OutSmart Magazine

Bio Morphe
2025-09-05 18:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Rice University Moody Center for the Arts, 6100 Main Street, Houston, 77005
The Moody’s fall 2025 exhibition focuses on the topic of biomorphism—artistic styles that use occurring patterns or shapes inspired by nature— as seen through the lens of seven international artists. Their respective work highlights the impact of new technologies and industrial manufacturing processes on ever-changing relationships between the human body and the natural world. This presentation offers a pluridisciplinary approach to the concept through works that engage with a broad range of topics, from the application of scientific research to the role of gender in society. Bio Morphe allows visitors to explore parallels between experimental artworks and contemporary issues prompted by research in science and technology.
The selected artists approach the representation of living forms, including the human body, to question gender and the inherent tension between industrial production and handmade craft. For example, the work of Christina Quarles confronts gender stereotypes by painting fluid bodies that dismantle assumptions surrounding sexual and racial identities. Berenice Olmedo’s sculptures incorporate forms and materials from the medical field, such as prostheses and orthotics, to challenge the notion of human wholeness and to draw attention to the political dimensions of disability, illness, and care. Working with mass-produced industrial materials, Sui Park creates three-dimensional organic forms through fabrication processes that evoke cellular structures, while alluding to social interactions and recurring patterns in technology. Eva Fabregas’s biologically inspired works stress sensorial encounters through large, wrinkled surfaces featuring folds that resemble the ways skin and organs respond to tension and release. A sculpture by Louise Bourgeois offers visitors insight into a pioneering twentieth-century artist’s engagement with the biological world and human psychology.
Another aspect of the exhibition highlights how artists engage with innovations in material science, specifically physical and chemical compounds developed for applications in engineering and bioscience. For example, Lucy Kim uses a laboratory-based printing process featuring genetically modified bacteria cells that produce melanin directly on paper. Through her investigative practice, Kim responds to research around designing and manipulating biological systems. Tishan Hsu highlights how digital technologies are increasingly shaping our visual perception of the world. His works illustrate the entanglement of distorted human features with surfaces that evoke computer screens and biomedical devices.
At a time when scientific research is subject to increased public scrutiny, Bio Morphe foregrounds the ways in which artists can invite wide-ranging conversations about evolving relationships between the human body and the natural world by making visible findings that impact daily life.
The artists featured in the exhibition are Eva Fabregas (b.1988 in Barcelona, Spain; lives in Barcelona), Tishan Hsu (b. 1951 in Boston, MA; lives in New York, NY), Lucy Kim (b. 1978 in Seoul, South Korea; lives in Cambridge, MA), Berenice Olmedo (b. 1987 in Oaxaca, Mexico; lives in Mexico City), Sui Park (b. 1977 in Seoul, South Korea; lives in New York, NY), Christina Quarles (b. 1985 in Chicago, IL; lives in Los Angeles, CA), and Louise Bourgeois (b. 1911 in Paris; d. 2010 in New York).
The exhibition is curated by Frauke V. Josenhans, Curator, Moody Center for the Arts. Graphic design is by Omnivore, Inc.: Alice Chung, Julie Cho, Karen Hsu.
Bio Morphe is made possible by the Libbie Rice Shearn Moody Fund for the Arts and the Thomas D. and Pamela Riley Smith Endowment for the Moody Center for the Arts, with additional support from Ramon Llull. Major support is provided by the Elizabeth Lee Moody Excellence Fund and the Moody Center for the Arts Founders Circle.

Ice at Discovery Green
2025-11-21 - 2026-02-14
Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating rink opens for a magical winter season!
Glide under the glittering lights of downtown while making memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy festive themed nights like Skate with Santa or DJ Skate nights. Bring mittens, scarves and a thermos of hot chocolate to have a winter experience no matter the weather. As always, guests in non-motorized wheelchairs are welcome anytime.
Lace up and make magic on ice – there’s something for everyone this season!

Winter of the Snow Queen: An Interactive Musical Adventure
2025-12-13 10:00 - 2025-12-24 11:00 | Stages Theatre, 3201 Allen Parkway #101, Houston, TX, 77019, United States
You have a role to play in this wild winter adventure! On the darkest night of the year, children must beware the Snow Queen – and when a boy vanishes from his village, his best friend is the only one who can rescue him. And she needs your help on her quest to stop the Snow Queen! You’ll help our heroine decide what happens next, join in the song, and bring the best friends back together. This original, interactive adaptation is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story, with an added tour of fairy tales from around the world.
Plus, join us for a flurry of fun on Saturdays and Sundays for hands-on activities including face painting, balloon sculpting, cookie decorating, and more!

ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special
2025-12-14 10:00 - 22:00 | ARTECHOUSE, 600 W 6th Street, Houston, 77007
Experience the magic of the holiday season reimagined through art and technology! This limited engagement brings together two audience favorites — Spectacular Factory and Tingle Bells — in one joyful, multisensory celebration for the entire family. From vivid visuals and dynamic soundscapes to touch-based experiences, the ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary — a festive fusion of creativity, innovation, and cheer for visitors of all ages.
ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special Highlights:

Step inside Spectacular Factory – The Holiday Multiverse, a dazzling immersive world where imagination powers a fantastical holiday workshop that surrounds you with the joys of the holidays.
Throw digital snowballs and create dazzling, animated ice crystals with the interactive experience Spectacular Factory Snowscapes
Converse with virtual holiday characters rendered in real-time with ISEKAI Dialogues: Sora Holiday Edition
Create your own calming soundscapes using familiar audio clips that evoke the cozy feelings of relaxation
Engage in a world where small, mundane actions are amplified into mesmerizing moments of pleasure and calm with Oddly Satisfying
Get lost in the ARTECHOUSE Infinity Room with Gavin Shapiro’s It’s Turbo Time, where flamingos ski and dance through snow-filled landscapes
Continue your journey with Tingle Bells, a reimagining of holiday comfort through the sensory lens of ASMR
Enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails & mocktails at ARTECHOUSE’s XR Bar and watch them come to life with our holiday-themed extended reality art pieces
BONUS! Experience Shohei Fujimoto’s Intangible Forms. Powered by choreographed kinetic lasers, strobes, haze, and moving lights, this multi-sensory exhibition is dramatic, visceral, and operatic in nature.

OutLater
2025-12-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Houston, United States
Weekly – Mondays
OUT LATER is a gay men’s discussion group for men who are living life after coming out later — focusing on life issues of parenting, divorce, family, dating, relationships, and other issues of concern to group participants.
Mondays, 7:30-9:00, at Montrose Counseling Center, Room 103
email: outlater.group@outlook.com

Asher: Holiday by Hand
2025-12-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us this holiday season for an expanded shopping experience in our Asher: Off the Wall and original Asher Gallery spaces. Open November 15th through January 31st, Asher: Holiday by Hand celebrates a multifarious array of craft media from more than 20 local and national artists.
The artists and work featured in this special sale were selected by invitation for their exceptional work in craft and thoughtfully curated. Expect to find a sophisticated variety of one-of-a-kind objects, stunning jewelry, ceramics, and other unique gifts, some of which were made exclusively for HCCC. Asher: Holiday by Hand will include vessels by Angel Oloshove, modal scarves by Luisa Duarte, jewelry by Tanya Crane, ceramics by Jennifer Hill and Ian M. Petrie, fiber art by Nela Garzón, and much more. See the full list of participating artists below!
The sale is open during public hours at HCCC (Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM). HCCC will be closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25, 2025 – January 1, 2026.
HCCC Members receive a 10% discount on all retail, exhibition and studio sales. In addition, there will be two Member Double-Discount Days offered during the run of the sale.
|Not a member? Join here: https://crafthouston.org/support/membership/
Participating Artists
Teresa Audet • Wood + Fiber (Sculpture) • Pittsburgh, PA
Christian Bravo • Paper (Sculpture) • Houston, TX
Tanya Crane • Metal (Jewelry) • Long Beach, CA
Luisa Duarte • Mixed Media (Scarves) • Houston, TX
Jorge Galvan • Fiber (Soft Goods) • Houston, TX
Nela Garzon • Fiber (Wall Hangings) • Houston, TX
Aspen Golann • Wood (Home Goods) • Rollinsford, NH
Rene Lee Henry • Metal (Jewelry) • Houston, TX
Jennifer Hill • Clay (Cups + Vessels) • Klamath Falls, OR
Everett Hoffman • Metal (Lamps) • Philadelphia, PA
Jessica Jacobi • Metal (Jewelry) • Houston, TX
Ann Johnson • Fiber (Holiday Cards) • Houston, TX
Rainy Lehrman • Wood (Jewelry) • Brooklyn, NY
Angel Oloshove • Clay (Vessels) • Houston, TX
OTTO FINN • Fiber (Soft Goods) • Pittsburgh, PA
Elvia Perrin • Paper (Holiday Cards + Prints) • Austin, TX
Ian M. Petrie • Clay (Tableware) • Philadelphia, PA
John Quick • Clay (Vessels + Lamps) • Austin, TX
Kerianne Quick • Metal (Jewelry) • San Diego, CA
Red Bird Press • Paper (Letterpress Cards) • Houston, TX
Macon Reed • Mixed Media (Prints) • New Orleans, LA
Connie Roberts • Wood (Whistles) • Iowa City, Iowa
Drew Scott • Mixed Media (Jewelry) • Houston, TX
Lissy Selvius • Metal (Jewelry) • Vista, CA

Your Journey, Your Voice: Online LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group
2025-12-17 18:00 - 20:00
Are you navigating the complexities of religious trauma, spiritual abuse, deconstruction, or simply the after-effects of challenging religious or spiritual experiences? The Rise Above Community (RAC) is a safe and affirming space where your unique journey is honored.
A Safe, Traveler-Led Space for Healing from Adverse Religious & Spiritual Experiences (ARSE)
This group is Traveler-led, meaning you set the agenda. Bring whatever is on your heart and mind in the moment—whether it feels directly connected to your past religious experiences or not. We understand that current struggles often ripple from foundational adverse religious experiences, and here, you’ll find deep understanding, empathy, and collective support for whatever you’re navigating.
What to Expect in Our Virtual Space:

Safe & Affirming: A non-judgmental, inclusive, and confidential environment where all intersecting identities are embraced.
Peer-Led Support: Connect with others who truly “get it.” Share freely, listen openly, and find validation without pressure or expectation.
Holistic Healing: Explore aspects of mental, spiritual (non-religious), and emotional well-being.
Tools for Resilience: Discover insights, coping strategies, and shared wisdom for healing and growth.
Community Connection: Build meaningful connections with a supportive network.

This is a space to find comfort, validation, community resilience and embracing your authentic self, wherever you are in your journey. No commitment required, just show up as you are.
Event Time & Date:

When: Every Wednesday, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Central Time (CT)
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE
Venue Details: Zoom

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3rd Saturdays Open Studios at Silver Street Studios
2025-12-20 12:00 - 17:00 | Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards St., Houston, TX, 77007, United States
Silver Street Studios has open studio days every 2nd and 3rd Saturdays from 12-5pm. Come meet local artists, spend the day enjoying the art gallery exhibitions, and spent some time shopping for jewelry, glasswork, paintings, sculpture, photography and more. The event is free, family friendly, convenient and free parking, and right in the Washington Arts District. Part of the Sawyer Yards Complex, at 2000 Edwards Street.

The Health Museum 2025 Winter Discovery Camps
2025-12-22 09:00 - 2026-01-02 15:00 | The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, 77004
School’s out and science is in! Winter Break is the perfect time to chill out with hands-on experiments, cool discoveries, and tons of frosty fun.
This is the camp where curious minds will explore amazing STEM adventures—from becoming a Mini M.D. to blasting off to Mars! Campers will dive into interactive science projects, spark new ideas, and make lasting friendships along the way. Start the new year with a burst of curiosity, creativity, and snow much fun! Ages 5-13.

ROCO Connections: Beer & Brass
2026-01-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave. , Houston, TX, 77020, United States
Raise a glass with ROCO as the annual Beer & Brass tradition continues! Hosted at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, this spirited event features the ROCO Brass Quintet performing traditional beer hall music and favorite brass arrangements.
Perfect for a midweek adventure, the evening pairs engaging, interactive performances with locally brewed craft beers (plus root beer & cider!), tasty bites, and good company. Whether you’re a brass fan or just love a good brew, this event offers a fun experience to ring in the new year.

Off with Their Chest at Casper Cain's Show
2026-01-07 21:00 - 22:30 | Pearl Bar, 4216 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX, 77007, United States
The Triple A Alliance will be on hand to collect donations for top surgeries for trans masc Houstonians.

Rara avis
2026-01-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX, 77004, United States
Nationally acclaimed ISHIDA Dance Company is back.

Pulitzer prize-winning dance critic Sarah L Kaufman described ISHIDA’s work as “deeply poignant” and “remarkable”.
“The dancers weaved pure magic in the air, and you could almost hear jaws dropping as they moved…” wrote Brett Cullum, Broadway World.

Rara avis is a highly physical, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant program with critically acclaimed dancers and choreography. Rara avis by ISHIDA follows a singer who struggles with imposter syndrome as she returns to stage after taking a hiatus. The program includes Mutual Comfort by world-renowned Romanian choreographer Edward Clug and a new dance theater work by award-winning British-Finnish choreographer Kristian Lever.
The evening promises to be a unique opportunity to see some of the best and most interesting choreography from Europe and the U.S.
*VIP Tickets include access to the VIP post performance reception for a toast to meet the dancers and choreographers.
Title: Rara avis
Venue: Asia Society Texas Center
Address: 1370 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004
Dates: January 15-18, 2026; January 15-17, 2026 start time is at 7:30pm with VIP post performance reception to meet the dancers and choreographers, January 18, 2026 start time is at 3pm with post performance talkback with the dancers and Artistic Director
Runtime: 90 minutes
Ticketing link: https://ishida.thundertix.com/events/253604

Houston Concierge Association 18th Annual Classic Golf Tournament
2026-01-19 07:00 - 16:00 | Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda rd., Houston, 77045, United States
The Houston Concierge Association (HCA) will host the 18th Annual Concierge Classic Golf Tournament on January 19, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Wildcat Golf Club. Proceeds from the Classic Golf Tournament will fund the HCA Endowment Scholarship for hotel and restaurant students at University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership.
HCA welcomes guests to breakfast beginning at 7a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. All participating golfers will enjoy complimentary Bloody Mary’s, cigars by Stogies World Class Cigars, and the use of the driving range and putting green before the tournament begins. The tournament will be a nine-hole, best ball format.
Participants will compete for top prizes and awards for 1st and 2nd place courtesy of Edwin Watts Golf and Silver Eagle Distributors, and all attendees are invited to participate in a silent auction.
The Golf Classic Tournament will feature a “Beat the Pro” from Back Swing Golf Events and will be photographed by Richard Hudgens Golf Photography. HCA welcomes all individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate and sponsor the event.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities or how to register a team, please contact Guy Yount at houstonhca@gmail.com or 713-385-6960.

DACAMERA Presents Brooklyn Rider: Frida’s Dreams
2026-02-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Hobby Center, 800 Bagby St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Composer Gabriela Lena Frank explores the tumultuous relationship between Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in a new string quartet based on her acclaimed 2021 opera El último sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego), a “confident, richly imagined score” (The New Yorker) that “bursts with color and fresh individuality” (Los Angeles Times). This new multi-media DACAMERA production features projections based on the paintings of Frida Kahlo.
With their gripping performance style and unquenchable appetite for musical adventure, Brooklyn Rider has carved a singular space in the world of string quartets over their 20-plus year history. Now, they make their long-awaited DACAMERA debut. DACAMERA Young Artists join the quartet for Osvaldo Golijov’s octet Ever Yours and Brooklyn Rider’s arrangements of traditional folk music.
In conjunction with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s exhibition Frida: The Making of an Icon

DACAMERA Presents Branford Marsalis Quartet Belonging Tour
2026-02-22 17:00 - 19:00 | The Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, 77002
Join this living legend for a rare Sunday afternoon performance as Branford Marsalis brings his trademark energy and virtuosity to a re-imagining of one of the greatest quartet recordings in jazz history, Keith Jarrett’s classic 1974 album Belonging. A three-time Grammy winner and NEA Jazz Master, Marsalis has led his renowned quartet with unmatched clarity and power for over three decades.

ROCO In Concert: Seeing is Believing
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Blvd, Houston, 77019
ROCO concludes its 21st season and Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation In Concert Series with Seeing is Believing—a radiant exploration of vision, revelation, and transformation through music. Conducted by Delyana Lazarova, the concert features guest concertmaster Laura Frautschi for a thrilling finale to the season on Saturday, April 18, 5:00 p.m. at The Church of St. John the Divine.
The 40-piece chamber orchestra opens with a side-by-side performance with the Houston Youth Symphony in Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Overture in C Major before exploring two deeply expressive works by Richard Danielpour– Adagietto for Strings and Breaking the Veil, showcasing ROCO Principal Musicians Brook Ferguson, flute, Alecia Lawyer, oboe, and Kristin Wolfe Jensen, bassoon. ROCO Composer-in-Residence Kevin Lau returns with the world premiere of a new work inspired by C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, transporting listeners through soundscapes of wonder, mystery, and awakening. The concert closes with two moving pieces by J. Todd Frazier, We Hold These Truths and Wild Horses, both featuring guest soprano Viviana Goodwin.
ROCOrooters will be available for this performance, offering a one-of-a-kind music education and childcare experience tailored for young concertgoers. Children will enjoy a fun-filled music lesson, a trip into the concert hall, and up to 5 hours of supervision by certified childcare professionals, while caregivers enjoy the concert and a date night! Visit roco.org/rocorooters for more information.
