Leading Change Through the Arts!

Join us this Saturday, May 23, for closing ceremonies of "Altar of Care," presented by Lualo Creative Studio

WHEN: May 23, 6-8 p.m.

WHERE: The Collective, 4111 Fannin St., Ste. 100A

ACTIVITIES: Karaoke, Spoken Word Open Mic, Line Dancing, Potluck

As Altar of Care comes to a close, we’re sitting with deep gratitude.

Altar of Care has been a gathering place, a thank you. Over these weeks, this space has held story, memory, movement, grief, joy, workshops, conversations, shared meals, collective making and reminders that care is something we practice together.

To everyone who visited, shared stories, carved spoons, joined circles, built alongside us, offered your time, labor, presence and trust. thank you. Thank you to every collaborator, artist, organizer, community partner, friend and loved one who helped shape this space. This exhibition was never created alone.

This exhibition remains dedicated to our friend Rachel Jackson (1987–2025). Your presence continues to move with us.

Join us for one final gathering within Altar of Care—to reflect, celebrate, and hold gratitude together. from Lualo Creative Studio

Artwork by Kaima Marie Akarue

Celebrate Black Music Month with CAC and CMCH at the Eldorado Ballroom

Community Artists’ Collective and Community Music Center of Houston celebrate Black Music Month with “Music Is My Sanctuary,” a musical and an art exhibition at the Dupree Room of the Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin, opening June 7.

Artists featured in the exhibition, which is open from 2 to 4 p.m., include Catherine Martinez, Kaima Marie Akarue, Corey DeJuan Sherrad, Jr., Israel McCloud, Robert Hodge and Tierney Malone.

A concert in honor of Dr. Ruth Stewart, professor of voice/opera workshop and choral director of the TSU Music Department, and from Freedman’s Town Conservancy, will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. The art exhibition will continue through June 27.

"Hope is a Discipline" opens June 12

"Hope Is a Discipline" features work by Black artists whose work confronts the conditions they are living under while raching toward something more free and whole. Co-curated by Josie Pickens and Tay Butler, the exhibition centers care, resistance, and

imagination as ways to move toward liberation and remain in relationship with one another.

The exhibition takes its title from the work of visionary abolitionist organizer Mariame Kaba, who reminds us that hope is not passive—it’s something we choose and build together, especially in

the face of ongoing harm.

Featuring work by Li(sa E.) Harris, Lovie Olivia, Josie Pickens, Tay Butler, Mich Stevenson and Zsavon Butler, the exhibition spans visual art, sound and performance. The works trace the

realities of Black life shaped by surveillance, control and abandonment, while also holding space for connection, resistance and the work of becoming.

The exhibition continues through July 17.

The Witness Series - Earth Bound: Gardening for Liberation

Saturday, May 23, 2026
9:00 AM 12:00 PM
Third Ward Garden @ Riverside Methodist Church
4920 Cullen BoulevardHouston, TX, 77004United States (map)

Part 2: The awakening of spring offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature’s healing bounty through a Spring Tea Party. More than just a social gathering, this event is a chance to delve into the world of local medicinal herbs, guided by the knowledge Janice Brown - @girlonthegrow.

Garden fairy tales and garden poetry will be shared, as inspiration for attendees to create their own original works. Come discover why gardens are important intergenerational spaces that are portals to ancestral wisdom. Light bites and herbal tea choices are included.

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS & PARTNERS

Janice Brown

Tomii Culmer

Kristi Rangel

Job Openings and Open Calls

We are excited to officially announce that The Collective is looking for a new Curatorial & Exhibitions Manager and is also inviting Art Instructors & Workshop Facilitators to lead arts programs this year through an open call.

NOTE: Curatorial job opening closes
Saturday, May 23, 2026.

Curatorial & Exhibitions Manager

Art Instructors and Workshop Facilitators