Happy Feet

Rick Perry, metrosexual? Texas governor gives up cowboy boots and riles critics

High-rise cowboy boots have proven to be the curse of Gov. Rick Perry's macho image as he has had to give up his manly footwear in favor of more, shall we say, conservative oxfords and loafers.

As the New York Timesreported, "The governor, who had appeared on the cover of Newsweek in 2010 with boots emblazoned with the Texas battle cry 'come and take it,' said he had stopped wearing them because they worsened the back problems that dogged him during his failed run for president in 2012."

"I lament the fact that our governor could now pass for a West Coast metrosexual and has embarrassed us all with his sartorial change of direction.”

Political pundits question that perhaps the sartorial switch, softening that Wild West image, has more to do with a possible run for president in 2016 than a pain in the back. Perry has also taken to wearing thick-rimmed glasses more commonly worn by hipsters that some commentators have said makes him look smarter.

Nevertheless, the governor's fashion turn equates with turning his back on the state's official shoe. A Texas House resolution that Perry signed in 2007 designated cowboy boots as the state footwear of Texas, in honor of their role "in the mythic romance of the Lone Star State."

The governor's new approach to fashion has fired up at least one elected official. State Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson writes in a note to Austin American-Statesman columnist Ken Herman, "Tell Rick that boots can be purchased with normal heels. I lament the fact that our governor could now pass for a West Coast metrosexual and has embarrassed us all with his sartorial change of direction."

The New York Times also reports that bootmaker to the governor Rocky Carroll has a solution for Perry. "I’ll just lower the heel," he said. "I do that all the time. I do work for orthopedic doctors. I’ll fix them all for him."

Love the cowboy boots, hate the back problems. Gov. Rick Perry makes a footwear switch.

Rick Perry wearing cowboy boots and a suit

GOP12.thehill.com

Love the cowboy boots, hate the back problems. Gov. Rick Perry makes a footwear switch.

unspecified

Night at the Museum

Austin museum opens lush gala afterparties to the public for first time

Photo from Thecontemporaryaustin.org.

undefined

For 11 years now, the Contemporary Austin has been hosting "Art Dinners" at its lakeside location, Laguna Gloria. These fairytale-like galas take place as dusk sets in, surrounded by twinkling lights strung across the property's sprawling 14-acre sculpture park. But until now, they've been invitation-only affairs. For the first time ever, the Contemporary Austin is inviting the public to the best part this magical evening: a late-night afterparty.

The Art Dinners have welcomed 300 art luminaries, collectors, civic leaders, and philanthropists over these years to raise funds for the museum's classes and exhibits.

On October 25, once the dishes are put away and the early birds have weeded themselves out, the Art Dinner Afterparty will begin. It will go from 9:30 until "late evening."

Guests can expect a pop-up cocktail bar by the cool Austin speakeasy Garage, with specialty drinks like espresso martinis. Plus, there will be late night snacks from Dolce Bacio Gelato and Restart CBD. Live music and performances will be provided by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Highlights also include: tarot card and palm readings, live body painting, and fire dancing. All of this set to the stunning backdrop of Laguna Gloria's grounds at night. It's basically A Midsummer Night's Dream.

A DJ performs at a late-night Laguna Gloria party. Live music for this after party will include performances by J'cuuzi and DJ SuperNova of Pangea Sound. Photo courtesy of Giant Noise

"We're excited for the magic of our iconic Art Dinner to reach wider audiences," says the museum's Earnest and Sarah Butler executive director and CEO, Sharon Maidenberg, in a release. "We wanted to extend the welcome to more folks and give them the opportunity to engage with our gala, which has historically been a very intimate affair."

Tickets are now on sale on the Contemporary Austin's website at $160 for members and $200 for nonmembers. Ticket sales will benefit the museum's exhibits and educational programming. The Contemporary is Austin's only museum focused solely on contemporary artists and their work. It offers year-round exhibitions, classes, workshops, and events.

$The Contemporary Austin \u2014 Laguna Gloria$ The Contemporary Austin — Laguna Gloria is one of the most beautifu Artwork by Tom Friedman, photo by Brian Fitzsimmons via the Contemporary Austin

Event organizers recommend that guests "dress sharp." Valet parking will be provided, but if this night is as Shakespearian as we think it might be, you may want to catch a rideshare.

More information about the museum is available at thecontemporaryaustin.org.

museums galleries galas dinner visual art