Monthly Archives: April 2009

(Community Matters) As we drove home from Zach Scott last night, we chose to drive in front of the Long Center, where we could see Paul Villinski’s Emergency Response Studio parked on the terrace.

A solar-powered, mobile artist’s studio as part of this year’s Fuse Box Festival. It is co-presented with Arthouse, Austin. In August 2006, on a visit to post-Katrina New Orleans, Villinski wished he could transport his studio from New York to the Lower Ninth Ward, so he could create work in response to the conditions he found there. Creating Emergency Response Studio was his solution. Over seven months, Villinski transformed a salvaged FEMA-style trailer into a rolling, off-the-grid live/work space that could house displaced artists, or allow visiting artists to “embed” in post-disaster settings.

Paul talked about his inspiration for the trailer. He was in New Orleans’ ninth ward after Katrina wishing he had his tools to create from the debris. He realized this area of New Orleans remained off the grid, so he’d need power and self sustainability. His trailer is powered by solar and wind.

Festival board member Amy Bryant & Palo Chalupka surprised us by attending. One-week old Ruby with them

the dearest Ruby

(Community Matters) Austrian Willi Dorner, a contemporary dance choreographer from Vienna, set out to explore relationships between body, space and architecture. Steven and I joined yesterday’s tour; I believe there are more scheduled for today and during the week. schedule here

Willi Dorner assisted by volunteer Alex Rudy (Kirk Rudy’s daughter)

The dancers making their first appearance as we assembled across the street at Republic Park.

Ellie Rudy behind Steven

(Community Matters) Happy Birthday, Gregory Brooks. Gregory turned 45 & friends and his students celebrated over ping pong, delicious grub & drinks at his and Margo Weisz’s Barton Hills abode.

I’m not sure they shouldn’t change the name of Gregory’s & Margo’s street to Brooks Ave. Gregory (an award-winning architect) has designed 2 or 3 very substantial remodels/additions on his block and a new home just next store to their own. Of course, he’s designed and overseen extensive renovation of their own – not only the house but also the gardens.

the birthday boy

Margo & Steven

Many friends gathering and more on their way since Steven and I only had time for a quick drive by (and quick nibbles. Margo’s a talented cook). Visited with Jill McRae & Stephen Yelenosky. Mark Nathan arrived just as we were leaving. We didn’t really engage but will be great friends again as soon as we’re beyond this mayor’s race (he’s the consultant for Lee Leffingwell’s campaign; I’m on Brewster McCracken’s steering committee).

Mark acknowledged to me that Brewster is the preferred candidate given our challenging economic times and conceded that the race is Brewster’s according to the polls (umm, or was that a dream? 🙂.

(Community Matters) Haven’t had a chance to shop at the Saturday Farmer’s Market in a month or so – it’s grown in number of stalls and attendees. The market is organized by the Sustainable Food Center and was launched by our good friend, Jennifer Vickers several years ago (5 or 7 I think). Ronda Rutledge (ED) and staff run an increasingly impactful organization with community gardens and nutrional cooking class programs as well.

Red & Debbie Farrell

Red & Debbie Farrell of Maid in the Shade make artisan goat cheeses – or Red milks the goats and Debbie makes the cheese. Tasted many and purchased the hot pepper & garlic chevre – great consistency with a smooth base and sweet, spicey flavor. Debbie told me this one was her favorite because it pairs well with all wines. For 4ozs, $4.50 is a bit steep.

I don’t mind paying to help local growers/producers but not sure the price is viable if the objective is to grow & scale. Though, as I’ve learned all to well the last few years, not everyone’s objective is to scale.

Blake Hill

Blake Hill’s an Austinite who worked for the Farmer’s Market but has taken over Austin distribution for Remember When Dairy. Ok, I might have first noticed this booth because Blake is so damn cute and charismatic, but whatever, sure glad I did. They sell all natural, non homogenized, no antibiotics, no rBST, no rBGH, no genetically modified grains or soy product fed dairy products. I purchased flawless skim milk and sweet butter. I’ll be back for their ice cream. The owner, Mark Ganske, finds himself too busy increasing production to meet demand from his Yantis, Tx farm to travel to weekly markets any longer.

Urban Roots

Urban Roots is a YouthLaunch program (an important Entrepreneurs Foundation partner by the way) founded by Russell Smith. They develop

empowering service programs for young people, through which participants gain new knowledge and skills, form positive and influential bonds with peers and adult role models, improve their self-esteem and efficacy, and develop a strong sense of social responsibility.

Urban Roots is a youth development program that uses sustainable agriculture as a means to transform the lives of young people and increase the access of healthy food in Austin.

Urban Roots hires 15 “farm interns” in January to work on our small urban farm during our spring and summer programs. We donate 40% of our produce to hunger relief organizations and sell 60% at farmers’ markets and farm stands in Austin.

Perfect way to shop on a Saturday morning.

(Community Matters) Hippie Hollow

hmm, how is Black’s Beach in La Jolla not on here? (not to worry, I wouldn’t scare people off by participating)

(Community Matters) Michelle Obama so seriously rocks. Super duper piece in today’s NYTimes.

(Community Matters) by stonewalling & voting lock-step against the President’s stimulus and budget bills – despite serious inclusion in the negotiations and details of each – Congressional Republicans have proven that they’ll put politics before most American’s interests. I wholeheartedly support the President’s call for healthcare legislation by budget reconciliation, i.e., exclusion from filibuster rules. story here

(Community Matters) Houston Fifth Ward born, the first Black woman from a southern state to serve in Congress, her impassioned speech for the impeachment of President Nixon, expansion of the Voting Rights Act to include Hispanics, keynote address to the Democratic National Convention in 1976 (considered by many the best convention keynote of the 20th century), professor at the LBJ School and mentor to many, 1992 Democratic National Convention keynote address, 20-year partner to Nancy Earl.

The Hon. Barbara Jordan, 1936 – 1996 photo: Ricardo Brazzielli, AAS

If you haven’t seen our friend Max Sherman’s book Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder, treat yourself. It includes a DVD of her recorded speeches. It’s seriously good and inspiring.

is this really the first statue of a woman on the UT campus? good god, no wonder women get so pissed off at us

(Community Matters) Parades, Processionals & Precussion – a commissioned piece by Graham Reynolds for the 2009 FuseBox Festival.  

Way, way fun.  Lisa Moore’s two young sons even joining Graham on stage at one time.

Graham Reynolds and Festival founder & artistic director, Ron Berry

DJ Cimbala & Steven, Marion just off to the right side

FuseBox Production Manager, Natalie Green; Mktg/Logistical Director Sam Webber

Steven and Margaret Keys

Michael Mitchell, Kala Philo & Zac Collier

Our very dear friends, the Heffrons (Nathaniel, Jason, Laurie & Lucia)

Margaret, Chula Reynolds & Sophia Collier

DJ about to lead us in the processional to Ballet Austin

(Community Matters) The two declared candidates are Houston’s Mayor Bill White and former Texas Comptroller John Sharp.  I posted here about meeting Mayor White on Sunday.

(Community Matters) can’t get it out of my head . . . .