Executive Director of the Brownsville Historical Association

Museum Association of South Texas (MAST
Priscilla Ann Rodriquez
Executive Director
Brownsville Heritage Museum
1325 E. Washington Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
956/541-5560 (w)
956/541-5524 (fax)
e-mail: prodriguez@brownsvillehistory.org

VISIT LINK BELOW....

www.io.com/~tam/About/council_roster.html

Priscilla Ann Rodriquez is the Executive Director of the Brownsville Historical Association, which manages the Brownsville Heritage Complex: Stillman House Museum, Brownsville Heritage Museum and Heritage Resource Center. She is responsible for the daily management of the complex and is also working to expand the Association’s grounds. She has implemented plans to preserve Brownsville’s historic cemetery and the development of a cemetery visitor center. She is also working with city officials to restore Brownsville’s old Market Square building. When completed, the building will house 3 new BHA museums and a cultural center. She previously served as Curator of Exhibitions at the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen.



The Texas Association of Museums is...

a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization established for educational purposes, to provide a network among museums, to improve the level of professionalism within the museum community, to encourage the use and enjoyment of museums by all Texans, to serve as an information clearinghouse for and about museums, and to serve as a liaison between museums and museums-related agencies and organizations..


For Museums
art centers, historic houses and sites, children's museums, community cultural centers, zoos, science centers, university galleries, any institution --- especially in Texas--- that exist to exhibit and interpret the historic, cultural, artistic, ethnic, or scientific heritage of man kind...


The Texas Association of Museums is comprised of an elected Council of six officers and eight councilors-at-large plus the TAM regional and affinity group chairs who serve ex officio without vote, and three full time staff members


Brownsville Heritage Complex
1325 E. Washington
Brownsville, TX 78520
Phone: 956-541-5560
Web: www.brownsvillehistory.org

VISIT : MITTE CULTURAL DISTRICT WEBSITE
http://www.mitteculturaldistrict.org/

TAOB NOTES - FOLLOWING WEBSITES ARE DOWN - ANY ONE KNOWS WHY OR WHEN ARE THEY EXPECT TO BE UP AND RUNNING ?

CHECK OUT BROWNSVILL HERALD :
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/first-102875-museum-southmost.html

AND

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/center-94029-city-award.html

VISIT :
URBAN ART CENTER @ GONZALEZ PARK - WEBSITE DOWN.. ONLY MYSPACE..
http://www.myspace.com/btxurbancenter



HERITAGE COMPLEX WEBSITE DOWN..
Under Construction ???????????
http://www.brownsvilleheritagecomplex.org/

DREAMS CAN BECOME NIGHTMARES

VISIT MARYLIN BROWN BLOG
http://www.watercolorcomments.blogspot.com/

BY MARYLIN BROWN

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 POSTED ON: WATERCOLOR COMMENTS BLOG BY MARYLIN BROWN
Dreams Can Become Nightmares

This is the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art at 6Th and Ringgold. This beautiful building has been open for about four years. It stands here because of a few ladies who got together in 1935 to paint as a group. They first met in homes and then acquired the old morgue at Fort Brown as a meeting place. Later the Neale family donated the historic home of William Neale to the group )then chartered as the Brownsville Art League )as a meeting place. Later an Art Museum was constructed beside the Neale House near the levee of the Rio Grande River. The Neale House and the old museum now belongs to the University of Texas at Brownsville.


Past Board of Directors planned this new building and raised funds from many local donors as well as obtaining a large mortgage
This beautiful new building has a huge catering kitchen which is not in use.
This beautiful new building had a large gift shop area which is now closed.
This beautiful new building does not have a loading dock to receive large artworks for display.
This beautiful new building does not have a driveway anyway near the front steps/ramp for handicapped access.

This beautiful new building has no classroom, workshop or storage space for working artist members!

I have belonged to this organization for over 20 years and have been the membership chairman for many few years and find it almost impossible to believe the situation we are in today At the present we have classroom and open studio space at the beautiful new building in one small room which is the Children's Art Gallery. We have no running water in this room, no storage space for supplies, no area available for our matcutter, teaching mirror, still life setup items or a printing press.

The voices of the working artsits were not heard by the past Board's of Directors or the Architect of this beautiful new building even though we are the core organization.
Beware art organizations. Don't dream so big that your dreams become nightmares!
____________________________________________________________

Anonymous said...
Hello Marilyn, you have voiced the concerns of many of Brownsville's artists! I know I tried personally to make a difference and at least have the empty gift shop to use, however I was told the BMFA could rent the space out for classroom/conference space. It's become what can we ,as artists, do "now" for the BMFA; they want/need our dollars, but where is our studio space? where IS our workroom?...and most important of all ... do they really believe that the building is handicap accessible for working artists? I guess that's it in a nutshell, they really didn't plan on having working artists. I am heartsick over what has happened to the Brownsville Art League.

TAOB NOTES: Very interesting post by Marylin.....I hadn't seen your blog until just recently... I think all artist and community is concern for the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art. I strongly hope that everyone that gets a chance to get out there and support , or do volunteer work.. The current exhibition is worth the trip from where ever your coming from...


SUPPORT THE BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM OF FINE ART... VISIT and become a member click link below :
https://brownsvillemfa.org/ProdList.aspx?ProdTypeId=2

La Luna y su Penafiel :Painting by Diego Monterrubio

Title: La luna y su Penafiel

36x48

oil on canvas

TAOB NOTES: Regardless of how you want to classify the painting above " La Luna y su Penafiel : by Diego..(photo realism / pop art expressionist)oil on canvas painting, the images seem well executed. Lines look sharp,color looks clean, and balanced, the painting doesn' look like its falling to one side nor is the trace of the hand visible.. The painting is 36" x 48", a mixture of culture and consumerism, featuring iconic imagery, logos of common house hold products in particular made in Mexico. As a viewer I am not sure what the artist message is accept a pridefull reflection of an accomplished and competetive industrialized/commercialized culture..

Vinyl Dharma of Brownsville Texas

VINYL DHARMA

OF BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS NOW BASED IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

SHOW TONIGHT AT LA ZONA ROSA :12/19/2009

VINYL DHARMA

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC...
www.myspace.com/vinyldharma


PRESS RELEASE:
Myspace Editor
Pimp MySpace

From meager means to mounting momentum, the past 7 years have spelled nothing but progress for Austin-outfit Vinyl Dharma. The band’s knack for pouring layered electronica atop sultry vocals – presented by lead singer Johnny Dharma – amounts to an epic live show of pulsing, dance-inducing electronica. Outfitted with a strong array of ringers, such as “The Sunshine Rave,” the band’s launch from idyllic South Texas to coveted main stages in “the live music capital of the world,” Austin, Texas, has been a journey of inventiveness and personal poise.

Reviving the new wave drawl of New Order, as well as melding elements of bands like The Beatles, Radiohead, Doves, The Cure and Depeche Mode Vinyl Dharma’s sound has a clear air of electricity. With the upcoming release of their new album, "The Greater Perfect System," and a sweeping victory at MTV2's On the Rise Contest, Vinyl Dharma is a band with newfound success and boundless prospects.

Upon winning the MTV2 contest, the band impressed the major music channel and decided to visit Austin to film the band's live performance at Stubb's and capture the essence of their daily lives for on-air promos. The on-air promos are expected to air nationwide as MTV2 features "Austin Week" December 22, 2008.

Request Vinyl Dharma on Radio:
Q94.5 - Rio Grande Valley - 1-888-335-9494
101.X - Austin - 512-908-4984

TAOB NOTES: The original members of Vinyl Dharma are said to be all of Brownsville Texas and began practicing as a garage band since Lopez High School later reforming the band to today's members and have achieved an impressive growing star status that many dream of.... I personally have seen this band play several times at the local Shenanigan's Irish Pub. I think they are a great band that rocks, and totally dig their music...... Check out the myspace and listen to Vinyl Dharma........

A collection of hand crafted Art

Anonymous said...
The 'Arts Versus Crafts' Debate

According to the traditional theory of art, there is a basic difference between an 'art' and a 'craft'. Put simply, although both activities involve creative skills, the former involves a higher degree of intellectual involvement. Under this analysis, a basket-weaver (say) would be considered a craftsperson, while a bag-designer would be considered an artist. In this rather artificial distinction between arts and crafts, functionality is a key factor. Thus, a jeweller who designs and makes non-functional items like rings or necklaces would be considered an artist, while a watchmaker would be a craftsperson; someone who makes glass might be a craftsman, but a person who makes stained glass is an artist. The idea is that artists are somehow superior because they 'create' things of beauty, while craftsmen perform repetitive or purely functional actions. There may be some truth behind this theory, but many types of craftsmanship seem no different to genuine art. An example perhaps, is a cartoonist-animator, exployed to draw thousands of similar pictures of a cartoon character like 'Charlie Brown'. True, his 'art' is purely functional and highly commercial, but no one could deny he was an artist.

The Impact of the Renaissance on the Western Concept of Art

In general, until the early Renaissance of the 15th century, all artists were considered tradesmen/craftsmen. Even the greatest painters like Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael were seen as no more than skilled workers, while master sculptors like Donatello were seen as mere specialist stone-cutters and bronze metalworkers. Indeed, it was Leonardo's and Michelangelo's stated aim to raise the level of the artist to that of a profession - an ambition which was duly realized in 1561 with the founding of the first Art Academy in Florence, which was set up to train people in the profession of drawing (disegno).

However, although Renaissance artists succeeded in raising their craft to the level of a profession, they defined art as an essentially intellectual activity. This fixed Renaissance idea of art being primarily an intellectual discipline was passed on down the centuries and still influences present day conceptions of the meaning of art. Despite some modifications, as exemplified by changes in art school curricula, fine art still maintains its notional superiority over crafts such as applied and decorative arts.
...now lean,drink your milk and go to sleep thinking of wonderfull things my child....


TAOB NOTES: Many thanks for you contribution......

Barro sculpture , hand painted 36"tall- 77 flea market, Brownsville $20.

Jaron, hand painted 48"tall- 77 flea market-Brownsville, $30.

Scrap Metal Welded Sculpture 24" tall- San Antonio street festival, $30.

Hand carved ,stained and painted masked - tree (unknown), 24" tall - Mexican Import Store -Harlingen, $24.

Cast molded sculpture...36"tall, purchased at 77 flea market- Brownsville, $13.

"There is certainly an arguable difference between original fine art and crafted art. Some people may not know the difference or simply not care which is which, some may argue the idea that art is still art."

"There is I think an obviouse symbolic importance of owning art that not necessarily everyone is willing to experience or invest in." gt

AMAZONIA

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

AMAZONIA

Restaurant, Bar & Lounge

Tue - Sat 11am-2am & Sun 1pm-5pm

1925 Central Blvd. Brownsville, TX 78521

CONTACT: 956.982.2122

VISIT WEBSITE:

http://www.amazoniarestaurant.com/

BROWNSVILLE HERALD :
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/restaurateur-105985-family-amazonia.html

ART NIGHTS AT AMAZONIA - "INVITES LOCAL ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT AND SELL"

Untitled by Gabriel Trevino

Untitled by Gabriel Trevino

mix media

4' x 5'

email: brownsvilleartform@yahoo.com

December Events - PUBLIC INVITED

ART STUDIO
221 West Nolana, Suite C
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone/Fax: 956-682-6646
VISIT WEBSITE:
http://artstudio2008.com/index.html

Art House Gallery, The [ArtWalk Venue]
Mayra Brown
956-688-6461
VISIT WEBSITE:
www.mcallenartwalk.com
arthouse1009@sbcglobal.net
1009 Laurel St
McAllen, Texas 78501



________________________________________________________







________________________________________________________________

Press Release For Immediate Release
VISIONS OF THE VIRGEN
OLD CITY CEMETERY CENTER

Brownsville, Texas-December 2009- The Old City Cemetery Center, located in the Mitte Cultural District, invites the public to attend the Visions of the Virgen: Guadalupe Art Workshop on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at 2pm. The workshop is free for current BHA members with current membership card, and $5 for non-members. Supplies are included in the fee.

The workshop will be led by BHA staff and local artist Celeste de Luna. Ms. De Luna currently serves as director of the UTB-TSC Art Gallery located in the Rusteburg Building on campus. She has led numerous workshops in the past.

Guests to the workshop will view Visions of the Virgen: 2nd Annual Virgen de Guadalupe Art Exhibit, which runs through January 24, 2010. The exhibit showcases what the Virgen means to Rio Grande Valley artists.


The Old City Cemetery Center offers free admission from Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Brownsville Historical Association manages the Old City Cemetery Center. For more information on BHA programs and exhibits please call 956-541-5560 or 956-541-1167.



_____________________________________________________________________________

Calle Santos Degollado y Guatemala esq. S/N
Colonia Modelo
H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas
México 87360
Tel/fax: 813-5929


HORARIO DEL MUSEO

Martes a Viernes
9:00 a 17:00 hrs.
Sábado y Domingo
9:00 a 14:00 hrs.
Lunes: Cerrado

Crónica Valenciana - part 3 by Mauricio Saenz

Crónica Valenciana - part 3

BY MAURCIO SAENZ

The Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia houses one of Spain's most important collections of classical art. I was there more than a month ago yet I still feel impressed on the vast amount of masterpieces it holds, among them some by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and van Dyck. This museum is located at what used to be a seminary back in the 18th century, the Colegio Seminario de San Pío finished in 1744 after more than 6 decades with delays caused by wars and the death of its architect. This museum holds a great collection of huge altarpieces in the first hall which date back to the 13th century and which I feel especially attracted to as they mainly represent dramatic, mysterious, obscure religious imagery characteristic of the International Gothic style. As I gladly walked and admired pieces in the different halls in this immense venue, I saw varied Renaissance and Barroque paintings mainly by Spanish artists and felt astonished by the magnificence of the museum and of its work. More was my surprise when I stepped into the hall that held a Velazquez self-portrait: its amazing the vibe you experience when you're centimeters away from something you could only admire from books. Likewise, being near a Goya or an El Greco makes you think on the importance it should have for an artist to look at art "live" so you can experience what you expect for a viewer to get from your own pieces, and mainly looking at art from those you consider your heroes!! Some other highlights of the museum is a good collection of the valenciano (and internationally known) Joaquin Sorolla among others. However, the real reason of this crónica differs from what it originally looks like.

The visit to the museum was more than worth it, including admiring the actual building which immediately took me to think, but not compare in its grandeur as there is no point of comparison, to the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art and its personality as an art museum. I should say that I have never been glad on the way the museum looks and how it is layed out. As I also know, the museum has an important tradition and has developed thanks to the hard work of a lot of people throughout the years. However, it seems sad that with so much money spent on it, something better could have come out of all those big bucks wasted on what is a conservative, boring, non-functional museum. Why make the analogy between Valencia's fine arts museum and Brownsville's? Well, there is one simple answer to that. Given that Brownsville has gorgeous downtown buildings, some of them abandoned with no hope of being reformed, a great solution to building a fine arts museum with personality, good distribution, touristic appeal, and making good use of the budget (which could also been easily used to have funds to bring more contemporary and richer art exhibits) was making a proposal to the city to purchase an old building and reforming it into a contemporary art museum. To me the term "fine arts museum" is nothing but the idea to keep things as they were back when the original Fine Art Museum was created, as in the way they run it, the useless and old-school art competitions they hold, and the exhibits they have (which might be the only thing there seems to be an attempt to modernize, and not even.) As for the rest, there is no show of progress or vision as to try to become a venue that would create real intelectual stimulation and that would blend with museums that are showing art that is thought-provoking and that is coherent with the times we are living in. Rather than going forward and striving to be contemporary, the BMFA seems to be happy with the shows they put up as people don't question anything but rather feel satisfied with what they see or just don't care about art and only go socialize and drink some wine, not to mention it is a place where you could be amazed to see a Ray Smith exhibit for its grand opening and immediately after a children international show (snif). No credibility at all. As a person who regularly attends shows there, someone who is an artist himself and who would like to see quality exhibits, and most of all someone who cares about a real progress in the art scene, I would encourage the people in charge of the BMFA (obviously when it's the right time in the near future as things haven't been easy lately) to think outside the box and consider looking at things with a different perspective and not with the mentality of a small, inoffensive crafts art museum since it has the potential to be something greater than it is, and not just a place to see nice landscape paintings and have martinis and hors-deuvres. The Facultad de Bellas Artes at the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia in the next crónica (hopefully sooner that regularly.)

TAOB NOTES: A while back I had heard BISD had purchased some land for a building that will house art exhibits by students and its faculty, which I thought was a great idea and much needed, BMFA is I think generouse to allow exhibits for the time being...which I thought reflected well among the community.
The idea of BISD having its own art gallery/building to improve their art education, it should raise UTB/TSC eyebrows, it would only mean that UTB/TSC would have no choice but to raise the standards in their facilities (gallery and paitning room, photography darkrooms, drawing classes) which is much needed.

Its a domino effect.. it really starts at the bottom, BISD, UTB/TSC, BMFA .....I don't think we can have improvement of one without the other..

Perhaps the BMFA building may be done but the direction and the prestige is still being molded, by the people of this city, its patrons, staff, board, volunteers, visitors, and most importantly exhibiting art and artists...

"CLICK" DANIEL LOPEZ AND BRAD DOHERTY

PHOTOGRAPH ILLUSTRATED BY DANIEL LOPEZ OF PREVIOUS SHOW......COURTESY OF TAOB....

"CLICK" DANIEL LOPEZ AND BRAD DOHERTY


CHECK OUT BROWNSVILLE HERALD ARTICLE BY TRAVIS WHITEHEAD "FEATURES - WRITER"
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/articles/photo-105769-click-muse.html

TAOB Notes : Not a very interesting article I thought, I mean given these two gentlemen carry if not the most experience locally in photography and have captured Brownsville and its surrounding region -in its people, beauty, historical, tragic, and or shocking moments that have unfolded throughout their career.........article I thought lacked inspiration and significance..

I guess I am still a Sarah Williams fan...I do appreciate the fact that Travis Whitehead has covered more than several if not all of Galeria 409 functions..It would be nice if he would attend more art exhibits and art happennings around the rest of the town and get to know more of the local artists...

The Art of Brownsville

Carlos G. Gomez

JAMES MILLER
coolartclasses@yahoo.com

SEND YOUR IN YOUR ART AND JOIN THE ART OF BROWNSVILLE BLOG COMMUNITY : brownsvilleartform@yahoo.com

The New Meaning of Art........

"Certainly the world had stopped.., life was surreal, the word "art" had a new meaning..MONEY, POWER, the means to make things happen...... people became hungry, haunted by greed....tabloids threaten the social standard.........artists portrayed as puppets.. you the tax payer pay the price , a purpose thought to be so meaningless and vague...burdened by a new higher standard of living.............who was "I" he thought...shaking his head.....................................accepting or denying the idea of evolution. " gt

Mexican-American Southmost Pop Art

These are hand painted works on plastic boards which can be seen at the parking lot at the A&V Lopez located on Southmost-Brownsville. The works are unsigned by the artist and serve as advertising signs for an elote stand on the same parking lot. I thought it was interesting to see and note the example how the food, text and imagery is inspired by both Mexican and American culture...

BROWNSVILLE MUSEUM OF FINE ART - Holiday Potluck Party & Membership Drive

PRESS RELEASE....
Artists, Trustees, Members, and Friends

Come celebrate the holiday season with the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art from 12 to 3 PM on Sunday, December 13th. Invite your family and friends. View an amazing exhibition by renowned artist Benjamín Domínquez and hear the sounds of the season. Bring a dish or just join us to share in the festivities.

Sign up to bring:
· Simple table decorations
· Finger Food & Hors d'œuvre
· 3 dozen cookies
· Chips
· Dips
· Tamales
· Sandwiches
· Sodas
Call Eddie at (956) 542-0941 to sign up.

When: Dec. 13, 2009 from 12:00 to 3:00 PM
What: Holiday Potluck Party & Membership Drive
Admittance is free.
RSVP by Dec. 11, 2009

Not a member yet? It's a great time to join.
Click here for more information.
Support your Museum

Chase Community Giving is giving away $5 million to various charities based on a public vote via Facebook. As we all know, the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art must raise operating funds to provide support for the artists and educators who deliver exceptional programs to our community. In an effort to provide this support, we are asking that you take a second to join in and vote for us. This is how you do it:



1. You must have a Facebook account

2. Log in to your account

3. Enter Chase Community Giving in the search field on the upper right

4. Click on the first item with the Blue Hand

5. On the next page click Become a Fan

6. Under Search for a Local Charity enter Brownsville Museum of Fine Art and click the Go button

7. On the next page click Allow

8. Lastly, click Vote for Charity



We greatly appreciate your vote and with your support we look forward to offering you world-class exhibitions and cultural events that we can share as a community moving forward into the future.

Repeat Boutique Calls for Artists......

ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO

DECEMBER 19 AND 20

1809 CENTRAL BLVD.

BROWNSVILLE TEXAS

Hi,

This is Yolanda from Repeat Boutique, we are planning an arts & craft expo for Dec. 19 and 20, to be held under a tent behind the shoppe at 1809 Central blvd. We are trying to fill 24 sections (10x10). So far we have approx. 8 spots taken with jewelry makers, stain glass artist, painters and some craftsy people. Should you know of anyone interested please send them my way. The spaces are $45.00 for 2 days. 9am to 4pm

Thank you
Yolanda Almaguer
Repeat Boutique - owner
956 541 7111 shoppe
956 456 9492 cell

Are artists still exhibiting at the Galeria 409 ??

I still like to think of my purpose of continuing with The Art of Brownsville blog, is to support local art. It is a shameful thing I think to have had a "miscommunication of sorts" with business owner Mark Clark of Galeria 409 that has possibly spinned out to an irreconcilable difference. It is not my intentions to not support local artist that choose to continue exhibiting at the Galeria 409..Local artist can feel free to sending in any of there upcoming shows...commentaries about shows or pictures of Galeria 409 and sending them at there own will to email: brownsvilleartform@yahoo.com..

Just like anyone else that appreciates art, I still hold my opinions about Galeria 409 and shows that the Galeria 409 has produced, some have been to note, others have been disappointing in my perspective.. Not saying Galeria 409 is at fault for bad art or good art for that matter, simply everyone is free to make there own opinions.." An artist should never live in fear to express his thoughts as he produces his or her art, or what would be the purpose ?" . In example I think the iron sculptors of Wedgworth , which I like, in my opinion didn't exhibit well at the 409 . Something about the raw iron and raw scrapped brick walls, esthetically didn't sit well..

I still think and will continue to note some of the ideas of group shows, which allow open entry and ridiculous pricing, have been in my opinion its most downside. I still think its been poor judgement of Marks to not exhibit certain local artists, that may have only helped the quality of art exhibited. Again these are my opinions and I am happy to note them..

Most recently as you may have seen on previouse posts on public funding in the name of local art and culture, have brought me to great concern. A question I am currently asking is Galeria 409 in quest for public funding and pushing for non-profit ? and if it was what do you think and would you support the idea ? ...................I wouldn't, I think any local art gallery has a the potential of running as successful business, it all depends on the choices the owner makes. I think nonprofit in the name of art is the easy way out, and what may keep the quality of art from growing.

That said, I think ignoring local art or local exhibits and cutting off the dialogue going forward is not the way, as we continue to push to improve the quality and value of our local art.

"The Art of Brownsville......bigger than you think..SUPPORTING LOCAL ARTISTS SINCE 2003 ...well actually a little after that, it was kind of boring at the beginning"......gt

THE ART OF BROWNSVILLE - 6YRS NOVEMBER 2009

UTB approves $640,000 Mural by Mexican artist Sergio Higareda

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT : TSC BOARD OF TRUSTEES - UTB approves $640,000 Mural by Mexican artist Sergio Higareda......????
WHO IS Sergio Higareda ??
Why so much ?
Why not give the UTB Arts department FACULTY and STUDENTS the gig ?
$640,000...
AL GARZA, LUCY QUEZADA HOW MUCH DID THEY GET FOR THE MURALS THEY DID ???

(CAAC )CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE - The City of Brownsville

Here is something thats out there available for the arts........"tax dollars"...WHHHAAATTT!!

How much money was available for 2010 and who or what has already been approved and or how was it distributed ???

And might as well ask was anyone denied ?

Does anyone know the answers?

(CAAC ) CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The City of Brownsville

------------------------------------------

February 18, 2009

Attached is the Fiscal Year 2010 Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee (CAAC) Application Packet. The City of Brownsville created the Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee through Resolution 2008-070 on August 5, 2008, and Resolution 2008-087 on October 7, 2008 to coordinate and oversee organizations funded from Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and general fund monies. The orientation meeting for the CAAC Board was held on October 25, 2008, and the Board has been working very hard since that time to develop a funding process that is fair and equitable. The Articles and Bylaws and the Funding process was approved by the City Commission on January 20, 2009.

Training for funding will be held on Tuesday, February 24th starting at 6pm located at City of Brownsville Human Resource Training Room, on the 4th floor of the Brownville City Hall, located at 1001 E. Elizabeth (10th & Elizabeth). In addition to street parking, a City of Brownsville Parking lot is located at 10th and St. Charles for your convenience. Please begin reviewing and working on the applications prior to the training so we may try to address issues at that time or immediately thereafter.

The Funding Application packet may also be obtained on-line on the CAAC website at www.cob.us/caac. The funding amount that will be approved for Fiscal Year 2010 will be posted on our website once the City of Brownsville Chief Financial Officer provides that amount to CAAC.

The deadline for submission is March 23, 2009 by 4pm to Room 230, City Hall, 1001 E. Elizabeth, Brownsville, Texas 78520. Please note that funds will not be available until October 1, 2009.

The Board is excited about this opportunity to act as a facilitator and clearinghouse for city funding and promotion for cultural activities in Brownsville. Please help us make this a successful endeavor for a better Brownsville.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 548-6006.

Sincerely,


Delina Barrera
CAAC Staff



CITY OF BROWNSVILLE
CULTURAL AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FISCAL YEAR 2010 PROGRAM GUIDELINES

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

The City of Brownsville has established a Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee (CAAC) to ensure that all Brownsville citizens and tourists have an opportunity to enjoy quality events and attractions in the City of Brownsville. One of the goals was to ensure that funding and contracting for these services through partnerships with non profit organizations effectively maximizes the use of these tax dollars, leverages external funding support and promotes economic development. All organizations performing cultural related activities including marketing thereof, for the City must also develop, implement and maintain operational policies that include measurable goals for the attraction of overnight visitors to the City of Brownsville. Effective management of funds will be monitored and evaluated by the CAAC and taken into consideration in the funding process.

This document contains guidelines, deadlines and application funding forms for the City of Brownsville hotel occupancy tax (HOT) and the general fund dollars for fiscal year (FY) 2010. This section provides a brief summary of all programs. Please refer to the appropriate sections of this guide for more detailed information and application form for each program.

FUNDING PROGRAMS
Funding is awarded on a competitive basis through hotel occupancy tax (HOT) and general fund dollars for the following programs:

Operational Support Program
The Operational Support Program (OSP) provides funding to established non-profit cultural/heritage/arts organizations for operational costs for Fiscal Year 2010. There are 3 categories of support: general, marketing and utility.
1. General: Funding for general operations.

2. Marketing (Tourism Initiative Program-TIP): This category supports the marketing of City of Brownsville attractions and events as a part of the tourism industry using hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funding. This initiative supports projects that increase Brownsville visitors’ awareness and participation in the City’s attractions and events. The priority of this initiative is to attract and maintain overnight visitors to the City, encouraging extended stays and increased expenditures by visitors.

3. Utilities: Only organizations in city owned facilities are eligible for utility funding. All organizations receiving funding under this category must submit a “Green Practices” for their organization which promotes cost-effective energy savings in municipally owned buildings and facilities. Please see Green Office Practice tips in the Appendix.

Special Initiative Funding (SIF):
Special Initiative Funding provides funding for projects and events that are to be held during Fiscal Year 2010.


PEER PANEL REVIEW

Applications for the OSP and SIF are evaluated by a Peer Review Panel whose membership is taken from a list of qualified candidates nominated and selected by the Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee.
Panels include the following categories:
Visual Arts: Paintings, Photographs, Exhibits and Film
Performing Arts: Music, Dance & Theater
Multidisciplinary: Festivals, Cultural Events, Public Art, Storytelling; Readings
Historical Restoration and Preservation

Applicants must attend the Peer Review Panel meeting to present a brief organizational/project summary and to answer questions.

Organizations are encouraged to submit nominations for the Peer Review Panel. A Panel Nomination Form is included in this package or can be downloaded from the CAAC website: http://caac.cob.us by clicking on Funding Programs and scrolling to the bottom of the page.


APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications must be hand delivered or received in the mail by 4pm on the deadline date to the following address:
City of Brownsville
City Hall
1001 E. Elizabeth, Rm 230
Brownsville, Tx 78520


Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee (CAAC)


Board of Directors

Rochelle Mercedes Garza
Chair

Silvia Perez
Vice Chair

Robert Louis Prepejchal
Secretary

Rosendo Escareno.
Treasurer

Hugh Emerson

Peter J. Harris

Vacant


Ex-Officio Directors

Angela Burton
Business Representative
Brownsville Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Connie Hensley
Hotel/Motel Representative

Traci Wickett
Nonprofit Representative
United Way President/CEO
serving Brownsville, Texas


Mission:
Enrich the cultural
experience for citizens &
tourists of Brownsville.

Ph. (956) 548-6006
Fax (956) 546-1612
1001 E. Elizabeth
P.O. Box 911
Brownsville, TX 78522

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TO NOTE :ON AUGUST 3, 2009

BARRY HORN SENT OUT WORD.......


A word from the Executive Director


The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art is the result of the dedication and inspiration of eight artists who gathered together almost 75 years ago in Brownsville to develop their artistic talents and to provide educational and exhibition opportunities. These eight women would marvel at their legacy.

The City of Brownsville has supported and valued the private efforts of the Museum founders and their many, many followers throughout the Museum's history. The Museum's new facility dedicated three years ago is an investment by the citizens of Brownsville with the Museum's Board of Trustees which allows the gifts of the founders to be shared by everyone in south Texas.

The City of Brownsville's Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee will present a recommendation to the City Commissioners and Mayor that promotes the cessation of City funding for operations of our Museum of Fine Art. This recommendation will be made at a special workshop on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. prior to the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Please plan to join the Museum's Board of Trustees, Membership and staff at the Commissioners Meeting to demonstrate your support of your Museum. The Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee is charged to make a recommendation and does not determine policy. Policy is the responsibility of our elected leaders. Please plan to join us to show our leaders that the Museum has your support.

When? Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 4:25 p.m.

Where? City Administration Building (downtown Post Office Building) E. Elizabeth St. at E. 10th St; 2nd Floor

Barry Horn
Executive Director, Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts





About the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art strives to contribute to the art education and cultural enrichment of the community, exhibit works of art, arrange for and offer educational programs for children and adults, and encourage and develop the appreciation and advancement of art throughout the community.


Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
In the heart of the Mitte Cultural District
660 E. Ringgold St. · Brownsville, TX 78520 · (956) 542-0941


TAOB NOTES : WHERE IS ALL THE MONEY COMING FROM??? I THOUGHT WE WERE IN A RECESSION..??IT SEEMS THE CITY OF BROWNSVILLE IS BLOSSOMING AND PROSPERING... FOR THE SAKE OF THE ARTS....