Luck. We’re all envious of it. But a wise man once said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

Well friends, I’m preparing you for your opportunity.

Diverseworks 9th Annual Luck of the Draw is upon us, and it’s your chance to be lucky. Two hundred Art Chance ticket holders will go home with a piece of contemporary art created by locally and nationally known artists, some of whom have exhibited at DiverseWorks ArtSpace over the past several years. And the best part? You’ll get these one of a kind art pieces at a fraction of the price. Why? Because Diverseworks believes in art BY the people, FOR the people. (Pssst. That’s you, people.)

By purchasing an art chance ticket, you’ll be entered into a random numbered drawing to make a mad dash for your one of a kind art piece. So put on your fastest kicks, and line up, because when you’re number’s called, you’re up. Make it a good one.

Option one is sold out. Damn my luck. Well, your luck. And only a few Option 2 tickets remain, which will inch you up in the line between #6-#20. All other art chance tickets 21-200 are available now. What’s your lucky number?

If you aren’t up to the challenge of the art scramble, no worries. You’re invited to watch as your friends claw each other’s…um…politely select their works of art. Party only tickets are available for $25.

Act quick, or your luck my run out.

Good LUCK, and see you at Luck of the Draw on June 16th!

Today is my business partner and good friend Chris Valdez‘ birthday. He’s in Spain on vacation for a few weeks, so in his absence, we at the Primer Grey + colab loft decided to put his mind at ease, and let him know things were “Business as Usual” in the office.

We organized a shoot this morning with our friends who were so kind to stop by and let me direct them (read: boss them around) for the morning. Below is the result of our efforts.

Thanks to Marc Brubaker, Lindsay Daywalt, Aimee Woodall, Brian Truax, Theresa Grillo, Candace Kizer, Casey Motes, some guy named Bill, the PG + CO team, our neighbor Mike, and Guerilla Gorilla for helping make this a stunt to remember.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Less pics this time, more enjoying things with my own eyes. Here are a few of the trip thus far.

New stuff this time includes Austin Street Cafe and Pizza Foundation. John’s cooking dinner at Q Wine Bar tonight and we’re attending a Star Watching Party at El Cosmico.

More later. More Marfa.

Friends,

I wanted to remind you about the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater performance this week!  Most of you know I’m on the Board of this wonderful organization, and I’m constantly moved by what these incredible dancers do.  I hope you’ll join me at one of the performances this week – you can pick from Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

This is a Mixed Rep – some of the works are dark and evocative, some humorous and artistic.  And we’re premiering a new duet that I have not seen, yet promises to be amazing.  This is contemporary ballet – rooted in classical tradition, but more freedom of movement.  No tutus here, folks.

Tickets can be purchased here:  http://www.dwdt.org.

I’ll be attending Friday performance.  If you are free Friday night, I encourage you to come then.  If you buy the “Casting Couch” ticket, (one for $35, two for $50!), you come up on the stage after the show, mingle with the dancers, and have wine and light bites.

For the other nights, tickets start in the $20s – and in Zilkha Hall (at the Hobby Center) there’s not a bad seat.

I hope you’ll join me!  This is the last performance of the season, so if you’ve been telling yourself that you need to go, but haven’t, this is your chance!

This kid is rad. She gets radder everyday.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star from Monica Danna on Vimeo.

Peace Out from Monica Danna on Vimeo.

You eat. Restaurants Donate. Win win.

On Thursday, April 29, 2010, restaurants across Houston will unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Each restaurant will generously donate 33% of food bills all day long. In 2009 with the help of great Houston restaurants, AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH) raised over $70,000 in support for their programs and services such as housing, case management, and food assistance for nearly 5,000 HIV+ men, women, and children.

For the 2nd year in a row, we’ll be hosting at Monica Pope’s T’afia in Midtown. We’re super excited to be back at this Top Chef Masters‘ home in Houston!

Chris and I will be posted up at t’afia on Thursday night from 6-10pm. Please stop in for a drink, a meal, or dessert and help us support this great cause.

Hey, ya gotta eat, right? Make it count this night.

Reservations are recommended. 713-524-6922

poster design by jason mcelweenie

After a year in the making, Andrew Karnavas‘ solo CD, Film Noir, is recorded, packaged, and ready for your grimey little hands. And it’s spectacular. I seriously can’t wait for you to hear it. No really. Call me when you hear it. I don’t care what time it is. You’re gonna flip. Your lid.

After 5 years in the making, countless solo shows, enduring painful relationships just for the sake of writing a song, our favorite Houston crooner is ready to share with you his melancholy tales of love and loss. And if I have anything to do with it, a few poppy tunes. And maybe a MMJ cover? Maybe? Oh, a girl can dream.

You may have seen Andrew perform solo many times, or with his band Runaway Sun. But on April 24th, you’ll hear him perform like never before. Backed by a legion of strings, steel, and vinyl. Andrew has invited all the incredible musicians who played on Film Noir to play live with him at the Continental Club. Upright bass, pedal steel, violin, mandolin. He’s got it all. And it’s all for you.

See you there? You bet I will.

Buy Tickets. They WILL sell out.

And I couldn’t let you miss this hilarious video from the guys. Happy 2 Year Anniversary!

Runaway Sun, 2-year Anniversary Thank You Video from Runaway Sun on Vimeo.

I’ll be teaching a workshop this Friday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30pm, as part of my Spring Social Media series at Bright Sky Press.

This week’s session will focus on Managing Your Digital Life. It’s one of my favorites to teach! I’ll show you tips on how to manage RSS feeds, email, calendars, social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

I’ll show you how to link sites together, and streamline activities on the web, making more time for you to be able to stalk Justin Timberlake, or what have you.

Have no idea was an RSS feed really is, but too afraid to ask? Have no fear, I’ll explain the technology in a way that will have you wondering how you ever lived without it. Or, why anyone would want to?

Sick of updating your Twitter account AND your Facebook account AND your Facebook fan page. Stop the madness! I can help.

The class is $40 and includes an after-workshop happy hour. Putting the social back in social media. Aw, yeah.

The workshop fills up quickly, so please RSVP here before the class.

Hope to see some of you there!

Managing Your Digital Life Workshop
Friday, April 23rd, 3:30-5:30pm
Bright Sky Press Book Shop (5416 Chaucer, right behind Ruggles in Rice Village)

Perspectives at Hotel Sorella | Thursday, April 22nd | 6-8pm
Yes, there is art outside the loop.

Lawndale Design Fair (formerly Modern Market)

[Design Fair 2010, formerly the 20th Century Modern Market, features vintage modern objects of the 20th century as well as cutting edge contemporary design. The best in design for furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, books, metalwork and fashion will be for sale to collectors alike.]

Preview Party | Friday, April 23, 2010 | 6 PM–9 PM
Admission:| $60 per person for Lawndale members | $75 for non-members (includes admission throughout weekend)
Dress: Don Draper Chic

Shop early for the best modern and contemporary design at Lawndale Art Center. Sip on cool libations and nibble on tasty treats amongst the finest selection of furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, books, metalwork and fashion. You won’t want to miss this chance to pickup your next treasure. Guests of the Design Fair Preview Party can keep the party going at the Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge Luxe Lounge for an After Party at 1201 San Jacinto St.

Fair Days | Saturday and Sunday April 24 and 25 | 10 AM–5 PM
Weekend Pass : $5

Two full days of shopping among a special selection of vintage modern objects of the 20th century, as well as cutting edge contemporary design.