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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDefining the Arts in the Brazos ValleyDEFINING theArts in the Brazos Valley IACBVI ARTS COUNCIL of BRAZOS VALLEY IT IS THE MISSION funding OF THE ARTS COUNCIL promotion TO MAKE ARTS ACCESSIBLE advocacy TO ALL CITIZENS partnership building OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY AC BV ARTS COUNCIL of BRAZOS VALLEY ©2005 The Arts Council encourages tangible excitement about the future of our community through its many arts programs and 40 member organizations. The Arts Council is a major community resource with deep roots that creates special optimism among all who work and live in the Brazos Valley. The Arts Council encourages and develops key connections, peaceful coexistence and prosperous citizens. The arts are the cross - cultural means by which people create social capital that can be wisely invested on behalf of everyone. America's diversity, tolerance and creativity are our greatest strengths. The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is the nucleus around which the Bryan, College Station, Brazos County and Texas A &M University communities gather to become their most creative, artistic and productive. DEFINING theArts in the Brazos Valley GENESIS College Station, Texas Dmitri Koustov 2 has no boundaries its. domain is the world 3 The limits of art have not yet been reached. The arts invigorate our souls and arouse the divine creativity found in the expression of emotions, feelings and thoughts of everyone. Art is not only the means of self - knowledge and creative expression, it is also the means by which we create a meaningful culture for ourselves and for those who follow us. Brazos Valley artists overwhelm our senses with music, painting, dance, literature, drama, acting, poetry, song and sculpture. We enjoy classical dance from India, Broadway plays from some of America's greatest authors, music from all over the world and sculpture that is unrivalled for a community our size. The enthusiasm with which our community encourages art and culture shines like a beacon to all. We are blessed to live in the Brazos Valley and share in the cooperative spirit of so many who love and value the arts. It is because of our donors and volunteers that the Arts Council executes its mission with such purpose and success. The dedication and support of our membership and board ensure that our legacy is permanent. The Arts Council is proud to be a part of the many treasures found in the Brazos Valley. Let us continue to build upon our solid foundation and may the heavens always be open to the creative genius found so abundantly in our world. P. DAVID ROMEI, PH.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY NETTA J. SIMEK PRESIDENT ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is the most dynamic organization serving the arts and cultural needs and dreams of a large five county region in central Texas. It is the umbrella not - for - profit corporation for forty member organizations and has firmly established itself over the past thirty-five years as a deep- rooted resident of the Brazos Valley. Our many member organizations, local governments, business leaders and citizens of the Brazos Valley share a common vision for the Arts Council. We are convinced that tomorrow will be better than today and our commitment to all people of every age, gender and cultural background demonstrates our inclusiveness and tolerance. Our programs, grants, advocacy and promotion help us build the partnerships that make life exciting and meaningful. We are an incubator of new ideas and creativity. We do so much more than just encourage tourism and create an atmosphere for a high quality of life: we help to provide the funds and develop the means for the most creative members of our community to express themselves truthfully and beautifully. It is a special privilege for me to thank the supporters, donors and member organizations of the Arts Council for all they do to enrich our lives and expand our horizons. 5 The Eagle `DEATH OF A SALESMAN' OPAS presents Arthur Miller's modern tragedy FITTING TRIBUTE Sculpture memorializes former Arts Council president Exhibit captures rare beauty Art takes wing at Easterwood Airport With Free Flight' installed, the Arts Council of Brazos Valley prepares for additional works for Bryan and College Station Spain to be honored at international Pest Capturing the war on terror `Aggie Spirit' captures greatness of Aggielan The world according to a landscapist The Texas Gallery showcases the vibrant art of painter Virginia Hayes ROARING WITH PRIDE 9,000 -pound statue tribute to donors Veterans take step in honoring heroes Ex- soldiers join in memorial groundbreaking Russian ballet is brilliant AGGIE SPIRIT is what we are about as a community and as individuals. We fight to protect our FREEDOM, we work hard, we DREAM BIG, and we respect the legacy of those who have made our lives better. WE ARE ALL AGGIES. AGGIE SPIRIT College Station, Texas Edd Hayes 7 FREE FLIGHT College Station, Texas Taeg Nishimoto ENERGY AND PASSION Our arts community pulses with ENERGY AND PASSION. Our symphony performs with grandeur, our theater companies provide opportunities for expression by young actors and singers, our visual artists fill our Texas galleries with IMAGINATIVE works, and our PUBLIC ART is simply unequalled for a community our size anywhere in America. THE P DAVID ROIVEI ARTS CENTER provides a home for our artists and is the center of our creative zeal and SUCCESS. Our arts community is very proud of its many successes and has every reason to expect the most promising future. 9 OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS The Arts Council is privileged to be affiliated with over 40 community arts and cultural organizations. The Arts Council and its member organizations generate a combined economic impact of over $20 million dollars annually. The Arts Council employs large numbers of people, patronizes local businesses, engages professionals and contributes significantly by attracting visitors who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and shop in our stores. We are fortunate that our community gives such enthusiastic support to our member organizations. 40 MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS American Guild of Organists Brazos Barbershoppers Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild Brazos Heritage Society Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild Brazos Valley African American Museum Brazos Valley Art League Brazos Valley Chorale Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History Brazos Valley Music Teachers Association Brazos Valley Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Brazos Valley Stitchers Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra Brazos Valley T.R.O.U.P.E. Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Brazos Writers Brenham Children's Chorus The Children's Museum of Brazos Valley Friends of Chamber Music Friends of the B /CS Library System George Bush Presidential Library and Museum KAMU FM RADIO Keep Brazos Beautiful KEOS Community Radio MSC Film Society MSC Forsyth Center Galleries MSC Literary Arts Committee MSC OPAS MSC Visual Arts Committee Navasota Blues Festival Navasota Theatre Alliance Office of University Art Collections (Stark) OPAS Guild SPICMACAY StageCenter Star of the Republic Museum Texas A &M Department of Performance Studies Texas A &M Visualization Lab The Theatre Company University Summer Performance Series The Arts Council helps develop working relationships among the residents of our community. It is an incubator of good feelings among heterogeneous organizations where ideas and emotions bridge different social groups and bonds them together. Our members contribute to a unified community spirit where diverse methods and goals are encouraged and achieved, 12 SCHOLARSHIPS Private donors have made funds available for young people interested in a future involving the arts. The Arts Council of Brazos Valley grants deserving students significant college scholarships annually. The vitality of the arts in a community reflects the level of creativity, freedom and tolerance essential to a high quality of life. WILDERNESS AWAKENED College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara The arts reflect a community's health; where the arts are strong a community is prosperous and happy and where the arts are weak a community is less than desirable for businesses, families and creativity. 13 14 PUBLIC ART has a wonderful way of transforming a life of routine into something very special. Art allows us to escape the material world and to reside for a moment in a place where feelings and emotions embrace us in beauty and thought. Public art clears the dark clouds from the heavens and allows the hand of God to touch our hearts and make us pure. Public art is just as much a part of human history as is war; the difference is that war is destructive while public art inspires a sense of awe because it symbolizes our past, reveals our faith, celebrates our creativity and represents our commitment to freedom. America has been committed to public art since the moment President George Washington commissioned Pierre L:Enfant to design our nation's capital city. The great architecture, monuments and museums of Washington demonstrate a respect for public art and the grandeur of a nation in love with freedom and beauty. President Franklin D. Roosevelt empowered the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to photograph, write about and create permanent artworks in federal buildings and parks all over America. Those works yet reflect the beauty, struggle and accomplishments of mid - twentieth century America. The Arts Council of Brazos Valley and our local governments have permitted public art to assume a broader role in our public life. Our public art reflects our patriotism, support for veterans, love of nature and the unique wildlife found in our environment. We view representative art and abstract art of equal value because in both art forms an expression of honest emotion is accomplished. We believe that public art helps create a sense of place and belonging in our community that is very special. A particular piece of public art may cause multiple feelings and thoughts among us, but it never fails to unite us in a powerful sense of togetherness. America has been committed to public art since the moment President George Washington commissioned Pierre L'Enfant to design our nation's capital city. PETUNIA College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara 16 SCULPTURL illuminates the faces of our young with excitement and wonderment, SERVICE WITH HONOR College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara MEMOIRE Bryan, Texas Russell Cushman DEDICATED TO ALL OR OUR MOTHERS ON MOTHER'S DAY. MAY 2001. permanent works of PUBLIC ART aquired from 1999 -2005 WAR ON TERROR College Station, Texas Taeg Nishimoto SKY CUTTER College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Cambria #1 College Station, Texas Michael Bigger Diana's Quest College Station, Texas Joe Smith Cactus Bird College Station, Texas Joe Smith Wilderness Awakened College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Tiger Pride College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Genesis College Station, Texas Dmitri Koustov Petunia College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Sky Cutter College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Xiggerotts College Station, Texas Jon Krawczyk La Familia Bryan, Texas Jon Krawczyk Majestic Freedom Bryan, Texas J. Payne Lara Service with Honor College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Veterans Memorial College Station, Texas Robert Eccleston Mesa College Station, Texas Jon Kr awczyk Life Rhythm College Station, Texas Joe Smith Aggie Spirit College Station, Texas Edd Hayes Eternal Winds College Station, Texas Joe Smith Memoire Bryan, Texas Russ ell Cushman Hold On College Station, Texas Jon Krawczyk Halftime College Station, Texas Joe Smith Service with Courage College Station, Texas J. Payne Lara Free Flight College Station, Texas Taeg Nishimoto Sea Cornucopia College Station, Texas Joe Smith War on Terror College Station, Texas Taeg Nishimoto 19 CULTURAL CONNECTIONS The Arts Council is fortunate to have member organizations that reach far beyond the present time and space. For prehistoric times one may visit the BRAZOS VALLEY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY and for Texas history the most obvious place is the STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM. For important national and international political events there is nothing better than the GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. The Brazos Valley is blessed with a rich ethnic tradition and a visit to the BRAZOS ALLEY AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM is an exciting way to discover our community's diversity. 21 22 The Arts Council takes immense delight in funding local museums that have a universal impact. Our museums engage brilliant curators, academics, folklorists and volunteers who examine, collect and record all aspects of natural and human history. A visitor to the Brazos Valley may examine fossils from the earliest periods of life on Earth, observe and learn how bees make honey, follow the animal and human migration trails into the Brazos Valley, view original artifacts and documents relating to the political history of Texas and the United States, learn about the African American heritage of a significant number of our citizens, and experience the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Few communities in the world offer the variety and importance of the museums that we proudly claim and support in the Brazos Valley. A Brazos Valley AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM BRAZOS VALLEY MUSEUM of Natural History Former President George Bush with Dr. P. David Romei • November 10, 2002 VETERANS MEMORIAL College Station, Texas Robert Eccleston The late Lieutenant General Howard Graves, Chancellor of Texas A&M University at the dedication ceremony November 11, 2002 47 BRAZOS VALLEY VETERANS MEMORIAL The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial is a bronze sculpture mounted upon a Texas granite base in twelve acres of the College Station Veterans and Athletic Park. It honors veterans who have served in the uniformed services of the United States. Its purpose is to ensure that the generations that follow us will forever recall with pride our veterans' unselfish sacrifice on behalf of the United States of America. www.veterans-memorial.org 26 NATIONAL RECOGNITION The keynote speech given by Dr. P. David Romei was entered into the Congressional Record by U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady and signed by Dennis Hastert, the Speaker of the House of Representatives during his visit to College Station. Whose heart does not explode like a million stars when looking upon this beautiful symbol of our love and respect for America's fighting men and women? Witness the bullet hole in the soldier's helmet and shudder, share the suffering of the wounded soldier and bleed, and behold the valor of the soldier who never leaves his friend behind — then, pray to God that you would do the same. Dare if you will to touch the name of a veteran, any veteran whose name is engraved in this Texas granite, and know that you are united with an American hero. LEADERSHIP The Arts Council's outstanding success demonstrates that it thrives in a community that works well together. The board, staff and members develop working relationships among the citizens of the Brazos Valley and the world. The Arts Council is an incubator of good feelings and great ideas. A community that works well together and shares the same important values is a community that is very attractive to economic and business interests and is embraced by those who want to locate their families in an energized, positive and creative environment. The Arts Council of Brazos Valley hosts and engages world leaders when they visit the Brazos Valley. We ensure that our community is well informed in matters of world affairs. RECENT VISITORS 1. Former Chancellor of Germany Helmut Kohl and P. David Romei, Executive Director, ACBV. 2. U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Dennis Hastert and Mervin Peters, Chairman and CEO Wells Fargo Bank, Bryan - College Station, Texas. 3. U.S. Congressman Chet Edwards and Timothy N. Bryan, Chairman and CEO, First National Bank of Bryan - College Station, Texas. 4. Nobel Prize Laureate Robert F. Curl of Rice University, Houston, TX. 5. Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Phillips of Austin, TX. 6. Don Francisco Mayor of Ciudad Real, Spain and College Station Mayor Ron Silvia and (LtoR) C.S. Councilman Dennis Maloney, P. David Romei and C.S. City Manager Thomas E. Brymer. 7. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and Ambassador Roman Popadiuk, Executive Director of the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation with P. David Romei. 8. Texas State Senator Steve Ogden, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. 9. Director of National Intelligence Ambassador John Negroponte and Celia Goode- Haddock, President and CEO of University Title Company. 10. Former President George Bush and Barbara Bush with P. David Romei. 11. Former Secretary of H.U.D. and 1996 Republican Nominee for Vice President Jack Kemp. reality P. DAVID ROMEI ARTS CENTER THE P. DAVID ROMEI ARTS CENTER The Arts Council of Brazos Valley pledged to build an arts center as part of its 30th year anniversary and in honor of the Millennium celebrations during the year 2000. After carefully locating a site, considering the means by which financing would be available and arousing excitement among its member organizations, artists, local governments, businesses and key donors, the Arts Council commissioned Brazos Valley architect Jim Singleton to design the Arts Council's new home. After the southwest corner of Wolf Pen Creek Park was selected and obtained in 2002, groundbreaking occurred in a ceremony that included local leaders in the arts, government and business. Building began shortly thereafter and in November of 2003 the Arts Council of Brazos Valley moved into its new home. Underwriting for the building's expense came from many generous sources, public and private, but none exceeded the support of the City of College Station. The City Council of College Station at a public meeting voted unanimously to recommend that the name of the new arts center be named in honor of Dr. P. David Romei, the executive director of the Arts Council and a prominent community leader. The Board of Directors of the Arts 32 Council of Brazos Valley, against the adamantly stated wishes of its executive director and in its only vote ever contrary to his recommendation, unanimously accepted and adopted the Mayor's and City Council's resolution, and it is in this manner that the arts center was named P. David Romei Arts Center. The P. David Romei Arts Center is home to the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, the Brazos Valley Art League, The Texas Gallery, and the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial. Dmitri Koustov, a Russian artist and sculptor of notable acclaim, has been artist -in- residence and a teacher at the Arts Center since its opening. The Arts Center has a respectable collection of paintings from Texas artists, is home to outdoor sculptures by Jon Krawczyk, J. Payne Lara and Joe Smith, and has visiting artists and speakers who exhibit and teach on a regular basis. During the past year over 120 arts, cultural, educational, business and government organizations have used the Arts Center for meetings, receptions, fundraisers, classes and other purposes. In addition to organizations that focus on arts and culture, the Arts Center is the Brazos Valley's preferred meeting place for dynamic and influential local, national and world leaders who live in or visit the Brazos Valley. The arts in the Brazos Valley are fortunate to have a venue of exceptional beauty and energy. Creativity, knowledge and truth are pursued within the walls of this special place where those of every age and discipline meet in friendship to explore and create the aesthetic. The P. David Romei Arts Center is home to our community's most creative artists. 36 THE TEXAS GALLERY The Arts Council of Brazos Valley opened the Texas Gallery in 1989 as part of its mission to promote art and culture in the Brazos Valley and Texas. The Gallery exhibits and sells paintings, sculpture, photography and other works of art created by Texas artists. Hundreds of artists have participated in exhibitions and demonstrations since its opening. The Texas Gallery moved into the P. David Romei Arts Center in 2003 and is managed by the Brazos Valley Art League in accordance with an agreement it has with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. Currently the Texas Gallery exhibits eight shows per year and is the host of the annual Texas Watercolor Society exhibition. T E X A S GALLERY 37 ARTS COUNCIL STAFF AMIE MCCOY DEPUTY DIRECTOR ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY CRAIG HOLLINGER PROGRAM DIRECTOR ARTS COUNCIL OF BRAZOS VALLEY CONTACT THE ARTS COUNCIL P. DAVID ROMEI ARTS CENTER 2275 DARTMOUTH STREET COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840 979.696.2787 info@acbv.org www.acbv.org Arts Council Board of Directors Netta J. Simek, President, Penelope Kosztolnyik, Vice President, Robert T. Bisor, Treasurer, Becky Russell, Secretary Tap Bentz, Costa A. Dallis, Pamela S. Green, Amy S. Klinkovsky, George Lea, Lynn MclLhaney, Liz Miller, Carol B. Scamardo, Travis H. Small, Jr., Dianne Stropp, Carol A. Wagner, and Jessica Wunsch. Tim Bryan, Chairman of the Presidents Council P. David Romei, Ph.D., Executive Director. We thank the generous citizens and businesses of the Brazos Valley who help us fulfill our mission to advocate, promote, support and build partnerships for arts and culture in the Brazos Valley. Business Partners Bank of America Blue Bell Creameries Brazos & Robertson County Medical Alliance Brewer, Eyeington, Patout & Company Bridal Association of the Brazos Valley Bryan - College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau College Station Hilton Commerce National Bank Compass Bank Doak Charitable Trust Duke Energy First American Bank First National Bank of Bryan Frame by Frame Kent Moore Cabinets Keystone Millwork Newman Printing Company Page Two Gallery Pete Rodriguez Orchestra Planters & Merchants State Bank Post Oak Florist RM Dudley Construction State Bank The Eagle University Title Company Virginia & Christian H. Groneman Charitable Trust Wells Fargo Bank Special Thanks CITY OF BRYAN Ernie Wentrcek, Mayor • Joe Marin • Paul Madison • Jason Bienski • Mark Conlee • Ben Hardeman • Russell Bradley CITY OF COLLEGE STATION Ron Silvia, Mayor • John Happ • Susan Lancaster • Nancy Berry • Ben White • Ron Gay • Chris Scotti BRAZOS COUNTY Randy Sims, Judge • Lloyd Wassermann • Duane Peters • Kenny Mallard • Carey Cauley, Jr. 39 Arts Council of Brazos Valley Annual Revenues $900,000 - $800,000 $700,000 $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Arts Council of Brazos Valley Program Expenses vs. Administrative Expenses $600,000 - $500,000 $400,000 - $300,000 $200,000 - $100,000 - $0 $200,000 - $180,000 - $160,000 - $140,000 - $120,000 - $100,000 $80,000 - $60,000 - $40,000 - $20,000 - Arts Council of Brazos Valley Annual Grants General Revenue Designated Building Fund P. David Romei Arts Center Program Expenses Administrative Expenses Arts Council of Brazos Valley Permanent Collection $600,000 $500,000 $400,000 - $300,000 - $200,000 - $100,000 - $0 Arts Council of Brazos Valley Assets $2,000,000 $1,800,000 $1,600,000 $1,400,000 $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 - $400,000 $200,000 - $0 Arts Council of Brazos Valley Fiscal Year 2004 Grants by Discipline Allocated Visual Arts /Sculpture 28.9% Theater 16.9% Music 14.9% Literature 0.5% Presenters 38.8% OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS The purpose of the AGO is to advance the cause of organ and choral music, to promote their understanding and enjoyment, and to improve the proficiency of organists and choral conductors. www.agohq.org /chapter / ?handle= brazosvalley BRAZOS BARBERSHOPPERS The Brazos Barbershoppers was formed in May 1988 and is a chartered affiliate of the international society. The purpose is to promote four -part a cappella harmony with men and boys of all ages. Each June, the chapter sends up to 16 boys from Bryan High to Harmony Explosion Camp in Denton Texas. www.swd.org BRAZOS BLUEBONNET QUILT GUILD The purpose of the Brazos Bluebonnet Quilt Guild is to stimulate an interest in quilts, to preserve existing quilts, to promote quilting, to educate quiltmakers, and to advance the art of quiltmaking through continuing education services for members, public education activities, and professional and artisan development programs. www.quiltguilds.com/texas.htm BRAZOS HERITAGE SOCIETY The Brazos Heritage Society is a non - profit educational and civic organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of Brazos County. www.brazosheritage.org BRAZOS SPINNERS & WEAVERS GUILD The Guild was organized to encourage creative hand weaving and spinning by extending the technical skills and awareness of the members and to promote public appreciation of the art of spinning and weaving. www.textilelinks.com /guild /tx.html BRAZOS VALLEY AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM The Brazos Valley African American Museum is the official repository of artifacts, oral history, media reports and other important historical source material for the African Americans who settled and lived in the Brazos Valley. It is a living museum that reflects the rich diversity of the historical and cultural legacy, present and promise of African Americans in Texas. www.acbv.org BRAZOS VALLEY ART LEAGUE The BVAL is a visual arts group interested in learning, experiencing, sharing, educating and meeting with others of common interest. www.lonestarartguild.org/BVAL_homepage.html BRAZOS VALLEY CHORALE The Brazos Valley Chorale is the preeminent choral organization in the region and is know for performing a wide range of classical and contemporary choral literature. www.bvchorale.org BRAZOS VALLEY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY The Brazos Valley Museum provides programs and exhibits for all ages which explore the special relationship between the natural and cultural environments of the Brazos Valley. http://bvmuseum.myriad.net BRAZOS VALLEY MUSIC TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Organized in 1956, the Music Teachers Association exists to promote higher professional standards, better ethical practices, and improved methods in the teaching of music. www.acbv.org 42 BRAZOS VALLEY SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS The BVSCBWI provides information, support, and encouragement to writers and illustrators of children's books and magazines in the Texas Gulf Coast area. www.scbwi - brazosvalley.org BRAZOS VALLEY STITCHERS The Stitcher's promote the cooperation and interchange of ideas by those engaged or interested in needlework, maintain high standards of design, technique and instruction, encourage creativity and to stimulate interest in the community. www.brazosvalleystitchers.org BRAZOS VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra was formed for the purpose of promoting musical art for educational and cultural purposes. The symphony is a community orchestra comprised of dedicated and talented musicians from Bryan - College Station, as well as Texas A &M University students, staff and faculty. www.bvso.org BRAZOS VALLEY TROUPE The Brazos Valley T.R.O.U.P.E. strives to serve the community by entertaining lovers of the arts, enhancing the support of the arts in the Brazos Valley, and educating young artists through creative entertainment that presents positive images and creates a positive experience for both performers and patrons. www.bvtroupe.com BRAZOS VALLEY VETERANS MEMORIAL The Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Inc. is a not - for - profit organization that was born out of the acknowledged need for a dignified recognition of the service and sacrifices made by men and women of the Brazos Valley while serving in the uniformed services of this great nation. www.veterans - memorial.org BRAZOS WRITERS Brazos Writers seeks to provide leadership in filling the needs of writers in the Brazos Valley through information, promotion, cooperation and support. www.brazoswriters.org BRENHAM CHILDREN'S CHORUS The mission of the Brenham Children's Chorus is to help children achieve high artistic standards through singing and performance. They promote the nurturing and growth of discipline, responsibility, teamwork and self- confidence. www.brenhamchildrenschorus.org THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF THE BRAZOS VALLEY The Children's Museum provides a child- centered, hands - on, interactive environment for discovery and learning for children and families. www.mymuseum.com FRIENDS OF THE BRYAN + COLLEGE STATION LIBRARY SYSTEM Volunteers support the library branches and provide funds for books, equipment, and programs not covered in the library's budget. www.bcslibrary.org/friends.html FRIENDS OF CHAMBER MUSIC The Friends of Chamber Music mission is to provide concerts of chamber music through support of the Community Chamber Concerts series together with outreach music workshops, lectures, demonstrations, and master classes for the participation of all people. FCM strives to foster a sensitive atmosphere of audience -artist interaction and sharing that helps to make musical treasures of our cultural heritage accessible. www.communitychamberconcerts.com/ 43 OUR MEMAER ORGANIZATIONS GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to sponsoring programs and exhibits that benefit students of all grade levels. They are committed to creating an exciting and open educational environment where every student can learn more about our nation's past. The wide range of activities includes tours, interactive displays, programs, and family activities. http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu KAMU FM Radio /TV KAMU -TV is a public television station that offers more than 5000 hours of local and PBS broadcasting yearly. KAMU- FM, an NPR affiliate, provides area residents with over 6500 hours of classical, ja», public affairs, news and dramatic programs each year. http://kamu-fm.tamu.edu KEEP BRAZOS BEAUTIFUL The mission of Keep Brazos Beautiful is to educate and engage the citizens of Brazos County to keep their communities clean and beautiful. They promote public interest, individual responsibility, community action and pride in Brazos County. www.keepbrazosbeautiful.org KEOS BRAZOS EDUCATIONAL RADIO KEOS Brazos Educational Radio, is committed to the creation of musical, cultural, and informational radio broadcasting by and for a public of diverse cultures, ages, income levels, and backgrounds that are under - served and under - represented by other area media. www.keos.org MSC FILM SOCIETY The MSC Film Society strives to provide a variety of quality entertaining, cultural, and educational film programming for the Brazos Valley. One of the Society's main objectives each year is coordinating the Texas Film Festival by bringing independent films and filmmakers to the Brazos Valley. http://films.tamu.edu MSC FORSYTH CENTER GALLERIES The mission of the MSC Forsyth Center Galleries is to provide the visual arts to the students, staff, faculty, and visitors of Texas A &M University, and to support the research, presentation, and understanding of American and English art and art glass. http://forsyth.tamu.edu MSC LITERARY ARTS COMMITTEE The mission of the MSC Literary Arts Committee is to establish a tradition of quality programming, student development opportunities, and literary education by means of various small programs and one large event each semester that caters to the desires of the campus and community. The Literary Arts Committee also organizes the Annual Shakespeare Festival at Texas A &M University. http://Iitarts.tamu.edu MSC OPAS MSC OPAS presents professional productions of theater, music and dance programs that enlighten, entertain and inspire audiences of the Brazos Valley. http://opas.tamu.edu MSC VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE The MSC Visual Arts Committee exists to increase student awareness and appreciation for the visual arts. VAC offers students practical experience in the care of art while bringing a wide variety of art exhibits to the students, campus and community of Texas A &M University through the student -led Visual Arts Gallery as well as other venues. http://vac.tamu.edu NAVASOTA BLUES FESTIVAL In 1996 the idea for the Navasota Blues Festival, Inc. was born. The founders decided that proceeds from the festival should help fund the Mance Lipscomb Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating Afro- American student at Navasota High School to help that graduate with his /her college career. The founding of the Navasota Blues Festival was inspired by the example of Mance Lipscomb's musicianship and his gracious character. www.navasotabluesfestival.org 44 NAVASOTA THEATRE ALLIANCE The Navasota Theatre Alliance was formed to involve Navasota residents in the performing arts, to present professional touring companies to the community and to aid in the revitalization of the historic downtown area. www.nta - stage.org OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS - DOCENTS The docent was formed to increase the awareness of visual arts in the Brazos Valley and provide guided lecture tours of the changing and permanent exhibits at Texas A &M University. http://stark.tamu.edu OPAS GUILD OPAS Guild is the support group of MSC OPAS. They are dedicated to educating the public about the performing arts, raising funding for OPAS and OPAS Jr. and promoting OPAS programs. SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC AND CULTURE AMONGST YOUTH SPICMACAY promotes awareness and appreciation for Indian Classical art forms in the Brazos Valley community. http://stuact.tamu.edu/stuorgs/spicmacay STAGECENTER StageCenter strives to enrich the cultural base of the Bryan /College Station stage area by providing live theatre of the quality and variety it has always offered. They provide opportunities for residents of the Brazos Valley to participate in all aspects of the theatre as well as outreach activities in area schools, city parks, historical events, and area business. STAR OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM An educational institution, the Star of the Republic Museum interprets the history of the Republic of Texas and its influences. Interpretation is conducted through exhibits, school and group programs, media programs, and community programs. The Museum collects and preserves artifacts to implement the programs and extensively researches to ensure authenticity of the collections and presentation. www.starmuseum.org TAMU MUSIC PROGRAM The Music Program is a part of the Department of Performance Studies at Texas A &M University. Besides offering courses through the University, the Music Program presents concerts and events such as the University Summer Performance Series and the Aggie Encore Music Series. http://performancestudies.tamu.edu TAMU VIZUALIZATION LAB The Viz Lab prepares students for long -term careers in visualization, includes an active program in research and creative endeavors, supports visualization projects, and acts as a center of visualization expertise. The Viz Lab presents its exhibition and showcase of animation and graphics, Vizagogo, once a year. http://www-viz.tamu.edu THE THEATRE COMPANY OF BRYAN /COLLEGE STATION The Theatre Company, formerly known as `magination Station, is a non - profit theater offering quality stage experiences for adults and young people. An important element of this mission is to provide community enrichment both through productions and through related educational components developed to accompany the productions. www.thetheatrecompany.com UNIVERSITY SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES The University Summer Performance Series oversees and sustains performances of the Texas Music Festival and seeks to stimulate and support performance opportunities during the summer months at Texas A &M University and in the Bryan - College Station community. http://academyarts.tamu.edu/summer_series 45 Printing of this brochure was made possible by a generous gift from Newman Printing Company, Inc. www.newmanprint.com