May 4, 2025

Tallahassee house museums: Knott House & Goodwood

: Destinations, Galleries & Museums: Written by : 12-11-2014

The Knott House, Tallahasse, photo courtesy of Museum of Florida History

Tallahassee, the heart of Leon County, is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. With rolling hills, moss-draped oaks, and columns on every building, the city seems more like an extension of Georgia than Florida—absent are the beaches, ocean breezes, palm trees, nightclubs, and shell shops which are commonly associated with the Sunshine State. Tallahassee is a big small town that seems to find itself in national spotlight often, certainly every presidential election at least. I have visited Tallahassee numerous times. Sisterwoman’s family had a three-acre estate in the ritzy Rose Hill subdivision. From Houston’s Bush International to Tallahassee …continue reading

Dog on Monday: Chanel & Lucy

: Dog on Mondays: Written by : 12-08-2014

Chanel (Papillion) & Lucy (Yorkie) peaking from the Haute Pets van.

Don’t they look expensive!  This week’s Dog on Monday is a duo, cute little Chanel & Lucy! Chanel is a Papillion and Lucy is a Yorkshire Terrier. These pampered poochies are the pride and joy of Wendy Phillips. And pampered they are indeed… Wendy is the owner of Haute Pets, Houston’s premier hoytie toytie mobile grooming company. Have you noticed any of the pink grooming vans buzzing around the city?  Haute Pets arrives to the client’s home or business to provide professional grooming services in a clean, stress-free environment. The vans are fully equipped to pamper dogs (or cats) with organic shampoo, hydrotherapy …continue reading

Photo Friday: John Sherman

: Photo Friday: Written by : 12-05-2014

Tolerance by John Sherman, Houston

A big appreciative shout out to photographer John Sherman who submitted several wonderful pictures which has been a great resource for Photo Friday! Photo Friday was conceived as a recurring vehicle to spotlight photographers as well as to simplify my own life…  whether a professional or just occasional shutterbug, if you would like to be featured by TroysArt use the contact tab to submit your information!

A painting party with John Palmer at Vallone’s

: Artists, Food & Beverage: Written by : 12-03-2014

"Ode to Escapism", the result of my evening with John Palmer at Vallone's

Some events sound just too good to pass up. I recently received an invitation that interested me greatly—a painting party hosted by artist John Palmer at Vallone’s restaurant. Buddy Kirk Longmire agreed to join me for the event (I had to find a participant not only willing but also able to pony up the $135 fee). Famed restaurateur Tony Vallone has made a reputation for Houston’s finest and most exclusive establishments.   And having never been to the new restaurant in Memorial, Kirk and I drove out early last week to enjoy Happy Hour and for a tour before the paints came out! …continue reading

Dog on Monday: Trixie Lou Junebug Hanks

: Dog on Mondays: Written by : 12-01-2014

Trixie Lou Junebug Hanks is a healthy young Labrador.  She has a very happy home in Zachary, Louisiana, where her people are Barry & Melanie Hanks, and little ones Audrey & Henry Hanks. Trixie is not only a family pet and indoor pup, but also a most accomplished retriever.  Her picture today is provided by Mr. Hanks on his first hunt of the season.  (Mr. Hanks is not only the head of the Zachary Chapter of Ducks Unlimited but also the State DU “Green Wing” Chair in charge of youth outreach.)  Look at those ancient and magnificent cypress trunks in the …continue reading

An art pilgrimage to Utah, II

: Destinations: Written by : 11-30-2014

Castle Rock by Troy Broussard

Artwork can be the best souvenir from travel, especially from an area renowned for its landscape or indigenous culture. Unfortunately, while in Moab, Utah, I rarely saw authentic Indian pottery in the shops—a group of lovely vases seen through a shop window, to my chagrin, revealed a stamp reading “Made in China.” I learned that locals were desirous of Moab becoming a stronger visual arts community. And a few painters did catch my eye for their unique flair and perspective for capturing the landscape. One artist in particular was Chad Neihaus. And Moab has served to provide ample inspiration to …continue reading

An art pilgrimage to Utah, part I

: Destinations: Written by : 11-29-2014

Katie Scarlett with authentic petroglyphs, Moab, Utah

Reading somewhere on the internet the other day I saw an article about how scientists and historians now believe that many Petroglyphs found in areas of America could be much much older than previously believed. It brought to mind an adventure I had a few years back–an art pilgrimage to Utah. I put my dog Katie Scarlett in the car and my bicycle on the back and headed west. After two long days of travel I found myself amidst the mystical and strange landscape of Moab, Utah. The geology of this part of Utah is complex and unique in the world. …continue reading

Dog on Monday: Oscar, the cat

: Dog on Mondays: Written by : 11-24-2014

Oscar owns his new balcony in Houston...

Houston is growing exponentially. But it isn’t just people. With such a massive influx from all over the world also come their beloved companions. Today’s “Dog on Monday” is actually a cat—meet Oscar the Orange! Oscar is also known as “Second Oscar”. His person Lori Payton tells me that the Original Oscar passed away unexpectedly causing her to quickly search for a new kitten to fill the void. She found him at the Boulder Humane Society and fell in love. He has been Lori’s constant companion for the last 6 years and has seen her through many ups and downs, …continue reading

Tiny masterpieces by Amy Guidry

: Artists: Written by : 11-19-2014

Coexist by Amy Guidry, 4 x 4" canvas, $100

People often ask me for recommendations of which artist to buy without breaking the bank. Well, this is it… Artist Amy Guidry sent an email blast this week announcing a new collection of $100 paintings—a hundred bucks! Her little pieces are jewels and I wanted to share the information. This little collection are from her “In Our Veins” series which explores connections between living things and the cycle of life, and man’s relationship to the natural world. TroysArt readers might recall that I wrote about Amy back on August 7, 2014. She’s an amazing artist and this is a great …continue reading