Articulations
By Robert Faires, Fri., Oct. 31, 1997
TFAA Moving Again
Two months ago, the big drive by the Texas Fine Arts Association (TFAA) to join the burgeoning downtown museum scene with a flashy new space on Congress looked like it might be stalled indefinitely. That was when Sandra Gregor resigned her longtime post as executive director of the nonprofit that promotes contemporary art throughout the state. TFAA had already been dealing with a delayed timetable for renovating and opening its new home at 700 Congress, to be dubbed CenterSpace. The loss of its chief administrator, who was also instrumental in raising funds for the new home, likely robbed the building campaign of whatever momentum might have been left in it. Knowing how long it can take an institution to replace an executive director, it wasn't hard imagining this personnel change adding a year or more to TFAA's plans. But that was then, this is now. Earlier this month, TFAA board president Gilberto Cardenas announced that TFAA has hired Susan Morehead as its Interim Director and Margaret Henkels as Director of Development. Morehead is the recent recipient of a Masters in Architectural Studies at UT Austin, but she also has a decade's worth of experience running the Texas Arts Alliance. Henkels comes to TFAA fresh from four years with the Austin Children's Museum, during which time she played a key role in locating and funding that organization's new building at Second and Colorado. As if the announcement of these hirings weren't enough to get the CenterSpace drive up and roaring again, with it came the announcement of a $150,000 grant from the Houston Foundation specifically for the renovation of 700 Congress. That's a nice addition to the pot and makes TFAA's projected opening date of mid-1998 seem possible. For more info, call 453-5312.
Bring Out Your Dead
Mexic-Arte Museum is sponsoring its annual celebration of Dia de los Muertos this weekend. On Saturday, November 1, at 6pm, the fun begins with a parade down East Sixth from El Galindo to Congress Avenue, where it will turn left and go a block south to the museum, 419 Congress. At 7pm, an all-ages party with music, dancing, and refreshments begins. Admission is a mere $2. Angel, devil, and skeleton costumes are welcome. You'll also be able to check out a new exhibition in the back gallery: "The Hyphenated Hybrid," with artwork by Bernice Appelin-Williams, Mark Barnes, Sr., and David A. Garcia, and a video by Pat Evans. Call 480-9373.
Worthy Causes
Salvage Vanguard Theater hosts Rooftop With a View, an event to kick off efforts to fund the company's 1998 season of 10 plays. The affair, which features live music, dancing, food, and a silent auction, will be held Saturday, November 1, 6:30-9:30pm, on the roof of ArtPlex, 1705 Guadalupe. Tickets are $25. For more info, call 912-0331.
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