LATINA REPRESENTATION

Latina Austinite entrepreneur crowned Mrs. Texas Plus America 2023

Christabell Nuñez, Mrs. Texas Plus America 2023

“I am a fierce advocate for body positivity and normalizing mental health discussions in Latin culture," Nuñez said.

Photo by Kieone Young Photography

The latest win in Latina representation has been earned by an Austinite. At this year’s pageant, Austin entrepreneur Christabell Nuñez won the crown as the Mrs. Texas Plus America 2023.

The faith-based Miss America Plus Pageant has celebrated “full-figured” women and given them recognition for causes they support since its founding in 2002, according to a press release. Nuñez is the first woman of color from Austin to take home the Texas crown in the pageant’s 21-year history.

Nuñez's roots in Austin's Latino culture run deep. She was born and raised in East Austin, which is largely known for its wide Hispanic culture and communities. She said in the release that her decision to compete became clear after she noticed a lack of representation of plus-sized Hispanic women in the pageant.

“I am a fierce advocate for body positivity and normalizing mental health discussions in Latin culture, and provide mentorships and business advice for people of color-owned small businesses,” she said.

Her platform is Austin's Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, which promotes the inclusion and advancement of Hispanic women in “public, corporate and civic life.”

This year’s pageant took place in Houston, which is where the national Miss Plus America Pageant will take place in the summer. Nuñez shared her gratitude for winning the Texas pageant and her vision to represent the state in the national competition.

“While I love the gowns and glam, I am blessed to have this opportunity to make a positive impact beyond the city of Austin,” said Nuñez. “I am excited to compete at the Miss Plus America Pageant this July in Houston and showcase the diversity, strength, and beauty of plus-size Texas women and make us proud.”

The national competition will take place July 17-23. More information about the Miss Plus America Pageant can be found on missplusamerica.com.

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Night at the Museum

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

Photo from Thecontemporaryaustin.org.

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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.

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