Stronger communities are built when people show up for one another, and together we can accomplish extraordinary things. This is the idea behind A Place to Dream: Art Show & Auction, an upcoming event benefiting The Furniture Bank and their mission to provide essential furnishings to families in need. In partnership with The Furniture Bank, Star Furniture has provided a piece of furniture to 25 local artists, each transformed into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This talented group includes eighteen professional artists, three students from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and six “Friends of Star”—employees and friends of the Star Furniture community who create art as a personal passion. Throughout the month of May, the unique pieces by these artists will be on display in all Houston Star Furniture showrooms—celebrating local artistic talent and raising awareness for the vital work of the Furniture Bank.
The auction takes place on June 19th from 6-10pm at Star Furniture, located at 16666 Barker Springs Road Houston, TX 77084. From 6–7pm, attendees are welcomed with live music as they browse a selection of unique creations by top local artists. At 7pm, the live art auction begins. From 9–10pm, attendees can unwind at the Post Auction Social, featuring wine, cheese, and more live music. Tickets for this event can be purchased here—just one of many ways to help The Furniture Bank continue its vital mission of providing dignified living spaces for families facing poverty and hardship.
A Place to Dream:
Art Show & AUction
Sponsored by
www.lancome-usa.com
Star Furniture blends versatility, functionality, and aesthetics into affordable furnishings that will elevate your home and lifestyle. From furnishings for every room to expert tips on transforming interior spaces to curated collections of inspirational designs, Star Furniture is a full-service design studio dedicated to helping you create a home that reflects your unique style. With showrooms in Houston, San Antonio, and beyond, Star Furniture can help you find the perfect collection or standout piece to bring your space together—transforming any house into your dream home.
ABOUT STar Furniture
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Jatziri Barron
Participating Artists
June 2025
Jatziri Barron is a Mexican visual artist and muralist living and working in Houston since 2013, dedicated full-time to her art. The artist advocates through her art about the beauty of cultural identity and diversity. She’s interested in creating bonds for connecting people no matter their race, religion, culture, or background by creating awareness of different humanitarian topics.
As she comments on her latest work, "We are an extension of nature, magnifiers of our culture and identity, our skin tells stories about our ancestors, we are our colors, we are our roots, and we're proud".
Barron has done work for the Witte Museum of San Antonio, Berg Hospitality Group, Fendi, East End Cultural District, The Major Soccer League, Houston Dynamo, Houston Rockets, and other private companies and clients in U.S. and Mexico.
She is a 2022 Artist INC Cohort from the organization Fresh Arts and a 2023 grant recipient of the City’s Initiative Grant from the city of Houston.
Most recently, Jatziri has organized and curated several collective exhibitions, providing Houston artists with a space to showcase their work at the intersection of art, dance, and music in various venues around the city.The artist is now also a gallery owner from Kroma Art House, in which she represents Houston talent.
Jatziri Barron
@jatzirisart
www.jatziribarron.com
@facebook
Ryn Del Papa
RYN DEL PAPA is a self-taught, interdisciplinary artist, technologist, and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. They blend art and science to create works that inspire health, inclusivity, and ecological awareness. With a B.S. in International Nutrition from the University of Texas, Austin, they have infused their art with a unique international perspective. Their achievements include showcasing physical and digital artworks in Austin, San Francisco, Houston, and NYC. In 2023, they were a finalist in the See | Me Gallery exhibition in NYC, and completed an 8-month creative research fellowship at the Design Science Studio, exploring regenerative futures. You can find them threading their work in art, community, and nature with their community arts health program in Houston’s Third Ward called Art For Climate Resilience.
Ryn Del Papa
www.ryndelpapa.com
/ryndelpapa
@ryndelpapa
Sonya Cuellar
(b. 1974 Houston, Texas) is a Mexican American abstract painter celebrated for her evocative use of acrylics and her ability to weave literary elements into her work. Drawing on over two decades of artistic practice, Cuellar creates vibrant and emotionally resonant compositions that have been acquired by corporate collections and private residences across the United States.
Educated at the University of Houston and the Glassell School of Art, Cuellar's work is defined by dynamic color palettes, expressive brushwork, and a unique exploration of identity, heartache, and emotion. Her recent solo exhibition, Rooted in Color (December 2024), was a sold-out success, showcasing her ability to craft pieces that deeply connect with viewers.
With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to her craft, Cuellar invites audiences to immerse themselves in rich visual narratives that speak to shared human experiences. Her innovative approach and commitment to creating meaningful art continue to establish her as a powerful presence in the contemporary art world.
Sonya Cuellar
www.sonyacuellar.com
/SonyaCuellarFineArt
@sonyacuellarart
Kiki & Lulu
We are a couple whose roots run deep in Houston soil. As parents, creating art is not only a passion for our entire family, but a creative means to express our individuality while also bringing us together to seek beauty in everyday life. Kiki, known as Kierstyn to her colleagues, is a dedicated team member at Star Furniture who enjoys bringing canvases to life using watercolor and acrylic. Lulu is an oil field professional known for his creative talents in graffiti art, large-scale murals, and mesmerizing epoxy resin pours. Our art collaboration encompasses various symbols of Houston, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant diversity. As a duo, it is a shared effort to project the unity of all Houstonians.
Kiki & Lulu
@x
@facebook
@instagram
Edgar Medina
Monica Melgar
Ryne Thunderhawk
Aaron Free
Edgar Medina is a Contemporary Abstract artist known for his vibrant, expressive paintings filled with color, movement, and positive energy. His work draws inspiration from nature and the rich blend of his Mexican and American heritage, creating dynamic pieces that reflect both cultural identity and personal growth.
As a self-taught artist, Edgar’s creative journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a desire to inspire others. Each of his collections carries a message of hope and self-belief —something he deeply values and loves to share through both his art and community work.
Beyond the canvas, Edgar is passionate about giving back. He regularly participates in charitable events, using his art as a tool for connection, healing, and impact. Whether it’s live painting at galas or collaborating with youth through art experiences, Edgar believes creativity can be a powerful force for good.
Edgar Medina
www.edgarmedina.com
/edgarmedinastudio
@edgarmedinastudio
Houston based visual artist, Monica Melgar, has been pursuing her professional art career for the past 15 years. Although she studied Graphic Communication at the Art Institute of Houston, her painting skills are self-taught. It all started from her constant doodling in high school that she used to relax her stressed mind.
During her childhood her parents moved back and forth between Mexico and the U.S. and as a result, her artistic expressions are influenced by the vivid colors and delicate patterns found in Mexican artisanry. Her painting style has evolved from tiny dashes to fine linework, creating abstract images that sometimes resemble flowers or sea creatures by accident. Most of her recent paintings are made with acrylic gouache paint that allows her to use very fine paint brushes to freehand her signature linework.
Monica Melgar
www.monicamelgarart.com
/MonicaMelgarArt
@monicamelgarart
A dynamic and innovative creative professional with over 13 years of experience in marketing and business development, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to drive growth and success across diverse industries. My career has been marked by a talent for bringing people together to form collaborative opportunities that result in proven growth. I excel in leadership roles where I provide strategic oversight and execute complex projects with precision. My expertise spans brand management, market strategy, digital and print media, and business development, ensuring a comprehensive approach to every challenge. I am passionate about fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, where creativity and strategic thinking intersect to produce outstanding results. I take immense pride in my capabilities and am eager to leverage my skills and experience to help your team achieve new heights of success.
Ryne Thunderhawk
www.thunderhawkcreative.com
/thunderhawk-creative
@thunderhawkcreative
Aaron Free is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and the visionary founder of Not A Production Company (NAPC), a creative powerhouse dedicated to producing compelling and impactful visual storytelling. With a passion for documentary filmmaking, Aaron has carved a niche in crafting narratives that spark conversation, drive change, and bring important social issues to the forefront.
As the Director of the upcoming documentary on the No Kids on the Floor initiative, Aaron is using his storytelling expertise to shed light on Houston’s childhood poverty crisis. The film follows the mission of Oli Mohammed, founder of the Houston Furniture Bank, as he works to ensure that over 300,000 children in the Houston area have a bed to sleep on. Through intimate storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic excellence, Aaron’s work aims to inspire action and amplify the voices of those in need.
With a career spanning across film, commercial, and branded content, Aaron has worked with numerous organizations and brands to develop high-quality productions that leave a lasting impact. At NAPC, he leads a team of talented creatives in producing feature films, documentaries, commercials, and digital content, all with a distinctive artistic and narrative-driven approach.
Aaron’s work reflects his commitment to authentic storytelling and social impact, making him a respected voice in the filmmaking industry. Whether behind the camera or in the editing room, he is dedicated to turning powerful stories into unforgettable visual experiences.
Aaron Free
www.notaproductioncompany.com
/directoraaronfree
@director_aaron_free
ISLA CERVELLI
Anu Dai
First Name Last Name
First Name Last Name
A dynamic creative force—actress, producer, and artist.
For over a decade, Isla Cervelli has poured soul into painting—blending color, rhythm, and emotion to tell stories beyond words. Born in Recife, Brazil and raised by the sea, Isla’s art reflects the warmth of her roots, her love for music, and the expressive spirit of her culture.
ISLA CERVELLI
/islacervelli
/islacervelli
@islacervelli
Anu Dai is a self taught artist born in the bay area but raised in Houston, Texas. She was an avid doodler in elementary school. Those doodles evolved to precise renditions of drawings she would make from her favorite magazine pictures. Besides a few art classes at HCC, there was no professional training.
In her mid-20s, a friend introduced her to oil paints on one of those nothing-else-to-do nights. That was the night she fell in love with oil painting. She made a few impressive beginners pieces but lost interest and available time to delve in. It wasn't until around the time of Covid when she really started experimenting and deep diving.
In 2018, she fell deeply in love with a man that shattered her soul, and that was the jumpstart she needed. She had to paint to stop crying, so she painted and painted then painted more. Never a fan of acrylics, she managed to add more colorful flare to her oils, but then would go back and forth with a growing deep appreciation for both. If there was any kind of rule about not using both together…she was gonna have to break it because she wasn't willing to pick one or the other.
Anu Dai
www.lottskidscafe.com
/lottskidscafe
@lottskidscafe
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First Name Last Name
@x
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First Name Last Name
@x
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Alena Matu
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First Name Last Name
@x
@facebook
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First Name Last Name
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Alena Matu is an interior designer and furniture renovator with a passion for transforming ordinary spaces and pieces into something unique.
She combines functionality, comfort, and a personal touch to create interiors that feel truly like home. Her work focuses on giving new life to vintage furniture and creating warm, livable spaces filled with character and charm.
Alena Matu
www.designbyamatu.com
@facebook
@designbyamatu
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This event is just one of many that help The Furniture Bank continue its vital goal of providing dignified living spaces to families experiencing poverty and hardship.
Shop now
Sponsored by
About The Houston Furniture Bank
The Houston Furniture Bank knows that a house is so much more than four walls, it’s where a family gathers to enjoy safety, recovery and comfort. For close to three decades, The Furniture Bank has supported families in crisis—those affected by poverty, homelessness, and hardship—transforming bare rooms into sanctuaries of stability and renewal. More than 30,000 families and 100,000 individuals have been helped by the Furniture Bank, with over 120,000 mattresses recycled. Through their “No Kids on the Floor” campaign, the Furniture Bank gave over 1,000 beds to kids in need. As a “Second Chance” employer, The Furniture Bank provides life-changing gainful employment to over 50 families.
Shop now
* Working with Aaron Free
Amateur Artist
* Working with Ryne Thunderhawk
Jatziri Barron is a Mexican visual artist and muralist living and working in Houston since 2013, dedicated full-time to her art. The artist advocates through her art about the beauty of cultural identity and diversity. She’s interested in creating bonds for connecting people no matter their race, religion, culture, or background by creating awareness of different humanitarian topics.
As she comments on her latest work, "We are an extension of nature, magnifiers of our culture and identity, our skin tells stories about our ancestors, we are our colors, we are our roots, and we're proud".
Barron has done work for the Witte Museum of San Antonio, Berg Hospitality Group, Fendi, East End Cultural District, The Major Soccer League, Houston Dynamo, Houston Rockets, and other private companies and clients in U.S. and Mexico.
She is a 2022 Artist INC Cohort from the organization Fresh Arts and a 2023 grant recipient of the City’s Initiative Grant from the city of Houston.
Most recently, Jatziri has organized and curated different collective exhibitions offering a space to Houston artist to exhibit their work at the intersection of art, dance and music in different venues around town. The artist is now also a gallery owner from Kroma Art House, in which she represents Houston talent.
www.monicamelgarart.com
/MonicaMelgarArt
@monicamelgarart
www.notaproductioncompany.com
/directoraaronfree
@director_aaron_free
www.lottskidscafe.com
/lottskidscafe
@lottskidscafe
Purchase tickets
As a child, she would often get lost in her thoughts while gazing at patterns in wallpaper and flooring. She would always see faces. Fast forward 20-30 years later, she subconsciously brought those same aesthetics and inspirations into her art style. She creates fantastic, surreal worlds-a combination of abstract and illustrative details geared towards those with the gift of pareidolia. Her goal is to spark your own imagination and make sure every time you walk past her pieces, you see something entirely different.
Inspired by memory and movement, her pieces have been featured in exhibitions and donated to nonprofit causes around the world. Every canvas is an invitation—to feel, to connect, and to transform.
Her artistry doesn’t stop with the brush. As a producer at Not A Production Company (NAPC), Isla creates impact-driven films and campaigns, using storytelling as a bridge between art and action. Whether through cinema or paint, her mission is the same: to create beauty with purpose.
A Place to Dream
A documentary about The Furniture Bank that shares its mission and impact with a wider audience, ensuring no child has to go without a safe place to sleep.
Learn more
Tim Carter • Zavier Davis • Ryan Moya
Artists
Santiago Carrion • Grant Johnson • Faina Maredia
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts Students
Natasha Barnes • Cristie Bueno • Kayla Carden • Kristen Hueske • Madelyn Hueske • Julie LaPointe • Valerie Ward
Friends of Star Furniture and The Furniture Bank
Thank you Interior Design Society
Explore the talented Interior Designers who styled each table as a unique vignette in every Houston store.
Lacie Hechathorne •
Veronica Smith
Juliana Ewer • Lee'Or Meyerson
Jessica Duce
Ronda Ferguson •
Veronica Alanis
Kyleen Bushroe •
Jordan Coursey
Christine Cook • Jen Kolb
Ilse Benard • Francesca Bondace de Nigris
Thank you Interior Design Society
Explore the talented Interior Designers who styled each table as a unique vignette in every Houston store.
Juliana Ewer •
Lee'Or Meyerson
Jessica Duce
Ronda Ferguson •
Veronica Alanis
Kyleen Bushroe •
Jordan Coursey
Christine Cook •
Jen Kolb
Ilse Benard • Francesca Bondace de Nigris
