The story behind Houston-based artist Cookie Ashton reveals a passionate desire to continually explore, learn, and express her creativity.

Her work can be found in the Stafford Center for the Performing Arts, the Administration building for Texas State University, the Texas State Nursing School in Round Rock, Memorial Hermann Breast Care Center and Texas A&M University among many other personal and commercial collections.

Ashton is represented by Laura Rathe Fine Art - and her work is on display in both its Houston and Dallas galleries. To learn more, visit cookiesfineart.com.

The Rothko Chapel is open to the public every day of the year at no charge and successfully interconnects art, spirituality and compassionate action through a broad array of free public programs. Founded by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary. Today it stands as a monument to art, spirituality and human rights. As an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, the Chapel depends on contributions from foundations and individuals to support its mission of creating a space for contemplation and dialogue on important issues.

Momma Strong is a fitness and motivation company on a mission to strengthen moms so that they can show up in the world in they way they choose. Founder Courtney Wyckoff, a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and mother of two, has created do-at-home programs to address the specific needs of mothers –  in quick, 15-minute daily sessions. She also coaches members on a number of topics related to nutrition, wellness, exercise and injury prevention -- and offers intelligently designed online conditioning programs with in-depth looks at ways to improve physical, mental and emotional health. Optional week-long retreats, or “recesses,” offer opportunities to retune, gain strength and have fun under the guidance of a chiropractor, a psychotherapist and a corrective exercise specialist. Momma Strong also is actively involved in educational outreach programs. For more information, visit mommastrong.com.

Radical Eats, founded in 2011, is a Houston café located at 507 Westheimer.  Chef Staci Davis focuses on locally sourced cuisine and starts with seasonal ingredients, which she and her staff then prepare in fresh, delicious and unique presentations.  In addition to a regular menu of gluten-free, vegan and omnivore selections, the restaurant offers happy hour specialties, as well brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Catering is also available. For more information, visit radicaleats.com

Located at 1701 Commonwealth, in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood arts enclave, the Flat serves up cocktails with a focus on high-end rums. There is also a wide selection of wines and local beer on tap. The lounge is known as a great venue for music and a space to show off moves on the dance floor. The food menu features wings and unique, gourmet pizzas. The bar is open seven days a week – from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and all day on Monday. Sunday offers reverse happy hour from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Dunford's artwork invites viewers to ponder; his imagery sparks further investigation. And if his paintings seem to hint at an underlying narrative, that's because Dunford is first and foremost a storyteller - no matter which medium he decides to use.

While most artists pick one material to explore, Dunford has a more varied repertoire. He draws, paints, prints and sculpts - but he also is an actor, director, scenic painter, carpenter, prop builder and puppeteer.

Old West Melodrama, stationed at 100 Main Street in Old Town Spring, is the only performing group in the greater Houston area that offers melodramas and murder mystery dinner shows year round. The troupe, founded by Joe Cole, is comprised of experienced actors and performers who enjoy interacting with the audience. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 713-364-9190, emailreservations@oldwestmelodrama.com or visit www.oldwestmelodrama.com.

Born in Switzerland and raised in Mexico, Galley began studying art in London at the Institute of Contemporary Art in the late 1980s before moving to New York where she continued to perfect her style and technique. She is a life member of The Art Students League of New York whose notable students include Jackson Pollock. Her sought-after paintings are owned in private collections around the world.

For more information about Anne-Joëlle Galley's art, please visit her website at www.annejoelle.com.

Marthann Masterson, a third-generation Houstonian, started her career as a professional chef and television personality. Her creative energy and talent has now moved to the art studio. She studied at the Glassell School of Art. Her work has been exhibited in Houston and Florida, where she won an international art competition and her paintings were viewed by more than 40,000 people. One of her pieces inspired a ballet in Sarasota, Florida. Masterson was also one of five featured artists in a “The Soul of The Artist,” a book by Janet Roe.

METdance strives to educate and revitalize a passion for dance through formal instruction and performance. With professional and youth dance companies, as well as a strong community outreach program, METdance is a leader in the vitality and diversity of Houston's dance community. The METdance company has traveled across the U.S. to perform works by influential and talented choreographers. Helmed by founder and executive director Michelle Smith, artistic director Marlana Doyle and associate director Joe Celej, the company is the sister organization to the METdance Center, which opened the doors to a newly renovated facility in May 2013 in Houston's Midtown district. For more information, visit www.metdance.org.

Michael Garman runs his own boutique furniture design company, blacktronics.com, Inc.. He designs and builds the pieces by hand in his studio in The Woodlands. For more information, visit garmanfurniture.com.