Alternative Media In Houston

If you're into alternative media you can find lots of things to do and other creative professionals to hangout with in Houston. People who are serious about film, video and open access to the media can sharpen their craft and network with other professionals in Houston through SWAMP( Southwest Alternative Media Project) and the Houston Independent Media Center.

These two Houston area organizations are where the thought leaders and professionals that are on the cutting edge of new media come together. They're shaping the new roles for television, movies and how news is crafted, created and presented in America.

SWAMP

SWAMP promotes the creation and appreciation of film, video and new media by providing independent makers with opportunities for professional development education, screenings, Texas PBS television broadcast, and a variety of other programs.

They host workshops, seminars, short film showcases and participate in Houston's annual Cinema Arts Festival. If you your business is film in Texas you need to connect with SWAMP and take part in some of the program offerings they produce throughout the state.

One of the recent educational workshops was a 2 day course in After Effects. It was designed to give the first time user a basic understanding of the tools, workflow and capabilities of the program (as well an understanding of compositing and how it differs from the editing process.) It covered all of the techniques from keyframing, layering, nested compositions, rotoscoping, to color correction, chroma key (green and blue screen), animated text and 3D space.

Houston Independent Media

The collective known as the Houston Indymedia is an all volunteer group that's committed to using media production and distribution as tools for promoting social and economic justice. They provide a refreshing alternative to for-profit media. Their focus is broader than just local news coverage, and strives to give a balanced representation to news from around the world to emphasis our global connections.

Much of the news they report is focused on local social movements, and explores dissent, critiques corporate, government and military domination, and promotes art, culture and critical thinking. They encourgae everyone with varying viewpoints to contribute to their website and have input through their local radio show that airs on KPFT every Friday at 7:30pm.

Film and Arts In Houston

Houston is a hotbed for alternative media in Texas. Rice University and University of Houston have thriving programs that offer education and employment opportunities for professionals serious about shaping the ideas and roles of art, film, television and movies.

Throughout November Midtownlive will have more details about these groups and this month's Houston Cinema Arts Festival. It celebrates innovative cinema, mixed-media performances and new media. They are instrumental in enriching the film and arts environment, and fostering cross-cultural understanding and installations to promote Houston's economic development.

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Houston Art

Houston art will engage your senses whether you prefer abstract, modern or fantasy art. A trip to any of the dozens of art galleries is one of the cool things to do in Houston that will stimulate your mind, body and spirit.
We herald the big exhibits in the museum district, but there are literally hundreds of other art spaces where world-class art installations can be discovered in Houston.

These small cozy Houston galleries are the ideal places to take art classes in Houston, purchase art and view unique one of a kind exhibits. Project Row House and Gite Gallery are just some of the better known places in Midtown Houston to buy, exhibit and become entranced with Houston art.

Incredible Micro-sculptures

A recent art exhibition in Houston featured micro-sculptures by Willard Wigans. A skilled and gifted artist that hails from Birmingham, England. Willard creates art small enough to sit in the eye of a needle.

Wigans' works requires precision sculpting,painting and creativity just to find tools and mediums. He said in a recent appearance at Emancipation Park in Houston that he's sculpted a grain of sand and used a single hair from his eyebrow to paint a micro-sculpture.

Unique Exhibits In Houston

Houston exhibits represent far more than just artistic talent. You can see an exhibit of rarely viewed African American photographs from pictures taken during segregation in Houston or the imaginative exhibits containing art cars.

I recently enjoyed an exhibit about the 2006 strike in Houston by janitorial workers. It helped to established a new pay scale for workers that for most of the 20th century were amongst the lowest paid in America.

The exhibit contains photo archives and actual newspaper accounts of the struggle under taken by thousands of mothers, daughters and aunts that banded together to weather the long hard fought battle for livable wages. The brightly colored flags, pots, and other tools used by the protesters are part of the exhibit that chronicles the 2006 event.

Isn't it ironic that janitors and not the Federal government are the only ones who can claim success at cleaning up corporate America. They tackle a job that few people want, but never will they see mega-million dollar salaries that corporate execs take home unless they hit the Texas Lottery.

Project Row House The Intersection Of Life And Art

If you have never visited Project Row House, October is an ideal month to add some face time with the artist, exhibits and what's happening at this forward thinking Houston organization on your schedule. They are more than just an art space.They apply art to life and add life to art.

Supporters of Houston art are invited to Third Ward by PRH. Every October they celebrate the anniversary of their after school and young mothers programs with a gala and other events that bring artist, residents and the community together. They introduce world-class art to the masses using non-traditional avenues, oral history, interactive pot-luck dinners, and abstract art.

The organization is one of the city's change agent. PRH sponsors a variety of programs that combine arts and cultural education mixed in with a little community development and historic preservation. Project Row House has taken old buildings and given them new life, young mothers and prepared them a better life and enhanced an old community with a fresh, new look.

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Houston Weekend: Tours and Festivals

Most of Houston's weekend events I found are outdoor activities. We still can expect a few mild days before the cold fronts start blowing into town. So get out your to do list or Google Calender and pencil in these cool events.

I suggest you grab a comfortable pair of dancing shoes, some cheap sun glasses and a little moohla, bread or dinero, depending on what part of the hood you live. That's all you need to get you in on the action at the Puerto Rican/Cuban Festival, Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours and a local Green Festival.

Puerto Rican/Cuban Festival

Things in downtown will have definite Latin flavor when the Puerto Rican/Cuban Festival kicks-off October 25, 2009. Comparza Cubana y Puertorrqueña. Professional Dancers Alexis & Brittney and Studio 8 Dance Teams join Edgar Daniel "Mentiras" and others at this annual festival.
You can try your hand in the dance and domino competitions. The Cuban and Puerto Rican community of Houston will share their cultural heritage and pride on stage in Herman Square.

Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours

You've heard about them and thought about them. This weekend you get another chance be a part of one of the boat tours on Buffalo Bayou.

One of the largest gatherings of Mexican fruit bats make their home in the underpinnings of the Waugh St Bridge.You'll be taken at dusk to see the emerging of a bat colony. Throughout the year naturalist accompany the tours to get a look at the marvelous swarm of emerging bats from the comforts of a pontoon boat on Buffalo Bayou.

Community Green Festival

This local festival has a lot more than just your usual trappings. It emphasizes all things renewable, sustainable and green. At this event you can expect the children’s activities to include a free petting zoo, face painting and a scavenger hunt.

On hand will also be farm art, tips on green building and workshops. Did I mention the massage in the garden sponsored by Dentiq- Houston’s Premier Green Dental Office, Yoga by Jennyoga and Devanand Yoga Center.

Houston Weekend Activities

All of these weekend activities are rated A for amazing fun and are seeking a place on your list of things to do. I recommend that you make your reservation's early to see the bats on Buffalo Bayou and purchase your tickets online for the festival in downtown Houston.

Believe it or not the Green festival won't set you back for very much green, because they are simply asking for a donation of any amount to help support the Last Organic Outpost and the Community Farm.

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