Mv - Memorial Villages

The True Art of Living Well – The Village of Tanglewood

A Houston tradition in luxury senior living, The Village of Tanglewood offers discerning seniors an elegant lifestyle and maintenance-free living with a host of services and amenities, each designed to allow residents to Live Life Well®. The luxury senior living community allows residents to experience the best of all worlds, with the freedom to enjoy friends, community ties, and personal interests, along with superb dining and worry-free transportation—all included in your monthly lease.

There is a lot of positive energy at The Village of Tanglewood! The community has a fully operational generator. With this full-building generator, there is no outlet that can hide. The entire building will be powered which will eliminate the need to evacuate residents, ensure power for necessary equipment, provide safety and security during inclement weather, prevent mold growth, and food from spoiling. The on-site generator will also ensure that systems such as refrigerators, stoves, and air-conditioning will be served without missing a beat.

As sole owners of the latest, most advanced piece of equipment, The Village of Tanglewood has full rights of usage. This is advantageous compared to most communities leasing the equipment where they are at the mercy of others in when and how they are able to use the generator. The Village of Tanglewood prioritizes the safety and comfort of its residents to be able to have the freedom to utilize such an important piece of equipment without any potential obstacles.

The Village of Tanglewood is located minutes from the Galleria, Theatre District, and the Texas Medical Center, allowing us to provide access to the best that Houston has to offer.

The Village of Tanglewood believes that your apartment home should be as appealing as its premier location. With high-quality design details and finishes, such as nine-foot ceilings, crown molding, spacious walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, washer & dryers, and balconies, our residents enjoy traditional, luxury living.

We’ve

Got the Power

Join The Village of Tanglewood for monthly events or visit for lunch to experience its excellent culture and a taste of tradition in luxury senior living. Visit our website, www.villageoftanglewood.com or call 346-800-5981 to schedule a tour and lunch.

(346) 800-6119

Powered by the latest generation, state-of-the-art generator, e Village of Tanglewood provides its residents the safety and security to weather whatever mother nature has in store. As the only senior living company in Houston with the newest high-powered generators, residents are able to live with peace of mind knowing

HOUSTON METHODIST

MORE THAN A HOSPITAL

One-Stop Access for All Your Health Care Needs

Houston Methodist in the Texas Medical Center is more than just a hospital. We offer a full spectrum of care, including:

• Specialty physician offices, imaging and labs

• Teams of experts using the newest technologies

• Personalized care tailored to your unique needs

• Six centers of excellence in cancer, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics and sports medicine, and transplant

To find a doctor, visit houstonmethodist.org/more or call 713.790.3333.

Turn of Events

As we have experienced the rapid rise in the price of eggs, so too has the cost of owning your home in Houston and Texas. With no state income tax, state income relies on sales and property taxes to fund the system. Roughly half of the total taxes paid by Texas residents are through a property tax based on a percentage of the value of your property. Of that amount, half of the property taxes collected go to fund the public school systems. However, post-pandemic has filled the state’s coffers to record surplus levels.

The Governor and the state legislature are trying to decide whether to offer property tax relief or invest more in the rainy day fund, our school systems, or something else. Some have proposed increasing the homestead exemption, which would provide some relief from the sharp increases in property values, and the amount homeowners are now paying versus just a few years ago.

Despite the incredible growth in the suburbs, the inner city neighborhoods still have seen the most significant appreciation in value and contribution of revenue due to the escalating prices of homes.

Our Houston inner-city neighborhoods we write about in this issue all have redeeming qualities. Whether the independence and schools in West U and Memorial Villages with their large lots and exemplary Memorial High School, or the Heights, which has seen the most significant turnaround in values over the last ten years, is now the wanna-be place for the younger generations. Tanglewood was once considered quite far out upon its inception 70 years ago and is in the middle of it all and wildly popular. Briargrove has been an up-and-coming neighborhood and still has many of the original homes built there.

And then there is River Oaks. The inner city’s crown jewel best defines Houston’s history and glamour.

When I first moved into the city from the 290 area many years ago, I lived in the River Oaks Townhomes that are still there today. My guests were greeted by a train they thought was coming through the house. I loved every minute of it.

Real Estate Market Update

BRIARGROVE

by David Michael Young

The Briargrove subdivision was established in 1948 on the old Peckham family farm, which was miles beyond Houston’s city limits at the time. While most of the original 1-story, ~2,000 SF single-family homes have been renovated, many have been torn down to make way for much larger 2-story homes that compete with the estates in nearby Tanglewood.

At the heart of this neighborhood of approximately 900+ homes is the blue-ribbon Briargrove Elementary School, which

HEIGHTS

by Rich and Amanda Anhorn

The Heights, a diverse small-town community “Inside the Loop,” was developed in the 1890s by its founders Oscar Martin Carter and Daniel Denton Cooley, who were the principles of the Omaha and South Texas Land Company. These midwestern investors were drawn to the area’s higher elevation and purchased 1,700 acres of land. With electrification, the developers could expand further from downtown Houston using the city’s street car system. The Heights became the city’s first large, planned community and existed separate from Houston before its annexation in 1918.

Today the Heights has much to offer its residents, including one of Houston’s grandest boulevards, home of a 3-mile walking trail, majestic trees, and public art sculptures. The Height’s architecture ranges from Texas Victorians, turn-of-the-century bungalows, and new development. Other amenities the Heights offers are exemplary schools, acres of parks, miles of trails, an exploding restaurant scene, live entertainment, antique stores, and offbeat boutiques. In recent years, portions of the Heights

is one of the major draws for families moving to this neighborhood. Other benefits enjoyed by Briargrove residents are the community pool, clubhouse and play area, and 24/7 courtesy patrol service.

According to HARMLS, sales of single-family homes in Briargrove were significantly down in the first quarter of 2023, with just 8 homes sold, as compared to 20 sales in the first quarter of 2022. The 8 home sales ranged from $510,000 to $1,005,000 and averaged $782,000 ($368/ SF) – 10.5% higher (on a $/SF basis) than 1Q2022.

MEMORIAL by Genevieve Rowland

Memorial area has always been one of the most desirable areas in Houston to live and invest in real estate. In 1996, when I purchased my first house, I was ecstatic to get a 6.5% interest rate! I refinanced a few years later to just above 3%. My house is now worth almost four times what I paid for it.

have been designated as historic, which has preserved the neighborhood’s original character.

A recent CNN survey ranked the Heights as the country’s #4 big city neighborhood. Single-family homes range from $325,000-2,400,000, with standard lot sizes ranging from 4,400 square feet up to 7,500 square feet or larger in some cases. The amount of single-family sales for 2022 was over 1,260 transactions, with an average price per square foot of $305. Lots are still in high demand and becoming scarce in the Heights, with prices ranging from $155,000 to $1,325,000 with an average price of around $73 a square foot. In 2022, 42 lots were sold.

Boasting picturesque tree-lined streets, award-winning schools, acclaimed restaurants, shopping, and some of the best medical facilities in the world, the Memorial Area holds its value. Having grown up in the area and attending Hunter’s Creek Elementary, where my Aunt Genevieve also attended, it was one of the happiest times of my life. These neighborhoods have minimal commercial intrusion, with many lots ranging from ½ acre to 3 to 4 acres each.

According to the HARMLS market there were 191 sales of single-family homes in 2022 throughout the four villages South of I-10 (up approximately 80 homes over 2021). The supply was low, which helped set record sales. The low was $750,000 (over $100,000 in 2021), and a high of $9,350,000 on 12/31/2022!

The Luxury market this past year was solid. After slowing toward the end of the year with a 33% year over year in total sales decline from February 2022 to

Struggling to hear each day, even when using powerful hearing aids?

Feeling frustrated and sometimes even exhausted from listening? Being unable to hear impacts your ability to communicate with your loved ones, hear in noisy environments and talk on the phone. It may force you to rely on others to help you communicate.

Cochlear implants work di erently than hearing aids. Instead of making sounds louder, they use state-of-the-art electronic components and software to help provide access to the sounds you’ve been missing. Houston area audiologist, Dr. Arun Joshi, answers the top 5 questions about cochlear implants.

Q How are cochlear implants di erent than hearing aids?

Hearing aids help many people by making the sounds they hear louder. Unfortunately, as hearing loss gets worse, sounds not only need to be made louder, they need to be made clearer. Cochlear implants can help give you that clarity, especially in noisy environments.1

Q How do I know a cochlear implant will work for me? Cochlear hearing implant technology is very reliable. 2 In fact, it has been around for 40 years and Cochlear has provided more than 650,000 implantable hearing devices.

Q Is it major surgery? No, not at all. The procedure is often done on an outpatient basis and typically takes just a couple of hours.

Q Am I too old to get a cochlear implant? No, it’s never too late to regain access to the sounds you’re missing.

Q Are cochlear implants covered by Medicare? Yes, Medicare and most private insurance plans typically cover cochlear implants.*

Are your hearing aids not enough? Do you:

□ Have di culty hearing conversations with your hearing aids?

□ Have trouble hearing on the telephone?

□ Feel people often mumble when they talk?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider speaking with local audiologist Dr. Joshi or a member of our team.

I worked very hard to speak and hear with hearing aids for so long, but I nally learned that with my profound hearing loss, the best hearing aid in the world was not going to give me the clarity in speech I needed at my level of loss. My cochlear implant has, so quickly, taken me to a new level of hearing. It’s like I’m reliving my life again.”

1. The Nucleus Freedom Cochlear Implant System: Adult Post-Market Surveillance Trial Results. 2008 June.

2. Cochlear Limited. D1932780 V1 2021-03. Cochlear™ Nucleus® Reliability Report Volume 20, December 2021.

Cochlear Hearing Center is owned and operated by Cochlear Clinical Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cochlear Americas.

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could a ect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. The Incredible Hulk is a trademark of Marvel Characters, Inc. Lou Ferrigno is a paid brand advocate for Cochlear; however, medical treatment and health decisions were made independently by him and his hearing health provider. ©2023 Cochlear Limited. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited.

CAM-MK-PR-626 ISS1 FEB23

Dr. Arun Joshi, Cochlear Hearing Center Audiologist

Lou Ferrigno Cochlear implant recipient and “The Incredible Hulk ™”

Se habla español

February 2023, the average sales price of homes in The Villages increased from $420.74 to $438.31.

With the discerning buyer expecting more from their homes, the changing working environment, and people wanting an overall high quality of work/home lifestyle experience, now more than ever, The Villages can deliver!

RIVER OAKS

by David Michael Young

As you drive north on Kirby Dr from San Felipe St, it becomes immediately evident that you have entered Houston’s premier neighborhood of River Oaks. The 10,000+ SF estates lots that are ½ to 2 acres would impress visitors from anywhere on the planet. And those are not the most impressive of the homes in River Oaks. For those, we need to drive down River Oaks Blvd, Inwood Dr, and Lazy Lane west of Kirby.

With a buy-in price of $1 million and previous non-MLS sales in excess of $30 million, this genteel neighborhood is home to many of Houston’s wealthiest families. Established in the 1920s by Houston’s famous Hogg family and anchored by the exclusive River Oaks Country Club, the River Oaks subdivision of roughly 1,300 homes was primarily built in the 1920s and 1930s. Most of these homes were designed and built by renowned architects and builders, and have been preserved over the years by consecutive owners. There is also plenty of newly constructed homes in River Oaks.

Many of the highest priced homes are not listed in MLS, but according to HARMLS, there were 25 sales of single-family homes in the River Oaks Area (including Tall Timbers, Homewood, Royden Oaks, and Avalon Place) in the first quarter of 2023 ranging $1,067,000 to $10,500,000 and averaging $3,607,000 ($602/SF) – $1/SF higher than the same period in 2022.

TANGLEWOOD by Cynthia Wolff

Tanglewood is one of Houston’s premier residential neighborhoods in the Uptown area. It was developed in the 1950s by William Giddings Farrington and designed by renowned architect John F. Staub. Farrington built a community close to the energy corridor yet far enough from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It is known for its large, tree-lined lots and beautiful new and remodeled homes. As a native Houstonian who grew up in the Tanglewood area, I enjoyed watching the redevelopment.

Tanglewood is a thriving community, continuing to attract affluent residents who appreciate the convenient location near

2 Legend Lane | Frostwood List Price $2,099,000 | MLS# 88856770

Architectural Digest meets Veranda Magazine. A luxurious little slice of Heaven with designer accents in practically New Construction. Massive 22' Island and palatial primary suite inside and outside your resort-style pool with an expansive backyard. Award-winning schools and parks.

Genevieve Rowland | Keller Williams | 281-904-7014

505 Bastrop #504 | EaDo

List Price $589,000 | MLS# 88348494

Amazing opportunity to own rare penthouse condo in EaDo with panoramic view of Downtown above the tree line from large balcony or through 2-story floor-to-ceiling windows. Walk to Minute Maid Park, Dynamo’s Stadium, Discovery Green & Toyota Center plus lots of popular bars/restaurants in EaDo, and Metrorail. Ample guest parking and pool. David M. Young | Compass RE Texas | 713-320-6453

major highways and The Galleria. Tanglewood is also home to the Houston Country Club. Real estate in the neighborhood consists of single-family homes. Tanglewood Boulevard is a treelined boulevard from Chimney Rock to San Felipe. Tanglewood Boulevard is popular with joggers, walkers, cyclists, and community events.

Tanglewood Real Estate Overview

• Currently, there are eight active listings for sale in Tanglewood.

• The average sales price of the homes on the market is $3,160,250.

• The average size of the homes in the Tanglewood neighborhood is 5,439 square feet.

• The median lot size in Tanglewood is 16,500 square feet.

• Tanglewood has two homes for lease with an average rent of $21,250 per month and $2.29 per square foot.

• In 2022, 36 homes sold for an average sales price of $2,901,245, an increase in the sales price of 9.5% over 2021.

(Above numbers are from the Houston Association of Realtors 4-28-2023)

Tanglewood continues to stand as a shining example of a well-planned residential community.

WEST U

by Melinda Dawes Ewing

Nestled just to the west of Rice University, West University Place is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Houston. Stretching just over 2 miles, West U retains its small-town feel in the middle of a big city. Developed in 1917, the neighborhood still exhibits some of the original bungalow designs but mostly has made way for newer construction. West University has shown some of the strongest appreciation in land value over the past 20 years in the city of Houston. Contributing to its appeal are its exemplary West University Elementary School and a West U seniors program.

The City of West University also has its own police department, fire department, and mayor.

Most commonly known for its street names – resembling universities across the country, the neighborhood has strong educational ties. This makes the “Neighborhood City” an ideal spot for living, working and raising a family. The community manages its neighborhood parks, pools, recreation center, library, and more.

West U/Southside Market Update 1st Quarter 2023

Median Price versus 2022 Up 17%

Number of Units Sold Down 14%

Total Units Sold 49

Median Price $1.5 M

167 Victoria Dr E | Bentwater

242 Pine Hollow Ln | Pine Hollow / Tanglewood Area

your home on this 30,000+ SF lot overlooking Buffalo Bayou on a premier street very close to Memorial Park, Uptown Park and The Houstonian Club. Paid patrol on street, but no HOA.

Photo compliments of Cynthia Wolff

Experienced Designer Uses Math & Art for Timeless Spaces

Intown: With the trends constantly changing, how do you design to be more timeless?

Kolter: I have a great appreciation for classic architecture and design. When there are classic details such as moldings, trim, and cabinetry done in a way that reflects history, it’s easy to embellish the timeless elements with more fun trends such as tile, light fixtures, and hardware. The “bones” will give the home a classic aesthetic, while the fixtures and furnishings can be more edgy to play up trends. It’s easy to change out a light fixture or furniture piece in a few years without enduring a major renovation. This allows for the home to be contemporary yet classic all at the same time.

Intown: What are some of the new latest and more long-lasting trends?

Designer Jessicah Kolter was born and raised just south of Detroit, Michigan, where her parents both were raised and worked as nurses. Although the medical field was close to home, Ms. Kolter realized early on that she loved creating beautiful spaces. In school, she excelled in both mathematics and art, and this sparked a drive to utilize both of these skills. This passion drove her to enroll in the Interior Design program at Michigan State University. The Interior Design College is a CIDA-accredited program, which sets it apart from many design schools and allows it to be selected for enrollment. Upon completion of her degree, Ms.Kolter went on to work in Design Sales while studying for the NCIDQ Exam, a licensing exam for Interior Designers.

After receiving her certification, Kolter worked at a commercial architecture firm in the Washington D.C. area specializing in government-sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) spaces, Google facilities, and other types of commercial spaces. Kolter became active in trying to better her community, which drew her to join the Loudoun Preservation Society, where she was recognized as one of Loudoun Counties 30 under 30 young professionals to watch. While working there, she met her now husband, Evan, who was working as a financial consultant. They lived in the D.C. area for a couple of years before relocating for his work to Toronto, Ontario.

Where she worked for a high-end residential interior design firm and was mentored by one of Toronto’s top designers, after five years in Toronto, Kolter and her husband moved to Philadelphia, where she started her own design firm. She joined the Washington Square Civic Association to volunteer to be a part of the community and help keep the historic block clean. Later after moving to Philadelphia, she and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Jack. After about 3 years in the Philadelphia area, her family relocated to Houston, where she has been an active member of the architectural committee in her neighborhood and volunteers with her son’s sports.

Kolter: Some of the newest and most long-lasting design trends are curves, arches, and organic shapes. We’ve long seen the hard square lines in homes, but now, it’s all about adding softness with an arched entry or window. Playing up softness with curved sofas or chairs and adding elements of organic lines with playful shapes of mirrors and tables. It adds personality and creates whimsy interiors.

Intown: What part or parts of the house do you consider most important in looking for home value or saleability?

Kolter: It’s no secret that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I feel this space truly reflects the home. It’s the space we spend the most time in, whether it’s entertaining, cooking for our family or just enjoying a cup of coffee alone, we all spend endless hours in the kitchen. It should be inviting, incorporate some natural light, offer tons of storage, and have a strong focal feature. Open concepts are highly desirable, encouraging us to entertain and draw family near.

Intown: How much do you incorporate visual and tactile textures in your design?

Kolter: Textural interest is a MUST in every design. It can make or break a design. You need to have a variation of textures and tones, and the scale of each should complement each other. This gives the space a more interesting feel. You may not even realize what draws your eye to your favorite space in the city, whether it be a coffee shop, restaurant, or spa, but I guarantee each space has something in common, they have a great mix of tactile textures make them shine. The same is true in your home. We add texture in so many ways, for example, with tile, wallpaper, natural woods, and furnishings.

Intown: What types of cabinet updates are you making and recommending for clients?

Kolter: I’m in love with natural wood

cabinetry at the moment. Doing white oak or walnut cabinetry is a great way to create a warm, inviting space. I also find that doing drawers over cabinet doors has become one of my design staples. Not only do we find them aesthetically pleasing, but they are highly functional and make for spaces that are easy to access and keep spaces tidy.

Intown: Why is it important to hire a professional?

Kolter: Making design decisions is overwhelming, and making them in hast can be extremely costly when it comes to making mistakes. Design professionals offer expertise in this area, they know how to explain the pros and cons of each decision. They have experience and can help educate so that

you aren’t just choosing from an assortment of finishes at showrooms but can explain how it wears, maintenance, style trends, and how each item will impact the look and feel. Also, we take the time to show you scale drawings and take the guessing game out of design. Making sure you maintain proper clearances and have ample storage and lighting are some key design points we often correct. But mostly, it’s so that you can enjoy the process, design should be fun! That is what we are here for, to take the pressure off the client so they can enjoy seeing the transformation, its the best part of my job.

Jessicah Kolter Interior Design

609.820.3717

kolterdesign.com

FRATELLI’S

Always fresh, always first class

by Marene Gustin

Looking for some great pasta, a sip of a delicious Tuscany red wine, and maybe listening to some live music in a piano bar?

Fratelli’s has all that; it even has a fascinating piece of Houston history.

Owner Barbara Marquis knows her way around a restaurant and has created a world of beautiful yet comfy décor, mouthwatering menus, entertainment, and a true neighborhood gathering spot in Memorial.

“My family had restaurants when I was very young,” says Marquis. “El Patio and Loma Linda, both Mexican food. I started as a bus girl when I was just ten years old. In the 1980s the family split up, and most of the restaurants were sold.”

But those work experiences never left her.

“At that point, I knew everything about the daily running of the operation but nothing about P&Ls (profit and loss statements),” she says. “So, I went to work at Landry’s. My first job at Landry’s was at the Cadillac Bar ‘You are never too far from the Cadillac Bar ‘ We made a club and did big banquets.”

She went on to Las Vegas and the Golden Nugget casino. But, she says, all Texas girls have to come back to Texas, so she soon wound up at the Downtown Aquarium. After 13 years with Landry’s properties, she felt she had a great education on the business of the hospitality industry and started counting her own pennies, with a dream of opening her own place one day.

In 2010 she opened Fratelli’s in Spring Branch. There were a lot of reasons she chose that restaurant, but one, in particular, was that it was a perfect fit for a piece of Houston history, a piece that was part of her own childhood.

“While looking at what restaurant to buy I came across the bar from the Shamrock Hotel,” Marquis says. As any Houston history buff knows, the Shamrock Hotel was the lap of luxury. Built by wildcat oil tycoon Glenn H. McCarthy (the real-life model for James Dean’s character Jett Rink in Giant) and opened with true Hollywood hoopla in 1949 on the site of what is now part of the Texas Medical Center, the 18-story, 1,100room hotel was nicknamed the Houston Riviera. It was known for its fan-shaped pool — a 165-foot-long pool known for hosting celebrities and water-skiing exhibitions.

“That restaurant was closing, and everything in it was for sale,” noted Marquis. Including a gorgeous vintage bar. An original bar from the Shamrock Hotel.

“When I was a kid, I went swimming at the Shamrock Hilton,” Marquis says. “Never thought I would ever own such a magnificent bar from there. Now we have music every weekend at the Shamrock Bar. We have an older crowd, so I hear many stories of the movie stars, proms, and weddings held there in the glory years starting from the 1950s. I bought the bar before I had a restaurant to put it in, just hoping it would work out and it did!

“Now we have been here for 13 years,” says Marquis. “We have chefs from all over the city and are very proud of what we have created here. We have the bakers from Ashland House, staff from the great chef Mark Cox’s restaurant, and many more fine restaurants in Houston.”

If you drop in for dinner, you can start off with the chipotle glazed fresh quail or roasted crab cake and corn pudding, move on to a Neapolitan stone oven pizza, delicious pasta, or one of the house specialties such as melt-in-yourmouth beef tenderloin or the roasted

rosemary chicken. Of course, Marquis has her own favorites.

“My favorite dishes are the redfish, the Chilean sea bass, the veal piccata, and the truffle pasta.”

Whatever you order, chances are you’ll be back for more.

The story began as a quest to create the perfect boxer short. We viewed it as locating the perfect home for the family jewels. It needed to be a custom home, handmade, including a spacious ballroom with full seating and a sturdy front entrance so that no one slips out unexpectedly. This home should be built with the finest 400 thread count Pima cotton with virtually no shrinkage (on our part).

These boxers have been personally tried and tested for over 5 years on family, friends, acquaintances and a few rock stars. enjoy your First

So behold, we present to you the “royal highnies”, the only place that deserves to house the family jewels.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Opens Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds

Afifteenth century Iranian blue and white dish with the image of a lion in Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds revealed itself incrementally. First I saw the animal’s rump, then noticed its implausibly angled facial features. It wasn’t until I spotted the sun disc symbol hovering above however that I understood its spiritual implications. The Koran emphasizes God’s meticulous ordering of the cosmos, with stars above and humans and animals below. It tells us animals like that lion know God created them. To call the lion dish’s blue coloring “vibrant” would be an understatement. Interestingly, the cobalt, lapis lazuli, and turquoise used in Persian ceramics were exported globally, some crossing trade routes into China.

I previewed MFAH’s new Hossein Afshar Galleries for Art of the Islamic Worlds. While showing us around, either Director Gary Tinterow or Curator Dr. Aimée Froom said the opening of the new galleries was “an extraordinary event in the history of our Museum.” If I can’t recall who, it’s because I was distracted by a late sixteenth century Iranian carpet, and in all honesty by the interesting people, which happens every time I attend one of those things. Regardless, there’s no denying the collaboration with Hossein Afshar is an extraordinary event in the history of the Museum. Think about it. A Kuwait-based bigwig with one of the most extensive collections of Persian art in private hands “endowed” six permanent galleries with nearly 6,000 square feet of space for art from historic Islamic lands, and forked over a thousand objects on long-term loan. Who wouldn’t call that extraordinary?

MFAH committed itself to displaying Islamic art years before opening the new galleries. In 2007, Tinterow’s predecessor Peter Marzio got the ball rolling when he realized the size and diversity of Houston’s Muslim community. Marzio

By Virginia Billeaud Anderson

Iran, Bookbinding, late 16th century, watercolor, gold colored pigments, and lacquer on pasteboard.

Iran, Torch Stand (mash ‘al), 16th century, brass; cast, engraved, and inlaid with black compound.

Photos courtesy of The Hossein Afshar Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Moroccan, Qur’an Manuscript in Maghribi Script, 1318, ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on parchment. Museum purchase funded by the Honorable and Mrs. Hushang Ansary, the Brown Foundation Accessions Endowment Fund, and the Alice Pratt Brown Museum Fund.

strong cultural-heritage links to historically Islamic lands.” Reading between the lines, this means high rollers with international connections and fundraising clout. It was Tinterow however who steered a “landmark” partnership with the renowned al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait. In 2012 Sheikha Hussa Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah and the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah placed several hundred artworks from Islamic lands dating from the 8th to 18th centuries on extended loan into dedicated galleries. All the while, MFAH “strategically” added to the permanent collection. Now the new Hossein Afshar galleries nearly double space for Islamic art.

Extraordinary indeed.

The Koran in my library has English translations alongside the Arabic verse. Arabic speakers would judge the translation pathetic. For them the English lacks the subtlety and lyricism that gives

Koranic verse its extraordinary beauty. Moreover, a conspicuous publisher’s note warns that only by reading the Arabic will I get the full meaning of the revelations. Arabic. Yea, right.

Yet, when I read my Koran’s English “light” verse which begins, “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth,” it doesn’t seem to suffer. This Sura poetically equates God with light, and stretches the association to lamps. Metaphorically and literally, light is a big deal in Islam, which explains the elaborate hanging lamps and standing candle holders typically seen in mosques and religious complexes. Hence, the beauty of the galleries’ sixteenth century Iranian brass torch stand (mash ‘al.) Safavid Empire (15011736) craftsmen engraved and inlaid such stands to hold candles in religious and courtly settings. Its inscription resonates with Sufi mystical expression. Sufis are Muslim mystics who seek oneness with God through disciplined practices

such as asceticism and meditation. The inscription references a moth’s dying love for a candle, a metaphor for knowing God. A moth’s rush to death, in my interpretation, approximates ego annihilation consistent with the enlightened awareness some call God.

Muhammad was an illiterate caravan merchant who had a doozie of a mystical experience at forty years old in the year 620 AD. In a cave on Mount Hira, he perceived an otherworldly being ordering him to be God’s messenger. “Recite,” it commanded, which naturally freaked out Muhammad who hadn’t a clue what to recite. Things got spookier. On the horizon was a presence so overwhelming and terrifying, he crawled trembling to his wife Khadija and begged her to hide him. Ultimately, Muhammad submitted to God’s will and spent the next 23 years transmitting messages, often sweating and dropping his head between his knees. Devout Muslims believe he received divine revelations. Another possibility is he transcended the sensory self to a non-ordinary state of consciousness in which apparitions and clairvoyant downloads aren’t necessarily mysterious. Across the ages, all cultures have had similar experiences, usually interpreted in mythological or religious terms.

Regardless of if Muhammad channeled direct messages from an external deity, or drew awareness from a level of self akin to pure consciousness, his experience was so profoundly transformative it resulted in a mind-blowing piece of literature and a world religion. After the Prophet’s death in 632 his contemporaries recorded the revelations, presumably without the editing and redactions of other holy books. Notably the Koran includes God’s promise that the words the Prophet passed on to his followers

Iran, Dish with Lion, second half of the 15th century, stonepaste; painted in blue under transparent glaze.

Uzbek, Shakhrisyabz Suzani, c. 1800, cotton; embroidered with silk thread. Museum purchase funded by Friends of Art of the Islamic Worlds, Franci Neely, Rania and Jamal Daniel, Olive and Bruce Baganz, Françoise and Edward Djerejian, Jennifer and Matt Esfahani, Nijad and Zeina Fares, Sima and Masoud Ladjevardian, Eileen and Kase Lawal, Jaleh and Bruce Sallee, Aziz Shaibani.

are unaltered and free from falsehood and misinterpretation. It’s important to remember Qu’ran means “recitation.”

Accordingly, the Holy Book of Islam is prominently displayed in the galleries. See the fourteenth century Qur’an from Morocco. Its North African origin underlies the fact that Islam spread vast distances after becoming a religion. Written in Maghribi script on parchment, the illuminated manuscript has a colophon dating it 718 AH/1318 AD. “AH” means “after Hijra.” Hijra is the journey Muhammad and his followers made from Mecca to Medina in 622 with persecutors hot on their heels. One reason was the monotheism Muhammad preached threatened the economy tied to Mecca’s goddess cults. Historian Karen Armstrong wrote Muhammad’s enemies offered a reward of a hundred she-camels to anyone who brought him back dead or alive. Once in Medina, the Muslim community cohered. As a pivotal event in the spread of Islam, Hijra anchors the Islamic calendar. Thereafter, Muhammad’s political and military maneuvering helped spread the faith.

The Koran is the fundamental core of that faith. So it’s unsurprising Muslims venerate the calligraphic writing that transmits God’s messages. No wonder Islamic calligraphy is the most elevated form of Islamic art. Calligraphy means “beautiful writing.” Although even secular calligraphy has an aura of sacredness. It imparts blessings. Naturally, writing implements and accessories can be quite opulent. For instance the 16th century Iranian lacquer and gold pigmented Book Binding with depictions of figures seated and hunting on horseback in a garden reminiscent of a Koranic paradise.

Textiles are also a key component of the galleries. There is a stunning Shakhrisyabz Suzani (c.1800) from Uzbekistan. Traditionally made by female members of a bride’s family for her dowery, they essentially bring good fortune. This suzani’s silk thread embroidery renders floral and vine scroll motifs. Many include embroidered pomegranates to symbolize fertility. The day I visited,

scarfs based on the Uzbek suzani were flying out the gift shop, which made me curious. Not sure how Museum agreements get hashed out, but will Hossein Afshar share profits from the merch?

Uzbek textiles are bewitching. I have a theory. Historians say that when Alexander the Great defeated the Sodgians in the Central Asian boonies (328 BC) and married their princess Roxane, she was the most beautiful woman the Macedonians saw while conquering the

known world. Predictably after Alexander kicked the bucket, Roxane and her son Alexander got whacked to ensure the half-barbarian heir didn’t inherit the empire. Sodgia is part of modern Uzbekistan. I’m convinced Roxane’s colorful tunics and turbans dazzled Alexander. Researching Uzbek traditional costumes, I read the Sodgian regional style has embroidered motifs rooted in pre-Islamic Zoroastrianism.

THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS:

For over four generations, the Teas family has fostered a tradition of bringing great food and great friends together for an unforgettable fine dining experience with a few of the family’s favorite dishes.

Make plans to join us tonight to enjoy one of our deliciously prepared Gulf Coast Seafood specials or try one of our Certified Prime Beef Steaks, prepared to order, all paired with our selection of expertly curated wines.

For reservations go to: EugenesHouston.com/reservations or call 713.807.8883

Evade the Evolving Threat of Financial Fraud

For years, the public has been warned about the dangers of identity theft and financial fraud. By now, you probably know to be wary of opening unsolicited email attachments or sharing account details with strangers. But make no mistake – the fight against fraud is never over. Criminals are always inventing new scams to steal money and today’s fraudsters are more organized, technologically advanced and convincing than ever. Safeguarding your finances requires constant vigilance.

While scams come in many forms, here are four increasingly common cons to keep on your radar:

Spear phishing

With phishing, perpetrators send an attempted scam to the masses through email, phone or text, hoping someone will bite. Spear phishing is more sophisticated and may target you specifically, using personal details (often found online) to impersonate a trusted party like your banker or broker. Think twice before complying with any urgent requests to supply your account information or move money around.

By Robert May Assistant Vice President Frost Commercial Banking

Electronic payment scams

As more people use services such as Zelle, PayPal or Venmo to transfer money, scammers have devised countless tricks to get you to pay them. As a rule of thumb, only send money to people/businesses you know and trust to be legitimate.

Package delivery fraud

If you shop online often, you’re used to seeing emails/texts about your pending delivery. But if the message asks you to verify information such

as your address or credit card number, it’s likely a scam. When in doubt, ignore the request and visit the merchant’s or shipping company’s website to contact customer service.

Mobile malware

Many phone users unwittingly install malicious apps that can capture data from their screen or skim information from other programs (including banking apps). Only download

apps from your phone’s official app store, and close all other apps before using your banking app.

What else can you do?

While it’s not always possible to prevent fraud all together, catching it early and acting quickly can minimize the damage. Get in the habit of monitoring your credit card and bank accounts for any suspicious transactions. You can also set up fraud alerts

to have your bank contact you regarding abnormal activity. Finally, make sure to bank at an FDIC-insured institution, which limits your liability to just $50 if you’re a victim of fraud.

Would you like to talk to a financial professional?

Contact Robert May at 713.388.7821 or Robert.May @frostbank.com.

Investment and insurance products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, and may lose value.

Brokerage services offered through Frost Brokerage Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Frost Investment Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Both companies are subsidiaries of Frost Bank.

Investment management services, financial planning and trust services are offered through Frost Wealth Advisors of Frost Bank.

Additionally, insurance products are offered through Frost Insurance.

Deposit and loan products are offered through Frost Bank, Member FDIC.

Frost does not provide legal or tax advice. Please seek legal or tax advice from legal and/or tax professionals.

Unmatched service. Sound advice. And peace of mind knowing your money is well cared for.

Now, how can we help you today?

Visit us at frostbank.com or call at (800) 51-FROST.

What is your home worth?