AIGA Houston 25th Anniversary

As we kick off 2023 and anticipate turning 25 this year, we reflect on Houston’s design and creative history since the chapter’s founding date of February 18, 1998.

We’re excited to celebrate this special anniversary milestone with a message to our city:

“Dear Houston, creativity lives here.”

Our city of brilliance and industry is home to the brilliant and industrious—designers and makers, artists and wordsmiths. People who choose this teeming, dreaming city because they love its grit, its heart, its possibility.

We are a city of believers, of contenders, of people who work like we live: fighting to build what we can, and fighting to see it grow.

We want to make things that didn’t exist before and leave them for our neighbors. We want to work with the communities we live in and the institutions that we love. We want to lay a welcome mat for other creators to come here and thrive here.

We could live in another place, adopt an existing creative scene, but that would be easy, and easy—it doesn’t speak to us. We want to build our own place, and we want it to live in Houston. With us. With you.

Dear Houston, we’re here. Creativity lives here. Challenge us. Call on our talent. Give us the chance to build where we stand.

— Jo Skillman, Former Board Member (2015–2018)

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As this manifesto calls from our past and echoes into our future, we’ll commemorate 25 years of our chapter’s contributions and service by hosting an evening celebration. We look forward to bringing together guest speakers, local panelists, as well as new and old friends from across Houston’s creative community.

Join Us

• Saturday, February 18, 2023
• 6–11 p.m. CT
• Ronin Harrisburg
• 3501 Harrisburg Blvd
• Houston, TX 77003

Tickets

• AIGA Members: $35
• Nonmembers: $50

Food and beverages included.

Not a member? You can support our mission and programming by joining at my.aiga.org. Memberships start at $50/year!

Space is limited. Depending on availability, at-the-door tickets may be available for purchase at the nonmember rate. Purchases must be made with card only. No cash will be accepted.

Evening Program

• 5:30 p.m. Doors Open
• 6:00 p.m. Refreshments and Light Bites
• 6:30 p.m. Welcome and Announcements
• 6:45 p.m. Hello from AIGA National
• 7:00 p.m. Chapter Journey: Panel with the Founders and Past Presidents
• 8:00 p.m. Keynote Speaker and Fireside Chat
• 9:00 p.m. Unveiling and Celebration Party

Parking

Free parking is available in the attached Ronin Harrisburg lot behind the building. Enter the parking lot on York St. Street parking is available on surrounding streets, and the use of rideshare, carpooling and the METRORail are encouraged.

Parking Map

Keynote Speaker

DJ Stout

Partner, Pentagram

DJ Stout is one of 23 partners of Pentagram, a renowned international design firm with offices in London, New York, Berlin and Austin. Pentagram celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. DJ joined Pentagram as a partner in 2000 and is the only partner and Principal of the Austin office.

DJ studied graphic design at Texas Tech University and began his career in 1981 working for Robert A. Wilson Associates in Dallas. In 1987, he moved to Austin, where he served as Art Director of Texas Monthly magazine for thirteen years.

In 2010 DJ was the recipient of the prestigious Richard Gangel Award, a lifetime achievement designation from the Society of Illustrators. He is a Fellow of AIGA, the professional association for design (formerly American Institute of Graphic Arts) for his significant contributions to the field of graphic design during his lifetime, and the author of three books. DJ’s design retrospective Variations on a Rectangle was published in 2015 by the University of Texas Press.

Special Guest

Sheharazad Fleming

Board of Directors, AIGA | Chief Creative Officer, The Great Discontent

Chapter Panel

Presenting Moderators: Principle

• Allyson Lack, Founder and Creative Director, Principle
• Carissa Hempton, Design Director, Principle

Panel Speakers

• Shawn Collier, Founding President (1998–2000)
• Craig Minor, Founding Member (1998–2001)
• Dylan Moore, Former President (2000–2003)
• Robin Tooms, Former President (2005–2010)
• Michelle Coffey, Former President (2018–2020)
• Henry Ngo, President Emeritus (2020–2022)

About

AIGA Houston

As the profession’s oldest and largest professional organization for design, AIGA seeks to advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. Locally, the Houston chapter focuses on building community, strengthening skills and advocating for design. We are a 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit organization.

houston.aiga.org

Accessibility

We are committed to programming that is as inclusive as possible. If you require special assistance, accommodations or wheelchair seating, please email [email protected] at least 14 business days before the scheduled event.

Code of Conduct

By registering and or attending any of our events, you agree to abide by AIGA Houston’s Code of Conduct.

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Recording Disclosure: Your registration and/or presence constitutes permission to use photos, audio and video recording taken in the public spaces of our event for promotional and educational purposes in connection with AIGA Houston activities, corresponding publications and AIGA Houston managed websites. If you would prefer to not be included in photos or videos, please contact a board member or event volunteer to discuss further options.

COVID-19 Disclaimer: The Coronavirus pandemic is ongoing and constantly evolving. While we can’t wait to see you in-person, the health of our community is of the utmost importance. While attending AIGA events, please follow local recommendations regarding vaccinations, masks and social distancing to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

AIGA Houston’s 25th Anniversary presented by Principle + MWM Partners

Principle

Principle is a Houston-based design firm that specializes in crafting visual and verbal identities that give shape and soul to brands. For nearly two decades, Allyson Lack and her talented team have been tackling all aspects of brand creation and reinvention—from naming and messaging to branded spaces, packaging, printed systems, and websites. Noteworthy clients include the Houston Zoo, Goode Company Restaurants, Ion District, Thompson & Hanson, Southern Smoke Foundation, and Houston Museum District, to name a few.

Event identity generously sponsored by Principle

MWM

MWM Partners is an interdisciplinary brand experience firm specializing in strategic narratives through design, software and film. Founded in 2007, MWM creates strategic and impactful experiences that empower brands to speak their truth.

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