December 24, 2024

Flip Flops Are Disgusting

: Lifestyle: Written by : 09-04-2014

My Flip Flops, 2014, by Troy Broussard

Mother never allowed us to wear shoes that could be bought at a convenience store; and dad thought that open toe shoes on boys were effeminate. But while walking down the beach at Fire Island in leather soled shoes a decade back I came to accept the purpose for such footwear—and I bought a pair of expensive flip flops. Flip flops are fabulous for the beach or poolside, or as a shower shoe. But when did flip flops become acceptable everyday apparel? Sisterwoman and I determined that there are three techniques of walking in thongs: First there are the “Toe …continue reading

The New & Improved Mandell Park

: Destinations: Written by : 09-02-2014

Mandell Park, Houston

Now we all know what was going on behind the curtained fence at Richmond Avenue and Mandell for the past nine months. The 1 ¼ acre Mandell Park with (Urban Harvest) Meredith Park underwent a complete renovation. For years Friends of Mandell Park worked to raise $1 million for the project. The following is an excerpt from the Manny Chronicles, a journal project that I did in 2010 while caring for the infant Evan Rosette: February 19, 2010 Evan and I had an interesting walk today.  We Four Wheeled it down Bonnie Brae Boulevard to the Mandell Park.  Bonnie Brae …continue reading

Galveston’s Rosenberg Library Museum

: Destinations, Galleries & Museums: Written by : 08-23-2014

The Rosenberg Library, Galveston, a TroysArt photo

It’s no secret that Galveston Island is rich in history. The best known cultural attractions are without a doubt architectural—such as The Bishop’s Palace. And for connoisseurs of fine art there is a multitude of art galleries downtown. But I must admit that I had no idea that there is actually fine art available for viewing in a museum setting. The Rosenberg Library isn’t just a repository for books. Born in Switzerland, Henry Rosenberg immigrated to Galveston in the 1840s and got crazy rich. When he died in 1893 he left almost a million dollars to charity, including $400,000 to …continue reading

Artists Jeffrey Lipsky & Filthy Fluno

: Artists: Written by : 08-21-2014

London Dial Down by Jeffrey Lipsky, photo courtesy of the artist

Artist Jeffrey Lipsky is a white Jewish man with a mustache, cap, and jeans. He has exhibited paintings in galleries and museums around the world and has been featured in the New York Times, the Boston Globe, the Brooklyn Rail, Art Calendar Magazine, and a string of others. Artist Filthy Fluno is a short plump black man with a mammoth afro, designer suit, sneakers, and 3D glasses whose artwork looks exactly like Lipsky’s. Surrounded by beautiful women and eccentric characters, he is founder of the esteemed art community Artropolis. He has been featured in innumerable important galleries and museums, and …continue reading

Second Life & Jake Wikifoo

: Artists, Lifestyle: Written by : 08-18-2014

Second Life artist Jake Wikifoo

Jake Wikifoo, whose most distinctive physical attribute is a prominent proboscis, is an artist and art gallery owner (Galerie Wikifoo & Wikifoo Art Museum “WAM”) who lives in the city of New Toulouse—in a spectacular mansion across the lane from the Governor’s mansion. Behind Wikifoo Manor’s sprawling oaks, ornamental iron gates, fluted columns, and pink brick sheath is housed a world class collection of original art. Aside from art collecting, Jake’s interests include drunken carousing, boating, travel, architectural design, and hunting zombies. Mr. Wikifoo is an avatar who lives in the world of Second Life. Second Life is an online …continue reading

Ghost Bikes

: Lifestyle: Written by : 08-14-2014

Ghost Bike at Dunlavy & Westheimer, Houston

The other day while driving around Montrose, discussing “LOVE” signs, a friend suggested that I write a post on Ghost Bikes. My reaction was initially a bit tempered, not sure if the topic of Ghost Bikes relates to art but also concerned it might be a bit somber. “But everyone in Houston is talking about Ghost Bikes,” she countered. Ghost Bikes are memorials for bicyclists who are killed on the street. We have probably all seen them—the installation is assembled with a bike painted all white, chained to a street sign at the site of the accident, and is accompanied …continue reading