BISD Faculty Art Show

11th Annual BISD Faculty Art Show
September 30 to October 28, 2005

The 11th Annual BISD Art Faculty Art Show opens Friday, September 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Brownsville Art League Museum of Fine Arts on 230 Neale Drive. There will be 2-dimentional and 3-dimentional original artworks from 20 art educators in the district. Invited artists this year are Jose Martinez, Martin Elementary Assistant Principal, Sue Tarrant, retired art teacher, and Mayra Cruz, Brownsville artist. The show is organized by Juan R. Garcia, BISD Specialist for Fine Arts. The show is free to the public and will be on exhibit until October 28, 2005. Call the Brownsville Art League at 542-0941 for museum hours.

Brown Bag Lunch

Hello folks! Hope you all are doing well. Just wanted to invite you all to the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art's Brown Bag Lunch Lecture for this month, on Friday, September 30th, 2005 from 11am-1pm, where I will be the guest artist/speaker. I will be talking about my art, in particular about my shoe art and will lead a shoe portrait art activity. I will also talk about The Art of Brownsville.

WHAT: The Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts Brown Bag Lunch Lecture
WHO: Guest Artist Mayra Cruz
WHERE: The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, 230 Neale Drive, Brownsville, Texas 78520
WHEN: Friday, September 30th, 2005
TIME: 11am-1pm
The public is invited to bring their lunch. The lecture series is free. RSVP at (956) 542-0941.

Celebrity Anime Voice Actor in Brownsville

Received this info by way of the UTB Anime Viewing Club:

The Brownsville Otaku Anime Society presents

Vic Mignogna
voice of Edward Elric from
Fullmetal Alchemist
(for TV viewing times visit AdultSwim.com)


October 1, 2005
12pm - 4pm
Brownsville Public Library
2600 Central Boulevard

Vic Mignogna is a professional music composer/producer and veteran actor with ADV films, most recently voicing characters in such anime series as Edward Elrich in Fullmetal Alchemist and Broly in Dragonball Z. Vic has been guest at many anime conventions across the nation and will be coming to the Rio Grande Valley for the first time ever. The Rio Grande Valley will have its first anime convention SHIMAKON on September 22-24, 2006 at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

An Eventful Sunday

Today I had the opportunity to attend two cultural arts events. The first event I attended was a presentation by Rogelio Agrasanchez Jr. on the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema at The Brownsville Historical Association. It was an interesting presentation with a really good turn out and some good food if I may add (my mom catered). I also enjoyed the wealth of knowledge and visual resources Mr. Agrasanchez shared and you can learn more about his Mexican film archives by visiting http://www.mexfilmarchive.com. The only thing that I wished he could have done is to focus more on the topic of Mexican films in The Rio Grande Valley. I really would have liked to know more on that subject but he will be back in Brownsville to give a presentation at UTB on October 11th, so maybe then he will give more local insight.

The event was also a bittersweet experience because it was Carmen Zacarias's last event as director of the Brownsvillle Heritage Complex. Carmen will be greatly missed and The Art of Brownsville gives her praises and appreciation for all of the work she has done for the Brownsville community. As director, she was most instrumental in making the Brownsville Heritage Complex an impressive facility dedicated to the history and heritage of our beautiful city and to serving its public. Brownsville is going to be loosing one heck of a community and cultural advocate and I hope Carmen will come back to visit us often! (Thank you so much for everything Carmen!)


Bailamos!
Originally uploaded by artofbrownsville.

After this event, my cousin David and I headed over to San Benito to attend the Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center Conjunto Festival. People were enjoying the activity, hearing live music and socializing. I especially enjoyed watching and taking pictures of the couples dancing in front of the stage. We also got a look at the John Dyers "Conjunto" art exhibit and I was so impressed with his color photo technique and of his ability to capture the essence of the musicians he pictured. David and I had a good time trying to decipher what statement the photographed musicians were saying through their expressions and poses. The show will close on October 12th so go see it before it's gone!

I was also happy to see the San Benito square bustling with activity and people and I hope that the City of San Benito will continue to work to make that a much more common occurrence. Truly, this is a community dedicated to local music (you have The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center, The Conjunto Hall of Fame and Freddy Fender active in the community). If Austin is the "Live Music Capitol of the World", I would say San Benito is the "Live Music Capitol of the Rio Grande Valley", but to people who love their town, San Benito is "the Center of the Universe". More people should learn from the example of these San Benito community members because we need more support and appreciation of The Rio Grande Valley/Tamaulipas Frontera by its own residents.

To see more pictures of the festival CLICK HERE.
To read Herald coverage of the events click the links below:
Golden Age of Mexican Cinema
Conjunto Festival

TCA Rio Grande Valley ARTSMeet

You are invited to take part in the ARTSMeet dialogue that will bring together the arts community in the Rio Grande Valley! The Texas Commission on the Arts will facilitate this initial meeting. This gathering will introduce you to concepts that will assist you in building organizational capacity, audiences, and to create an important and valuable impact in your community. Texas Commission on the Arts’ Executive Director, Ricardo Hernandez and Jim Bob McMillan, Deputy Director will lead the discussion. Invited guests include representatives from Texans For the Arts.

Who should attend?
· Local arts organizations (incorporated and unincorporated)
· Arts Administrators
· Board members of nonprofit local arts organizations
· Arts Educators
· Arts Advocates/Supporters
· Artists
· Local Media

Who: Texas Commission on the Arts
What: ARTSMeet
When: Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Where: South Texas College, Weslaco Campus
Lecture Hall G – 191
400 N. Border, Weslaco Texas 78596
Time: 6pm—7pm Meet and Greet Reception
7pm-8pm ARTSMeet Meeting will begin.

To RSVP, contact Mia M. Buentello-Andrade at mia@arts.state.tx.us, or call 956-682-5336. RSVP deadline is Monday, September 26, 2005.

CineSol Film Festival

Via Las Comadres:

12TH ANNUAL CINESOL FILM FESTIVAL
Sept. 23 - Oct. 8

BROWNSVILLE - The CineSol Film Festival opens Sept. 23 in Brownsville and concludes Oct. 8 in McAllen. The two-week festival kicks off in Brownsville with a public reception from 7-8 p.m. at Four Points Sheraton, 3777 N. Expwy 77. Free admission. The opening weekend includes independent film screenings with special guests, filmmaker's workshops and forums, live entertainment and a one-night art exhibition. Opening weekend workshops and screenings take place at Cinemark Movies 10 at 3471 Old Hwy 77 (across from the Red Roof Inn), (956) 544-7200. This year, Cinemark, an annual sponsor of Cinesol, increased their support by providing one screen for the exclusive use of the festival for their opening weekend. Screenings include the work of local filmmakers as well as works submitted by filmmakers from California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York. This year, for the first time, one entire day is devoted to local filmmakers. A catered after-party and one-night art show takes place Sat. night at the Ringgold Civic Pavilion at Dean Porter Park from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., $25 at the door or included with the $50 festival pass. Festival passes for opening weekend are on sale at the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau and, during opening weekend only, at the Cinemark Movies 10 in Brownsville. The $30 festival pass gives access to all opening weekend screenings and workshops. The $50 festival pass gives access to all opening weekend screenings and workshops, plus the after-party on Sat. at the Ringgold Civic Pavilion. Admission to each feature film screening is $10, sold at the door only. Admission to workshops and afternoon screenings is $10 each day, sold at the door only. (Combined admission to screenings/workshops is $50.) After the opening weekend, special outreach screenings are scheduled at schools and theaters across the Rio Grande Valley and in Matamoros, Mexico. To celebration their continued working alliance, the Brownsville Border Film Commission, a major sponsor for the opening weekend, will join CineSol to promote independent films, documentaries and shorts and the talented people who create them. A Sept. 9 film commission press release states that they are very proud that CineSol decided to bring "one of the top media art events in Texas" to Brownsville. "It is our hope that Brownsville will become the permanent venue for the kick-off weekend of the CineSol Film Festival," said Peter Goodman, Border Film Commissioner. Schedules, dates, times, ticket locations and other vital information are posted on www.cinesol.com.

Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival

Received word of this via Las Comadres Network:

BROWNSVILLE – The Ninth Annual Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival, Oct. 13-16, features nightly dance concerts and a Sunday afternoon street party. The festival headliner this year is top Conga player, Giovanni Hidalgo, and his Latin jazz ensemble based out of New York City. Opening for Hidalgo is Melena, considered the top female Latin jazz percussionist, and her eight piece band based out of Los Angeles.

“Because of the talent that is being brought, this is one of the most exquisite jazz festivals in the U.S.” – Henry Brun, Henry Brun and the Latin Playerz (Brownsville Herald 10/29/05).

As the heat of summer fade into perfect balmy evenings, it’s time for normally laid-back locals to cut loose and dance.

This year’s festival opens Oct. 13 with “Latin Jazz Jam at Las Campanas,” a free outdoor concert featuring Tomás Ramirez, Charles Hearn and other regional performers, from 8-12 p.m. at the Las Campanas Mall at corner of Rubén Torres (FM 802) & Paredes Line Rd. in North Brownsville.

Friday night is “Michelob-Ultra Latin Dance Night” the Rio Grande Valley’ premier Salsa dance event featuring the Shati Orchestra from San Antonio and showcases by Salsa dance masters from throughout Texas. Jacob Brown Auditorium, doors open 7 p.m. and event concludes at 2 a.m.. Tickets are $20. Purchase discount tickets online at www.brosociety.org or at the door on the night of the event. Discounted advance ticket sales start August 15 (online only).

The Jacob Brown Auditorium is transformed into a tropical nightclub for “Night at the Copa with Giovanni Hidalgo,” Saturday, 8-12 p.m. Melena and her eight piece band open for Giovanni Hidalgo and his Latin jazz ensemble. Food and beverages on sale. Mojito cocktails, beer and wine available. Reserve tables are $500, purchase at brosociety.org or call (956) 831-9590 for more information. $20 general admission tickets will be available at the door the night of the event.

THE “CAPITOL THEATRE STREET PARTY” on Sunday is a free outdoor concert in front of the Capitol Theatre in Historic Downtown Brownsville. Acts to include Chuchito Valdes Jr. (Chicago), Rosalia de Cuba (Houston), Melena and others. This is a popular family event with food vendors, art show and dance exhibitions. Event opens at 3 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m. Located on Levee Street between 10th and 12th Streets. Take Expressway 77/83 to 6th St., exit south to St. Charles St. and turn left. Drive to 11th St. Free parking available on street.

For more information and advance ticket sales, visit www.brosociety.org or call (956) 831-9590.

WHAT: Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival
WHEN: Oct. 13-16 (Thurs -Sun)
WHERE:
Thursday - “Latin Jazz Jam at Las Campanas,” at Paseo de la Resaca
FREE, 8 p.m.-12 midnight
Friday - "Michelob-Ultra Latin Dance Night" at Jacob Brown
Auditorium, $20, 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Saturday - "Night at the Copa with Giovanni Hidalgo" $500 reserve
tables, $20 gen. admission at the
door. 7 p. m.-12 midnight.
Sunday - Capitol Theatre Street Party in Brownsville's Historic
District. FREE, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.

Tickets and complete schedule available online at brosociety.org.

Conjunto Festival Reminder

14th Annual Narciso Martinez Conjunto Festival
Sept. 16, 17, & 18, 2005
The Narciso Martinez Cultural Arts Center
225 E. Stenger Street
San Benito, Texas 78586
(956) 361-0110

For more information about the festival CLICK HERE.

More Calls for Artists

Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival

Artists! You are welcomed to display your artwork at the Latin Jazz Festival

Exhibit Day 1
When:Thursday, October 13th
Where: Las Campanas Shopping Center (by paseo plaza just off FM802)
How: Art display will be set up outside under a roof.
Cost: Free for artists to exhibit (not free to attend actual festival)

Exhibit Days 2 & 3
When: Friday & Saturday, October 14, 15
Where: Jacob Brown Auditorium
How: Art exhibit is indoors
Cost: Free for artists to exhibit (not free to attend actual festival)

**Please note that space is limited. The art exhibit is NOT a part of the street dance at the capital theatre**

For more information please contact me at 956-574-0088
tues-sat 11 - 5 or 6 or email me back. Hope everyone can attend. This is a great opportunity to show your art FREE OF CHARGE!!

Evelyn Cameron, Marketing Assistant for Imagenes Art Studio
www.imagenesstudio.com

************

Dia de los Muertos Exhibit at the McAllen Creative Incubator

The McAllen Creative Incubator is calling artists for the exhibition, Dia de los Muertos- Interpretations: Traditional and Contemporary. Artists working in all media and styles are welcomed to participate. Selected works will be displayed in a 2 week exhibit October 18—November 3, 2005. Artists may enter up to two original works in any medium depicting interpretations of the traditional celebration.

For an entry form send an inquiry to the following email: arte_monroe@yahoo.com

Promote Your Art Here!

If you would like to promote your RGV/Tamaulipas fine arts related (visual arts, perfoming arts, film, humanities and/or internet) related events/activities/work/site, send me an email or leave a comment with your email on this post. Thanks!

Help Those Affected by Hurricane Katrina...updated

Please help the thousands affected by Hurricane Katrina's massive destruction. Make a donation to the Red Cross through their website or by phone at 1-800 HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669.) People are dying and starving in the streets and many people who can help have their hands tied due to flooded buildings and streets, overcrowded and depleted facilities, lack of electricity and social choas. This is nothing short of a major crisis. So please make a donation now.

NEW UPDATE:

Straight from the source. No Hoax.

Thanks to Wendy who also has a blog called All My Tediousness Upon Thee for emailing me information about a new donation opportunity. Valley TV station KVEO will hold a booth at The Scorcher on Sunday, September 11th in the Hidalgo Dodge Arena, to collect donations for the hurricane relief effort called The Wall of Caring. 100% of all money collected will go to the National American Red Cross hurricane relief effort.

If you are looking for donation outlets closer to Brownsville, check out the Herald's new list.

If you are feeling a little demoralized or down about the matter, click here to listen to Coldplay's song Don't Panic. It always lifts my spirit in worrisome times.

Imagenes Art Studio: Call for Artists & Upcoming Exhibit

Artists! You are cordially invited to participate in the
"Healing Colors of the World" Art Exhibit
October 7th - 9th
Presented by
Imagenes Art Studio & Paseo Plaza

Come and enjoy new art by new artists from around the Valley
Reception Friday, October 7th, 7-9 p.m.
Exhibit dates October 7 to October 9th (All Day)

Paseo Plaza Shopping Center
1805 E. Ruben Torres Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78526
956-574-0088

FOR ALL EXHIBIT INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP ONLINE PLEASE VISIT: www.representonline.com and click on Imagenes Art Studio. Deadline is Sept 30th.