HOUSTON – Disco balls, platform shoes and art was the theme of the 2008 Mirror Ball held on Friday night at the David Adickes studio.

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The 2008 Mirror Ball was full of glitter, sparkle and art.

The flashy 1970s inspired gala, which is better known as the “non-gala gala,” was co-hosted by Glasstire and the Fresh Arts Coalition.

“This is our sixth year co-hosting the non-gala,” said Marita Fairbanks, founder of the Fresh Arts Coalition.  “Every year we come up with a different theme.  Last year it was the Cheese Ball, where you had to dress cheesy or tacky. The year before, it was the Fire Ball.”

Whatever theme they chose, it certainly worked. In just six years, the annual ball has become one of the most memorable, most photographed and most talked about events of the season. And their 2008 event was no exception.

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Brian Kepchinskie, Todd Partridge and Tom Conroy got into the spirit of the event with their costumes.

Aptly called the Mirror Ball, guests were encouraged to wear either something shiny, mirror-like or from the 1970s disco era. In other words, it was time to dust off the pantsuits and get ready to boogie.

Based on the turnout, the attendees had fun finding their inner disco divas. Outfits ranged from disco ball hats to fake wigs, loud shirts and gold chains.  Anything sequence and silver was also hot, but it was the appearance of Houston's Roller Derby girls that really stole the show.

The girls showed up in their skates and wowed the audience with a surprise performance on the dance floor.

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The Mirror Ball revived disco in all it's glory.

But the night wasn’t just about fun fashion and fancy skating.  It was also about art.  Proceeds from the Mirror Ball raised funds that will be used to help bring progressive art to the area. 

The Fresh Arts Coalition is a collaboration of 25 different art groups in Houston. From dance to theatre, music to film, visual arts to opera, Fresh Arts is one of the most dynamic art organizations in the state.

To keep the work of the group going, the 400 guests could bid on various art pieces in the silent auction throughout the night and participate in an animated live auction.  

Chaired by Nic Phillips, Lisanne and Jim Rogers, Stuart Rosenburg and Heather Wagner, the ball also honored Leigh and Reggie Smith for their devotion to the Houston art scene.