One of Houston’s profound cultural arts organizations will be commemorating its milestone 30th Anniversary this year. The Community Artists’ Collective, founded by Michelle Barnes and Sarah Trotty in 1987, continues to provide comprehensive art education programs to inner city school children and serves as an encouragement and gallery outlet for many community artists to be able to present their creativity to the City of Houston at large.

The Collective has vigorously acted upon its vision of empowering artists and inspiring students so that their individual promises of greatness can be expressed. It is a testimony to the changing power that can be wrought by a group of committed individuals whose purpose of giving back goes far beyond themselves.

The Collective is celebrating 30 Years Acclaiming Black Art in Houston and this year’s theme is "Illuminating Unlimited Creativity". Their kickoff fundraising celebration event will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017, 6-9 p.m. at the Deborah Colton Gallery located at 2445 North Blvd.

Co-Founder and Executive Director Michelle Barnes said, “Because of our commitment, the Collective has continued to provide high quality, creative arts education programming for children and adults within the greater Houston area. Research shows how important this work and exposure is to the academic, creative, personal and social development of our youth and our community which is why we’ve continued our mission of illuminating the creativity in our community.”

The Event Honorary Co-Chairs are Tony Chase and Dr. Dina Alsowayel; Event Co-Chairs are Beverly Harmon, Sarah Trotty and Deborah Colton. Three prominent community leaders who have significantly influenced the art culture in Houston with their commitment to visual arts will be honored. The honorees are: the Honorable Peter H. Brown, recipient of the Lester Marks

Patron of the Year Award; internationally recognized art historian and curator, Dr. Alvia Wardlaw; and Delita Pinchback Martin, founder of Black Box Press Artist Studio. Original works of artists will be featured and a Silent Auction will be held during the festive evening. The evening will be one to remember with fine food, superb entertainment and wonderful art. The public is invited to come out and support and pay tribute to the Collective, the distinguished honorees along with our talented community artists.

For more information about tickets and corporate table sponsorships, please call 713.523.1616 & 713.737.8321 or email advantcomm@msn.com.