Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs

This , we are remembering the incredible legacy of artist Jesse Lott one year on by showcasing ‘The Dreamcatcher’, a piece from the Houston Civic Art Collection. This remarkable sculpture by Lott is at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center.

Lott’s first introduction to dreamcatchers was from “Native American lexicon”. ‘The Dreamcatcher’ creates a variety of visuals which change as the Sun rises and sets. It produces an illusion of imagery caused by lines and color in space which allows the piece to appear as a drawing, but in reality, it is a sculpture. The illusion may have onlookers experience different images because of its various intersections of line and color.

Lott did not want ‘The Dreamcatcher’ to be “imposed” onto the local community. His goal was to ensure a sense of ownership within the community. A piece where members of the community can point and claim is theirs. With a mix of crocheting, knotting, quilting, macrame, lacemaking, and more, “The Dreamcatcher” invites an inclusive and welcoming environment in which the whole Sunnyside community can have a sense of pride in.

We are incredibly thankful and proud to have Jesse Lott and his work be a part of Houston’s Civic Art Collection. His wonderful creativity and care for the community will forever be recognized across Houston by his art, which he worked very hard for the entirety of his life.

To learn more about “The Dreamcatcher” and Jesse Lott, check out our short film dedicated to the making of the sculpture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMVi3Fb098E:
A video created by

would like to give a big congratulations to for winning the 2024 poetry slam competition, , hosted in Washington DC, for the SECOND YEAR in a row!

We are incredibly proud of these young, creative minds, mentored by and for walking out of Washington DC as back-to-back Brave New Voices champions.

Didn’t get the chance to view last weekend? No worries! The Houston Symphony is back this weekend for a FREE family-friendly musical performance.

This Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM, the Houston Symphony will once again perform classical pieces by Beethoven, Tchaikosvsky, Dvořák, and more! Enjoy this nighttime symphonic performance while meeting with the up-and-coming classical musicians and composers.

Discover more events in Houston to fill up your weekend on HouCalendar.com, managed by .

“One step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” - Neil Armstrong (1930 - 2012)

On , we are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing by showcasing “One Step for Mankind”, an etched piece by Naomi Savage (1927 - 2005) from the Houston Civic Art Collection. “One Step for Mankind” can be seen next to City Hall at Tranquillity Park, named after the Moon’s Sea of Tranquility, Apollo 11’s landing site.

Tranquillity Park was built as a monument to manned spaceflight and the Space City’s efforts in advancing it. “One Step for Mankind” is an etched stainless steel image showcasing the iconic photograph of Buzz Aldrin (b. 1930) on the Moon. It sits right next to a plaque that contains a quote from former Houston Mayor Louie Welch (1918 - 2008) which recognizes the freedom and pride made by space exploration.

Thank you for your role in making our city unique.

Looking for a break this weekend? is hosting two world-class musical performances this weekend at for the whole family to enjoy for FREE!

This Friday and Saturday at 8:30 PM, the Houston Symphony will be performing classical works from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Dvořá. Experience these harmonious performances with the next generation of virtuosos and up-and-coming conductors.

Can’t make it tonight or tomorrow? No worries! Houston Symphony will be back the following weekend on Friday and Saturday, continuing with their Summer Symphony Nights at 8:30 PM.

Discover more events in Houston to fill up your weekend on HouCalendar.com, managed by .

Looking for weekend plans? Explore the diverse cultural events that are taking place in Houston on HouCalendar.com! The Houston Cultural Events Calendar, managed by , has events that range from art exhibits that showcase the work of local artists to play performances the whole family can enjoy. Discover Houston events and plan your weekend with HouCalendar!

On , we are proud to showcase “Light Spikes”, a classic piece by Jay Baker from the Houston Civic Art Collection. “Light Spikes” is presented at on the entrance road to Terminals D & E.

Revealed in 1990, the luminous sculpture exhibits the flags of seven different nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, plus the flag of the European Union. The piece is meant to commemorate the 16th G7 Summit that was held in Houston under President George H.W. Bush.

The flags are planted on tilted pillars which illuminate throughout the night. “Light Spikes” has become a local art icon to those who go to IAH. Many of those that go in and out of Houston drive by or fly over the colorful landmark. For almost 35 years, “Light Spikes” represents global history that has taken place in the City of Houston with airport-goers appreciating and cherishing the sculpture.

Here is another opportunity to celebrate Pride Month before the month comes to a close! is hosting their family-friendly annual Rainbow on the Green event TONIGHT, Friday, June 28 from 7-10pm.

The event will take place at The Anheuser-Busch Stage with performances from & the Lone Star Discoteq, drag queens, Tina Turner + Chaka Khan impersonators, and more!

For more information on this event or similar ones, check out the Houston Cultural Event Calendar at HouCalendar.com. This calendar is the best source for all cultural and artistic events happening in Houston.

NEWSFLASH! Recent projects commissioned from local artists for Civic Art Collection have been featured in “The Economic Power of Public Art”, published by in this year!
Illuminating the impact public art has on stimulating community engagement and economic growth, the publication features:
“Folding Stories” - A multicultural tapestry featuring stories of female pioneers in Alief. Handwritten letters from locals adorn the fabric. Created by , .art, and from the Red Thread Collective, it showcases Alief’s diversity, history, and hope for Alief’s future.
“Alief Swarm” - created this piece with 900 fabricated shoe-butterflies, from shoes voted on by Alief residents. The hanging pieces form a swarm of insects, symbolizing the community’s unity and welcoming spirit and symbolize community working together, the way swarms do.
“Windbloom” - Designed by , this piece serves as both shade and a blooming flower sculpture. Inspired by local ecology, it aims to foster a sense of belonging and community in Alief.
“The Meditative Space” - This artwork by Houston-born artists .cyrus and , honors Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, featuring photographs, excerpts from her speeches, and maps of the historical Fourth and Fifth Wards. It celebrates her legacy and Houston’s Black culture and history.
“Data Stream” - Located in Terminal B of IAH, created an animated experience using data from flights, temperatures, and plane landings. LED strips simulate air waves over airplane wings, captivating passengers who spend less than 120 seconds at the station.
“The Aquarius Art Tunnel” - A 240-foot tunnel by that immerses passersby in the Gulf of Mexico’s Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary - off of the Texas coast. The tunnel was transformed into to a vibrant aquatic experience, symbolizing water’s universal significance.
We’re proud of the artists and the artworks they’ve contributed to our .
Thanks to for the mentions!

Hey there! My name is Jake McCutchen and I am an intern for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs during this Summer. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, but moved to the United States when I was six weeks old. I was raised in Houston and have been living here for most of my life. I am a Senior at the University of Houston majoring in Political Science with a minor in Creative Writing.

In the time I have with , I am hoping to receive valuable knowledge and experience to advance my skills not only on a professional level, but on a personal level too.

I am hoping to help create a perspective in which art is not considered as just a visual piece, but rather a community builder or a business developer. To have the ability to witness the efforts of MOCA to promote all different types of art forms is an incredible opportunity.

It is an honor to be able to have this chance to contribute to Houston’s diverse cultural scene with these amazing people in this office!

Today is an opportunity to learn, celebrate, and honor. Events throughout the season can be found here, Juneteenthhouston.org

HOUSTON 📢 We’re organizing a workshop for our local music + film communities TUE JUNE 25th 🎬🎶

The workshop with covers + music supervision, + , , and pitching your music for film/tv/ streaming placement.

One of our goals this year is to provide more opportunities for our music community around music business development. This workshop can do more for our film + music industries 🤘🏽

So, if you’re a recording artist, attendance is a must! 🎬🎶🎞️

TUE June 25, 6-8pm
The DeLuxe Theater 📍

Space is limited but FREE with RSVP 📲 www.houston-music.live

Presented by the Houston Music Advisory Board, Cultural Affairs Office and the City of 🔮



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HOUSTON ✴️ Just 4 DAYS to !

Registration is NOW EXTENDED thru JUNE 20th to book a performance!

Musicians/Venues: SIGN UP NOW for a citywide music celebration on the 1st day of Summer 😎

FRI JUNE 21 ✴️ A Celebration of Music in Houston

GO to makemusicday.org/houston or
CLICK the LINK in Story to get started! 📲

MAKE MUSIC DAY ✴️ REGISTER NOW!

This is the last week to sign up to participate in Make Music Day. The annual celebration seeks all music makers regardless of age or skill level. Houston is celebrating a global day of music across the city on the first day of summer, JUNE 21st!

🎸 MUSICIANS
If you want to perform, register to find a place to perform at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

📍 VENUES
If you’re interested in hosting a music event at your venue or space, register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

And if you’re a member of the Houston Professional Musicians Association (), funds are available for performances. For more info, visit afmhouston.com 📲

Deadline to register is this FRI JUNE 14th ⏱️

Then, join us on FRI JUNE 21st for Make Music Day in Houston! 📅



🎸 , City Hall 2023
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✴️ VENUES! MUSICIANS! ✴️
REGISTER FOR MAKE MUSIC DAY

Houston seeks all music makers regardless of age or skill level. On JUNE 21st, join us for the annual Make Music Day celebration 🎉 😎🎉

🎸 MUSICIANS: REGISTRATION IS OPEN
If you want to perform, register to find a place to perform at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

📍 VENUES: REGISTRATION IS ALSO OPEN
If you’re interested in hosting a music event at your venue or space, register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

And if you’re a member of the Houston Professional Musicians Association (), funds are available for performances. For more info, visit afmhouston.com 📲

Deadline to register is next week, June 14.

Then, mark your calendar on FRI JUNE 21st and invite your friends and family for Make Music Day in Houston! 📅



🎧 , City Hall, 2023
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MUSICIANS! ✴️ REGISTER FOR MAKE MUSIC DAY

We’re celebrating a global day of music across the city on the first day of summer, JUNE 21st! The annual celebration seeks all music makers regardless of age or skill level.

🎸 MUSICIANS: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
If you want to perform, register to find a place to perform at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

📍 VENUES: REGISTRATION IS ALSO OPEN
If you’re interested in hosting a music event at your venue or space, register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

And if you’re a member of the Houston Professional Musicians Association (), funds are available for performances. For more info, visit afmhouston.com 📲

Deadline to register is next week, June 14.

Then, mark your calendar on FRI JUNE 21st and invite your friends and family for Make Music Day in Houston! 📅



🎶 for performance at City Hall, 2023
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The City understands how frustrating it is when disasters strike and debris sits around.

We’re excited to launch the new Storm Debris Collection Progress Tracker. This tool is here to keep you informed about when debris collectors will be in your neighborhood.

Your patience is appreciated as we work hard to clean up our community. Check it out now bit.ly/HTXStormDebris

VENUES! REGISTER NOW ✴️ MAKE MUSIC DAY

On the first day of summer, JUNE 21st, we celebrate a global day of music across the city!

📍 VENUES: REGISTRATION IS ALSO OPEN
If you’re interested in hosting a music event at your venue or space, register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲 You can find and book talent thru the site, too!

🎸 MUSICIANS: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
If you want to perform, you can also register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

And if you’re a member of the Houston Professional Musicians Association (), funds are available for performances. For more info, visit afmhouston.com 📲

So join us on FRI JUNE 21st for Make Music Day in Houston! 📅

calls for Houston’s best ideas to endorse for the national “Our Town” grant program.

Led by the National Endowment for the Arts (), the “Our Town” grant seeks projects that integrate arts, culture, and design into local efforts that ultimately strengthen communities. Successful projects have advanced local, economic, physical, and social outcomes in communities and are laying the groundwork for system changes. Projects require a partnership between a non-profit organization and a local government entity, with one of the partners being a cultural organization. Matching grants range from $25,000 to $100,000, with a minimum cost share/match equal to the grant amount.

To read the entire press release, go to: www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs/20240522.html

Reminder:
Submit your concepts with confirmed artists and partners to
[email protected] by June 20, 2024.

For more on the “Our Town” grant, visit:
www.arts.gov/grants-organizations/our-town/introduction

This Heritage Month, is showcasing artworks from the City of ’s that celebrate AAPI heritage or were created by AAPI artists. For , we’re highlighting the vibrant “Alief Swarm” installation by Filipino-American artist .

Bennie is a visual artist based in Houston. She is an art professor at Houston Community College and has previously taught at the High School of Performing and Visual Arts.

“Alief Swarm” is installed inside the Alief Community Center. When entering the east side of the building, viewers will see pieces suspended from the blue ceiling that resemble birds or butterflies. As they walk further into the atrium, the pieces expand upwards into the open space, forming a flying migration of 900 printed dichroic acrylic laser-cut images of shoes shaped like butterflies, floating above. The shoe styles seen in the installation were voted on by Alief students and residents and include Converse High Tops, Nike Air Jordans, Vans, workman’s boots, and high heels.

The name “The Alief Swarm” is inspired by the idea of a large group of bees emigrating to start a new colony. Like bees, any group of people can be considered a swarm emigrating and working together toward a shared goal. In the piece, the shoe butterflies represent all the residents of Alief, coming together to create an uplifting experience for visitors to the Alief Neighborhood Center.

MUSICIANS! REGISTER NOW ✴️ MAKE MUSIC DAY

On JUNE 21st, we celebrate a global day of music across the city, and we want you to be part of it!

🎸 MUSICIANS: REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
If you want to perform, register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

If you’re a member of the Houston Professional Musicians Association (), funds are available for performances. For more info, visit afmhouston.com 📲

📍 VENUES: REGISTRATION IS ALSO OPEN
Interested in hosting a music event at your venue or space, you can also register at makemusicday.org/houston 📲

There’s music for everyone, and opportunities for every musician! So join us on FRI JUNE 21st! 📅

# houston

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Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Don’t forget about the 3rd Annual Art Bike Parade, hosted by , taking place tomorrow! This unique and funky Houston event is quickly becoming a new tradition. Decorate your bike and join in on the fun!
For more information on this event or similar ones, check out the Houston Cultural Event Calendar at HouCalendar.com. This calendar is the best source for all cultural and artistic events happening in Houston.

The City Council approved the appointment of new board members for the Houston Music Advisory Board (HMAB). Following an ordinance last year that permanently established the advisory board, the HMAB serves as a liaison between the music community and the City of Houston and helps foster the economic development of local musicians and the music industry. The board is made up of nine (9) active members who represent the diversity, interest, and expertise of Houston’s music community to continue this work.

“The work the inaugural music advisory board has begun with Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs in the last year to support our local music community is groundbreaking,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The focus on music preservation, education, and collaboration this year has yielded interest in preserving music landmarks, encouraging cultural documentation, and inspiring mentorships. With the addition of four new board members and three reappointed members, I look forward to the continued support and advocacy for Houston’s dynamic music industry.”

Read the complete press release at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs/20231208.html

Pictured: Houston Music Advisory Board members Dria Thornton, Jason Kane, Michael Moore, Henry Guidry, and Marissa Saenz and MOCA’s Music + Cultural Tourism Officer Gracie Chavez. Photo by Victor Ancheta.

It’s and it’s time to highlight another piece in ’s Civic Art Collection.

It’s Sofiah with another post. I believe it’s beautiful that even the most unexpected pieces have a colorful history you can’t imagine.

For instance, "Brownie,” a bronze elf sculpture that can be found in the Houston Zoological Gardens.

The sculpture depicts an elf wearing a pointed cap and pointed shoes and holding a bowl as if asking for a handout.

Brownie was created by Italian artist Louis Amateis and was made possible by the children of Houston through a penny drive more than 100 years ago. The sculpture was originally installed in what is now Sam Houston Park in 1907.

Brownie has had quite a colorful journey: in 1935 it was stolen, recovered, and returned to the park, only to be stolen again. To safeguard the sculpture, it was put in storage and then forgotten. Decades later, in 1968, Brownie was rediscovered and relocated to the Houston Zoo.

This elf sculpture illustrates that even small things that make up our community can have histories that are beyond our imagination.

“Brownie” is part of the Civic Art collection managed by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs () and is maintained by .
Photos by Shau Lin Hon.

Join Archaeology Now and the Arab American Educational Foundation tonight for a reading of Gilgamesh, the oldest recorded story in the world.
The reading will close out the programming surrounding the installation of the Mudhif, a reed house, at Rice University.
director Necole Irvin will read a passage from the story. See you there!


For parking information, go to
https://www.rice.edu/campus-maps