November 15, 2016
Rothko Chapel to Commemorate World AIDS Day
Nonprofit will host Twilight Meditation Dec. 1
HOUSTON – Nov. 15, 2016 – The Rothko Chapel is joining a world wide effort to fight HIV/AIDS, show support for those living with the disease and to commemorate individuals who have lost their lives to the virus.
World AIDS Day is held on the first December of every year – and people across the globe unite for the cause.
The Rothko Chapel has a special event planned for the occasion – a Twilight Meditation, slated for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1. The chapel is located at 3900 Yupon St.
The event is being offered in partnership with Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, formerly Houston Area Community Services and Bering Omega.
Pharmacy technician Robert Munoz of Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, formerly Houston Area Community Services and Bering Omega, will begin the event by sharing some important facts on the history and current state of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
A guided meditation led by local meditation facilitator Gabriel Clark will follow. The program will end with a reception on the Chapel’s plaza.
Munoz has been immersed in Houston’s HIV/AIDS community since 2001 as a volunteer, activist, service provider and a survivor. He was a founding member of Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals (HATCH) and an active participant with the social group “ 20 Something.”
Munoz has volunteered with the AIDS Foundation Houston visiting HIV/AIDS clients in the 12 Oaks Hospital and served as an honorary member of ACT UP HOUSTON, lobbying the Texas State Capital and the Houston City Council on behalf of the HIV community. He also was a member and group facilitator for Bering Spiritual Support Network and a member and once councilperson of Shambhala Meditation Center Houston.
Clark has worked in the service, personal care and human potential movements for the last 40 years. He began his study of meditation nine years ago and currently practices at Insight Meditation Houston. He often guides meditation practices at various institutions around the Montrose community.
Diagnosed with HIV in 1981, Clark was inspired to focus his attention on working with LGBTQ communities and those whose lives have been touched by the virus.
The staff at Rothko Chapel said the event will be both informative and contemplative.
“We invite the community to join us in showing your support and solidarity with the millions of people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS,” public programs and community engagement director Ashley Clemmer said. “This event will be a time to reflect and learn, so the community can grasp the scope of the pandemic and continue to respond to this global issue that effects so many.”
For registration, and for more information 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.
About Avenue 360 Health and Wellness
Houston Area Community Services and Bering Omega have joined under a new name—Avenue 360. Together they will continue to offer the highest quality care, but now with greater potential, more comprehensive offerings and increased locations. Since 1998 Houston Area Community Services has been providing affordable, quality medical care, a pharmacy, behavioral health services and living assistance to individuals and families residing in Harris County and the surrounding areas. Bering Omega has been providing care for people with HIV/AIDS for over 30 years. Together as Avenue 360, they will serve as a full healthcare system.