June 06, 2017
Spend the summer with the Rothko Chapel
Family-friendly programs scheduled all season
HOUSTON – June 6, 2017 – Finding fun events the whole family can enjoy is a familiar chore for parents during the summer vacation from school.
The Rothko Chapel is ready to help – offering a full calendar of family-friendly programs that all fit with the organization’s unique mission.
“For family activities during the summer, we are offering something unique,” the Rothko Chapel’s public programs and community engagement director Ashley Clemmer said. “These are all activities that celebrate the Chapel’s commitment to art, spirituality and social justice – and will make for an inspiring field trip for the whole family.”
The Rothko Chapel has a number of special events planned:
-- Wednesday, June 21 – Summer Solstice Observation – The Chapel grounds will be open from sunrise to sunset to mark the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer. The day’s events get started with a sunrise observation at 6:20 a.m., featuring meditation and a guided labyrinth walk led by Alejandro Chaoul, who been teaching meditation for more than 20 years and serves as assistant professor and director of education at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine program, and Jay Stailey, a certified labyrinth facilitator and Rohtko Guild member. The day concludes with a sunset observation beginning at 8:20 p.m., featuring a traditional, high energy, Japanese drum performance by Kaminari Taiko of Houston. The labyrinth will be mowed into the Chapel’s lawn and available for walking meditations all day.
-- Wednesday, July 5 – Laughter Meditation with Stephen Findley – The nonprofit continues its series, 12 Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions, this summer. During July and August, with kids out of school, the mediations will be tailored for families and children. At noon on Wednesday, July 5, MD Anderson Cancer Center chaplain and certified laughter yoga teacher Stephen Findley will lead an exploration of the history and role of laughter and silence in an experiential family-friendly meditation.
-- Thursday, July 6 – Boomtown Brass Band – Rothko Chapel’s annual Summer Sounds on the Plaza is back with a performance by Houston’s only dedicated traditional jazz ensemble. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 6, the Boomtown Brass Band will be performing the high-energy hot jazz of New Orleans in the 1920s. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Saint Arnold’s Brewing Company. Steel City Pops will be on-site selling all-natural creamy and fruity popsicles. Families are invited to bring a blanket and picnic and grab a spot on the lawn.
-- Thursday, July 20 – Jacqui Sutton with the Frontier Jazz Orchestra – At 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, Summer Sounds on the Plaza continues with a unique blend of jazz and bluegrass performed by Jacqui Sutton and the Frontier Jazz Orchestra. Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by Saint Arnold’s Brewing Company. Steel City Pops will be on-site selling all-natural creamy and fruity popsicles. Families are invited to bring a blanket and picnic and grab a spot on the lawn.
-- Wednesday, August 2 – Mindfulness Meditation for Parents and Children - 12 Moments continues in August, with another program tailored for families and children. At noon on Wednesday, August 2, licensed psychologist Anne Friedman will lead mindfulness training to help both adults and children let go of unhelpful thoughts and pay attention in the present moment. The meditation will include experiential exercises that families can practice together at home, which has been shown to increase a sense of well-being and decrease stress, anxiety and depression.
All events are free and open to the public with a suggested donation of $10.
In case of inclement weather, check for updates on rothkochapel.org, www.facebook.com/RothkoChapel 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.