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When: October 14-November 18, 2016
Opening Reception: October 14, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Community Artists' Collective, 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116
Exhibition Hours: Thursdays, noon to 8 p.m.;
Fridays-Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m.; and by appointment
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Calling local female artists
to help celebrate
The Collective's 30th anniversary
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Artist and Cy Fair Art Coordinator
Lee Carrier on passion and purpose
By Holly Charles
Check in at the Bell Tower
. Directing me to artist Lee Carrier, the text message filled with dramatic irony floated across my screen. The art student, turned art instructor, turned working artist, turned CFISD School District Art Coordinator found time in between her jumbled schedule of strict 9 to 5 corporate meetings and unconventional after-hours warehouse art shows to sit down for what started off as an interview but ended as a two-hour testament to her passion and purpose.
The Bell Tower she mentioned, hanging over the front entrance of the Cypress
Fairbanks Independent School District Instructional Support Center, led me to
my muse of many muses.
Coincidentally, bell towers symbolize both the hope and freedom of the people,
much like Carrier does for the evolving demographics of Cy Fair ISD. As the
third art coordinator for the entire district, she is, most impressively, the first
African American to occupy the position. While she may not have set out to be
a cultural trailblazer or the Bell Tower, so to speak, of Cy Fair's Art Department,
she certainly embodies both. After 10 years of service as a high school art teacher who coached and guided hardworking students through their first art shows, competitions and even silent auctions, her students' work became a regular sight displayed on CFISD walls and in citywide art events such as Houston's Annual Via Colori Festival.
Deserving of her promotion, yet humble about what it means for the diversification of Cy Fair, she does admit that, in her position, "It's all about knowing your population," and since she has studied the specific needs and demographics of both students and staff in her district, she recognizes that the art should be reflective of the students' culture, race, socioeconomic status, etc.(Continue reading)
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"The world is hugged by
the faithful arms of volunteers."
Terri Guillemets, quotation anthologist
Volunteers are the lifeblood of The Collective. We value their time, their talents
and dedication. They are family and will always be so, even when circumstances
separate us.
In August long-time volunteer
Latisha Bloom Breaux
moved to New York City
to be with her daughter Imana and support her in her acting career. Latisha will
continue to pursue a degree in criminal justice online and apply to law schools
next year.
Latisha has helped The Collective during gallery hours and taught occasionally
with the executive director at the schools for the last five years. But she feels
that in a spiritual way her association with The Collective has been "eternal."
"The Collective is a very special place for me. I call it home base. It is a place
of peace no matter what is going on; one can recharge at The Collective. I
know of no more noble human being than
Michelle Barnes
, and she will always
have a special place in my heart.
"I send my prayers and continued support to The Collective family," she added.
Latisha still has family in Houston, and we look forward to her visits here. We
are very grateful for her contributions to our mission and wish her the best in
her new adventure. We're separated physically but not spiritually.
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We've been busy...
Teaching at the Academy of Accelerated Learning
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Hosting Book Signings: "The HattiesvilleTrilogy,"
by Charlotte, N.C., author Cheryl McCullough
McCullough, standing top left, signs her book for a reader.
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Visiting Deborah Colton Gallery:
"Tribute: Women Artists of the African Diaspora"
From left,
Deborah Colton, Lester Marks, Sarah Trotty and
Beverly Harmon welcomed guests to "A Collector's Evening" early in October. Colton has graciously designated a portion of the sales from the "Trilogy" exhibit, which runs through November 5, to The Collective. Participating artists are
Ann Johnson, Jean Lacy,
Annette Lawrence, Delita Pinchback Martin, Sondra Perry, Alison Saar, Kaneem Smith, Colette Veasey-Cullors
and
Erika Walker.
Ann Johnson, left, and Delita Pinchback Martin
relax in Johnson's "Converse: Real Talk" installation.
Peter Brown, left, who will receive the Lester Marks Patron
of the Year Award at The Collective's 30th anniversary
celebration next year, shares his admiration
of the exhibit with Lester and Penelope Marks.
Michelle Barnes, left, welcomes
PaperCity Magazine's
Catherine Anspon, right.
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Workshops and demonstrations are offered at The Collective,
4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116, on Thursdays
from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Community Artists' Collective invites you to learn about and to
work on textiles, including quilting, knitting, crochet and embroidering.
Please join us.
Supplies provided. Suggested donation is $30 per month.
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Community Artists' Collective
713-523-1616
www.thecollective.org
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