e-culture: Altar for Emma Tenayuca, Following the Spirit, Ushpizin, Dragon Boats, More
October 15, 2005


IN THIS ISSUE

-A Day of the Dead Altar for Emma Tenayuca
-Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit
-Related Events and Educational Activities
-Day of the Dead Observances in Houston
-Donate to Texas-Mexico Border Communities
-Asian American Festival, Dragon Boats, More
-Upcoming Educational Adventures
-Free Film Passes for Ushpizin Available


An Altar for Emma Tenayuca
October 15 through November 6
4 - 8pm, Wed - Fri; 2 - 8pm, Sat & Sun

http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/houston.html

The Day of the Dead is approaching and Houstonians have a unique opportunity to participate and learn about the popular Mexican tradition, which is held to remember family members and friends, and to honor ancestors' traditions.

Houston Institute for Culture will exhibit an altar for Mexican-American labor activist Emma Tenayuca to educate about the Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead, and to inform viewers about modern issues on the US-Mexico border. A second altar will raise awareness of increasing violence against women in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Visitors are encouraged to bring necessities (shoes, toothbrushes, over-the-counter medicines, food and clothing) to donate to people living in colonias on both sides of the US-Mexico border. They are also encouraged to bring stuffed animals to be given to children living in unincorporated areas on the border during the "Christmas in the Colonias project.
http://www.houstonculture.org/border/help.html

"Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit", produced by San Rafael Films, will be shown at 7:00pm from Tuesday, October 25 through Thursday, October 27. The film's producer Patricia Collins will be on hand for discussion following the film screenings. More special events are listed below.

A Listening Station will be available for visitors to hear the historic music of San Antonio and South Texas; labor and civil rights songs; and movemiento music of the Chicano struggle for equality.

5555 Morningside, Suite 204
Houston, Texas 77005
http://www.houstonculture.org

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Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit

"Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit", from the award-winning film series produced by San Rafael Films, will be shown at 7:00pm from Tuesday, October 25 through Thursday, October 27. The film's producer Patricia Lacy Collins will be on hand for discussion following the film screenings.

From the 1840s through the 1990s, successive Mexican governments have sought to control and frequently to suppress the religious life of the Mexican people. Suppression became particularly bitter following the constitution of 1917.

The irresistible spirituality of contemporary Mexico plays against the dark years of struggle. Observances of the Days of the Dead, the revived processions of Corpus Christi, and the canonization of Juan Diego provide bright counterpoints.

The 56-minute documentary is narrated by Edward James Olmos. It was directed by Robert Cozens and produced by San Rafael Films, Patricia Lacy Collins and Robert Cozens. Production was sponsored by the Southwest Alternative Media Project (SWAMP) and the University of St. Thomas.

"Following the Spirit" is the third in the "Darkness into Light" series, which includes "Guadalupe, Mother of All Mexico" and "Semana Santa, San Miguel". It will air on Houston PBS, Channel 8, on Sunday, October 9 at 4:00pm and Wednesday, October 12 at 1:00pm.

Learn more at: http://www.sanrafaelfilms.com

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Related Events and Educational Activities

The following events related to our current educational exhibit "Altar for Emma Tenayuca" are free and open to the public. Please arrive early. Seating is limited.

Sunday, October 23, 6:00pm - Film and Discussion: Frida
Examine the time period and life of the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as it relates to Emma Tenayuca.

Tues - Thurs, October 25 - 27, 7:00pm - Special Screening of "Darkness into Light: Following the Spirit"
The film's producer Patricia Collins will be on hand for discussion following the film screenings.

Tuesday, November 1, 6:30pm - All Saints' Day: New Orleans
A slide presentation and discussion will consider the city's diverse history and cultural experience.

Thursday, November 3, 6:30pm - Film and Discussion: When the Mountains Tremble
Consider social-political issues in Latin America, and the events that led to the Nobel Peace Prize for Rigoberta Menchu.

Sunday, November 6, 6:00pm - Presentation: The US-Mexico Border
A slide presentation and discussion will explore the social, economic and health issues, and factors behind immigration.

Houston Institute for Culture
5555 Morningside, Suite 204
Houston, Texas 77005
713-521-3686

Located in the Rice Village between Rice Blvd and University Blvd, upstairs from Brian O'Neill's Restaurant.


An educational guide about Day of the Dead prepared for this exhibit is available on line:
http://www.lulu.com/houston

Order two copies and receive free shipping, or if ordering one copy, be sure to select 'media mail' to receive the lowest shipping rate.


Learn more about the Day of the Dead
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico

Learn more about Emma Tenayuca
http://houstonculture.org/hispanic/tenayuca.html

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Day of the Dead Observances in Houston

Following is a partial list of fun and educational observances in Houston. Find more listed at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/houston.html


Multicultural Education and Counseling through Arts
1900 Kane Street
Houston, Texas 77007
713-802-9370
www.meca-houston.org

MECA Day of the Dead Festival
Saturday, October 29, 2005, 11:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, October 30, 2005, 11am-6pm

MECA presents its annual Day of the Dead Festival: Honoring our Past, Celebrating Our Future with performance in the auditorium and outside the building, as well as altars by local artists and performances by students of the center.

MECA Performers Schedule

Free

View images of the MECA Day of the Dead Festival
http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/mecafestival/meca01.html

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The Orange Show
2402 Munger Street
Houston, Texas 77023
713-926-6368
www.orangeshow.org

Dearly Departed - Eyeopener Tour
Sunday, October 30, 2005, Noon-6pm

This tour explores diverse attitudes and approaches to death, especially the tradition of the Mexican Day of the Dead. We will visit the annual Dia De Los Muertos ofrendas at Casa Ramirez, where people set altars up in honor of departed loved ones. To see how one artist has interpreted the idea of death, we will visit the Heights studio of nationally renowned artist Sharon Kopriva, followed by a tour of a cemetery and more will keep us busy for the day.

$35 for member; $50 for non-members

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Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main Street
Houston, Texas 77002
713-528-5858
www.lawndaleartcenter.org

Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos
November 5 - November 30, 2005

Lawndale's presents its 18th Annual Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos exhibit and celebration. Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday 12pm-5pm; Closed Sunday.

Free


Retablo Gala and Silent Auction
Thursday, November 3, 2005, 6-9pm

In this annual event, Lawndale invites Texas artists to create their own interpretation of the traditional tin devotional painting practice in Mexico known as the retablo. Every year the works created for this event range from the very traditional to the more abstract. All proceeds from the silent auction help to fund Lawndale Art Center's annual programs.

$35 per person; Complimentary for Lawndale Members


Family Day/Fiesta
Saturday, November 5, 2005, Noon-4pm

Retablos will be on exhibit and there will be performances by Ballet Folklorico Mixteco at 1:30 and 2:30pm, as well as hot chocolate and pan de muerto.

Free


Nuestra Palabra
Saturday, November 5, 2005, 6pm

In celebration of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos, Lawndale and Houston's Nuestra Palabra: Latinos Have Their Say will present an evening of literary ofrendas (offerings) to the late Tejano poet, Ricardo Sanchez. It's a unique Lawndale experience where local writers, poets and essayists will offer various forms of poetry and prose honoring this influential and internationally celebrated poet. Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Tony Diaz, author, Founder and Artistic Director of Nuestra Palabra.

Free

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Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77005
713-639-7300
www.mfah.org

Family and Friends Day - Dia de los muertos
Sunday, October 30, 2005, 1-4pm

Cullen Sculpture Garden - Create a Day of the Dead mural with artist Josef Sifuentes! Watch as artist Lisa Hernandez builds an altar dedicated to grandmothers! Explore the exhibition, Thornton Dial in the 21st Century, with Houston artists! An Much More!

Free


Family Day: El Dia de los Muertos
Sunday, October 30, 2005, 1-4pm

Caroline Wiess Law Building - Bring the entire family for art-making fun at this popular, drop-in workshop.

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Be sure to confirm all event information with the organizers.

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Donate to Texas-Mexico Border Communities

Visitors to our educational exhibit "Altar for Emma Tenayuca" and related programs are encouraged to bring necessities (shoes, toothbrushes, OTC medicines, food and clothing) to donate to people living in colonias on both sides of the US-Mexico border. They are also encouraged to bring stuffed animals to be given to children living in unincorporated areas on the border during the "Christmas in the Colonias" project.

Please note: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and Over-the-Counter medications should be wrapped in original packaging and have expiration dates no shorter than six months. Food items should be nonperishable and easily prepared. Shoes, clothing and stuffed animals should be new or gently worn.

Donors should be practical about the items they give; residents in colonias often do not have electricity, running water, air conditioning, or paved roads.

Learn more at: http://www.houstonculture.org/border/help

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Asian American Festival, Dragon Boats, More

A.D. Players Presents a Special Engagement of "James and the Giant Peach"
Through October 22

Bring your kids to this larger-than-life adventure based on the book by Roald Dahl and adapted by David Wood, at A.D. Players. Young James leads a happy life until the sudden loss of his parents forces him to live with and serve his cruel aunts. One day, while working in their garden, a fruitless tree begins to grow a giant peach...and thus begins a giant adventure!

$9
For showtimes and ticket availability call 713-526-2721
http://www.adplayers.org

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"My Garden Gramacho"
Tuesday, October 18, 8:00pm

"My Garden Gramacho," explores the grassroots organizing of the thousands who feed themselves off the world's largest garbage dump in Rio de Janeiro. Filmmaker Andrew Lenz will be in attendance to discuss the film and take questions.

Rice Media Center (entrance #8 at University Blvd. and Stockton Dr.)
Rice University

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"Not for Sale," Film and Discussion
Wednesday, October 19, 7:30pm

Globalization Forum offers a film and discussion on "Not for Sale," which explores corporate efforts to secure intellectual property rights on things essential to life itself. This event is a follow-up to the August presentation on how corporate patents have severely damaged health care in Africa.

Olive Branch Meeting Room of the Maryknoll House
2160 Rice Blvd. (just west of Greenbriar)
For more information, contact Joan Denkler, 713-467-2996 ====================================

Houston Friends of Music
Thursday, October 20, 8:00pm

Houston Friends of Music celebrates its 45th season of the world's finest chamber music presented with The Shepherd School of Music. One of Britain's premier chamber groups, the celebrated Saint Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble, performs for one night only in Houston at Rice University. The program features Sextets by Dvorak and Schulhoff and the Enesco Octet for Strings in C-Major.

The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Kenneth Sillito violin and leader
Harvey de Souza violin
Martin Burgess violin
Jan Schmolck violin
Robert Smissen viola
Duncan Ferguson viola
Stephen Orton cello
John Heley cello

Stude Concert Hall
Rice University
Event parking is available opposite the building in the guest parking area. Entrance #17 or #18 off Rice Blvd. and Entrance #8 off University Blvd.

For information or for tickets call: 713-348-5400
http://www.houstonfriendsofmusic.org

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The US and Uzbekistan: Implications for the Future
Thursday, October 20, 6:00pm Registration; 6:30pm Program

The U.S. is searching for a post 9-11 strategy for Afghanistan and the broader region of Central Asia of which Afghanistan is the heart. Recent developments in Uzbekistan, notably the armed confrontation that left several hundred dead in the town of Andijan, complicates that task. Dr. Starr, drawing on his recent publications in Foreign Affairs and elsewhere, will review recent developments in Uzbekistan, sketch out the broader policy questions at issue, and suggest a path forward that meshes with the interests of the countries in that region and of the United States.

Dr. S. Frederick Starr has been a wise and prescient guide during his previous visits to Houston. In spring of 2001 he warned that the U.S. was ignoring Afghanistan at its own peril. Now Dr. Starr is focusing attention on Uzbekistan and the recent erosion of relations between the U.S. and this large and unpredictable country in Central Asia. Dr. Starr is the chairman of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute; research professor at Johns Hopkins University; former president of Oberlin College and of the Aspen Institute; founding director of the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies; regular participant in the World Economic Forum; and first non-Russian laureate of the Literary Gazette in Moscow. He has also served as the rector pro-tem of the University of Central Asia, an institution to foster economic development initiated by three regional presidents and the Aga Khan in Tajikistan.

$10 Members; $15 non-members
InterContinental Hotel Houston
2222 West Loop South

Sponsored by Asia Society Texas. To register, call 713-439-0265 (credit card orders only) M-F 9-5.

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Twelve Moments: A Year of Meditation
Friday, October 21, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Come experience the meditative practice of Roman Catholicism, led by Sister Adeline O'Donahue.

The Rothko Chapel
Sul Ross

Open to public and admission is free.
http://www.rothkochapel.org

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The Decade of Nonviolence-Houston Awards Dinner
Saturday, October 22, 6:30pm

The Decade of Nonviolence-Houston's awards dinner, postponed by Hurricane Rita, has been re-scheduled on this date. There will be a vegetarian Indian meal prepared especially for the occasion. Keynote speaker is Dr. Jill Carroll of the Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University. There will also be awards to local peace builders, performances by Indian dancers, and a surprise musical guest.

$25 per ticket; $40 per couple
Hare Krishna Temple
34th St. at Ella Blvd.
For more information contact: Carole Keene, 713/869-6364, carolekeene@juno.com
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Asian American Festival
Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23 (activities begin at Noon)

Free
Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
100 Concert Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-284-8350
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org

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Texas Dragon Boat Festival, Clear Lake
Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23

Two days of exciting Dragon Boat Racing on Pasadena Lake at Clear Lake Park, hosted by the Texas Dragon Boat Association. Dragon Boats are elaborately decorated 47-foot long vessels crewed by 20 paddlers, one drummer and one steersman. Corporate, community, police/fire, municipal, breast cancer survivor and youth teams will participate in the races on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2005. Teams will compete for Industry Cups, the Texas Cup, and overall International Cup, as well as recognition as 2005 Central Region Champions.

http://www.texasdragonboat.com

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Women of Chiapas
Thursday, October 27, 7:00pm

Mothers from Chiapas are coming to Houston through the Mexico Solidarity Network and talking about women confronting globalization. Join us for a movie night to raise money for indigenous women in the Zapatista communities of Chiapas. We will screen two short films about free trade and Zapatista women as well as participate in a theatrical teach-in. At 7:00pm there will be refreshments and mingling, with the film screenings shortly after. The group will have handmade shirts for sale.

$5 - $10 donation
The Artery
5401 Jackson (entrance on Prospect)
http://www.arteryhouston.org

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Creating a Culture of Peace
October 28-30

This workshop helps participants travel their internal and external pathways to peace and peace-making. Sponsored by the Fellowship for Reconciliation and the Decade for Nonviolence-Houston.

$50
fee includes meals beginning with dinner on Friday.
St. Mark's United Methodist Church
600 Pecore St. (near downtown Houston)
For more information and to register contact: Brenda Hardt, bbhardt@academicplanet.com

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Benefit for the Houston Social Forum
Saturday, October 29, 6:00pm - 2:00am

Houston Social Forum is planned as a venue for progressive activists to strategize, network, spread ideas and information, increase awareness of progressive organizations, and educate each other about issues. The first Houston Social Forum is planned for spring 2006. This benefit will feature musical entertainment by local bands Punkin Pie, Rosa, The Free Radicals, and Meridia. Also poetry readings, literature display tables, baked goods, vegan delicacies, and desserts for sale. People can bring literature for the tables.

$5 cover charge over 21; $10 under 21
Helios
411 Westheimer Rd.
http://www.houstonsocialforum.org

Planning meetings take place most Sundays at 2:00pm at Houston Institute for Culture, 5555 Morningside, Suite 204.

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Day of the Dead Observances in Houston
Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30

Several organizations in Houston will celebrate the popular Mexican tradition of El dia de los muertos (The Day of the Dead), including MECA (Multicultural Education and Counseling through Arts), Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Orange Show, and Lawndale Art and Performance Center.

Find out more at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/houston.html

And don't forget to visit Houston Institute for Culture, 5555 Morningside, Suite 204, for an educational exhibit "Altar for Emma Tenayuca".

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Stay tuned to the calendar for more upcoming events.
http://www.houstonculture.org/events

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Upcoming Educational Adventures

We are going to have two slide presentations in our office (associated with the current exhibit) which will provide a great opportunity to find out more about our trips. One presentation is about New Orleans (Tuesday, November 1, 6:30pm) and the other about the Mexico border (Sunday, November 6, 6pm), but we will also give a brief survey of many of our destinations, as well as our travel methods and ideals.

With increasing fuel prices and other costs going up, this may be the last effective way to travel without getting on a large charter bus on a tight schedule.

It is recommended that you attend a slide presentation to learn more and have specific questions answered, and meet other adventurers who you may be traveling with some day soon.

2005-06 Travel Series Schedule

Mexico's Copper Canyon
Friday, November 18 - Sunday, November 27, 2005
Batopilas, Chihuahua, Mexico

A Southwest Christmas
Friday, December 23 - Thursday, December 29, 2005
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Camp Dos Cabezas
Saturday, May 27 - Sunday, June 4, 2006
Cochise County, Arizona.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Friday, June 30 - Wednesday, July 5, 2006
Wednesday, July 5 - Monday, July 10, 2006
Washington, DC

The Land of Enchantment
Saturday, August 5 - Sunday, August 13, 2006
Gallup, New Mexico

El dia de los muertos (The Day of the Dead)
Monday, October 30 - Sunday, November 5, 2005
Taxco, Mexico

Call 713-521-3686, or email info@houstonculture.org to learn more.

http://www.houstonculture.org/travel

Find brief descriptions of our tours at:
http://www.houstonculture.org/travel/descriptions.html

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Passes for Ushpizin Available, More Announcements

We have free film passes for Ushpizin, which will be screened on Thursday, October 20, 7:00pm at AMC Studio 30, 2949 Dunvale. The passes are available at our office, 5555 Morningside, Suite 204, in the Rice Village between Rice Blvd and University Blvd, upstairs from Brian O'Neill's Restaurant. They may be picked up during exhibit hours, W-F 4-8pm, and Sat and Sun 2-8pm.

http://www.Ushpizin.com

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Seeking Volunteer for Louisiana Project

We are preparing to track the recovery status of cultural resources in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana Parishes. This project is in response to the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina. We may expand the project in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Rita in southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas. Please contact us if you are interested to help with this by calling 713-521-3686, or by emailing info@houstonculture.org.

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Arabian Spices DVD by Sahira

Sahira has just finished filming her first ever instructional DVD, "Arabian Spices". The choreography was first created by Sahira for Urban Gypsy, and has been performed all over Texas to rave reviews. The beautiful 90 minute DVD includes the breakdown of ten sassy combinations for your dancing enjoyment. These combinations are pieced together a few at a time, culminating in a special performance of the 4 1/2 minute choreography by members of Urban Gypsy. You can order your copy at www.sahira.cc or by emailing sahira@sahira.cc for $20 (includes tax).


Thank you for supporting great educational and cultural activities.

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M  a  r  k @houstonculture.org

With assistance from Ann Wang


Houston Institute for Culture
5555 Morningside #204
Houston, Texas 77005

http://www.houstonculture.org