Take Me Out to the Ballgame

As the fourth largest city in the nation, Houston has a lot to offer, and the Houston Astros, our hometown baseball team, is extending some southern hospitality to attendees of the 2011 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™ by offering exclusive discount tickets. Minute Maid Park, located in thriving downtown (just down the street from conference headquarters at the George R. Brown Convention Center), is certainly a sight to see for anyone visiting, and enjoying America’s favorite past time when the Houston Astros take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at these discounted prices cannot be beat!

Enter the park through what was once Houston’s Union Station, and cheer on the Astros…a home team homerun or win will send the stadium train, which pays homage to the site’s history as a former train depot, moving along its 800 foot track. And, as long as temperatures aren’t soaring, the retractable roof will be open so that fans can take in the sights and sounds of the game with downtown towering around them.

Games start at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24, and 1:05 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25. Prices are low as $8 for a View Deck II Seat, normally $13, and $23 for a Field Box Seat, normally $41.

This offer is open to AAM visitors and local museum friends alike!  To purchase your tickets, log on to www.astros.com/aam, and enter the password: AAM. For group ticket purchases of 20 or more, or for more information, contact Jeff Troncoso at 713.259.8318 or jtroncoso@astros.com. 

–Lisa Sursavage, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Sneak Preview: Living the Brand

Wrapping up our series of discussions with session chairs is “Living the Brand.” Hear what Amy Ritter Cowen, Executive Vice President, Marketing, PR & Guest Experience, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, has to say about integrated brand into all aspects of operations.

Museums of tomorrow must move beyond isolated brand communications to total acceptance and integration of the branded mission. Experts will examine hiring/training, communication products, exhibit selection, education classes and customer service practices.

This session takes place Monday, May 23 from 9-10:15 AM. Presenters include Edward Bailey, Vice President, Brand Development, Austin City Limits, Austin, Texas; Meghan Curran, Director of Marketing, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago; Cynthia Kenny, Owner, Cynthia Kenny Creative, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Casey Steadman, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta History Center.

–Dewey Blanton, American Association of Museums

Houstonians are the Sparkle that Make Houston Shine

A table in a Texas Southern University studio has become a parking lot of cars waiting to be painted.

671.  That’s the number of shifts (thus far) required to produce AAM Houston 2011.  Session monitors, office assistants, registration assistants, hospitality lounge assistants, greeters, public art docents, and more are necessary to properly welcome the American Association of Museums’ members as they gather to conduct business, network, and learn.  This year’s meeting theme is “The Museum of Tomorrow.”  Where better to hold such a meeting than in the fast-paced, diverse, city-of-tomorrow – Houston, TX!

The AAM Volunteer Subcommittee released the call and Houston is answering.  Staff members and volunteers from our amazing museums as well as community and corporate citizens are all heading downtown to the George R. Brown Convention Center to ensure that this generation of museum professionals talk about all Houston has to offer for years to come.

In preparation for my job as Volunteer Coordinator for AAM Houston 2011, I attended the AAM 2010 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.  I sat near the entrance to check-in volunteers upon their arrival.  I didn’t know anyone there, so I remained at that post in the back of the room throughout the orientation.  Fortunately, with everyone’s back to me, they could not see the smirk on my face as the 2010 Volunteer Subcommittee Chair explained to the crowd the importance of doing a good job because, “next year AAM goes to Houston and no other city volunteers like Houston!”

It’s no wonder that AAM selected Houston to launch several new programs including the first ever Community Service Project and Public Session Track.  It’s no surprise that the Houston Local Host Committee created amazing new projects on its own including the Portable On Demand Arts (PODA) Project.  It’s not a stretch to imagine that local galleries, corporate partners, and other organizations want to join us in this adventure.  Why?  Because this is Houston.  And it is the hard work and dedication of volunteers that will make AAM Houston 2011 an over-the-top success.

Artist Jesse Sifuentes and student LaStarsha McGarity discuss a collection of cars in progress.

The AAM Houston Volunteer Subcommittee has found an exciting way to thank the volunteer corps registering for shifts on the Volunteer Registration website.  Houston artist Jesse Sifuentes has created an original, limited and numbered edition, ceramic art piece to celebrate AAM Houston 2011.  The art car inspired piece is a half-circle design mimicking a hub cap and features an art car on top.  Each piece is uniquely hand-painted by professional and volunteer artists from around the city.  The result will be a fun and funky, one-of-a-kind piece of art which AAM volunteers will be proud to display in their home or office.

AAM volunteers gain access to the event’s fascinating sessions and exhibit hall, providing rare insight into the great museums in Houston and around the world.  Shifts are filling quickly, so don’t miss this chance.

Registration is open for interested volunteers.  An orientation takes place on Thursday, May 19, from 4- 6 pm for volunteer positions running May 20 through May 25.  Volunteers will earn a one-day pass to the conference for each four hours of volunteer service performed between May 20 and May 25.  To review and register for available volunteer jobs, click here.

Volunteers range from museum professionals from around the country to eager Houstonians who love to brag about our amazing city.  Be a part of the action, meet fantastic people, and help build “The Museum of Tomorrow.”  Visit http://www.aamhouston.org and register today!

–Mona Fluitt, AAM 2011 Volunteer Coordinator

Special Free Art Gallery Tour for AAM attendees – Saturday, May 21, 4 – 8 pm

Hello AAM and museum friends! 

Gus Kopriva of RedBud Gallery, Wayne Gilbert of G Gallery, and Catherine Anspon, PaperCity magazine Fine Arts & Social Editor and author of the new and exciting book, ” Texas Artists Today,”  here! 

We are hosting a special (and gratis!) tour of some of Houston’s premiere gallery spaces, planned especially for AAMers, on Saturday, May 21 from 4 – 8 pm (from the Hilton Americas Houston hotel) and hope that you can join us!

Houston is a proven leading international center of business, trade, medicine, education and art. Houston has always maintained a leading position in the arts and is proud to introduce AAM attendees to a small taste of what has become accepted as the Third Coast of American Art.  

The tour will start with a little glance at just a few of our past Presidents, large sculptures by Houston artist David Adickes, while in route to the historic Houston Heights for a look at the RedBud Gallery, G Gallery and NauHaus gallery. This cluster of galleries highlights a largely eclectic mix of art from every genre, exhibiting early, middle and late career artists. It is not unusual to have a world famous artist in one gallery, a locally renowned artist in another and a self taught, early career or perhaps a MFA graduate in the other.

From there, our group will proceed to the Hiram Butler Gallery nestled in a delightful tree laden section of Houston called the Washington Corridor. Hiram Butler is one of Houston’s oldest galleries and has a strong tradition of Prints and Drawings and exhibits some of Houston’s best artists such as Joe Havel, Terrell James, as well as internationally famous artist such as Jennifer Bartlett and James Turrell.

Next stop on the tour – the Sicardi Gallery and McClain Galleries in the Upper Kirby District. Sicardi Gallery is the premier connection to Latin American art, showing modern and contemporary artists. McClain Gallery principals Robert and Cynthia Cage McClain,  have focused on the exhibition and the acquisition of museum quality artist such as John Alexander, Aaron Parazette, Louise Nevelson, Julian Schnabel and Cy Twombly, to name a few.

From there, we’ll head down the road for a cocktail reception at the Colton Farb Gallery where we will be fortunate to catch a glimpse of two of Houston best known artists, Sharon Kopriva and Angelbert Metoyer, as well as many beloved international artists.

Last but not least, we’ll stop at Moody Gallery, nestled in an area commonly referred to as Gallery Row or Colquitt Row, and one of 14 galleries in the neighborhood. Betty Moody, of Moody Gallery, is affectionately known as the grand dame of the Houston art community and has been a leading advocate of art and artists in Houston, helping make Houston the great art center it has become. Moody Gallery exhibits a selection of some of the leading artists in America.

While there isn’t enough time on the tour to see the other 13 galleries on Colquitt Row, we encourage AAMers and locals alike to come back soon to visit these gems.  We also recommend other Houston galleries such as Meredith Long, Archway Gallery, those on 4411 Montrose, including Anya Tish Gallery, Peel Gallery, and Barbara Davis Gallery, and the powerhouse group on Main Street, including Bryan Miller Gallery, Art Palace and Kerry Inman Gallery.

As for the exciting overview of Houston’s art scene that will be featured on the tour, we do hope you’ll join us. Space is limited, so please reserve your seat soon by sending an email with your contact information (name, company, email and phone) to albert@aamhouston.org by May 6. 

Thanks!

–Catherine Anspon, Gus Kopriva, and Wayne Gilbert

Check out Houston’s Art Galleries!

We know Houston has a plethora of very exciting and diverse museums, covering a range of subjects from art, history, science and beyond. We can’t wait for AAMers to arrive so that we can show off our great city and fantastic museum community.

In addition, we are excited to showcase our splendid art gallery scene.  For those that weren’t aware, Houston is home to a wide array of outstanding art. From emerging to internationally acclaimed artists, fine art photography to ceramics, whatever your preference, chances are you’ll find it in Houston’s galleries.

In preparation for the American Association of Museums 2011 Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo™, the Local Host Committee has gone the extra mile to reach out to many of Houston’s galleries to ensure that they know about AAM coming to Houston so that they are prepared to be open (and exhibiting) for the duration of the conference.

Participating galleries will be listed in a handout that will be made available in the Hospitality Lounge for all attendees. The Hospitality Lounge serves as our distribution center for information on Houston area hot spots and must see and dos.

Houston Art Galleries – if you haven’t heard from us or a member of our art gallery outreach task force about our efforts and would like to participate, please send a message, along with details of your plans and hours to albert@aamhouston.org by May 6.  If you have any questions, please call Albert at 713.353.1570.

AAM Attendees – We encourage you to venture out and see all that Houston has to offer!  After all, May is HOUSTON ARTS MONTH!  Pick up the list of art galleries (many that are holding special hours just for you!) in the Hospitality Lounge located on the 3^rd floor of the George R. Brown Convention Center and set sail. 

If you are going to be in town on Saturday, May 21, from 4 – 8 pm, a group of art gallery owners are hosting a special FREE tour of some of Houston’s hottest gallery spots. More details regarding this tour are still to come and will be made available later this week on this blog. In the meantime, feel free to RSVP for the tour by emailing albert@aamhouston.org. Space is limited, so please act soon!

–Albert Sanchez, AAM Houston 2011 Conference Intern

AAM General Sessions….come early, get a good seat and be entertained!

As the 2011 American Association of Museums Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™ draws closer, those of us on the Hospitality Subcommittee who have been knee deep in preparations are getting really, really excited, especially about the great entertainment we’ve lined up before each of the general sessions.

On Monday, May 23 at 10 am, in  the General Assembly Theater at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), Houston’s own Dominic Walsh Dance Theater (DWDT), a contemporary ballet company that inspires and entertains audiences and artists with visually stunning performances, will kick off the first AAM 2011 General Session with excerpts from I Napoletani, a very upbeat and fun piece that’s always a crowd pleaser.

Immediately following DWDT, HIStory, the internationally acclaimed hip hop ensemble dance company, with special guest company Inertia from Westside High School, will rock the house with a hip hop performance that’s sure to be off the chain. 

Photograph by Simon Gentry

Then, on Wednesday, May 25 at 10 am, also in the General Assembly Theater at the GRB, Hope Stone Dance Company, the critically acclaimed dance and theater ensemble led by renowned choreographer Jane Weiner, merges dance, music, theater, humanity and humanity with an excerpt from The Cooking Show, which explores the old adage, “you are what you eat.”

And for the grand finale, we’ve got the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble lined up, performing for the first time with one of the University’s high energy steppers groups. We’re tempted to tell you more about what they are planning, but this is something you’ve just got to see firsthand.

Of course, following the fabulous entertainment, there’s a lineup of great programming as part of each of the general sessions. We hope to see you there!

–Ryland Holmes, Sr. Communications Director, Houston Arts Alliance;
AAM 2011 Hospitality Subcommittee member;
AAM 2011 Entertainment Task Force member

Another AAM first in Houston in 2011 – a Public Session Track!

New for AAM this year is a series of programs intended to appeal to our museums public audiences – those who serve as board members, subject matter experts and collaborators; those who frequent our museums, support our missions and are intrigued by how we do what we do.

 This is a great opportunity for all of us to help the community benefit from the AAM presence in Houston this year – please help to get the word out to the public on these great learning opportunities!

Tell your members, tell your staffs, tell your volunteers, tell your partners, tell your board members and trustees (especially about the Governance Best Practices session! It’s up to us to get them there!), tell your friends and family. We need a good turn out so that we can set the stage for a successful public program at AAM Annual Meetings to come!

 Here is a quick summary of the sessions we’ve prepared:

Committed to Collections – Ever wondered how museums choose, collect, preserve and present such a fascinating array of objects? Come take a peek behind the curtain at the amazingly complex and sophisticated work done to manage the heart of collections-based institutions.

Sunday, May 22   |     2:45 – 4 pm     |   George R. Brown Convention Center

Why Museums Matter: An Open Discussion for Parents and Caregivers – The world of education is rapidly changing, and museums are moving to strengthen their already important role in fostering lifelong learning and discovery. Take away new insights to ensure that your learners get the most from their museum experience.

Sunday, May 22   |     3:30 – 4:45 pm     |   Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Governance Best Practices for the Museum of Tomorrow – Any museum is only as strong as its board – that group of committed volunteers that guide the institution into the future. Participate in a panel discussion designed to provide you with ideas to help strengthen your ability to participate in excellent museum governance.

Sunday, May 22   |  4:15 – 5:30 pm   |  George R. Brown Convention Center

 Museums Need You: Partnering to Enhance and Enliven Our Community – Bring your brown bag lunch and explore the many ways you can get involved with Houston’s large and growing museum community. From docent to donor, our museums need you!

Tuesday, May 24    |    11:45 am – 1 pm    |   George R. Brown Convention Center

These sessions do not require conference registration, and public attendance is strongly encouraged! For more details on times, locations and information about the great presenters lined up for these sessions, click here.   I hope to see you there!

–Jon Iszard, President and CEO, The Health Museum;
Co-Chair of the AAM 2011 PR & Marketing Subcommittee

Sneak Preview: The Membership Program of Tomorrow

What will membership look like in the future? Listen to what Dana Hines, President & CEO, Membership Consultants, Saint Louis, Mo., has to say (click on Dana’s name for audio!).

Hines will be chairing the session “The Membership Program of Tomorrow: Envisioning the Future of Membership,” on Sunday, May 22 from 2:45 PM-5:30 PM at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

The audience leads this session on envisioning the future of membership, including who our members will be, what they might want and how we’ll find them or they’ll find us. The session wraps up with group conclusions and the perspectives of four consultant experts in the museum, membership, communications and strategy fields.

Presenters include Nick Allen, Chief Strategy Officer, Donordigital, Berkeley, Calif.; Noreen Ahmad, New York; Mae Daniller, President, Daniller & Company, Austin, Tex.; and Elizabeth Garza, Houston Zoo, Houston.

–Dewey Blanton, American Association of Museums

AAM Houston Opening Night!

AAM friends – Bring your dancing shoes to Houston! You are in for a real treat at this year’s AAM Opening Night Party on Sunday, May 22 from 9 – 11 pm at Houston’s uber cool House of Blues.  The libations will be flowing, the desserts will be plentiful and the house will be rocking with one of Texas’ favorite party bands – Skyrocket! They will be playing their solid gold hits from the 70’s, album favorites from the 80’s, and great rock anthems from the best bands in the world.  Skyrocket! nails the broad spectrum of musical styles and star performances  that made the 70’s and 80’s the best and worst of musical times. Unlike any other party band, Skyrocket! does it with a fearless style all its own. You’ll hear a savvy song selection of disco, glam rock, pop, soft rock and soul one-hit wonders that will charm the hippest of the hip. 

The fun doesn’t stop there!  In between sets of shaking your groove thing, venture over to the House of Blues’ swanky Foundation Room for a night cap, a comfy chat with friends and maybe even a glimpse into your own future.
Many surprises await! This is one party you won’t want to miss! 

–Susie Criner, AAM 2011 Events Subcommittee Co-Chair

AAM Attendees and Houstonians, Come on Down to Discovery Green!

Discovery Green park is the “front yard” for the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Hilton Americas Houston hotel. That’s why the AAM 2011 Local Host Committee has planned a slate full of activities and programs during the 2011 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™, especially for AAM attendees and the local community. From engaging performances during the lunch hour and early evening, to a special exhibition created especially for AAM 2011, there’s never a lack of fun happening at Discovery Green! For more information, visit the Houston Hospitality Lounge in the George R. Brown Convention Center during the conference or go to http://www.discoverygreen.com.

Art Car Parade Sneak Peek
Saturday, May 21
6 – 10 pm
Twas the night before the parade and all through the park, the art cars were glowing and I saw a spark…
Celebrate Houston’s Art Car Culture! Get your first look at the new cars for 2011 (including the Houston Area Museums Art Car!) and see some old favorites from years past. Enjoy live music with illuminated Art Cars and entertainment throughout the park. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the cars if you can’t go to the parade on Sunday. And, if you are going to the parade, come check out the cars in the dark! They are pretty cool when they are all lit up!

The Portable On Demand Arts (PODA) Project
Be one of the first to see a unique public art exhibition in Houston designed especially for AAM!

Sponsored by the American Association of Museums 2011 Local Host Committee in partnership with PODS Houston, the City of Houston and Houston Arts Alliance, the PODA Project is a temporary public art exhibition on display at Discovery Green featuring the work of Aerosol Warfare, Box 13 ArtSpace, Jillian Conrad, Lynne McCabe, Gabriel Martinez, Metalab, Anthony Shumate and The Joanna. Each artist or collective of artists will uniquely transform a PODS® container into a work of art.

Created in conjunction with the 2011 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo™, and responding to the futuristic theme of the conference– the Museum of Tomorrow – the PODA Project provides a non-traditional platform for artists to explore the cultural, ecological, political, scientific and socio-economic forces shaping Houston’s aspirations for the future, and showcase the city as a vibrant arts and cultural capital and museum mecca for locals and visitors alike.

This traveling exhibition will debut at Discovery Green May 18 – June 5, 2011, before touring a series of locations (TBA) throughout the greater Houston region.

Celebrate Houston Arts
The Houston Arts Alliance and Discovery Green have teamed up to present an array of performances and activities while AAM is in town, showcasing the best of Houston’s performing and visual arts.

Sunday, May 22, 8 pm
The Aurora Picture Show and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston present Space, Land and Time: Underground Adventures with Ant Farm, a film directed by Laura Harrison and Elizabeth Federici (USA, 2010, 78 min.) that is the first independent video documentary to delve into the work of the renegade 1970s art/architecture collective Ant Farm, best known for its iconic land-art piece Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Radical architects, video pioneers and mordantly funny cultural commentators, the Ant Farmers created a body of deeply subversive work that questioned everything by posing a set of creative and comedic alternative. The filmmakers will be in attendance and will host a Q&A session with attendees following the film.

Monday & Tuesday, May 23 & 24
12 – 2 pm AND 6 – 8 pm
Houston Arts Alliance Folklife and Traditional Arts Program presents Local Roots/Global Culture, showcasing the city’s diverse performing arts traditions from Creole to Carnatic music, from Highlife to hard core Honky Tonk.

Fitness in the Park
Discovery Green offers a regular series of free exercise and movement classes for the community. While AAM is in town, here’s what’s on the schedule:

Saturday, May 21
                930 – 1030 am:                  Slow Flow Yoga
                11 am – 1 pm:                       Strictly Street Salsa
Sunday, May 22
                1030 – 1130 am:                Discovery Hoop Dance (hula hoops!)
Monday, May 23
                630 – 730 pm:                    Bum-ba before you Zumba
Tuesday, May 24
                630 – 730 pm:                    Joyful Yoga
Wednesday, May 25
                630 – 730 pm:                    Zumba

Other Fun Activities in the Park

Sunday, May 22 (every Sunday)
12 – 4 pm
Urban Harvest Farmers Market and Craft Beer Garden

Wednesday, May 25 (every Wednesday)
12 – 130 pm
Weekly Blues & Burgers Series, featuring Rue Davis, “the Man with Many Voices.” Pick up a bite to eat at the park’s Lake House Café and enjoy this blues music lunchtime outdoor concert

–Susanne Theis, Discovery Green