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Inside TRIBEZA’s Architecture Issue Launch Party on the Gorgeous Grounds of Laguna Gloria

The Contemporary Austin hosted Austin's lifestyle magazine for celebration of art, architecture and community at their stunning lakeside venue

Tina Stamos, Katie McClure, Jill McLennon and Gail Chovan.
(From left) Tina Stamos, Katie McClure, Jill McLennon and Gail Chovan. (Photo by John Pesina)

On September 4, TRIBEZA hosted a lively celebration at The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria to launch the 2025 Architecture Issue. Despite the late-summer heat, guests gathered in full force, filling the grounds with conversation, laughter and a shared appreciation for Austin’s creative spirit.

Framed by the Mediterranean-style Driscoll Villa and the venue’s lakeside gardens, the evening highlighted the architecture that defines the city. Editor-in-Chief Heidi Okla reflected on the significance of the venue, sharing, “To honor the rich tapestry of Austin’s architectural legacy, I chose to include Laguna Gloria in this issue because, to me, it is more than a location — it’s a living tribute to the enduring beauty of place, preservation and possibility.”

(From left) Ashley Nelson, Emily Fenves, Blair Baxter and Olivia Berger.
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(From left) Ashley Nelson, Emily Fenves, Blair Baxter and Olivia Berger. (Photo by John Pesina)
Jamie Chandlee and Hallie McDonald
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Jamie Chandlee and Hallie McDonald. (Photo by John Pesina)
Gail Chovan and Evan Voyles
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Gail Chovan and Evan Voyles. (Photo by John Pesina)
Iluka Enright and Kendall Forward.
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Iluka Enright and Kendall Forward. (Photo by John Pesina)
Sarah Swenson and Lindsey Leroy.
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Sarah Swenson and Lindsey Leroy.(Photo by John Pesina)
Cathlyn Davis and Louisa Grisebaum.
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Cathlyn Davis and Louisa Grisebaum. (Photo by John Pesina)
Jose Minguell, Laura McQuary, Laura Britt and Susie Roselle.
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Jose Minguell, Laura McQuary, Laura Britt and Susie Roselle. (Photo by John Pesina)
Karen Alford and Dr. Saima Jehangir.
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Karen Alford and Dr. Saima Jehangir. (Photo by John Pesina)
(From left) Luisa Bradshaw, Sarah Hayne, Ellie McGrath, Sara Drapkin.
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(From left) Luisa Bradshaw, Sarah Hayne, Ellie McGrath, Sara Drapkin. (Photo by John Pesina)
(From left) Reagan Riddle, Audrey Beesley, Leslie Martin, Daniel Martin and Tommy Lynn.
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(From left) Reagan Riddle, Audrey Beesley, Leslie Martin, Daniel Martin and Tommy Lynn. (Photo by John Pesina)
Zulu and Khani Zulu.
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Zulu and Khani Zulu. (Photo by John Pesina)
Gary, Frankie and Arthur Furman.
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Gary, Frankie and Arthur Furman. (Photo by John Pesina)

Attendees enjoyed guided tours of the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Park, gaining insight into the connection between art and the natural landscape. Guests also savored a curated selection of light bites by Spread & Co., paired with complimentary LALO Tequila cocktails and wines from Adega Vinho, served graciously by Drink Slingers.

RELATED Spread & Co. Harmonizes with its Artistic Garden Setting in Austin

(From left) Andie Glinn, Amanda Shaftel and Aaron Weiss.
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(From left) Andie Glinn, Amanda Shaftel and Aaron Weiss. (Photo by John Pesina)
Amber Garcia and Gwen Hernandez.
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Amber Garcia and Gwen Hernandez. (Photo by John Pesina)
David Davison and Christy Bowen.
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David Davison and Christy Bowen. (Photo by John Pesina)
Laura Daniel and Abbey Lengel.
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Laura Daniel and Abbey Lengel. (Photo by John Pesina)
Kristan Glass, Sarah Hayne, Jennifer Williams, Luisa Bradshaw, Stephanie Matthews and Sara Drapkin.
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Kristan Glass, Sarah Hayne, Jennifer Williams, Luisa Bradshaw, Stephanie Matthews and Sara Drapkin. (Photo by John Pesina)
Kristin Oenning, Jenna Gillory, and Christina Cruz.
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Kristin Oenning, Jenna Gillory, and Christina Cruz. (Photo by John Pesina)
Heather Powell, Mary Emma Partain and Cameron Breed.
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Heather Powell, Mary Emma Partain and Cameron Breed. (Photo by John Pesina)
Morgan Wohler, Mary Ellen Branisteanu, Mark Loudon.
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(From left) Morgan Wohler, Mary Ellen Branisteanu, and Mark Loudon. (Photo by John Pesina)
Diana and Geoff Chriswisser.
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Diana and Geoff Chriswisser. (Photo by John Pesina)
Mimi Daraa and Rhiann Peterson. (Photo by John Pesina)
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Mimi Daraa and Rhiann Peterson. (Photo by John Pesina)
Kevin Martinez and Christina Cruz.
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Kevin Martinez and Christina Cruz. (Photo by John Pesina)

The combination of beautiful surroundings, thoughtful conversation, and a community of creatives made for a memorable evening. From clinking glasses under the trees to exploring the historic villa as twilight settled in, the event encapsulated what TRIBEZA does best: celebrating the people, places, and stories that shape Austin.

Laguna Gloria proved to be the perfect setting—where history, art, and nature came together in true harmony.

RELATED: Laguna Gloria: Austin’s Historic Lakeside Villa Transformed Into a Modern Cultural Landmark

(From left) The TRIBEZA Team: Ashley Sauls, Avery Toomes, Krissy LittleStar Hearn, Heidi Okla, Morgan Seminaro, Cassie Butterfield. (Photo by John Pesina)
(From left) The TRIBEZA Team: Ashley Sauls, Avery Toomes, Krissy LittleStar Hearn, Heidi Okla, Morgan Seminaro and Cassie Butterfield. (Photo by John Pesina)

Read the Latest Issue of TRIBEZA Magazine

TRIBEZA highlights a sophisticated curation of Austin happenings, people, and places in a variety of disciplines—architecture, art, design, fashion, food, music and more.

Interested in Attending the Next TRIBEZA Event?

The next party will honor 10 recently selected TRIBEZA Curators. Held on Nov. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Green Pastures, the public event will include tasting menu items, cocktails, a Carabuena Tequila bar, a Meanwhile Brewery beer garden pop-up, live music and tours of the newly opened Inn at Green Pastures. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $75 through Sept. 25 with the code EARLYBIRD. Prices increase to $95 beginning Sept. 26.