For Cookie Ashton, Charity and Art Go Hand in Hand Houston-Based Artist Continues Commitment to Giv

Looking at Houston-based artist Cookie Ashton’s career so far, two things stand out – her passion for creating and her commitment to charity.

Her work is rooted in a lifetime of love for the arts. Growing up in Venezuela, Cookie Ashton caught the creative bug early, when her mother bought her a “paint by numbers” kit. She’s never been able to shake it.

The artist is grateful for the opportunity to have turned her lifelong passion into a career -- and that gratitude manifests in her charitable efforts.

“I am very blessed to have a profession that I am passionate about,” Ashton said. “It is wonderful to be able to work at what I love doing. I feel so appreciative of those who purchase my art and the least I can do is show that appreciation and give back to the community.”

Her paintings reveal a relentless desire to continually explore, learn, and express her creativity. Her work giving back to the community reveals a comparable desire to help others.

Ashton has donated paintings to organizations like Covenant House Texas, the American Heart Association and breast cancer fundraisers. She has also been a CowParade Houston participant and worked for two years as a volunteer for Child Advocates, Inc.

“I try to participate in at least three events each year in which I donate artwork,” she said. “The funds go to various great causes. Sometimes I organize the events, sometimes I donate works that fund specific charities and sometimes it involves donating my time to teach or help out.”

Her work has supported a wide variety of causes.

“In 2014, I helped organize a box show which was held in Spring Street Studios in the Washington Art District,” she said. “Approximately 100 artists painted one or more box shaped paintings, which sold for $100 each. All of the money went to Freedom Place, which is a recovery home for young girls that were victims of human trafficking. Most of the paintings sold within an hour.”

Much of her charitable work helps out close to home.

“One of my annual favorites is ‘Art on the Avenue,’” Ashton said. “It is organized by the Avenue Community Development Corporation, which works to revitalize our community by developing affordable housing and increasing economic opportunities.”

Ashton will be participating in “Art on the Avenue” again this year, as the organization celebrates 20 years. The event will be held at the Winter Street Studios, located at 2101 Winter St. in Houston. For more information, visit avenuecdc.org/art-on-the-avenue.

Ashton has also done philanthropy on an international scale, including helping the people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake in 2010. She was part of a committee, working alongside local gallery Laura Rathe Fine Art, that collected pieces from more than 100 artists for a silent auction.

“One of the largest fundraisers I have participated in was for the Haitian refugees following the 2010 earthquake that killed so many and left millions homeless,” she said. “We had such wonderful support from participating artists. The proceeds went to several relief organizations helping the people of Haiti.”

As impressive as all her charity work is, Ashton still downplays how much credit she deserves.

“There are so many generous donations from Houston-area artists,” she said. “I am just one of them.”

For more information about Cookie Ashton, visit cookiesfineart.com. She is represented by Laura Rathe Fine Art – and her work is on display in both its Houston and Dallas galleries.