May 26, 2016
HOUSTON – May 26, 2015 – The Rothko Chapel is looking for volunteers to greet guests, offer support during public programs and protect the magnificent paintings by Mark Rothko hanging on its walls.
The nonprofit is moving into the fourth year of its Guild program, a dedicated group of Chapel supporters, between the ages of 28 and 83, who contribute their time and services to one of Houston’s great treasures.
To join the Guild, prospective volunteers are asked to submit an online application and a letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply is June 30.
Qualified applicants will then be asked to participate in an in-person interview.
The Guild is looking for volunteers with a strong interest in the mission of the Chapel, who are able to make a year-long commitment of six hours or more a month and are interested in joining a community of dynamic individuals who gather quarterly for social and educational offerings.
“In many ways, the Guild is the heart and soul of the Chapel,” interim executive director Claudia Horwitz said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to join a passionate group of volunteers, make new friends with similar interests and learn more about the Chapel and Mark Rothko. If you’re interested in helping the Rothko Chapel further its mission, then we could use your help.”
Visitors come to the sacred space year-round to meditate and reflect, as they gaze at the paintings by Mark Rothko – or when they step outside to view Barnett Newman’s powerful sculpture Broken Obelisk, which stands in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Chapel also hosts programs and events in support of important causes concerning human rights, peace, freedom, and social justice.
In its 44 years, the Chapel has achieved recognition as one of the greatest artistic achievements of the second half of the 20th century. In 2001 the Chapel was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Chapel regularly makes top ten lists of places to visit and is a featured entry in National Geographic’s “Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations,” published in 2009.
To become a Guild member during the 2015-2016 term, visit the Rothko Chapel website, rothkochapel.org. Contact Yma Luis at yma.luis@rothkochaple.org for more information.
To learn more about the Rothko Chapel and the full calendar of upcoming programs, workshops and events, visit rothkochapel.org or call 713-524-9839.
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About the Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel is open to the public every day of the year at no charge and successfully interconnects art, spirituality and compassionate action through a broad array of free public programs. Founded by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Chapel was dedicated in 1971 as an intimate sanctuary. Today it stands as a monument to art, spirituality and human rights. As an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization, the Chapel depends on contributions from foundations and individuals to support its mission of creating a space for contemplation and dialogue on important issues.