Her builder assured her that if fossils, sharks teeth and anything else that thing with the remnants of their beach life. she ever moved, the fireplace could go with presented itself. She asked Cat to design and create amantle her. VIP “Everything youneed, youcan find on and surround forthe fireplace. the beach,”she said. Cat spent hours creating adesign that Find Cat’sjewelryand art at Tropical Accents, 2950 During the darkest moments of her life, would complement the room without over- Highway 87, Crystal Beach. Call (409) 684-0009 or Cat stills her mind and busies her hands with whelming it. Between stretches of colorful visit www.tropicalaccents.net

40 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com vip worthy robclark

Architect and art collector Rob Clark is passionate for the passion of artists photo graph yb y lee e. stinson CollageofCreativity

text by Cheryl rose intriguing, talented people. But what will subject to change. ForClark, mixing it fascinate, even mesmerize you, is the layer- up is an essential partofappreciation. fyou areluckyenough to be He believesart must be accessible to be upon-layeroforiginal, eclectic art. invited to one of the “happen- enjoyed. Touching it or having to get down ings” at RobClark’sBeaumont Accessible art on your knees to see it, that’s all partofthe home, youare in foratreat –a In an otherwise minimalist interior, experience. framed artjockeys forposition on every “The artiswhat we live in,”Clark said. gourmet meal composed of surface, even placed on the floor leaning “It constantlychanges. Younever know the freshest ingredients paired against awall. An assemblage neveroverly what’s going to be in the room. There’s Iwith lively conversation with planned, but neverhaphazardeither,and no reason artcan’t be on the floor.To >>

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 41 “I do not buy art to decorate the house” —Rob Clark

celebrate the art, it needs to be out.” Creativity &process Isee the pieces compared next to each That’s whywhen Clark relaxes on his sofa Clark credits fine-artphotographer Keith other,their different styles, aesthetics and in the golden glowofthe morning after a Carter,his close friend of 30 years, with extremes of materials,”hesaid. crack-of-dawn exercise workout, he places helping him to define his artistic sense. If the collage-style displayseems like his coffee cup down next to afigurative “The artthat most captures my interest unconventional decorating, Clark is uncon- sculpturebynative Texan artist Doug has twoaspects: creativity and process,” cerned. “I do not believe artisfor decorat- Clark. It’s not in acloset or avault some- Clark said. “When the artist has laid their ing,”hestated. “I do not buyart to decorate where, but in the midst to be admired. soul out in the work, youjust feel it. Every the house. Am Idecorating with apainting Of course, Clark takes precautions to artist speaks through his or her choice of of ablue skytomatch ablue wall?That’s a protect the artfromUVdamage and keeps medium. Also,everything youthink about a short-term goal. Instead, does it remind you the relative humidity constant. His collec- work changes when youmeet the artist.” of your childhood or does the assemblage tion is comprised of about 300 works by Clark began collecting in earnest in of materials make youthink of astory?Pas- 1977,the same year he movedtoBeaumont sion is everything. It is agut reaction.” 211 artists, 60 percent or moreofwhom and co-founded the local chapter of Habitat Clark has met in person. He bought his forHumanity.Tohelp him curate the col- Artinall forms first piece of original artasagraduation lection, he created aset of guidelines so Artdoes not have to take onlyaphysical present forhimself,when he left Louisiana the artwould reflect abalance in mediums, form forClark. “I cannot separate fine art, State University with adegree in architec- ethnicity and gender in the artists, and music, culinary arts, prose or poetry out as ture. It wasaPicasso etching, purchased include both established and emerging single artforms forme,”hesaid. from aNew Orleans gallery.Helater sold it artists. In displaying the collection, Clark Growing up on afarm in Mississippi, when he narrowed his focus to Texan and likes to jumble different artists and medi- Clark’sparents encouraged music and art Latin American contemporary artists. ums. “When Ilook at one of those walls, lessons fortheir children. Clark plays the

42 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com KENNETH D. WILGERS M.D. P.A. piano,occasionallyfilling in forthe organ- ist at Calder Baptist Church, whereheis •Certified American Board of amember.Sometimes turning down the Family Practice lights, letting the cares of the dayfade away in the darkness, Clark relaxes by playing. •Full Service Medical Clinic He frequentlyhas asketch pad in hand, •Treating Adults and Children dashing off acaricatureofafriend or drawing astreetscape view. •Same Day Appointments Choosing architectureasacareer pro- Available vided asynthesis of all the artforms he ap- preciated. In his professional life, Clark and •Medical Weight Loss his partners at Architectural Alliance have recentlyworked on several big projects, Rob Clark’s including the renovations to the Stark Mu- Collection •Botox® &Restylane seum of ArtinOrange and the R.C. Miller Treatments Library in Beaumont. Clark created this list of guiding principles to help •Lab &Xray Available on Hospitality &happenings him determine whether a One of Clark’sgreat joys is to assemble piece of art diversifies his Site and jumble people at the dinner table the collection while also sup- wayhedoes artonthe walls. “I love hos- porting the overall purpose. pitality,” he said. “Mygrandmother always Having these principles in Melissa Evans kept the door open and food set out. She felt writing helps clarify deci- RN, MSN, FNP that someone at your door might be an angel sions about what to keep, approaching.”Clark said his home centers sell and buy,heexplained. on the long Italian table whereheloves to serveameal and sit with friends sharing •Purchase established, www.drwilgers.com thoughts and politics and learning from each contemporaryTexan and other.Guests maybeasked to contribute Latin American artists in- 3282 College St., Beaumont to the evening by playing an instrument or cluding conceptual works. sharing prose or poetry from the small per- •Include purchases of (409) 832-8600 formance stage Clark built into his home. emerging Texan and local Led to serve artists. •Continuously find the His maternal grandfather,aretired min- balance in artists’ ethnicity, -69 (33 @6<9 3(5+:*(7, 5,,+: ister,was agreat influence on Clark. “He gender,age and style. wasalways telling us stories about grati- •The collection should $UFKLWHFWXUDO tude, respect and dignity,” he remembered. demonstrate amix of “He said that if Idon’t see Godintheir media including paint- face, I’mnot reallyseeing aperson. Itry to ings, works on paper, /DQGVFDSH'HVLJQ see each person uniquely, to have adigni- assemblages, photography, fied respect foreach person. I’mconstantly sculpture and ethereal ,QVWDOODWLRQ working at staying in that mode.” works that might dissipate Clark tries to live this philosophyby over time but always be having an active role in avariety of local remembered. nonprofits, including Some Other Place, •Everypiece considered Nutrition and Services forSeniors, Habitat for addition to the collec- forHumanity,the SymphonyofSoutheast tion must demonstrate Texas and the ArtMuseum of Southeast creativity/aesthetics and Texas. “I think we have to make our community,” he said. “Wehavetobeactively in- process. volved. When youwork alongside someone, •Arelationship between youhear anew side and expose yourself to the collection and the howpeople have grownupand lived.” collection policy of the Art Museum of Southeast An attitude of gratitude Texas helps to assure that “I’mvery thankful forwheremylifeis some works might be right now, thankful forthe relationships gifted to the museum to I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the places fill voids in the museum’s I’ve been,”Clark said. Almost every year, permanent collection of Clark shares his joybygifting artwork to works. the ArtMuseum of Southeast Texas, often •There are no sacred intentionallybuying pieces to supportthe cows that cannot be sold museum’s collection. or traded to better benefit “You neverreallyown art,”hesaid. the overall collection. “You expend moneytobeintimate with •All works in the collection each work and to be its careprovider until are accessible to the artist 5LF $UHQD RU the piece movesinto other settings and for exhibitions or for view 3VJHSS` 6^ULK 6WLYH[LK )VUKLK 0UZ\YLK other lives.” VIP by collectors.

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 43 vip adviser

summer fun

text by AmAndA Corbell 10 GREAT things to do this summer

as prices are up, it’s150 degrees outside and there are bored children to occupy everyday…there’snodenying it’ssummer time! Whether you’re aworking or stay-at-home parent, summer can pose some interesting problems for finding Gtime to do things with your family and not having enough things to do with them. Even if you’re not aparent, summer seems to slip by most of us without awarning and without any kind of summer “to-do” list fulfilled. Here's our list of 10 things to do to make it memorable.

volunteer Whether your angle is to get your children interested in volunteering or you have some catching up to do on good deeds yourself, summer is the perfect op- take in aconcert Sum- portunity to do just that. Volunteer opportunities memerrisagreat opportunity to see some of your are rampant in Southeast Texas and many local favorite music acts up close and personal. A event calendars publish these opportunities. large majority of acts do summer tours and The Food Bank of Southeast Texas welcomes whether they hit Beaumont, Houston or even volunteers or get involved with Catholic Chari- across the border in Louisiana, Southeast ties of Southeast Texas, the Garth House or Texans have easy access to any of these tour CASA. Or if you have room for one more in your stops. Prices for tickets always vary, but are not home, be afoster parent for aneglected animal necessarily expensive. L’auberge Casino and until they are adopted. The Humane Society of Resort in Lake Charles offers averyaffordable Southeast Texas, and other organizations such summer concert series they’ve deemed the as Bound for the Pound, can help you find the “Liquid Society” everyThursday night through right match for afoster pet. August. Tickets are only $10 and it’shard to get abad seat in the place. Awide range of acts will cross the stage this summer including Candlebox, Colbie Caillat, Aaron Lewis, Theory of aDeadman and more. If you want to make anight of it in Houston, Coldplay is one of be atourist Southeast Texas is chalked-full of places hundreds of bands making astop there in the that we pass by everyday as “locals,”but have never stopped by coming months. And if you want to stay close to check out. Make alist of anumber of places you want to visit in to home, Miranda Lambert and even Snoop each corner of the Golden Triangle and spend acouple of days doing Dogg, among others will be at Ford Park. As “touristy” things. Stop by the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple in Port Ar- always, local venues like the Gig, Starvin Mar- thur for their Lotus Garden and Bamboo Festival. Head to Orange for vin’s, The Back Room and Logon Café offer live aday at Shangri-La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center whether music most nights of the week at an affordable, in peace, or with the kiddos. Take aboat ride, walk leisurely through if not free, price. the botanical gardens, bird-watch, and have lunch. Head over to the Stark House in Orange for adose of local historyfor yourself and even the kids. Hit up museums in Beaumont such as the Babe Zaharias Museum or the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and spend afew hours perusing works of art in the safety of some A/C.

44 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com roroadad trip! The family road trip has been asource of humor in movies for years (“Are we there YET?”). But getting out of town during the summer is almost anecessity.Whether you pack the car for aday at the beach or head out for aweek-long vacation to Florida, road trips in and of themselves can be fun for singles or families. Youcan map your road trip out to purposefully find and stop at the neatest diners, rest stops or historical markers along the way,for instance. With gas prices as high as they are, you could also cut costs by packing afew lunches and stopping at “picnic” spots throughout the trip, all the while getting bellies full and legs stretched. There are games specifically designed for road trips, whether you go with “I Spy” or opt for “Road Trip Bingo” on your iPod. No trip is too short to not embrace and have fun with while on the road, and just as many memories can be made en route as at your destination. press ted associa and

have amovie enterprise night….outside While thedaysofdrive-in movies have long been gone, there is stillsomething magically summeryabout watching a

movie outside. Backyard movie nights are y beaumont becoming increasingly popular since rent- ing ascreen and projector are easy to do. yb Choosing the right place in your yard that is dark enough to see the screen is key. throw ablock party Howmany of us live in neighborhoods graph Youcan even forego the screen and use where, sadly,wecan honestly say we do not know our neighbors? Don’t feel too bad… it’stypical for most neighbors, even those who live in apartment complexes. But you

the side of abuilding or awall. De-bug photo the area with mosquito spray beforehand can fix that! Throw asmall block party in your neighborhood or complex, and invite your and have cans readily available for the neighbors, even (and especially) those you don’t know.Ifyou’re in aneighborhood, have evening. Utilize soft lights like LED candles it outside so people can come and go as they please. If you’re uncomfortable having a or citronella candles, grab some blankets party in your apartment, make arrangements with your apartment manager to have a and even invite the neighbors. If you get-together down by the pool or grilling area. Keep decorations minimal, since most block live in an apartment or somewhere that parties are expected to be al fresco anyway.Offer name tags if you wish, summeryadult lacks abackyard, attend aMovie in the beverages, light snacks or even coordinate it with an outdoor movie night. Either way,this Park in Beaumont, amonthly series over is acasual and fun way to get to know more about the people who share your backyard or the summer that show afamily-friendly hallways, and that’sgood information for any of us to have these days. movie in different parks in town. It’sfree admission and is open to the public. Just be sure to still grab blankets and that mosquito spray. turn your garage Into abrewery Brewing your own beer is quickly becoming one of the most popular at-home activities for beer enthusiasts in town. With information on how to turn any garage into abreweryatour fingertips and advocacy groups such as the Yeast Priests holding pairings and informational sessions on the topic, just about anyone can learn how to brew their own. Not to mention, the process of brewing the beer can be aparty in and of itself. Attend acraft beer tasting over the summer (check local event calendars) or read up on how to make your own, then make it happen. Invite afew good friends, prepare some tapas, and make anight of it, then make plans for the official unveiling and tasting of your own beer weeks down the road. >>

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 45 joinjo ateam Whether you’re married or single, joining a casual sports team has become one of the more enjoyable ways to meet new people and let off some steam. The summer is agreat time to get outdoors and join agroup of fellow “rookies” for softball, kickball and the ever increasingly-popular Frisbee golf. Sports can still teach lessons on team-building exercises that we learn as kids, but it can be oh-so-much more fun with your spouse or friends (or both) sharing the field. It lets you be take aca lass Have you active, have some laughs and usually been waiting to learn something new? acold beverage of your choice follows Summer is the perfect opportunity to the game. Even bowling leagues are capitalize on any free time and learn anew agreat option, if you’re competitive, skill. Whether you want to be abetter chef, but are more the “indoor” type. Ask finally learn how to operate your Nikon, or around, search Facebook and check learn how to create an artistic masterpiece, event calendars to find ateam to join there’snoshortage of opportunities to do and then get out there and make the so in Southeast Texas. Classes are also a most of your summer! great way to occupy the kids during the summer season and everywhere from get in shape Exercise classes are another example of Beaumont Community Players to dance away to do something new.Zumba is all the rage and is offered this studios offer summer classes to keep your summer at the Sterling Pruitt Center in Beaumont. They’ll even let you kids busy and active. There are anumber bring afriend! Breaking the monotony of spending everyevening in the of night classes for working adults and gym can be good for both your body and soul, while still letting you burn even places like Painting With aTwist calories. Want to get the whole family involved? Join ateam like the Sea will let you tryyour hand with paints and Rim Striders and go for weekly family-friendly walks or runs and get brushes before you dedicate yourself to a to know other parents or couples who are in the same boat. If you’re class. looking for more of achallenge, sign up for the Calder Twilight 5K or an upcoming bike ride through town. VIP

uadalajara G Mexican Restaurant &Cantina

Gift Certificates Available! Homemade Tortillas HAPPY HOUR 3-7 Mon -Fri Made Fresh Daily! AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD 4414 Dowlen (Crossroad Center) 409-924-7718

46 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com Miranda Lambert June 22 Miranda Lambert, the Academy of CountryMusic’sreigning 3-time female vocalist of the year,headlines the Cause for the Paws concert benefitting Lambert’sMuttNation Foundation at Ford Arena in Beaumont. Joining Miranda will be Texas favorites Wade Bowen and the Josh Abbot Band. The showbegins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $28.75 and are available at www.ticketmaster. com or (800) 745-3000. great dates in june

ZacharyBreaux Jazz Festival Calder Twilight June 8-9 Brian Best and Lora James headline 5K Run/Walk the 5th annual ZacharyBreaux Jazz June 8 Festival, in downtown Port Arthur. Closed course, chip-timed race Honoring Port Arthur native and thatwill showcase the Calder musician ZacharyBreaux, the annual Project completion and atour event features local and regional through historic Old Town. Race acts at the Procter Street Pavilion. begins at 7p.m. at Calder Avenue Performers include the Houston Jazz American RedCross and Tenth Street in Beaumont. Caravan, JAWAD, George Hill and Hurricane Party Register at www. Friends, Theresa Grayson, Lil’ Wayne cityofbeaumont. Singletaryand Brian Best on June 8, June 23 com. (409) 550- 5p.m. to midnight; Charles Bilal and KennyRogers Mid-Summer Classic 1809 or (409) the Solar System Band, Ron Rocio headlines the Wakeboarding Tourney 785-4701. and Flava, Joe Carmouche, Althea 2012 Hurricane Rene, the Texas Brass Band, Kyle June 23 Party at Nutty Turner,Michael Ward, Dean James An established grassroots Jerry’s, Winnie, and Lora Sims on June 9, noon wakeboarding event, the Mid- benefitting the to midnight. Advance tickets $10 Summer Classic focuses on fun and Southeast Texas June 8, $15 June 9; at the door pushes for progress among local American Red $12 June 8, $18 June 9. (409) and regional riders. The tournament Cross. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., 982-8394, (409) 985-9977 or starts at 8amand ends when it with adinner at 6p.m. and concert www.zacharybreauxjassfestival. ends. SETX Wakeboarding Lake, at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $175 per com. Bring lawn chairs and visit off Interstate 10 between Vidor and person and can be purchased by vendors for food, drink and more. calling (409) 832-1644 or email Beaumont. (409) 781-4786. [email protected].

Event Submissions Do you have an event you would like to promote? Do it with VIP for FREE! Please send us details—dates, times, location, contact phone, web address and abrief description—to [email protected]. Information should arrive at least 60 days in advance of the event.

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 47 { June } Thorton Wilder Free admission, of the movie, “White Zombie,” JUNE 21 popcorn and refreshments. (409) 832- includes entertainment, live bands, 2134 or www.mcfaddin-ward.org. celebrity guest appearances, a“Hot Gladys City Nights: Outdoor Expo JUNE 1 Zombie Male and Female Model 6-9 p.m., Spindletop/Gladys City JUNE 8-10 Boomtown Museum, Beaumont. Must TracyLawrence Competition,”zombie survivalrun and tag competition, “Thriller”after be 18 or older.(409) 880-1750 or Granger Smith is special guest, Nutty Bill Pickett Trail Ride and Zydeco dark dance party,horror film festival, www.spindletop.org. Jerry’s,Winnie. Tickets $20,$30, Festival children’s entertainment area and $40 and $50.(877) 643-7508 or www. Noon, Ford Park, Beaumont. Bands JUNE 22 food, beverage and merchandise nuttyjerrys.com. include Ruben Moreno,Chris Ardoin, Leon Chevis, Brian Jack, Nathan Sr. vendors. One-day pass $25, 2-day Spindletop Center Consumer Care JUNE 2 and the Zydeco Cha Chas and Marcus pass $35. Proceeds benefit the First Committee Barbecue Fundraiser Ardoin. Adult weekend pass $20, International Children’s ArtNetwork. 11 a.m.-1p.m., Nick Nides Self Help “Cars for the Cure” Car Show adult daypass $10,child’sweekend Tickets at http://ican2.ticketleap.com/ Haven, South Campus, Beaumont. 9a.m.-2 p.m., parking lot adjacent to pass $5, children younger than 6free. zombievoodoofest-texasedition/ Brisket, potato salad, beans, rice and Gulf Credit Union, Groves. Proceeds (832) 398-1425, (832) 217-6935 or all the fixin’s for$8. (409) 658-3813. benefit Relayfor Life. (409) 984-7455. www.billpicketttrailriders.com. JUNE 11 Spindletop Spin Bicycle Ride JUNE 22 -24 Larry’sOld Time Trade Days BPSF Invitational Golf Tournament 7a.m.-4 p.m., Crockett Street 8a.m.-5 p.m., Southeast Texas’ largest Brentwood Country Club,Beaumont. Kountze Trade Days Entertainment District, Beaumont. and most popular flea market. Winnie Teetimes 7:30 a.m. and 1p.m. 8a.m.-5 p.m., Big Thicket Trade Days www.spindletopspin.com or www. off I-10,www.larrysoldtimetradedays. Proceeds benefit the Beaumont Public Grounds, Kountze. The event includes active.com. (409) 8359-2332. com Schools Foundation, Inc. (409) 617- morethan 250vendors, shows, JUNE 2-3 5134 or www.beaumont.k12.tx.us/golf children’s activities, food booths and JUNE 8 more. Free. (409) 880-5667. Lotus Garden and Bamboo Festival JUNE 14 -16 AConcert with aCause 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Buu Mon Buddhist JUNE 23 9p.m., benefit concertfeaturing Mad Broadway Fun for Funds Temple, Port Arthur.Food, crafts, Maude and the Hatters, with Robert 7p.m., musical revue benefit, Orange American Red Cross Hurricane Party plants and more. (409) 982-9319 or Frith and Guests, at Madisons on Community Playhouse, Orange. KennyRogers is the headliner,Nutty www.buumon.org Dowlen. Benefits Ronald McDonald Tickets $20.(409) 882-9137 or www. Jerry’s,Winnie. Doors open at 5:30 5th Annual Gator Rescue Tournament House Charities. orangecommunityplayers.com. p.m., dinner at 6p.m., concertat8:30 p.m. Tickets $175 per person. (409) Twoperson teams rescue 6ftuntaped JUNE 15 -17 gators in aswimming pool, mud hole JUNE 9 832-1644 or email sharon.tyler@ redcross.org. and adebris pile. Gator Country, 35th Annual Babe Zaharias Golf Orange Trade Days Fannett. 409-794-9453 Tournament 9a.m.-5 p.m., Orange Trade Days JUNE 26 JUNE 3 8a.m., Brentwood Country Club, grounds, Orange. Flea market, Beaumont. (409) 833-4514. Dinner farmers market, food and music. Free. “Gift of Life” Volunteer Appreciation Snoop Dogg and auction, 6:30 p.m. (409) 883-4344. Open House 5-7p.m., Julie Rogers Gift of Life, 8p.m., Ford Exhibit Hall, Beaumont. Wildcatter Weekend: “Let’sGet JUNE 16 Beaumont. (409) 833-3663. Advance tickets $35; dayofshow Wild!” $40.www.ticketmaster.com or (800) 1-4p.m., Spindletop/Gladys City Breakfast with the Bishop 745-3000. JUNE 27 Boomtown Museum, Beaumont. 9-11 a.m., St. AnthonyCenter, JUNE 5 Adults free with paid child’s Beaumont. Proceeds benefit social Bubble Day admission. (409) 880-1750 or www. service programs of Catholic Charities 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., NorthEnd Wilson Phillips spindletop.org. of Southeast Texas. Forreservations, Community Center,Beaumont. 7p.m., Grand 1894Opera House, call (409) 924-4427 or dmaher@ Free. (409) 833-5100 or www. Texas CountryMusic Show Galveston. Tickets $22-$88. (800) catholiccharitiesbmt.org. texasenergymuseum.org. 7:30 p.m., Palace Theater,Kirbyville. 821-1894orwww.thegrand.com. Adults $7,children 7-12 $3, free for Juneteenth Celebration JUNE 28 JUNE 7-AUGUST 19 children younger than 6. (409) 423- 4-8 p.m., Tyrrell Park, Beaumont. 3319. (409) 838-3613. Merle Haggard Annie Orchard Art Exhibition Noel Haggardand Folk FamilyRevival The Spindletop Roller Girls Roller “Camping with Gasoline” CafeArtsatthe ArtMuseum of also perform, Nutty Jerry’s,Winnie. Derby Jaston Williams’ one-man comedy, 2 Southeast Texas, Beaumont. (409) Tickets $30,$40,$50,$65, $75. (877) 6:15 p.m., Ford Exhibit Hall, and 8p.m., Grand 1894Opera House, 832-3432 or www.amset.org. 643-7508 or www.nuttyjerrys.com. Beaumont. Adult VIP advance tickets Galveston. Tickets $25-$45. (800) JUNE 7 $15; children 2-12 $10.Adult general 821-1894orwww.thegrand.com. JUNE 30 admission $10; children 2-12 $5; VIP First Thursdays at the Mildred adult tickets dayofgame $18; children JUNE 17 Southern Summer Night 5-9 p.m., outside the Mildred 2-12 $13; general admission adults previously Cayman Night Father’sDay Building, Beaumont. Monthlyevent dayofgame $13; children 2-12 $8, Trout Fishing in America, 7-11 p.m., features food, live music and sidewalk children younger than 2free. (800) JUNE 19 RobertA.“Bob”Bowers Civic Center, vendors with clothing, jewelry,hats, 745-3000,www.fordpark.com or Port Arthur.Adults $30,children 5-13 artand photography, recycled and www.ticketmaster.com. Juneteenth Celebration $10,children 4and younger free. Port handmade stuff and more. Procter Street Pavilion, Port Arthur. Arthur International Seafarers Center JUNE 9-10 benefit. (409) 963-1107. Book-and-a-Movie (409) 332-9105. 6:30 p.m., McFaddin-Ward House Zombie Voodoo Fest 2012 JUNE 17 Movies in the Park Visitor Center,Beaumont. Discussion PleasureIsland, Port Arthur.A Central Park, Beaumont. Free. (409) and viewing of “Our Town”by celebration of the 80th Anniversary Firstday of summer! 838-3613.

48 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com vip magazine crossword

ACROSS DOWN 1 TopUSswimmer who broke many 1 Sir ___ McCartney records at the 2008 Olympic games 2 “Star Wars” actor,___ McGregor 4 Ike and ___ who played Obi-Wan Kenobi 8 “Born in the ___” Springsteen song 3 Actress who stars in “Medium” ___ 10 La___ Jackson Arquette 12 Driver’slicense is one 5 Stylish 13 Sportscaster ___ Berman 6 She fought alot with Simon 14 Turkey seasoning 7 Usher song that he sang with Alicia 15 Deja ___ Keys (2 words) 16 ____ Corleone, from “The 9 Setting for “The Hunt for Red Godfather” October” 20 Cryatacircus 11 Not at home 22 Mike Myers’ ___ Powers 12 Roman 4 23 “The ___”, starring TomCruise 17 Died Feb. 11, 2012 26 ___ 500 18 “Emancipation of Mimi” singer, 27 She was astar in “She’sthe Man” ____ Carey ____ Bynes 19 Comedy-drama TV show starring 28 Owned James Rodney 31 The first word in “Beep” by the 21 Belonging to Pussycat Dolls 24 Woof arch enemy 32 Epic film that Brad Pitt starred in 25 Award for TV entertainers and 33 “____ are the apple of my eye” shows 29 Where it’s__ 30 ___ Evil Find answers on page 4

theVIPmag.com |June 2012 49 vip voices

guest column AFather’sGift

text by holli petersen

fyou areanything like me, then youmight be guilty of giving afair amount of thoughtless gifts to your dad over the years –dull I socks, hideous ties and a slewofslightlyinsulting cards. What is it about Father’s Daythat makes people want to rip dear ol’ dad anew one via greeting card? HappyFather’s Daytothe guy that breaks electronics, neverasks fordirections, smells offensive and won’tget out of the recliner! Though Ihaveanamazing relationship with my dad, those mushy gushyFather’s Daycards never appealed to me. Give me something obnoxious and leave the sappystuff forthe older crowd. Perhaps years and years of representation of howmuch my dad choices felt right. With each dis- lackluster gifts wore down my dad’s lovesme. What other man would carded selection, Iinched closer and expectations when it came to the consider years of cleaning and caring closer to the once scoffed at senti- contents of agift bag because he forarambunctious dog afair price to mental cards. And, beforelong, I didn’t even furrow his brow on the paytosparemyfeelings? found myself uncontrollablysobbing daythat Igavehim the worst pres- Ironically, my dad is an incredibly in the middle of Hallmark. ent of all —aperfectlyprecious, thoughtful gift-giver. Every present All at once it hit me howmuch my yetpositively manic black Labrador is imbued with aspecial sentiment dad had givenme–not just through Retrieverpuppy, named Piper. that exponentiallyincreases its value. literal presents, but also through his Heydad… youknowhow you’re Just afew months ago,hearrivedat example of selflessness, patience and newlyretired and the spackling’s my doorstep with abeautiful cypress perseverance. Howdoyou ever repay barelydry on your brand newdream rocker that he’dbuilt himself in hon- that kind of debt? home that also doesn’t happen to or of the birth of my newborn baby Ileft the storeempty-handed that have afence?Well, here’satotally boy. WheneverIrock my little man day. unsolicited puppy! to sleep,Ican’t help but appreciate What exactlydoyou buyfor the My long-suffering father has the effortheput into affording me man that doesn’t just have every- patientlyloved that puppyinspite of such aheartwarming experience. thing, but also giveseverything in its debilitating thunder phobia, vora- That meaningful present can return? cious appetite and uncannyability onlybetopped by what he gave his I’ve since decided that the best to turn aperfectlygreen stretch of brother twoyears ago.Atthe age thing Ican do is to payitforwardto lawn into ano-man’s land of deeply of 67,mydad wasthe oldest living my ownchildren. My daughter likes dug trenches strewnwith the soggy kidneydonor at St. Luke’sHospital to give me apedicureonMother’s carcasses of half-chewedtennis balls. in Houston, wherehegavehis ailing Day, and Imake suretoproudlydon Five years later,and that 100-pound, older brother the ultimate gift of those haphazardlypainted toenails loveable beast boisterouslywelcomes life. With his ownunique brand of until the color chips off.Imake a visitors to the house he wasprobably persistence, he underwent months special efforttocoo over every home- neverwelcome at in the first place and months of invasive medical tests made craft and youbetter believe with abooming bark and abarrage of meant to eliminate him from the I’ll wear amacaroni necklace like a intrusive wetkisses. riskyprocedure. Nothing could sway string of priceless pearls. And, some- To knowPiper is to reluctantly his dedication and todayheand his day, if my child presents me with a adorehim, which means that he brother arealive to tell the tale. fat, squirmypuppy, I’ll remember to maintains acertain cuteness fac- Afew days beforethe surgery, smile my waythrough every vexing tor while slinging drool across your Iwas searching forjust the right moment of it. clothes. Even so,maturity has since Father’s Daycardtocomplement my Because that’s what good parents taught me that this inconvenient, meager gift. Though Isearched high do.Ishould know. Iwas blessed with bumbling canine is the physical and low, none of my usual sarcastic the best. VIP

50 June 2012 | theVIPmag.com