Leading Change Through the Arts!

April 2025 Issue

"Out of the Blue" opens April 5; Part 4: Witness Series: Blooming into History; Second Thursday Workshop; March Memories


“Out of the Blue” opens April 5

 Artists draw inspiration from familiarity with children’s autism


“Out of the Blue,” the exhibition opening Saturday, April 5, at 5 p.m. features the works of Janice Warren and Joseph Dixon, whose art expresses their life’s journey through the complex maze of raising, educating and advocating for children on the autism spectrum, as well as for their own.


The exhibit, which runs through May 24, coincides with National Autism Awareness Month in April.


Warren’s compilation is a series of thought-provoking imagery of abstract and mixed media works that capture the emotional exertion families face while raising a child with autism or other related developmental impairments.


Dixon presents works from his "Faces of "Autism series, a body of works in pencil and acrylic that features images of students with special needs that he has been involved with since 2008. These works capture moments in time that depict their personality and passions. This ongoing work in progress is an effort to promote awareness of individuals living with autism and other related learning and physical challenges. 


“Out of the Blue” is a continuous effort to educate the community about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), more commonly known as autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime.


Two workshops and talks are open to the public during the exhibition. On Saturday, April 12, artist Akua Fayette will moderate a documentary film screening and artist talk. The two artists will lead an “Art on the Spectrum Workshop” Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.


An invitation-only workshop for professional development training, “Inclusion in the Classroom,” will be held Saturday, May 17, from 2 to 4 p.m.


Witness Series visits Keegans Bayou and Riceville Cemetery April 26


Part 4 of the Witness Series, "Blooming into History: Beautiful, Fierce and Free," will take place Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Keegans Bayou and Riceville Cemetery starting at 9022 Willow Meadow Drive, Houston, Texas, 77021


This event begins with a wildflower and bird walk starting at the street crosswalk adjacent to 9022 Willow Meadow Drive. Along 1500 feet of wildflowers the group gathers at the Keegans Bayou Wildlife Bridge for other activities.  Attendees will experience the beauty of the blooming wildflowers planted in 2021 by Harris County Flood Control and discover the birds that are seen along the bayou’s trail. Historians will share the history of Riceville, TX a Freedom Colony founded as a black farming community by Leonard Rice in the 1850s. Like Bordersville and other Houston black neighborhoods, Riceville was annexed to the city in the late 1960s. The 1889 Riceville Cemetery still remains along Keegans Bayou. A hands-on wildflower bouquet workshop will be conducted on the bayou near the Riceville Cemetery.


Please register at Eventbrite.


Join us for the Jubilee Quilt Circle's 2nd Thursday Workshop Thursday, April 10. Facilitator Mike Wicklander will share crochet techniques.


Free and supplies provided. Limited seating.


Register at Eventbrite

March Memories

Top photo: The Collective recognized five dynamic women in the arts at a ceremony celebrating Women’s History Month. Michelle Barnes, Dr. Sarah Trotty, Dr. Alvia Wardlaw and Robbie Lee, all of Houston, and Vicki Meek of Dallas were feted at a reception at The Collective March 20. From left are April M. Frazier, Merian Sherrod, volunteer, Michelle Barnes, Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, Dr. Sarah Trotty and Robbie Lee. (Vicki Meek was unable to attend.) Second photo: Merian Sherrod, who organized the occasion, presented a specially designed porcelain pin, designed by artist Zsavon Butler, to each honoree.

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Above two photos: Art classes continue at the Julia C. Hester House. Local artist Alton Cooper has been assisting and introducing new painting techniques.

Above five photos: Scenes from the Witness Program "Bear Witness": (Re)Connecting to Our Ancestors at E.R. and Ann Taylor Park. Photos by April M. Frazier

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