I was recently made aware of two new Brownsville blogs. (Thanks for letting me know guys!) :)
Check the new blogs out!
Brownsville Talk:A blog by local architecture aficionado Tony Lehmann, Jr. Also give his site Brownsville, Texas Online a visit to view a pictorial history of Brownsville.
SM Unique:A blog by SM Unique Business Solutions of Brownsville.
I'll keep an eye out for more Brownsville Blogistas but if you know of any more Brownsvillle themed blogs let me know. Meanwhile, check out these two blogs by Brownsville natives who are not currently living in Bville but still consider it home.
El Mas Chingon
A blog by editor of the online magazine The Backword who is on his way to becoming the next big Brownsville writer. Watch out Oscar Casares!
Chai Chake
A blog by a Brownsville native and film school graduate who is about to embark on a Fulbight scholarship to South Korea for 13 months! Talk about adventure!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Free Speech Zones and Art
Artists in Residence at the Rio Grande Valley Museum
presents
Free Speech Zones and Art , a presentation and demonstration by René Z. Garza.
This Saturday June 25th, a stencil demonstration from 11am - 1pm.
Exactos will be made available and you can make your own stencil! Spray painting of images will take place outside, in the museum courtyard. Bring your exactos and images if so inclined. Also you can bring any surface to be spray painted on.
Also, This Saturday following the stencil demonstration is a multimedia presentation on Free Speech Zones and Art from 1:30 -3:00.
The presentation consists of Garza's experiments with alternative spaces, Free Speech Zones, guerilla art and in short a public art. His current series Les Nouvelles Recuperees/Recycled News/Noticias Recicladas, which hijacks the newspaper to bring the world not in accordance with CNN will be presented. As well as grounds for public sculpture and art actions.
The Artists in Residence exhibit featuring RGV Artists runs until July 9th 2005.
The Rio Grande Valley Museum is located at 2425 Boxwood at Raintree, on Loop 499
from Valley International Airport and TSTC.
Hours: Tues-Sat 10AM-4PM
Sunday 1-4PM
Monday-Closed
956.430.8500
************
Personal Note: Got word of this event from local RGV artist and activist Rene Garza. Sounds very interesting and if you are not into art, then I would also encourage those who are pollitically active to attend this event to get a perspective as to how art is being used as an agent of social and political change. I also like Rene Garza's art for the performance element he adds to his work, which is a rare find in the Valley. You will find many artists working in a traditional mediums but not many performance artists. In art school I took a few performance art classes and let me tell you, I was horrible at it! haha. And it all varies, some performance art just horrible, HORRIBLE! And then you will see one piece, that just completely moves you and you're intrigued and captivated. Ah...performance art..you either love it or hate it.
presents
Free Speech Zones and Art , a presentation and demonstration by René Z. Garza.
This Saturday June 25th, a stencil demonstration from 11am - 1pm.
Exactos will be made available and you can make your own stencil! Spray painting of images will take place outside, in the museum courtyard. Bring your exactos and images if so inclined. Also you can bring any surface to be spray painted on.
Also, This Saturday following the stencil demonstration is a multimedia presentation on Free Speech Zones and Art from 1:30 -3:00.
The presentation consists of Garza's experiments with alternative spaces, Free Speech Zones, guerilla art and in short a public art. His current series Les Nouvelles Recuperees/Recycled News/Noticias Recicladas, which hijacks the newspaper to bring the world not in accordance with CNN will be presented. As well as grounds for public sculpture and art actions.
The Artists in Residence exhibit featuring RGV Artists runs until July 9th 2005.
The Rio Grande Valley Museum is located at 2425 Boxwood at Raintree, on Loop 499
from Valley International Airport and TSTC.
Hours: Tues-Sat 10AM-4PM
Sunday 1-4PM
Monday-Closed
956.430.8500
************
Personal Note: Got word of this event from local RGV artist and activist Rene Garza. Sounds very interesting and if you are not into art, then I would also encourage those who are pollitically active to attend this event to get a perspective as to how art is being used as an agent of social and political change. I also like Rene Garza's art for the performance element he adds to his work, which is a rare find in the Valley. You will find many artists working in a traditional mediums but not many performance artists. In art school I took a few performance art classes and let me tell you, I was horrible at it! haha. And it all varies, some performance art just horrible, HORRIBLE! And then you will see one piece, that just completely moves you and you're intrigued and captivated. Ah...performance art..you either love it or hate it.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Buying Art in Brownsville
Have you ever considered investing in art? How would one go about buying art in Brownsville? Today, while reading Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, I came upon an interesting article called "Art Smarts" describing how art critic and consultant Alan Bamberger has brought buying art down to a science and treats it like making any other purchase.
My favorite quote:
Author of The Art of Buying Art, Bamberger makes no apologies for treating art like cantaloupe. "Buying art is not that much different from shopping for any other product," he says. "You have to ask the right questions and not be intimidated."
While I don't personally equate art to a cantaloupe, I agree that buying art should be done with making an investment in mind. No one would want to invest in eating bad fruit, would they? When it comes to purchasing art, it's not about picking out the bad apples, rather it's about defining your tastes and resources. It could be that you think a Monet is one heck of a cantaloupe whereas that Donatello just isn't doing it for you.
As a prospective art buyer, the best thing you could do is to look at as much art as possible and learn about the various resources you have available to you. After you have more or less distinguished your preferences, then you need to ask the right questions such as Bamberger advises in his article. And for every type of taste in art there is, there is art to be bought ranging from various sizes to prices. Again, it's a matter of knowing your market and asking the right questions...and most importantly knowing what you want and setting your guidelines. Such as, how much are you willing to spend and what are you interested in...do you want a piece that impacts you on a personal level or do you want a piece to match the curtains in the living room...both valid and fair guidelines.
So what are the resources and options in the Brownsville art market and community? Below I have made a list of different components of the Brownsville art scene and in the upcoming weeks I will write a post on each facet. When it comes to buying art, each facet offers you a different type of opportunity and perspective to welcome into your collection and art experience. Anyone, and yes I mean anyone can become an art collector and below I will give you a few clues and then elaborate on them in the upcoming weeks. Also take a look at the index to the left for website links to the sources I mention below.
Museums and Centers
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
Casa de Cultura Carlotta Petrina
Art Festivals and Fairs
The Brownsville Art League/Brownsville Museum of Fine Art often holds art competitions and fairs where local art and crafts can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.
Fine Artists
Brownsville has it's fair share of established artists who are known by name: Don Breeden (known for his watercolors and sketches of Brownsville landmarks and nature), Toni Hudson (whose art base is located at Paseo Plaza), abstract expressionist artist Cande Aquilar and Chicano artists Carlos Gomez, Celina Hinojosa and George Truan. If you want to own a piece of art that will bring your local collection some prestige, or "ooohhs or ahhhs", then give these artists a look and be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Brownsville Contemporary Art Scene
Brownsville galleries such as Imagenes Art Studio and Tin Soup Gallery will offer you the dynamics of the Brownsville contemporary art scene. You will find an array of artists displayed, from established artists to newer artists who are just beginning to get their name out in the community. The art and prices will vary on the experience and exposure of the artist, but you can count on these galleries to display what is fresh and moving in the Brownsville art scene.
Student Art
Perhaps you are limited financially or more interested in being a patron to a yet to be discovered artist. Then I would give Brownsville's student artists a look. The best places to look:
The University of Texas at Brownsville Richardson Art Gallery (home to UTB art students)
High School Art Classrooms
Next time you are at any of these locations, give the art classroom a swing. There are many young and talented artists who are making spectacular and innovative art and have yet to tap into the art market. As first-time sellers or beginners, they are just getting their feet wet and as an art buyer, you are most likely to come out with a well-made work of art for a very fair if not cheap price.
The Brownsville Culturati
If you are interested in learning about or getting involved with what is going on at the top of the Brownsville fine art scene and advocacy, then you need to get in touch with these folks.
Amigos Artistas
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
UTB/TSC Patron of the Arts
Treasure Hunting
Antiques, folk art and second-hand keepsakes are a bound in Brownsville...keep a look out for estate sales, garage and yard sales and give our local "pulga" and downtown Brownsville a visit.
Public Establishments
A few restaurants around town allow artists to use their wall as commercial space. I know for sure that Gazpacho's by Sunrise Mall does and perhaps a few of the coffee shops around town, though I am out of touch with who in particular. Just keep a sharp eye, especially at doctor's offices, lawyer's offices and educational facilities, like the schools and the University. The art on their walls may not be on sell what you will get an idea of what other Brownsville art collectors are interested in.
The Internet
You can count on The Art of Brownsville to keep you informed one what's going on with art in Brownsville, but hey there is only so much one person can do and sometimes I miss out on information or events. So if you know of any events or happenings going on, let me know.
~~~~~~~
So in the next few weeks, I will elaborate on the facets I have listed above. On this matter, I will focus soley on Brownsville and then expand to other parts of the Valley and Tamaulipas. Ofcourse I will continue to promote art from this region and would be most happy to post any information sent my way. Again, if you have any information or other resources you would like to share please let me know. Until then, consider investing time and/or money in art. Art is a wonderful investment that will bring color and culture into your life and home. If you have any questions about art feel free to ask and I would be most happy to answer. Have a great day!
My favorite quote:
Author of The Art of Buying Art, Bamberger makes no apologies for treating art like cantaloupe. "Buying art is not that much different from shopping for any other product," he says. "You have to ask the right questions and not be intimidated."
While I don't personally equate art to a cantaloupe, I agree that buying art should be done with making an investment in mind. No one would want to invest in eating bad fruit, would they? When it comes to purchasing art, it's not about picking out the bad apples, rather it's about defining your tastes and resources. It could be that you think a Monet is one heck of a cantaloupe whereas that Donatello just isn't doing it for you.
As a prospective art buyer, the best thing you could do is to look at as much art as possible and learn about the various resources you have available to you. After you have more or less distinguished your preferences, then you need to ask the right questions such as Bamberger advises in his article. And for every type of taste in art there is, there is art to be bought ranging from various sizes to prices. Again, it's a matter of knowing your market and asking the right questions...and most importantly knowing what you want and setting your guidelines. Such as, how much are you willing to spend and what are you interested in...do you want a piece that impacts you on a personal level or do you want a piece to match the curtains in the living room...both valid and fair guidelines.
So what are the resources and options in the Brownsville art market and community? Below I have made a list of different components of the Brownsville art scene and in the upcoming weeks I will write a post on each facet. When it comes to buying art, each facet offers you a different type of opportunity and perspective to welcome into your collection and art experience. Anyone, and yes I mean anyone can become an art collector and below I will give you a few clues and then elaborate on them in the upcoming weeks. Also take a look at the index to the left for website links to the sources I mention below.
Museums and Centers
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
Casa de Cultura Carlotta Petrina
Art Festivals and Fairs
The Brownsville Art League/Brownsville Museum of Fine Art often holds art competitions and fairs where local art and crafts can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.
Fine Artists
Brownsville has it's fair share of established artists who are known by name: Don Breeden (known for his watercolors and sketches of Brownsville landmarks and nature), Toni Hudson (whose art base is located at Paseo Plaza), abstract expressionist artist Cande Aquilar and Chicano artists Carlos Gomez, Celina Hinojosa and George Truan. If you want to own a piece of art that will bring your local collection some prestige, or "ooohhs or ahhhs", then give these artists a look and be prepared to spend a pretty penny.
Brownsville Contemporary Art Scene
Brownsville galleries such as Imagenes Art Studio and Tin Soup Gallery will offer you the dynamics of the Brownsville contemporary art scene. You will find an array of artists displayed, from established artists to newer artists who are just beginning to get their name out in the community. The art and prices will vary on the experience and exposure of the artist, but you can count on these galleries to display what is fresh and moving in the Brownsville art scene.
Student Art
Perhaps you are limited financially or more interested in being a patron to a yet to be discovered artist. Then I would give Brownsville's student artists a look. The best places to look:
The University of Texas at Brownsville Richardson Art Gallery (home to UTB art students)
High School Art Classrooms
Next time you are at any of these locations, give the art classroom a swing. There are many young and talented artists who are making spectacular and innovative art and have yet to tap into the art market. As first-time sellers or beginners, they are just getting their feet wet and as an art buyer, you are most likely to come out with a well-made work of art for a very fair if not cheap price.
The Brownsville Culturati
If you are interested in learning about or getting involved with what is going on at the top of the Brownsville fine art scene and advocacy, then you need to get in touch with these folks.
Amigos Artistas
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
UTB/TSC Patron of the Arts
Treasure Hunting
Antiques, folk art and second-hand keepsakes are a bound in Brownsville...keep a look out for estate sales, garage and yard sales and give our local "pulga" and downtown Brownsville a visit.
Public Establishments
A few restaurants around town allow artists to use their wall as commercial space. I know for sure that Gazpacho's by Sunrise Mall does and perhaps a few of the coffee shops around town, though I am out of touch with who in particular. Just keep a sharp eye, especially at doctor's offices, lawyer's offices and educational facilities, like the schools and the University. The art on their walls may not be on sell what you will get an idea of what other Brownsville art collectors are interested in.
The Internet
You can count on The Art of Brownsville to keep you informed one what's going on with art in Brownsville, but hey there is only so much one person can do and sometimes I miss out on information or events. So if you know of any events or happenings going on, let me know.
~~~~~~~
So in the next few weeks, I will elaborate on the facets I have listed above. On this matter, I will focus soley on Brownsville and then expand to other parts of the Valley and Tamaulipas. Ofcourse I will continue to promote art from this region and would be most happy to post any information sent my way. Again, if you have any information or other resources you would like to share please let me know. Until then, consider investing time and/or money in art. Art is a wonderful investment that will bring color and culture into your life and home. If you have any questions about art feel free to ask and I would be most happy to answer. Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
More Brownsville Blogs...updated
I've added links to a couple of new blogs about Brownsville to the index below and I suggest you give them a visit. One of my personal faves isBrownsville Eats. Defintely go give that blog a look. Food is always a great topic! Don't you think? Everyone relates to food, especially in Brownsville!
Update:
Also, check out these Brownsville blog newbies who also happen to be family!
Momma, I'm Coming Home - One Person's Return Home --- A story of one man's return to his native land and the "adventures" that are awaiting..."adventures" such as traveling to the ONLY mall in the city looking for a Barnes & Noble with none in sight..."How does he do it?" some might ask...guts, determination and tacos.
A Day In Brownsville - Stay at home mom gives her pespective on parenting and life in Brownsville, Texas.
Update:
Also, check out these Brownsville blog newbies who also happen to be family!
Momma, I'm Coming Home - One Person's Return Home --- A story of one man's return to his native land and the "adventures" that are awaiting..."adventures" such as traveling to the ONLY mall in the city looking for a Barnes & Noble with none in sight..."How does he do it?" some might ask...guts, determination and tacos.
A Day In Brownsville - Stay at home mom gives her pespective on parenting and life in Brownsville, Texas.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Objects of Desire
One more thing I got through Las Comadres Listserve:
You are cordially invited to
"Objects of Desire"
July 15 - 17
Presented by
Imagenes Art Studio & Paseo Plaza
Come and enjoy new art by new artists from around the Valley
Reception Friday, July 15th, 7-9 p.m.
Exhibit dates July 15 to July 17th (All Day)
Paseo Plaza Shopping Center
1805 E. Ruben Torres Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78526
956-574-0088
FOR ALL EXHIBIT INFORMATION, TO SIGN UP ONLINE & TO
VIEW PICTURES FROM THE LAST EXHIBIT "For The Love of Art",
PLEASE VISIT: www.representonline.com
You are cordially invited to
"Objects of Desire"
July 15 - 17
Presented by
Imagenes Art Studio & Paseo Plaza
Come and enjoy new art by new artists from around the Valley
Reception Friday, July 15th, 7-9 p.m.
Exhibit dates July 15 to July 17th (All Day)
Paseo Plaza Shopping Center
1805 E. Ruben Torres Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78526
956-574-0088
FOR ALL EXHIBIT INFORMATION, TO SIGN UP ONLINE & TO
VIEW PICTURES FROM THE LAST EXHIBIT "For The Love of Art",
PLEASE VISIT: www.representonline.com
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
La Ley Viene al Valle
Chilean rock band La Ley will be returning to the Rio Grande Valley to give their final concert here as part of their farewell tour on Saturday, June 25th at La Villa Real in McAllen. I love La Ley and have been a steady fan since the release of their album Invisible in 1994. That is 11 years!! I remember that I went to go see them perform at the South Padre Island Convention Center in 1997 or 1998...I am not sure anymore. Anyways, I have seen these guys in concert three times! First time at South Padre, second time at La Feria in Matamoros and the third time at La Villa Real in McAllen. All three shows were so awesome and so dynamic! These guys can put on a show and they know how to get a crowd moving, especially the charismatic lead singer Beto Cuevas whose presense just electrifies the stage! Woo Hoo! I totally recommend that you try to catch this show since it will be their last tour. I am completely bummed that they will no longer be together but I will respect their decision and will go wish them a fond farewell on June 25th. La Ley has always been such a positive band that is involved with their fans and music by sending positive and humanitarian messages through their work. I am going to miss them and I sure thousands through out the world will too.
For info on obtaining tickets to their concert in McAllen click here.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Another Endangered Brownsville Treasure
Today's Brownsville Herald front page news was on the City's recent execution of plans to renovate the famed yet deeply neglected George Kraigher House. The house, built in 1937, was designed by internationally reknowned architect Richard J. Neutra, and its modern style is one of few examples of Neutra's work known outside of California. The house was named to be one of America's 11 most endangered historic places of 2004 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Kraigher House in its current state of neglect
Kraigher House at its former glory
Within 30 days, the City of Brownsville should be receiving renovation bids for the house. Currently, the City is not sure what the house should be used for after its renovation, but as the Herald article states, the city plans to use it for the benefit of the community. I think since the house it largely being celebrated for it's modern, International Style architecture, then it's use must remain within that context. With it's clean lines and open spaces, the house would be greatly suited for a contemporary and modern art gallery. An even better idea would be for the Kraigher House to be used as a City architectural center, where Brownsville's architectural sites can be put on photographic display to educate the public and to house a center or group that will dedicate its sevices to the protection and preservation of Brownsville's architectural history.
I also find it refreshing that the city's architectural focus has shifted to this modern styled house. Lovely as it is, I am getting tired of the Spanish mission styled architecture that has been popping up around town. Must everything, even the gasoline station across the street, look like the Alamo? I am not saying that we should go back to drab commercial design...but there are so many more design options to make a city more aesthetically appealing. About 20 different and historical design examples exist in our downtown center alone, so why not take from there as well?
Kraigher House in its current state of neglect
Kraigher House at its former glory
Within 30 days, the City of Brownsville should be receiving renovation bids for the house. Currently, the City is not sure what the house should be used for after its renovation, but as the Herald article states, the city plans to use it for the benefit of the community. I think since the house it largely being celebrated for it's modern, International Style architecture, then it's use must remain within that context. With it's clean lines and open spaces, the house would be greatly suited for a contemporary and modern art gallery. An even better idea would be for the Kraigher House to be used as a City architectural center, where Brownsville's architectural sites can be put on photographic display to educate the public and to house a center or group that will dedicate its sevices to the protection and preservation of Brownsville's architectural history.
I also find it refreshing that the city's architectural focus has shifted to this modern styled house. Lovely as it is, I am getting tired of the Spanish mission styled architecture that has been popping up around town. Must everything, even the gasoline station across the street, look like the Alamo? I am not saying that we should go back to drab commercial design...but there are so many more design options to make a city more aesthetically appealing. About 20 different and historical design examples exist in our downtown center alone, so why not take from there as well?
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
More Brownsville Pics
Here are some more pictures from my May 21st photo scavenger hunt. I will add more with time. Enjoy and thanks to Chris Davis for donating the camera! It has helped achieve the objective of this blog by adding a much needed visual element to the advocacy and documentation of the culture, art and heritage of this region. Thanks once again! I will be sending him more pictures that he will rotate on the banner of his blog Cafe Brownsville, so check it out!
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