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| · July 15, 2003 · |
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· Off The Wall Or Center Stage, Fresh Arts Coalition Puts A Spotlight On The Diversity Of Houston's Most Innovative Cultural Attractions Complimentary Guide and www.FreshArts.org Website Are Keys to DiscoveryHOUSTON, Texas (July 14, 2003) - Houston has long told visitors to "expect the unexpected," a motto that perhaps best fits the city's thriving arts community, where avant-garde innovation and excitement are an everyday occurrence. And while Houston has a reputation for doing things on a grand scale, what might be most surprising is the breadth of offerings from small- and mid-size cultural organizations, whose progressive and uncompromising visions of dance, theater, literature, music and the visual arts are reinforcing the city's growth into a cosmopolitan hub of culture and commerce. Formed earlier this year, Fresh Arts Coalition is a collaborative union of 15 such cultural attractions, working together to heighten awareness and discovery of Houston's diverse, small treasures. The Fresh Arts Coalition website (www.fresharts.org) is a recommended stop before any planned visit to Houston and might even encourage a trip dedicated to experiencing firsthand the city's most original and thought-provoking offerings. In a format that is both colorful and engaging, guests can link to Fresh Arts member sites, view a calendars of upcoming events, read profiles about emerging artists, learn about unique festivals and exhibits and sign up for an informative bi-monthly email newsletter. A pocketsize member guide, incorporating a helpful map, is also available. For a complimentary copy of the guide or for additional information about Fresh Arts Coalition, call 713-703-7171. Following is an overview of Fresh Arts Coalition members: Aurora Picture Show A converted church is the setting for experiencing cutting-edge, artist-made film, video and new media that fall outside the bounds of conventional moviemaking. The only venue of its kind in the Southwest, Aurora has exhibited more than 800 films and videos from artists around the world since its 1998 inception. Blaffer Gallery One of Houston's premier contemporary arts museums, Blaffer Gallery is the University of Houston's laboratory for the visual arts and pop culture. As a non-collecting museum, Blaffer treats visitors to an ever-changing roster of exhibitions, ranging from solo shows of renowned and emerging artists, to group shows, investigating provocative themes. Buffalo Bayou ArtPark The lush, rolling landscape of Buffalo Bayou is the backdrop for sculpture and eye-catching installations that merge nature and art. Pieces from around the country join local works, many of which are collaborations between artists, students and neighborhood groups. Community Artists' Collective Founded in 1987, Community Artists' Collective combines gallery space for up-and-coming local and national artists with accessible workshops and classes that are intended to nurture the creative process through the visual arts. The wide array of art programming for children, adults and families includes painting, photography, mixed media and community design. DiverseWorks A testing ground for new ideas, DiverseWorks has gained international attention for its innovative programming, which includes an eclectic array of performance and visual art, plus dance, literary and theatrical performances. Located in Houston's warehouse district, the multi-purpose art space features numerous gallery areas. Houston Masterworks Chorus With 130 volunteer singers, Houston Masterworks is the city's largest independent chorus. Under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson, it has achieved consistent artistic growth through a wide repertoire that includes beloved masterworks and rarely performed pieces, which are accompanied by professional soloists and instrumentalists. Infernal Bridegroom Productions Founded by Jason Nodler in 1993, this groundbreaking troupe of resident company members explores new frontiers in performance that challenge and entertain itself and its audience. From original plays and regional premieres to productions of Brecht and Beckett, the unique assemblage of actors, musicians, plus a caveman and a dancing bull or two, make their home in the Axiom, a former punk bar. Inprint, Inc. A champion of creative writing and reading, Inprint offers a variety of workshops geared to audiences ranging from aspiring and accomplished writers to senior citizens and children in underserved areas. Each year, the Inprint Brown Reading Series brings a diverse group of the world's greatest writers to Houston for readings and discussions, which are available at little or no cost to the public. Main Street Theater Founded in 1975, Main Street Theater offers theatergoers a varied selection of plays and musicals and serves as a venue for the training, employment and exposure of professional theater artists. The intimate MainStage produces a range of accessible and entertaining fare in a former Rice Village dry cleaning plant, while a second, 190-seat theater in Chelsea Market provides a site for large-scale classic and musicals plus its Youth Theater Program. Opera in the Heights The brainchild of two opera singers, a theater director, pastor, a costumer/college arts dean, professor of languages and economics professor, Opera in the Heights has dedicated itself to making opera easily accessible to the community, while developing the talents of young artists on their way to professional careers. Founded in 1996, Opera in the Heights treats audiences to an intriguing calendar of performances and the incomparable setting of the beautiful and historic Lambert Hall. The Orange Show Houston's East End is home to The Orange Show, a visionary art environment created by retired postal worker, Jeff McKissack, over a 25-year period. A colorful maze of exhibits, sculptures and mosaics, this folk art landmark is now the site for a year-round roster of programs geared to all ages, including the Art Car Parade. The Orange Show Foundation also preserves the nearby Beer Can House and runs Eyeopener Tours, which focuses on the city's most unique attractions. OrchestraX Using multi-media and new technologies and in collaboration with theater and other art genres, OrchestraX takes orchestral music to new and unusual places, encouraging interaction between the orchestra and audience. Established in 1996 by conductor, John Axelrod, OrchestraX brings classical music from around the world to Houston's city sectors and urban communities. The group attracts young musicians from Rice University, University of Houston and other local ensembles. Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) For more than 25 years, SWAMP media arts center has supported film, video and new media through creative programming and education. Originally organized as a Rice University program, SWAMP now presents professional development workshops, provides fiscal sponsorship for independent films and videos, supports festivals and artist residencies, produces a regional PBS series featuring independent film and videos and hosts the Texas Media Arts conference and other networking opportunities such as monthly salon. Stages Repertory Theatre A professional Equity theater, Stages provides audiences with challenging and provocative material that spans from groundbreaking new works to modern classics. Established in 1978, Stages occupies a two-theater facility near downtown in the historic Star Engraving Building. In addition to MainStage productions, EarlyStages offers intelligent, high-quality theater for children and families. University of Houston Center for Choreography Showcasing the work of choreographers and dancers from around the world, the Center for Choreography's modern dance performances highlight students trained in both the disciplined practice of dance and the creative skills of choreography. A nurturing environment allows choreographers to exchange ideas and methods, while allowing for creative explorations by guest artists and educators to focus on dance composition. About Fresh Arts Coalition Fresh Arts Coalition is a non-profit collaborative of progressive Houston arts organizations. Fresh Arts markets the importance of the arts to the public and builds audience participation through increased visibility, collaborative efforts and awareness building. Its goals are to handle group marketing and heighten awareness of the Coalition members, act as advocate for member arts groups in the community, foster collaboration and crossover activities between Coalition member organizations and host events in the local community to promote Coalition members and the arts. For information, log onto www.fresharts.org or call 713-703-7171. Media Contact: Stuart Rosenberg Studio Communications 713-524-2800 stuartr@studiocommunications.net |
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