North Texas artist Becca Waugh
TAMMYE NASH | Managing Editor
Nash@DallasVoice.com
Hunky’s Cedar Springs is promising “an unforgettable evening” featuring “neighborhood personalities, artists and supporters” when the iconic Gayborhood burger joint presents its Art Show and Auction on Wednesday, Sept. 17, during the city’s September Pride Week festivities.
The highlight of the event, organizers said, will be a series of custom portraits by Texas artist Becca Waugh, who has “created whimsical, one-of-a-kind artworks inspired by classic Hunky’s menu items. Each portrait mixes food, fun and personality, turning corn dogs, hot dogs and burgers into cheeky works of art.”
Waugh’s works will be auctioned off at the event, with proceeds benefitting the Cedar Springs Merchants Association’s efforts to “sustain and enrich the neighborhood,” according to a press release announcing the event.
CSMA “plays a vital role in strengthening and celebrating the Oak Lawn community. Through signature events like the Cedar Springs Wine Walk and the Clover Classic Golf Tournament, CSMA raises funds that directly support neighborhood beautification, safety
Initiatives and small business advocacy,” the press release notes.
“The association also serves as a unifying voice for merchants, helping preserve the historic and cultural character of Cedar Springs while fostering growth and inclusivity,” it continues. “By bringing people together through festivals, fundraisers and neighborhood improvements, CSMA ensures that Cedar Springs remains a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.”
The portraits in the auction will include CSMA President Kevin Miller, CSMA Secretary Lee Daugherty, CSMA Treasurer Jason Preston, CSMA Wine Walk Committee Chair Chad Mantooth and CSMA Clover Classic Committee Chair Donnesh Amrollah.
Community leaders and local personalities whose portraits will be auctioned off include Dallas Voice Publisher Leo Cusimano, entertainer Liquor Mini, Dallas Museum of Art’s Chief Experience Office Brad Pritchett, fashion designer RAMRODD, lifestyle guru Steve Kemble, Greg Dollgener Memorial AIDS Fund founder David Hearn, entertainer and Cher illusionist Wayne Smith, KNON Co-host and activist Patti Fink, former Dallas City Council member Adam Medrano, Caven Properties owner Mikey Nguyen, KNON Co-host and Dallas Voice senior writer David Taffet, former Caven head Christine Bengston, entertainer and Rose Room Show Director Cassie Nova, Teddy Bear Party founders and stars of Magnolia Network’s Back to the Frontier Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs and their family and Unleashed LGBTQ+ Festival founder Wesley Smoot.
“For about a year I’ve been really diving into what I’m calling my ‘corn dog era’ of art-making,” Waugh said of her unique style of caricatures. “I’ve focused on fusing the iconic image of the corn dog, sometimes other American food items, with themes from pop culture and beyond.
Earlier this year I began offering live corn dog portraits at events, and they’ve been a big hit and something fun and silly patrons can take home as a keepsake.
“I love bringing joy to people through my artwork, and food portraits have proven to be a fun way to do that,” the artist added.
The evening begins with a VIP reception and exclusive preview for portrait celebrities, sponsors and invited guests from 6:30-7:30 p.m., following by the general reception, which is open to the community and will include hors d’oevres, wine, frozen margaritas and daiquiris as well as on-site art demonstrations from 7:30-9 p.m.
A suggested $10 donation at the door supports CSMA.
Organizers that sponsors and partners for their support of the event, including Just Enough Wines, Planteray Rum, Suerte Tequila, US Foods and Signature Baking Company. They also thanked Pride in Dallas “for their support and for organizing a fabulous week of events.”