Houston Lifestyles & Homes magazine Mar 2009: News and Events in Houston Texas

Literally Figurative Exhibit at HCCC

The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft’s upcoming spring exhibition: Literally Figurative, will be on view April 4-July 3.

Literally Figurative focuses on the many aspects of the human figure—complex, beautiful, humorous and quirky—as depicted by several craft artists through works made from ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, wood or mixed media. These whimsical and offbeat objects are sure to delight the viewer, while they demonstrate the conceptual and non-functional side of contemporary craft. An opening reception will be held on April 3 from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main Street; and a Special Workshop: Bodies in Motion: Movement Explorations in the Gallery with MaryBeth Smith, MM, GCFP, director of The Feldenkrais Center of Houston,is set for April 5 at 11 a.m.

Houston Artist David Adickes Celebrates 82nd Birthday

and Unveils Presidential Sculpture

Renowned Houston artist David Adickes celebrated his 82nd birthday at Pictures Plus Gallery with the debut of his U.S. president head sculpture of President Barack Obama.

This was the first time Adickes publicly displayed his rendering of the 44th president of the United States. Adickes also featured a collection of abstract art works that were never before seen during a week-long celebration of inaugural events including his birthday celebration.

Pictures Plus Galley is the home of his sculpture, The French Telephone, which weighs roughly 25,000 pounds, is 26 feet high and spans 22 feet across.

Art Cars, Quick Thinkers, Big Hearts

Houstonians gathered for the Palmer Drug Abuse Programs 4th Annual Road Rally. For those not in the know, a road rally is a cross between The Amazing Race and a scavenger hunt on wheels, all the while testing the participant’s common knowledge, wit, sense of humor and competitive spirit.

The fun was doubled when the eager participants had an opportunity to see highlights of Houston that might otherwise go unnoticed such as the Field of Vision where there are 40 eyes sitting upon 40 pedestals, creating a “field of vision.” On the scene to add to the fun was a monster truck, a hot red Ferrari driven by Alan Leach, ARTreach ’s art car, and Houston's famous Sashimi Tabernacle Choir Art car.

things to do in houston

Even in these tough economic times, Houston delivers a hearty sampling of entertainment options for all budgets. Visit the hippest cinema in H-Town. With screenings everywhere from rooftops to junkyards, Aurora Picture Show is ground zero for new artists. Expect irreverent indie-films like the recent Obama music video Change You an Dance To and Toy Punks —a documentary on Japanese toys, fashion and punk rock. Admission for regular screenings is $6. Visitwww.aurorapictureshow.org to view the event calendar.

Visit Houston’s most popular attractions, avoid ticket lines and save nearly 50 percent off admission prices by buying a City Pass. For $34, pass holders get access to Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts and several more highly sought-after spots.

Get a water-front view of Buffalo Bayou from the comfort of a pontoon boat. On the second Saturday of each month, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership provides 30-minute cruises from Sesquicentennial Park to the Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade. For $7 riders get to see herons, jumping fish and even the occasional alligator.

For more information, go to www.houstontexas.com.

Blanka Sperkova, To Miro, necklace, 2007. Finger-knitted, colored and lacquered wire. • Susan Shie, The Power Out, 2006. Whole cloth painting on white cotton fabric. • Christina Smith, Reconveyance, 2008. Sterling brooch with scissors and a triangular box form. • Joël Urruty, Reclining Nude, 2008. Mahogany, milk paint and concrete