INSPIRIT: The Rothko Chapel’s Annual Evening of Inspiration
In March 2025, the Rothko Chapel hosted its 
annual INSPIRIT gala—an evening that brings 
together supporters from across Houston and 
around the country to celebrate the Chapel’s 
mission and advance its transformative work. 
As our largest fundraising event of the year, 
INSPIRIT plays a vital role in sustaining the 
Chapel’s programs, community partnerships, 
and leadership at the intersection 
of art, spirituality, and social justice.
This year’s INSPIRIT centered on a 
powerful conversation exploring the 
role of art as a catalyst for activism 
and social change. Renowned artist 
and activist Shepard Fairey joined 
Houston-based multidisciplinary 
artist Trenton Doyle Hancock for 
an in-depth dialogue moderated by 
art historian Dr. Alvia J. Wardlaw. 
Together, they examined how visual 
culture shapes public consciousness, 
mobilizes communities, and confronts 
critical human rights issues, a theme deeply 
aligned with the Chapel’s founding purpose.
Held at The Astorian, the evening gathered 
hundreds of donors, community leaders, 
artists, and advocates. Guests reflected 
not only on the Chapel’s artistic legacy, but 
also on its continued role as a sanctuary 
for connection, contemplation, and civic 
engagement. INSPIRIT affirmed the enduring 
relevance of the Chapel’s mission during 
a time of cultural fragmentation, offering 
a space where creativity, spirituality, and 
justice converge.
In addition to the program, INSPIRIT 2025 
featured a benefit art auction presented 
by McClain Gallery, with more than twenty 
museum-quality works on view at C2 Art 
Advisors. An edition of prints by Houston 
artist Aaron Parazette, inspired by the Rothko 
Chapel, were also offered in support of the 
Chapel’s work. The dedication of presenting 
sponsors Maire and David Baldwin and the 
Muriel Pollia Foundation, along with the 
generosity of attendees, helped ensure the 
event’s success and expanded the Chapel’s 
capacity to reach more people with its mission 
of dialogue, healing, and human dignity.
Inspirit continues to be a profound expression 
of the Rothko Chapel’s values, celebrating 
the transformative power of the arts while 
strengthening the foundation for the Chapel’s 
future impact.
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