Press Release

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Rothko Chapel on June 21

May 29, 2019

CELEBRATE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE WITH ROTHKO CHAPEL ON JUNE 21

Offsite labyrinth walk with live music marks the official start of summer  

Houston, TX (May 29, 2019) – Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the Rothko Chapel at the labyrinth in the Gueymard Meditation Garden located on the University of St. Thomas (UST) campus next to the Chapel of St. Basil, 1018 W. Alabama St, Houston, 77006, on Friday, June 21 at 7am.  The observance will open with words from Father Chris Valka of UST, followed by a labyrinth walk guided by Jay Stailey, with meditative flute and guitar music provided by Laura Lucas and John Edward Ross.  This is a pay what you can event with a suggested donation of $10.  Register for the Summer Solstice observance at: http://rothkochapel.org/experience/events/event/offsite-summer-solstice-morning-observance.

About Rothko Chapel

The Rothko Chapel is closed through early 2020 for major renovations.  As part of its Opening Spaces campaign, the first phase of the project will realize a Welcome House and a new energy center; enhancements to the lighting and entryway in the Chapel; and new greenspaces for reflection will be added to the existing grounds. This event is one in a series of offsite programs presented by Chapel during the renovation.  For more visit: http://www.rothkochapel.org/experience/events/   

About the Presenters

Father Chris Valka, CSB, is a member of the Congregation of St. Basil (the Basilian Fathers).  He serves as the Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at UST as well as the Superior of the Basilian Residence on campus. 

Jay Stailey, is a Rothko Chapel Guild founding member who discovered the power of the labyrinth as a tool to focus his thoughts, clear his mind, and tune his inner being. His deep interest led him to become a Veriditas certified labyrinth facilitator.  Stailey facilitates monthly walks at the Historic Freedman’s Town Labyrinth and facilitates the construction of temporary and permanent labyrinths with Houston-area churches and schools.

Laura Lucas earned her Master of Music in flute performance and Performers Certificate from Temple University.  She is currently the Orchestra Director & Fine Arts Team Lead at Crockett Elementary Magnet School for the Performing and Visual Arts, HISD.

John Edward Ross is a composer, producer, guitarist, and educator. He built and owns Studio Sassafras where he writes, records, and engineers’ music.  He has performed professionally as a guitarist since 1995.   

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