February 04, 2015
The Rothko Chapel presents two programs around the work of Dr. Gene Sharp
HOUSTON – February 4, 2015 – Two exciting opportunities to learn about Dr. Gene Sharp, often called the most important man you’ve never heard of, are available in Houston. On March 19th at 8pm, sit under the stars on the Rothko Chapel lawn and watch Ruaridh Arrow’s award-winning documentary How to Start a Revolution. Arrow’s film explores the life and ideas of Dr. Gene Sharp, a thinker and writer responsible for toppling dictatorships across the globe because of the power of his pen. His seminal work From Dictatorship to Democracy has formed the blueprint for non-violent revolutions in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Africa, and now the Middle East. Executive Director of the Albert Einstein Institution, Jamila Raqib, leads a Q&A following the screening. The Albert Einstein Institution was founded by Dr. Gene Sharp in 1983 to advance the study and use of strategic nonviolent action in conflicts throughout the world. It has been responsible for the translation and dissemination of some of the most influential texts on nonviolent action.
On Saturday, March 21st from 10am-3pm, learn the skills and methods needed for nonviolent political change from Raqib, who trained the leaders of the Egyptian, Burmese, and Georgian revolutions, among many others. This workshop in the Rothko Chapel will have extensive opportunities for dialogue and networking; lunch is available for purchase.
Using art as a means to inspire contemplation and action is part of the mission of the Rothko Chapel. Visitors from around the world visit the sacred space to meditate and reflect, as they gaze at the tremendous 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 has two vocations: contemplation and action. Not only does it serve as a space for religious ceremonies of all faiths, the Chapel also hosts programs and events in support of important causes concerning human rights, peace, freedom, and social justice. Events at the Rothko Chapel have brought leaders, heroes, artists, musicians, scientists, and scholars from all over the world including Amiri Baraka, President Jimmy Carter, the
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Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Brice Marden, Rigoberta Menchú, Raimon Panikkar, Nelofer Pazira, Steve Reich, Jonas Salk, Amartya Sen and Susan Sontag.
In its 40 years, the Chapel has achieved recognition as one of the greatest artistic achievements of the second half of the twentieth 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. For more information 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.
Rothko Chapel
3900 Yupon St Houston, TX 77006 www.rothkochapel.org
Media Contacts:
Michelle Ashton, Rothko Chapel
Michelle@rothkochapel.org
731-660-1403
Lindsay Peyton, Cadence Enterprise Lindsay@cadenceenterprise.com 281-636-1361