Art, Science and Technology Intersect in Gallery Exhibition

Geraldine Ondrizek engages diverse artistic media to portray, explore and enhance images of the genetic testing of human and animal cellular tissue as reproduced by geneticists and biologists. An exhibition of her work titled "Inner Space, Global Matter: Recording from the Structures Within | Geraldine Ondrizek – Works from 2008 through 2012," will be on view Nov. 19, 2012 through Feb. 1, 2013 at the University of Houston-Clear Lake Art Gallery. Join us for the opening reception and panel discussion in the Bayou Building's Forest Room on Monday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m.

Ondrizek's exhibition is part of a larger collaboration between three institutions. A special presentation of her signature work titled "Cellular," incorporating the video and sound of actual cells dividing, is exhibiting simultaneously at Space Center Houston, UHCL Art Gallery, and Florida International University's Miami Beach Urban Studios. Ondrizek's "Chromosome Painting," an aesthetic rendering of a synteny map, is also on display at the UHCL Art Gallery. The continuation of this colorful expression of genomic sequencing on silk panels is shown in the Special Collections Room of the UHCL Alfred R. Neumann Library.

The showcasing of Ondrizek's expression of microbial life in NASA's historic communities of Texas and Florida proposes important questions about art and science, comprising the curatorial objective for discussion in the opening reception/panel event and for the published exhibition catalogue, which features an essay by the exhibition's curator Jane Chin Davidson, an assistant professor of art history at UHCL. Ondrizek is a professor of art at Reed College in Portland, Ore.

In conjunction with the Nov. 19 opening reception, Ondrizek will join experts from various disciplines to talk about the context of her work in the panel "Intersections of Art, Science & Technology." The artist joins Amy Lampazzi, a mathematics lecturer at UHCL; Darrin Leleux, an engineer at NASA's Johnson Space Center; and Lory Z. Santiago-Vázquez, an assistant professor of biology and biotechnology at UHCL. The discussion will be moderated by Davidson. Admission is free to the opening reception/panel event, and free parking will be available in the visitor parking lot or Lot D. To RSVP, contact the UHCL Art Gallery by calling 281-283-3311 or by emailing artgallery@uhcl.edu.

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UHCL Art Students to Exhibit Work in Pearland

UHCL students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program, the Master of Arts program, or taking at least one studio art course have been invited to participate in a juried exhibition that will be on view at the Pearland Recreation Center and Natatorium. Presented as part of Pearland Arts League's "Corks & Canvas" series, the public is invited to a reception in celebration of the 2012 UH-Clear Lake 2-D Student Exhibition on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, 5-7 p.m. Admission is free. The exhibition is on view through Jan. 4, 2013. Pearland Recreation Center and Natatorium is located at 4141 Bailey Road in Pearland.

Additionally, the UHCL Art Gallery is participating in the last Bay Area Art Walk for the year. It's happening on Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Nassau Bay Town Square, located at the intersection of Saturn Lane and Space Park Drive next to the new Marriott hotel. Bring the kids along and look for the UHCL Art Gallery banner. Artists Patrick Renner and Marisa Miller will lead a free art-making activity. In addition to our fun activity, the Art Walk is a terrific opportunity to pick up unique arts and crafts for that special someone on your holiday shopping list.

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Did you know that Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre
bring culture to the Clear Lake Area with the help of UHCL alumni?

As the weather in Bay Area Houston starts to cool, the stage begins to heat up with the 2012-13 Synchronicity season presented by Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre. This year's BAHBT board of directors is filled with UHCL alumni who are excited for the upcoming performances.

"Each performance will surely delight and enrich the pleasure in seeing the arts thrive in our community," stated Rosalind Perez, newly elected chair for the board of directors and UHCL 2007 distinguished alumna. "October's premier of Edward Scissorhands in classic ballet style was a perfect beginning for our upcoming year of exquisite dance."

With the growing quality and number of dancers in the company, BAHBT has brought on a full-time executive director, Sharon Zaal. "We are truly blessed to have Sharon at the helm of our organization," said Perez. "She has already been a tremendous asset advancing the organization's brand and operations."

Next in line is the ever-popular production of The Nutcracker. Set to take the stage at the company's performing residence location at UHCL, matinee and evening performances span two weekends from Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 and Dec. 7-9

Joining the BAHBT board this year is area business leader, UHCL 2005 distinguished alumna and current Alumni Association Executive Council member, Kimberly Campbell. "Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization," said Perez. "She, along with the rest of the board, works tirelessly to achieve the goals of BAHBT, helping promote our fabulous dancers and advancing performing arts in our area."

With Space Center Houston as the backdrop, viewers of this year's third program will be transported through the universe with a collection of innovative works during Celestial Mechanics. This thought-provoking dance display will have staged and interactive performances from February 22-24, 2013.

The season culminates with a whimsical rendition of Seussical from Apr. 12-14. Under the acclaimed direction of Broadway performer, Kevin Cahoon, patrons will be treated to many childhood character favorites featured in Dr. Seuss classics. Tickets for all productions can be purchased online beginning six weeks prior to show time at www.bahbt.org. Discounted tickets are available to UHCL students.

"With a stellar group of dancers and top-flight leadership, I look forward to a great year of quality performances and on-going cultural enrichment within Bay Area Houston," added Perez. "We encourage all residents of the region to support the arts and enjoy the immense talent offered in this community."

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