The Future of Art

  Last Wednesday I was invited to see Chairman Jane Chu of the National Endowment of the Arts give a talk at the Asia Society. For those who are not familiar with the NEA, it is an independent agency of the federal government that provides grants for artistic individuals and communities. I was delighted to hear the Chairman give her insight on how art plays a vital role in our society.

  After hearing her perception, it gave me a moment to realize why I studied art during my undergraduate career. Since moving to Texas, not too many people were aware of my art background and I do not acknowledge it unless asked, mostly to evade that pause of judgment. How I view art is an outlet for not only creative expression, but also an opportunity to stimulate conversation. Being raised sheltered and shy I often found myself awkward in social situations especially when it came to communicating my feelings verbally. The Chairman’s words on art’s vitality to our society expose how art is a necessity. I would say most of the general public view art as something decorative and low end, in terms of the job market, (hence the term “starving artist”). But there is more that meets the eye and what the general public is aware of. Art plays an essential role to our daily life; it fosters innovation, contributes to our economic growth, and significantly, nurtures our education. Art allows us to explore and create different divisions. We see it diverging in to other categories such as writing, dancing, and acting. It continues to expand and contribute to our health by offering methodologies such as music and art therapy. The Chairman mentions Project Row Houses, based in Houston, as a communal art project that transforms battered houses in to art studios and affordable homes. "There's no dollar value that can measure the energy of an empowered community and the re-emergence of beauty and hope." In words of the Chairman, "we need to expand the approaches that we take to connect people to the arts.”

Some pieces I did during undergrad:

-Crystal Koo 

A Trip to the Bayou City Art Festival

Happy Hump day everyone! I hope these past few days have been productive. This past weekend I’ve been fortunate enough to have time to check out the Bayou City Art Festival, my first event since moving to Houston. The festival features over 300 artists across the United States and showcases some of their work ranging from different styles, abstract to still life to sculpture. 

The event started at 10AM, where I saw lines of booths bundled next to one another - each stall decorated with the artists’ work. A good number of artists came from Florida or New Mexico, and some represented the Texas area. It was refreshing to see Houston host a festival that exposed great artistic talent. 

Here are a few photos from the Sunday event:

 

 

 

 -Crystal Koo  

Introducing Vox Executive Director, Viktor Kopic!

Meet the Executive Director of Vox Culture, Viktor Kopic! As we continue to pave our way forward, Viktor is leading Vox through the new and exciting chapters that await us. Be sure to come out to our future events and get a chance to meet and talk to Viktor, and ask him… “what’s next at Vox?". You can also check out our website in the coming months to see the upcoming changes and updates happening at Vox too!

My personal background is a major reason as to my interest in the work of Vox Culture. Originally from Croatia, my travels, as well as the opportunity to live in several countries such as Venezuela and Mauritius, have exposed me from a young age to the beauty and importance of different cultures. At the same time, these experiences have also taught me about the numerous injustices and the problems of poverty the world faces. The concept of introducing others to culture, in every way and shape, while also advocating for poverty and injustice drew me to Vox Culture. I hope that with the knowledge and experiences I have gained throughout the years I can help contribute and further strengthen the voice of Vox Culture.

About the Director: I was previously involved in the think-tank industry in Washington, D.C. at The Corporate Council on Africa and the Washington Office of The International Institute for Strategic Studies. I have an MA in Political Science (Concentration in International Studies) as well as a Graduate Certificate in Security Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I also hold a BA in Political Science (Minors in International Studies and Sociology) from Louisiana State University.

What is your favorite ice cream? I would say a three-way tie between Tiramisu, Mexican Vanilla, and Hazelnut.

What is your favorite hobby? Anything that keeps me active, whether it is working out, playing sports such as rugby, or going somewhere new around town or the outskirts of the city. I simply like to explore new things and new areas.

What would you say was one of your most exciting experiences? Every day so far (especially as of late) seems to have been an exciting experience so far. If I had to choose one, it would be having had the chance to sail on board a ship as a child, on which my father was working on during his younger years. Through this experience, I had the chance to see many different countries and places around the world.

 Which cultural food do you enjoy the most? Would have to say as of late would have to be African food, whether it be Ethiopian, Nigerian, Mauritian, etc. In general I like food that is unique and that you cannot find everywhere... something that is authentic and has flavor.

 What is your favorite country? On a totally biased side, I would have to say Croatia because that is where I'm from. Mauritius too, because that is where part of my heritage comes from as well. However, as far as a country that is my favorite that has nothing to do with where I'm from or my heritage, I would have to say Venezuela, one of the most beautiful countries that I've been to and had the opportunity to live in.

 How do you exercise your creativity? I would say I've found myself exercising my creativity through cooking. I always like trying to make traditional cultural dishes, or giving them new spins, or taking completely new takes on other dishes. However, I'd say I thoroughly enjoy BBQing, and consider myself a master chef at making a good steak!

Proclaiming Humanity: Beauty in Courage

The Proclaiming Humanity series, presented by Vox Culture is ending in high style with, "Beauty in Courage"!

VIP & General Admission Tickets (including Pricing) available at: www.beautyincourage.com 
Please note: TICKETS ARE VERY LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT!

Inquiries may be directed to beautyincourage@voxculture.org.

Join us for the grand finale event to a year dedicated to focusing and raising awareness on domestic violence in Houston and around the world. Featuring an evening of fashion, arts, entertainment, and socializing, "Beauty in Courage" is dedicated to putting a spotlight on Vox Culture's partner for 2014, the Tahirih Justice Center - with part of evening's proceeds benefiting them as well!

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting survivors of gender-based violence.

More details to be announced along the way via postings!!!

Here are some of the evenings features:
Mistress of Ceremonies: Ms. Jacquie Baly
Dance & Poetry: Son Kiss'd
Live Musical Performance: Sugar Joiko
Live Areal Artist: Kenali Kendrick

Capsule Collection showcased by Texas fashion designers:
Danny Nguyen, Umair Khan, Viriginia Colao, Emilia Natalicchio, and Damari Rubio (collaborating accessory designer).

Other features include: (1) Live auction including pieces from designers off the runway show; (2) Silent Auction & Raffle Prizes; (3) Special celebrity bags with ticket admission.

All ticket purchases include drinks and appetizers provided by Mr. Peeples. 

The event will begin at Mr. Peeples on Monday, Nov. 17, with doors opening at 6:00PM and the show ending at 9:00PM. An after-party will be followed at Majorca Bistro and Tapas from 9:00PM to Midnight!

Here are some of our community supporters and friends partaking in this event:

Join us and be the voice to continuing the needed community discussion on domestic violence, and celebrate the beauty that is found in one's courage!!!!!

September Newsletter: Beauty in Courage sales TBA

a. The Tahirih Justice Center 2014 Gala
b. Beauty in Courage Pre-Sale Tickets
c. Introducing Vox Media Coordinator, Crystal Koo!

Our most epic event finale is quickly approaching! Be sure to see the latest happenings and check out the date for when Pre-Sale tickets for Beauty in Courage begin! 
==

a. THE TAHIRIH JUSTICE CENTER 2014 GALA
On Saturday, September 20, some member of the Vox Core Team volunteered at the Tahirih Justice Center's 2014 Gala. A great time was had by all! In addition to learning more about the work of Tahirih Justice Center, attendees had a chance to further raise funds for the organization by bidding on donated art pieces and gifts, as well as some art designed by the children of Tahirih Justice Center.



b. BEAUTY IN COURAGE PRE-SALE TICKETS
Our finale event for our Proclaiming Humanity series, Beauty in Courage, is almost here! Limited time, Pre-Sale tickets will go on sale beginning Thursday, October 2! Be sure to follow the Vox Facebook page for the official announcement of the opening!

Beauty in Courage is a fashion show, mixer, and fundraiser all designed to benefit the Tahirih Justice Center as they continue to fight to represent immigrant women escaping from situations such as domestic violence. All artists and individuals involved in this event will be revealed on October 2.  Beauty in Courage will take place on Monday, November 17 from 6PM-9PM at Mr. Peeples. More details will be announced soon!

If you would like to become a sponsor for this event, you can click here to see the different levels we have available and what is offered to each. If you have any further questions about sponsorship, volunteering opportunities, or general questions, please send a message to beautyincourage@voxculture.org. 

c. INTRODUCING VOX MEDIA COORDINATOR, CRYSTAL KOO!
Introducing Crystal Koo, Vox Culture's Media Coordinator! Crystal plays a vital role in the team, helping both promote as well as raise awareness amongst the general public, Vox supporters, and the media about events and/or activities that we have coming up. 

Furthermore, Crystal helps ensure that all of Vox's social media outlets are up to date and constantly filled with the latest in the arts and advocacy world at home and abroad. Be sure to keep your eyes out for Crystal's daily postings and as she shares the latest with you as to the latest happenings Vox! To learn more about Crystal, check out her profile here!

We hope to see you at our upcoming event!