This Week in Art & Activism!

Innovative online programming accompanies a moving, timely show at the MFAH.

Screen Shot 2020-06-24 at 9.12.48 AM

The Museum of Fine Arts postponed the April opening of its Soul of a Nation show — which explores the art of the age of Black Power, from the Civil Rights movement of the ’60s to the birth of identity politics in the ’80s — due to Covid. But in the weeks since, the Black Lives Matter movement has captured the attention of the world, and the show, set to debut on Saturday and run through the end of August, is more compelling than ever.


The museum will welcome visitors to the exhibit beginning Saturday, encouraging all to purchase tickets for a specific timeslot in advance. But it will also livestream its opening-day festivities, including lectures and greetings from curators from the MFAH, Tate Modern and Hayward Gallery. Next week, expect a virtual gallery tour — with video, audio and photography — to be live on the MFAH website, and in July, listen in on several panel discussions about Black art and activism.

Meanwhile, UH’s Blaffer Art Museum remains closed, but is committed to innovative online programming. On Monday, Houston artists Jamal Cyrus and Phillip Pyle II launched a collaborative digital project on the Blaffer Instagram account. In If Not Now, When?!, the artists explore civil-rights protests of the past and reflect on life in the Third Ward.

And the Rothko Chapel, which was slated to reopen this month after an extensive restoration, remains closed due to COVID. But the virus won’t delay its presentation of the Oscar Romero Award, which has been given biannually for more than 30 years, to those who demonstrate a deep commitment to grassroots human rights advocacy. Join via Vimeo on June 30 at 6pm, with a suggested donation of $5-$15.

AT TOP: A shot from “Rhapsody in Black and White” at Blaffer Art Museum in 2008

Dispatches
‘Culture of Service and Accountability’ Supports Mission of Orion EMS

Gerard O’Brien, President/CEO & Founder, and Sumi Patel, Vice President

HOW DID YOU get where you are today? The EMS industry, quite literally, never stops. Our staff and units are called to serve our community every hour of every day; there are no weekends, holidays, or “days off.” Obviously, the demands of EMS are not for the faint of heart, and we have established a culture of service and accountability that is different than nearly every other organization. Our leadership team sets this culture by exhibiting their passion for this industry daily. Their tireless dedication makes a better experience for our staff when they come to work and for our patients and clients when they call on us to transport their loved ones.

Keep ReadingShow less

Bun B performing

AS THE FALL social season begins to overlap the holidays, one of Houston’s grandest blue-chip galas unfolded in the The Caroline Wiess Law Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — raising well over $2 million!

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

Brennan's (photo by Kimberly Park)

STILL HAVEN’T DECIDED where you’ll pick up Thanksgiving provisions for Nov. 23? Whether you want to stay traditional or add a twist this year, some Houston restaurants are still taking orders for sides, sauces, mains and desserts. Here’s our tip sheet for the spontaneous!

Keep ReadingShow less
Food