Ellise Brooks

NEWS 4/7/11 7:00pm

Nostalgia, Function and Design in Zemaitis' talk

By Ellise Brooks

As an introduction to the 2011 Lawndale Art Center Design Fair, the Museum of Fine Arts, partnered with the Lawndale to present a special lecture by James Zemaitis, the Senior Vice President and Head of 20th Century Design at Sotheby´s, on Wednesday, March 30. Zemaitis discussed case studies ranging from American mid-century modern art to the evolving contemporary design market relating to the issues of provenance, rarity and the change in market.

NEWS 2/24/11 6:00pm

Smith talks on photographic dynamics

By Ellise Brooks

On Tuesday, February 15, Dr. Shawn Michelle Smith, an artist and writer, gave a talk on the African American photographer Augustus Washington, who worked during the aftermath of the Civil War. Washington worked in American and Liberia, claiming himself as a free American citizen and declaring his desire for African-American Manifest Destiny through Liberia's colonization, where newly freed slaves could enjoy full citizenship.Her talk, "Augustus Washington and the Civil Contract of Photography," examined Washington's American and Liberian daguerrotypes as speculations on what it means to be a citizen. According to Smith's analysis, Washington and other leaders of Civil Rights movements define citizenship as the ability to participate in all aspects of society.

NEWS 2/10/11 6:00pm

"Black List Project" inspiring, evocative documentation of strength

By Ellise Brooks

Historically, the term "blacklist" referenced people that were denied privileges and opportunities because of a social standard or prejudice. "The Black List Project," a photographic exhibit and documentary program currently showing at the Rice Media Center in honor of Black History Month, attempts to embody what Elvis Mitchell, co-producer of the project, calls the "black ability to put a positive spin on what has happened." By documenting prosperous and strong African-Americans that have risen to their status from various professions and backgrounds, Mitchell, who is a National Public Radio correspondent and former New York Times film critic, and artist Timothy Greenfield-Sanders attempt to redefine the word "blacklist," which African-Americans have historically occupied.

NEWS 2/3/11 6:00pm

Irma's: tacos and inspiration

By Ellise Brooks

You don't understand what you're missing until you've tasted the home-cooked Mexican food of Irma's, especially if you aren't from Houston. Established in 1989, Irma's explains what the big deal is about Houston and Mexican/Tex-Mex food.After her husband's tragic death in a bar fight, Irma Martinez decided to build her own restaurant in the model of a true Mexican establishment to support her family. After 21 years, her culinary dreams have flourished into reality. While telling her story, she explains her success simply as, "If you want something badly enough, you'll work hard for it," saying she has and will continue to work hard to keep her restaurant running.