Check out the Pride Tree at the Chamber Holiday Celebration! Visit the Pride Tree and Vote!
Vote for the Pride Tree!
The Chamber is participating once again in the Alley Theatre's 18th Annual Deck The Trees festive holiday tree exhibition. We hosted an event in November to decorate the ornaments for the Pride Tree, which is titled Celebrate Diversity.
The tree design and theme was created by Chamber Member, Robert Shipman, with Robert Shipman Flowers + Events. We asked Robert to share his vision for the Pride Tree and its meaning. You can read his words below about the concept and design.
Thank you to Robert for his collaboration on the Chamber’s Pride Tree this year.
VISIT!
You can visit the Chamber Pride Tree at the George R. Brown through January 1, 2025.
VOTE!
Be sure and cast your vote today for the Chamber Pride Tree!
Celebrate Diversity
By Robert Shipman
When I was asked to design a holiday tree for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, I wanted to create something that truly represented the Chamber’s members and the spirit of our community. My mind immediately went to the image of an old-school family tree—one adorned with a collection of ornaments that had deep, personal meanings.
These were the kind of ornaments that might be made by children, gifted by loved ones, or picked up as souvenirs from special moments in life. To me, this approach was far more meaningful than a mass-produced, overly curated design. A tree like this felt more like a true reflection of “family.
To bring this idea to life, we decided to host ornament-making parties with Chamber members. These gatherings became a creative space where people could come together, share stories, and express themselves through art. We provided all kinds of materials—glitter, paint, ribbons, and inspiration—to help spark creativity.
Each person brought their own unique perspective, creating ornaments that reflected their individual experiences and identities. The atmosphere was filled with holiday cheer, laughter, and the joy of community connection.
The result was breathtaking—a tree that was a true menagerie of styles, colors, and designs. Each ornament told a story, representing the rich diversity of queer people from all walks of life.
The tree became a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and the bonds that tie us together as a community. It was an honor to create something so personal and meaningful, and I couldn’t have imagined a better way to represent the heart of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.
ABOUT DECK THE TREES
This holiday tradition, drawing in 250,000 visitors annually, celebrates Houston’s arts and culture through a mix of whimsical, cultural, traditional, and eclectic tree designs. The tree exhibition complements the Alley’s yearly holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, on the theatre stage.
This year, the event will turn both the Alley and the George R. Brown Convention Center into a joyful wonderland featuring 40 stunning trees and wreaths. Each tree will be artistically adorned by a renowned designer, adding a touch of holiday magic to the atmosphere! Learn more at https://www.alleytheatre.org/support-us/special-events/deck-the-trees/.
Thank you to Chamber Member, Alley Theatre, for your collaboration on the Chamber Pride Tree!