Three events to wrap up the year for the holiday season.
These three activities wrap up the event year after which I will sojourn to write and paint in my typical winter hibernation habit. We’ll see what the new year brews for us.
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Snow capped Popocatepetl
It was in the early 90’s that I wrote my version of the Aztec legend of Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, the two volcanoes found in central Mexico. I did it to share part of my culture with my children. It was a story I grew up with. My version was a short story. I found that each version was a little different so I felt comfortable telling my own as I learned it over the years. The main format was that of a tragedy a la Romeo and Juliet but in an Aztec version.
While tinkering with the first version of the story I procrastinated getting it done until one day. My husband invited me to a tasty taco joint in Stafford, Texas and lo and behold, pinned to the wall was an illustration of a glorious Aztec warrior with a beautiful sleeping maiden in his arms. The caption had the legend written in about 8 lines. I took that as a sign that I should finish my story.
The Lady of the Turquoise Pendant, by Lilibeth André
In 1999, I decided to turn the story into a novel and work on the manuscript began. I finished it in 2002 and sent it out to a few publishing houses that I thought might be interested in the subject matter but I began to collect rejection letters. It was not something they were looking for at the time.
Time went on and every time Popocatepetl, a semi-dormant volcano, spewed steam and ash I took it as a sign that I needed to do something with the book. I began to have a strong feeling that I needed to share the book with more kids, not just my own. I felt that by sharing this story built on the background of research I conducted about the Aztec culture to believably place my story in a space and time, I could help Hispanic and Latino kids better understand where they came from and be proud of their rich culture.
Lilibeth André, King Topiltzin, Oil, 24×18
So my mission became to use the book as a tool to generate curiosity about a native American culture we don’t read about in school. We may learn about the pyramids in Egypt but we don’t learn about what was one of the strongest cultures in the Americas.
My kids are grown now. I published The Lady of the Turquoise Pendant with my own illustrations and use it to help me share with Hispanics and non-Hispanics about the love I have for my culture and the things we have learned from the Aztecs. And maybe, the book can be a spark to generate curiosity to learn more about the Aztec contribution to the world through urbanism, agriculture, engineering, astronomy, calendars, culinary richness and so much more.
More about The Lady of the Turquoise Pendant:
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The first art event of the year will be my participation in the 8th Annual Frida Festival 2013 at the East End Studio Gallery:
Lilibeth Andre, Yellow Frida, Oil, 16×12
Art Opening and Poetry
Friday, April 5, 6-10pm
Performances and Adult Frida Look-alike Contest
Friday, April 19, 6-9pm
Market and Kids Frida Look-alike Contest
Saturday, April 20, 12-5pm
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The Guiton St. Artists 2013 Studio Open House Festival will follow to join with my fellow artist neighbors and invite all our community to visit our studios and see what new work we have to share. This year, the one day event grow to three days:
Thursday, April 18. Doors open from 6 to 9 pm.
Friday, April 19. Doors open from 6 to 9 pm.
Saturday, April 20. Doors open from 2 to 8 pm.
Participating Artists: Bruce Williamson, Jerrie Powell, Candice Goodwin, Linda Bukema, Billie Chasen, John Daniel, Verlinde Doubleday, Maggi Dunwoody, Janis Edel, Rosa Herst, Eleanor McCarthy, Mary McJunkin, Sunny McKinnon, Lenore Prudhomme, Caroline Ratliff, Helene Rob, Tahamia Spain, Paula Winter, and Lilibeth André.
(Not all artists will be present at all times.)
Live Music on Saturday (3-6pm) by Jimmy Dan with Will Golden and a surprise visitor–you’ve heard her on The Voice.
Come and enjoy sweet music, a glass of wine, and exciting art and artists!
Lilibeth Andre, La Coleta, oil, 16×12
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In My Nature – Art and Science, by Darra Keeton, A Retrospective, and Second Nature, a show of Darra’s students, at Rice University Media Center, May 30 – September 6, 2013.
Here is information about Darra’s story and how her project came about. Thanks to all her wonderful supporters she has been able to move forward with the project.
I have been very excited to be one of Darra’s students at Rice University, and now, to be her friend. She is an admirably energetic and talented woman who helped me break through in my own creativity and still motivates me today. This retrospective presents Darra’s work. It also includes the Second Nature exhibition, showing the work by Darra’s students. I am very proud and grateful to be included.
Opening Reception: May 30, from 6-8 pm., Rice University, Rice Media Center. The closing reception will be on September 6, from 6-8pm.
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First Saturday Arts Market, 548 19th Street, Houston, Texas 77008, 11am – 6pm.
I’m back at the First SaturdayArts Market! I’ll be joined by my friend Myrna Salaun with whom I began my FSAM run back in 2004. Come down on June 1, 2013.
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September arrives with Fechas Patrias, A Celebration of Mexican Independence, a solo art exhibition at Talento Bilingue de Houston, 333 S. Jensen Dr., Houston, Texas 77003.
Exhibition Dates: September 9, 2013 to November 3, 2013
Opening Reception: September 13, 6-9pm
Closing Reception: October 18, 6-9pm
More with the next Art Calendar.
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Houston Via Colori 2013, November 17 & 18.
This year I will be painting my 8th street painting to support The Center for Hearing and Speech. This is temporary art so you can only see it this weekend as it is being created so bring your camera. It is washed away on Sunday night. See my past work.
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