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JULY 2009
WIVLA's Mission: to provide an inspiring forum for women to explore and advance their creative development, to promote their work in the marketplace, and to infuse the community with their spirit of cooperation and invention.
July Membership Meeting
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Gathering Time: 6 PM • Meeting Time: 6:15 - 7:15 PM
Museum of Printing History, 1324 West Clay Street • Houston, TX 77019
Judith Groudine Finkel practiced law for twenty-four years before retiring to write Texas Justice. Her shorter works have appeared in newspapers, magazines and journals. She brings WIVLA an interesting tale about her legal thriller and how a contest led to the novel’s publication. She'll also share the pluses and minuses of being with a small publisher along with her personal efforts to market her book.
In 1999 at the time of the infamous “Wig Shop Murder,” Finkel had been practicing law for twenty-one years. While at first elated that the police had a suspect, as the story of the murder and its aftermath unfolded, she became concerned about the legal issues surrounding the case. As she read the trial transcript, she considered what it would be like to be the parents of a young man accused of such a heinous crime. This led to her fictionalized novel, Texas Justice, in which the legal issues involved in the case are humanized through fictitious characters.
Join us after the meeting for dinner at Pronto Cucinino, 1401 Montrose Blvd.
Index of Articles, June 2009
President’s Message Page 2
WIVLA Annual Print Show Opens Page 2
Member News Page 3-4
Renewing Your WIVLA Membership Page 4
“Good Places to Write” Page 4-5
“A Hidden Treasure” Page 5-6
Introducing New WIVLA Members Page 6-7
Newsletter News Page 7-8
“WIVLA, Where Have You Been All My Life?!” Page 8-9
Announcements Page 9
Calendar of Events Page 9
Submit your news at: August newsletter deadline: July 29
President’s Message
By Jeanne Haner
Warm greetings on this warm evening: Summer has arrived in Houston.
We had a wonderful gathering of WIVLA members at our June meeting. Unfortunately, Ann Shaw’s presentation was hindered by our technological problems. Many members wish they had more time with Ann. Her insights and intellect were inspiring. Thank you. Betty Street was provided a van full of helpful items for “Betty’s Haven” which was WIVLA’s June community outreach program.
The opening reception of “Body Language” was well received and well attended. Many thanks to everyone involved in making this exhibition, which included readings at the opening, a success. The exhibition is available for viewing through September 19.
July 11 is WIVLA’s “Save the Archives Day!” This event will be held at the Houston Public Library, Heights branch, 1302 Heights Blvd., from 10 to 3. We need your help to put the WIVLA archives in order. Please plan on participating. Along with the great community spirit of this event, lunch will be provided. We will need a head count for lunch: please contact Historian Cathy Nieman: or Jane Mulholland: if you plan to attend. Bring your WIVLA memorabilia with you to the library. We have many photos from past events and we need your help to identify the women in the photographs and to prepare files to be permanently archived at the University of Houston’s Anderson Library. The WIVLA Advisory Board is most supportive in making this event a success. We don’t want to lose our history as it is the foundation of our future.
WIVLA’S ANNUAL PRINT SHOW OPENS
The opening of WIVLA’S annual print show at the Museum of Printing History on June 25 was a great success. Here is what some of our members who saw the show said: “Pretty cool.” “I think the format of 12” x 12” was thought provoking – with all different approaches. It is a good show and we had a nice opening night crowd.” “Totally enriching and delightful!” “I really like the show. Each of the pieces of art is like a little window. I really like everything being about the same size, it's almost an Andy Warhol effect.
The reading was great, and very well attended. Lots of stories and perspectives that all fit together as one to actually take on a shape of its own.”
MEMBER NEWS
Note: This column is for members to report on getting published, shows, awards and other recognition of their work. Please submit your news to share with WIVLA members.
VISUAL ARTS:
Anne Delpine has a mixed media collage in Archway Gallery’s Arboretum Show, "Natural Habitat," July 3 - July 31. Show juried by Dean Ruck. Opening Reception: July 11, 5 - 8 PM, 3205 Dunlavy. Additionally two of her pieces were accepted into the “Big Show” at Lawndale Art Center, July 10 - August 8.
Sue Burke Harrington also has a piece at Archway in the "Native Habitat" show.
Marsha Harris's painting "Moon Music" was accepted in Alabama Watercolor Society’s annual juried competition. This acceptance gave her, her 7th Signature Membership in Alabama Watercolor Society.
Michelle O'Michael installed her 12' Prairie Fire on the corner of Feagan and Detering at Darke Gallery.
Carol Scott's sculpture "Bubbly Life" has been accepted in “The Rauschenberg Tribute Exhibition” opening August 30 at The Museum of the Gulf Coast. The juror is Susan Davidson, senior curator at The Guggenheim Museum, New York City.
Joan Son opens an exhibit and installation of her newest work at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin; “Natural Rhythm,” meditations on nature through the medium of paper. July 9 through October 4: Opening Reception: July 26, 1 to 4 PM.
Joan Son received an Individual Artist Grant Award funded by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. Along with photographer Betsy Siegel they will create an 8 foot robe from squares of paper and photography: www.therobeproject.com
Nan Stombaugh has her first solo show with opening reception: July 17, 5:30-7:30 PM, Lone Star College, Kingwood.
LITERARY ARTS
Carolyn Dahl has poems published in two anthologies: Beyond Forgetting, Kent State University and Eating Her Wedding Dress: A Collection of Clothing Poems, Ragged Sky Press.
Five of Diana Week's daring short stories will be "danced" Friday and Saturday evening August 14 and 15 at the Frenetic Fringe Festival, 5102 Navigation: www.freneticore.net or call 832 426 4624. The dances will be choreographed by Lydia Hance.
This is the second year for this unique festival that combines new original plays, dance and film. Other WIVLA members selected include Margo Toombs with her "Colon Show," Loueva Smith has a comedy, "Bruna Bunny and Baby Girl," and Jere Pfister a play, "What the Storm Brought Home." Pfister and Weeks run the same week-end.
FOR ALL WRITERS – YOUR HELP IS REQUESTED: SuzAnne Cole created and has been writing “The Writing Life” for the WIVLA newsletter for over five years. Due to personal commitments she has asked that we find someone else to do this column. If you are interested, please contact . SuzAnne will share her thoughts and sources with the person who writes this important feature for the newsletter.
RENEWING YOUR WIVLA MEMBERSHIP
If you are you a long-time member whose membership has lapsed due to downsizing/loss of a job, we may be able to help. Please contact the membership chair at:
Good Places to Write
By Caroline Reeder
Waldo’s Coffee House, 1030 Heights Blvd., Phone: (713) 769-0700
The shirr of an espresso machine, talks of Twitter and social marketing, a coffee klatch of young moms, a studying student, a corporate telecommuter grimacing at his laptop screen—a typical day at Waldo’s Coffee House.
If you are like me and have a husband/partner/roommate who also works at home and in their own procrastination frequently checks in with you to: 1) see how you are doing, 2) provide you with updates on Chastity Bono’s plans for a sex change or another news story, or 3) to remind you about an endless array of projects that need to be completed around the house, you need to get away from home. You need peace and quiet. You need to be able to focus. You need a good place to write.
My quest for a good place to write has taken me near and far, but mostly near my Heights home. This column will follow my travels in finding good places to write (or maybe even draw).
General Atmosphere: Waldo’s Coffee House makes its home in a cozy bungalow on Heights Boulevard near 11th Street. The décor inside is homey with mismatched antique furniture. There is a main room with five tables, another large room off to the side, a cozy alcove off the main room, and a nice front porch. The walls are adorned with a revolving display of paintings by local artists, which are available for purchase. The piped in background music ranges from classical to contemporary folk. The clientele is as diverse as the Heights but mostly leans toward the quieter, mellower set.
Features: Free WIFI, electrical outlets to charge your laptop, good air conditioning, parking in the back or on street, friendly staff.
Coffee and Comestibles: Four varieties of Houston’s own Katz Coffee are available each day. If you’ve had Katz Coffee I will say no more. If not, it is a yummy, full bodied coffee that will have your taste buds singing. Waldo’s also offers fancy lattes, mochas, teas and soft drinks as well as pastries, cookies, kolaches, sandwiches and salads.
When to Go: Early in the week especially before noon is the best time to visit. I recently stopped by Waldo’s on a Friday morning and it was quite busy. Apparently many people take Friday off from work and like to hang out there. I wouldn’t recommend Waldo’s on a Friday or Saturday if you are easily distracted by people coming and going and constant chatter. The friendly barista that I spoke with also told me that weekday evenings, excluding open mike and music nights, are pretty quiet. Afternoons are a bit hit or miss. There is a lovable but very talkative employee who works there on some afternoons. Smile kindly at him but do not engage him in conversation or you won’t get anything done!
Waldo’s is one of my favorite places to write. The coffee is good, atmosphere nice, and I actually get work done when I go there. Do you know of a good place to write? We welcome guest columnists.
A HIDDEN TREASURE
By Cathy Nieman
An innovative art museum with an unusual name is neatly tucked away in the Spring Branch school district. The Altharita Yeargin Museum at 901Yorkchester (77079) houses a vast collection of fine art and cultural artifacts.
Altharita Yeargin is a retired art teacher who has established an environment with extremely unique creative resources. The physical attributes of this museum are charming and greatly functional for creative learning experiences. The museum is for people of all ages. Free art classes are available to students from ages four to ninety-five, on the first Saturday of the month during the school year. Various topics on art media and techniques are covered by qualified art instructors, including myself. WIVLA member, Cindy Hickok, has five pieces of her work currently on display. Another positive attribute of this little creative gem, is an extensive detailed library archive.
If you are practicing The Artist Way, this would most definitely be a positive "artist's date" to explore. Tours for groups of adults are welcome. You may call 713-251-1987 or e-mail: ; Maria Burdick- Curator.
INTRODUCING NEW WIVLA MEMBERS
Welcome to our new members! This column is to profile our new members. If we have missed you, we apologize, but let us know at and we’ll profile you next month.
Leah Lax is a writer. She heard about WIVLA from Dune Tencer. “Writing is a lonely profession. I joined to be part of a community of artists.”
“My work: I wrote the libretto for ‘The Refuge,’ an opera about immigrants in Houston produced by the Houston Grand Opera in '07. Also did another collaborative multi-media project with photographer Janice Rubin called "The Mikvah Project" that has traveled the country and will soon go to Europe. I've got two books finished that I'm hoping to get published. One, my memoir, is in the hands of editors at three major publishers right now. I sure hope one of them wants it.”
Chandana Paravastu paints with oil and acrylics. She heard about WIVLA from Allison Merriweather and joined for “Better exposure, support and networking.”
The following is the review of her work, published for her latest exhibition:
“Swirling movement, vibrant color and rich textures characterize the spiritually and culturally infused works of self-taught painter, Chandana Paravastu. Illustrating both the artist’s daily surroundings and more importantly her inner thoughts, Paravastu’s sensitive paintings reflect a deep connection to the human condition and the spiritual world. Often incorporating a personal symbolism to her beautifully balanced compositions, Paravastu meditates on universal themes: light symbolizes enlightenment and overcoming darkness, white flowers represent wisdom and peace, and emotions are portrayed with colors and ancient traditional elements, such as body art. Deep, jewel-like tones impart a sense of weight to her energetic subjects, and again the artist brilliantly imparts a tranquil balance to each majestic canvas.
Born in India, Chandana Paravastu constantly explores new and innovative techniques and styles. A lover of all art, the artist is well versed in art history and theory and currently divides her time between India and the United States.”