. This NEW artist driven non-profit 501(c)3 was formed in 2009 by a group of art car artists who wanted to increase the awareness and appreciation of art cars in Houston. Combining their talents to create a new art car events in Houston became their first priority and they kicked off their efforts with Gloworama, a Illuminated Art Car Parade during Thanksgiving weekend in 2009.  Showcasing a new side of art cars, this event was so popular that it moved to New Years Eve in 2010.  Other events have so far included an the first Art Car Mardi Gras Parade ever held during Mardi Gras 2011 in Galveston, workshops on making art cars and outings for art car artists.

The Art Cars of Houston Birthday Fun(d)Raiser promises to be a unique urban experience with illuminated art cars, roller derby girls, twirling lights and Screaming Kenny, (of the Hightailers). Amazing stunts and weird performances are sure to abound at the unique venue where partygoers will step into another world where Mad Max meets Houston.  This Birthday Fun(d)Raiser will raise money to help Art Cars of Houston create more fun and exciting events in Houston!

Who: Art Cars of Houston

Website: www.artcarsofhouston.org

What: A Birthday  Fun(d)raiser

When: Saturday April 16, 2011 8:30-12 am

Where: The Art Car Prop Department

How: www.artcar.eventbrite.com

Why: To Raise Fun and Funds for Art Cars of Houston, Inc, a Houston based 501(c)3 nonprofit

A rowdy crowd and lack of proper crowd control led to a short but exciting parade down the Strand on Saturday. The Galveston Mardi Gras organizers were caught off guard by the amount of people who turned out to see our art cars and have already begun planning a gauntlet for next year to protect the art and the drivers. We will keep you posted on that! We had a couple a breakdowns and some drama but it was a fun evening all in all.

Our lineup spot was spacious, scenic, the right distance from the parade start with nearby restuarants and dedicated portapotties.  The street coordinator worked with Scott Arnold to provide us front door parking at the Voodoo Lounge, our afterparty spot.

Thanks to Scott, the Voodoo Lounge was the perfect place to soothe our frazzled nerves, swap stories and dance our cares away.   John and I  provided the impromptu after-afterparty spot.  It turned into quite the slumber party with even more stories making the rounds.  If the success of an event were judged by the stories it generated….

On another bright note, we had two brand new Art Cars join us.  The Ritter’s Galveston neighbor, Joe Loft, wanted in on the action and designed his jeep complete with giant moving hammer to haul the “Wrecking Krewe”.

Scott Arnold decorated his Hearse and rolled to the parade where it promptly died.  We’re sure it will be resurrected shortly.