Families, Youth, and the Arts On April 22, 2025, the Chapel hosted its Earth Day Poetry Festival, curated by Outspoken Bean with Writers in the Schools. The program featured Meta4 Houston and local poets and musicians whose performances highlighted environmental justice and collective responsibility. On May 3, 2025, the Chapel partnered with Align Mind for Meditative Moment for Families, a playful and calming session of animal- inspired yoga, breathing, and expressive drawing. Designed for children Pre-K through 3rd grade and their caregivers, the program nurtured mindfulness, gratitude, and emotional well-being, closing with a soothing child-centered meditation. On May 17, 2025, the Chapel opened its doors to families and young audiences through Neighborhood Community Day, a celebration of creativity, imagination, and cultural heritage. Partnering with Express Children’s Theatre, the event brought theatre and visual art to life for children across the community. Families met a time-traveling Frida Kahlo, explored the themes behind her artwork, and created their own self-portraits—transforming the Chapel’s campus into a joyful space of artistic discovery and intergenerational connection. Seasonal Rituals and Celebration The season concluded with the Chapel’s beloved Summer Solstice celebrations on June 20, 2025. Pianist Matthew Shipp, presented by Nameless Sound, offered two improvisational performances exploring silence, sound, and space. In the evening, the grounds came alive with the thunderous rhythms of Kaminari Taiko, bringing the community together in celebration of light, energy, and renewal. Impact and Resilience Rothko Chapel’s 2024–2025 season demonstrated the power of partnership and perseverance. Even though our doors remained closed for repairs, our mission remained open and active across Houston. From global peace concerts and interfaith rituals of healing to urgent conversations on science, justice, and militarism, to family-centered programs that nurtured creativity and mindfulness, the season embodied the Chapel’s role as both a sanctuary for contemplation and a catalyst for action. 10
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