Lunchtime Cultural Tourism

By Chuck Winkler, TCA Program Administrator

I like to write about the places I visit and the art that I see as I travel for the Texas Commission on the Arts.  I do not have any trips coming up, but I do have some wonderful art to talk about.  Right here in downtown Austin there is plenty of opportunity for cultural tourism even if it is just during lunch break!

Austin Museum of Art Logo

The TCA, in partnership with the Texas Education Agency, has a series of art exhibits that feature the exciting work of Texas school children.  Through August 31, 2010, check out the 3-d and 2-d art from Laredo, Del Rio, and Austin in the TEA (1701 N. Congress Ave) and the Legislative Budget Board (1501 North Congress, 5^th floor) offices.  And at the TCA (920 Colorado Street, 5^th floor) offices, come see the beautiful art from Tyler ISD.

Women and Their Work, Austin, TX

While you are in the area, you can visit two other TCA funded organizations.  Austin Museum of Art (AMOA) presents exhibitions that focus primarily on twentieth-century and contemporary American art and are designed to appeal to a general audience. The current show of Chris Jordan photos will run until August 15, 2010.  Jordan’s work is a group of extra large, “startling digital photographs that paint a disturbing yet strangely seductive picture of American life today.”  Just blocks away, Women & Their Work, is a visual and performing art organization located in Central Austin that serves as a catalyst for contemporary art created by women living and working in Texas and beyond.  For over 30 years, W&TW has brought groundbreaking art to Austin, with exhibitions, performances, literary readings and educational workshops.

So take a moment, and visit these exciting art venues all within blocks of our state capitol.

“Wimbledon of Classical Guitar” in Austin

By Anina Moore, TCA Program Admininstrator

On June 27, Mia Buentello and I attended a unique night of performances in Austin.  The Austin Classical Guitar Society (ACGS) hosted the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Convention and Competition, dubbed “the Wimbledon of classical guitar,” and drawing attendees from over 25 countries.

Guitar Foundation of America Logo

While many of the conference events were closed to general audiences, there were significant evening events that were successfully marketed to the public.  Pepe Romero performed two public programs of different repertoire, and the LA Guitar Quartet did three—one program was a Saturday concert with TCA Touring Roster artists (and kid favorites) the Biscuit Brothers.  This overall approach seemed like a great way of providing excellent arts programming to conference attendees, while simultaneously subsidizing expenses through ticket sales, and providing spectacular performances to the public, raising their awareness of classical guitar, the Austin Classical Guitar Society, and the Guitar Foundation of America.

Biscuit Brothers Logo

The evening that we attended started with a performance by 200 young guitar students who had spent the past three days in section rehearsals and coaching sessions.  Led by Dr. Michael Quantz of the University of Texas at Brownsville, the guitar orchestra performed several works, including one newly commissioned from one of Austin’s favorite composers, Graham Reynolds.

The education pre-show continued with an address by Dr. Robert Duke, who directs the Center for Music Learning at the University of Texas at Austin.  Dr. Duke extolled the benefits of music education, of course, but distilled the lasting, continuous, it-doesn’t-matter-whether-you’ve-mastered-your-instrument-yet effect of it to joy, something we perhaps don’t talk about enough when we talk about the benefits of involvement in the arts.  He spoke as ticket holders were finding their seats for the “main event,” and I hope that they, probably least likely to have heard an engaging analysis on why the arts matter, really got to hear him, and walk away with that message.

The evening was punctuated by the announcement of the twelve finalists for the guitar competition portion of the conference, which gave the general audience a glimpse into the dedicated, disciplined world that was represented by the conference attendees.

Guitarist Adam Holzman

And what drew the audience in for this main performance?  None other than Austin’s own Adam Holzman on classical guitar (a past winner of the GFA competition), and the Miró Quartet.  The evening was titled “Local Heroes,” and these folks certainly qualify—and mesmerize.  The audience filled the Long Center for the Performing Arts for this show, and enjoyed every minute of it.  If you missed it, there’s a chance to see it, and more—Austin’s PBS station, KLRU, was taping all performances to create a documentary on the conference and related performances.

Long Center for the Performing Arts

Conferences and conventions are easy examples of tourism revenue; when the arts are involved, and conference events are opened to the public, the advantages multiply: performers can gather more energy from performing to a packed house; conference attendees get a sense of the true engagement and pride community members have for the arts; ticketed events add another way to pay for quality artists; and the public’s awareness of a professional-caliber art form is widened.  It’s a great example of making the most of an event.

41st annual Rockport Arts Festival

Rockport Arts Festival Logo Artwork

Looking for an artistic way to spend your Fourth of July weekend? Check out the 41^st annual Rockport Arts Festival. Over 120 artists display their paintings, glass, ceramics, wood work, photography, jewelry, sculpture, mixed media and more. There will also be music and food at this event that lines the waterfront in Rockport, TX for two days. Over 10,000 people are expected to attend this festival hosted by the Rockport Center for the Arts, an organization funded through TCA’s Arts Create grant category.

Glass Mosaic by TxO Aly Winningham

TCA will also have a presence at the festival with four Texas Original artisans on hand to display their work. Aly Winningham will show her work in glass and mosaic. Jewelry makers Zeke and Marty Zewick will also be there, and Gary Thompson, metal artist from Dripping Springs, returns to the festival. A couple of years ago Gary’s work was named “Best in Show.” Perhaps a Texas Original will claim the title again this year!

Lucas Miller, Texas Touring Roster Artist

TCA Touring Roster artist Lucas Miller will provide entertainment thanks to an Arts Respond grant. Known as the “Singing Zoologist,” Lucas brings science to life with his songs and stories. Grownups and kids alike enjoy his engaging performances. Lucas covers topics such as wetland ecology, symbiotic relationships, food chains, animal adaptations and more.

Believe it or not, TCA has yet another connection to the Rockport Arts Festival. 2006 Texas State Visual Artist 2-D, George Boutwell, will be at the festival, and TCA oversees the Texas State Artist program. Mark your calendars! TCA will begin accepting nominations for Texas State Visual Artists, Musician and Poet Laureate in September 2010.

Windmill Painting by George Boutwell

The Rockport Arts Festival is a great way to spend the holiday weekend, so head to the beautiful Texas coast and enjoy!

Technology & Touring the Houston Museum District

The next time you are in Houston, be sure to take your cell phone, iPod, and/or MP3 player.

Audrey Jones Beck Building, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum District

If you have an iPod or an MP3, you can download audio tours and maps of three different areas in Houston, including the Houston Museum District. If you don’t have an iPod, you can rent one at the visitor’s center at Houston City Hall, Discovery Green or the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Other downloadable tours feature downtown Houston and the Discovery Green.

Interior of Wortham Center in Houston

You can also take a tour of the Wortham Center (located in the Houston Theatre District), Hobby Center and Sesquicentennial Park using your cell phone. Launched in March, Downtown Mobile Info is a self-guided tour controlled by your cell phone. Simply dial 713/300-0892 at marked signs and push a specified number to get interesting information about that site. There are maps along the way or you can download a map at houstondmi.org.

More routes are expected in the future. This is a fun new way to explore portions of the TCA designated Cultural Districts in Houston, as well as other area attractions.

Tree Sculptures in Galveston Bring New Life

In September 2008, Hurricane Ike struck Galveston Island with a huge tidal surge and powerful winds. Damage to the Island was catastrophic, destroying many homes and businesses.

Pelican Holding Fish by Jim Phillips

Hurricane Ike also claimed another victim: the Island’s majestic oak trees. Some were uprooted in the storm and others died later as result of the damage they sustained. It has been estimated that as many as 40,000 trees were lost as a result of the storm.

Without the canopy of trees, Galveston’s landscape was significantly altered. Rather than focus on the loss, Galveston took an artistic approach and gave the oak trees a new life in the form of whimsical sculptures.

Angel Sisters by Dayle Lewis

Galveston Island Tree Conservancy member Donna Leibbert took the lead in finding chain saw sculptors for the project, including artists Jim Phillips, Dayle Lewis and Earl Jones. Their artwork transformed the dead trees from reminders of a terrible disaster to a beautiful public art project.

Visitors to Galveston Island are encouraged to take a tour of the sculptures, which are located throughout the community. Galveston Island is resilient, and the recovery from Hurricane Ike continues. In addition to the charming tree sculptures, visitors can enjoy The Grand 1894 Opera House (a TCA grant recipient), the Strand Historic District, Moody Gardens, island cruises, fine dining and more.

Dolphins with a Mermaid by Earl Jones

On the Road with TCA – El Paso

By Chuck Winkler, TCA Program Administrator

I spent last week with the wonderful people of El Paso, hearing about the great work that the arts community is doing, and visiting the city’s spectacular museums and theaters.  In the meantime, Dan Egger-Belandria was in town for performances in elementary schools that were funded by a grant from Target.

El Paso is an historic city with a vibrant cultural scene.  The El Paso Museum of Art houses a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of art. Funds from TCA support The Neighborhood Kids Program which serves 3rd and 4th grade students at 4 schools in the poorest areas of the city with free classes, museum tours, school teacher training, and art making activities as a way to integrate the students in their community.

El Paso Opera Logo

Just down the street, the El Paso Opera is busy making beautiful music.  The new Artistic Director, David Grabarkewitz, is bringing back the popular program, “Opera for All. “ The evening will feature tributes to the victims of 9/11 and the victims of the Juarez violence with a theme of global unity through the music of Puccini, Verdi and many other great favorites. New York City Opera star Lauren Flanigan—a globally-acclaimed soprano—will join a top cast for a production that the whole family will love.  TCA also supports the El Paso Symphony Orchestra so make sure you check out the great work they are doing too.

Kids Excel El Paso - Photo by G. A. Davis

Just outside the downtown area, four other TCA-funded organizations are busy contributing to El Paso’s cultural vitality.  El Paso Pro Musica is one of the city’s most respected organizations. The El Paso Chamber Music Festival spans the entire month of January and receives national and international critical acclaim each year with a history of bringing artistic excellence to the border region. El Paso KIDS-N-Co, founded in 1988, is devoted to supporting quality theater for and by children on a year-round basis. They offer public performances and a wide variety of summer camps and classes.  El Paso Playhouse is a community theater in the best possible way.  The Playhouse has been a home for theater lovers for decades.  Just north of downtown, Kids Excel El Paso brings its highly energetic dance program directly into the public schools as part of the fourth grade curriculum. Their classes teach children how to strive for their personal best, never give up, and be willing to take a chance.

As you can see El Paso has much to offer to the cultural tourist!

TxO @ Texas Folklife

This just in from Texas Originals Michael Strange and Nancy Lou Webster:

Texas Original Logo

“I wanted to let you know that Nancy Lou Webster and I considered the Texas Folklife Festival this weekend to be a resounding success.  We had 3 to 5 folks at the bench making treen at any given time during the 27 hours of the 3 day event.  I have no idea how many people came through our area, but it was a lot.”

Both from Elgin, Michael is a wood crafter and Nancy Lou Webster makes treenware. Treenware refers to handcrafted wood items which are to small to be considered furniture. Kitchen utensils are one of the most common items you’ll find made by treening.

Check out Michael’s photos from festival.

Texas Artists in Shanghai, China

A new addition to TCA’s Texas Touring Roster, the Marshall Ford Swing Band, is joining Governor Rick Perry and a Texas delegation in China this week. They are at the Shanghai Expo, possibly the largest world fair ever, representing Texas at the USA Pavilion. Seventy million people are expected to visit the Shanghai Expo during its six-month run.

Members of the Marshall Ford Swing Band

Emily Gimble (granddaughter of 2005 Texas State Musician Johnny Gimble) is a member of the Marshall Ford Swing Band, a group that plays Western swing in the style of Bob Wills and Hank Thompson. The band is able to join the festivities in China thanks in part to the Texas Commission on the Arts and our role in Texas Tourism. Working in partnership with the Office of the Governor Economic Development & Tourism folks and the Texas Music Office, TCA provided funds in the form of a grant to send the Marshall Ford Swing Band to China with the Texas delegation.

USA Pavilion Logo

During Texas Week, other Texas arts groups will perform at the Expo including members of the Austin Civic Chorus, the Southwestern University Chorale and the San Gabriel Chorale of Georgetown.

This is no small event. China spent an estimated $45 billion to clear a 2-square-mile site on the Huangpo River for the Expo, where almost 200 nations and organizations built 145 pavilions to showcase culture and commerce.

Regional Tourism Workshop in Waco – July 7th

The Texas Travel Industry Association is hosting a Regional Tourism Workshop in Waco on July 7^th. Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or a newcomer, the workshop will provide you with new ideas and practical tools to help build tourism success in your hometown. The workshop emphasizes marketing, including creating a brand and measuring your return on investment.

TTIA Regional Tourism Workshop Logo

Speakers and session s for the Waco workshop include:

Joyce Bise, Director, Giddings Economic Development Corp.

Session Title: “Blueprint for Success”

Jeff Hahn, Principal, Hahn, Texas

Session Title: “Developing Your Brand”

Judd Lyon, Technical Director, Trifecta; and Mike Brannon, Interactive Director, Trifecta

Session Title: “Beyond Traditional Marketing – Going Interactive”

Speaker TBA

Session Title: “Measuring Results”

Waco, Texas Logo

You can register online and get more information on the TTIA website.

Art and the Highland Lakes of Texas

Burnet County borders the largest chain of lakes in Texas. Known as the Highland Lakes, the chain includes Lakes Buchanan, Inks, LBJ, Marble Falls and Travis. With thousands of miles of clear waterway, they offer boating, water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and fishing. But that’s not all! You can also enjoy the area’s diverse artistic offerings.

Highland Lakes in Burnet County

In June, the Uptown Marble Theater presents a series of free chamber music concerts featuring artists from all over the country.  Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. on June 21-25 and at 2:00 p.m. on June 26.

June 21 – W.C. Jameson and the Songwriters in the Round (Texas Folk)

June 22 – Michelle Schumann, pianists and Joel Becktell, cellist (Classical)

June 23 – W.C. Jameson, Jenny Taylor, Buddy Case, and Keenan Fletcher (Gospel Blues); Lainey Wright Band (Christian Coffeehouse)

June 24 – Harlan Hodges and Company (Jazz); Lake Bottom Jazz Combo

June 25 – Members of the Blue Rose Trio (Classical)

June 26 – Festival Chamber Groups (Mixed)

For more information visit the website or call (830) 693-1791.

Chamber Music Festival of Marble Falls, Uptown Marble Theater

In July, the Hill Country Community Theatre presents the musical Brigadoon, the story of a mysterious Scottish village that appears for one day every 100 years. For details and tickets visit the website or call (830) 798-8944.

Other artistic destinations in the Texas Hill Country include:

Art And Wine, a coalition of artists and wineries located near Hwy 71, the beautiful Hill Country corridor leading from Austin to Burnet County.

Benini Gallery & Sculpture Ranch, a 140-acre ranch located near Johnson City featuring large-scale works by national and international artists.

Bob Creek Studio in Spicewood featuring assemblage, collage and sculpture.

Gallery of the Hills at Buchanan Dam, TX offers photographs and paintings by Texas artisans.

Kingsland House of Arts and Crafts is the place to go for handcrafted and original works by local artists.

Pogue Studio & Foundry in Burnet County where sculptor Dan Pogue has his studio & bronze cast foundry. Tours are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

Riverbend Fine Art Gallery in Marble Falls exhibits paintings and sculptures for art lovers of all levels from beginner to serious collector.
Sculpture On Main in Marble Falls, a self guided, open-air exhibit featuring over 30 sculptures on historic Main Street.

Sculpture on Main, Marble Falls, TX

These are just a few of the many arts and cultural venues in the Burnet County area. Learn more on the Visit Burnet County website.