Houston is one of the nation’s most diverse cities.  The 4-part Witness Series 2023 will explore the many profound experiences Communities of Color have to the Land and Waters of Southeast Texas and beyond.  Co-curated in partnership with artists from the Indigenous, African American, Latino, East Asian and South Asian communities, each Witness experience will bring communities together through the power of nature and art.  The series will provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.  Attendees will become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

Join the Chinese Community Center to introduce a cultural lens to nature and art. Calligraphy offers an important channel for the appreciation of traditional culture and for arts education.  Artist, Brent Chiang will be at the event to write different styles of calligraphy while guests enjoy a calligraphy display. Additionally, beautiful and lively bonsai trees will be displayed as a water marble artist will showcase the mesmerizing practice at the event.

Chinese Community Center9800 Town Park Drive, Houston, TX, 77036

https://thecollective2022.squarespace.com/the-witness-series

Houston is one of the nation’s most diverse cities.  The 4-part Witness Series 2023 will explore the many profound experiences Communities of Color have to the Land and Waters of Southeast Texas and beyond.  Co-curated in partnership with artists from the Indigenous, African American, Latino, East Asian and South Asian communities, each Witness experience will bring communities together through the power of nature and art.  The series will provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.  Attendees will become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

Join Madres del Parque, The Nature Conservancy in Texas, and Houston Audubon to celebrate the Latino connections to nature and wildlife - Gulfton and beyond! We’ll host fun and educational activities, including a bird, using the iNaturalist app to record flora and fauna in Burnett Bayland Park, and art activities for the whole family!

Burnett Bayland Park6000 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX,

https://thecollective2022.squarespace.com/the-witness-series

Houston is one of the nation’s most diverse cities.  The 4-part Witness Series 2023 will explore the many profound experiences Communities of Color have to the Land and Waters of Southeast Texas and beyond.  Co-curated in partnership with artists from the Indigenous, African American, Latino, East Asian and South Asian communities, each Witness experience will bring communities together through the power of nature and art.  The series will provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.  Attendees will become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

This Participatory Public Art experience will introduce the public to Ann Taylor’s life and journey..  Along the path of the park there will be stakes with QR codes that will allow for visitors to listen to oral histories documenting the lives of African American women and their impact on their descendants.  These narratives were collected in partnership with the Houston Public Library’s (HLP) Gregory School.  Drea the Artist will lead several walking meditation sessions.  An altar made of found objects created by Sheila Savannah will allow for visitors to Ann Taylor’s gravesite to leave messages of love and good will.  Intuitive African Dance and Culture will bring forth the spirit of the ancestors through their artist works.   Visitors will bear witness to the power of Ann Taylor's legacy through the beauty of nature, art and stories shared.

E.R. and Ann Taylor Park1850 Reed Road, Houston, TX, 77051

https://thecollective2022.squarespace.com/the-witness-series

Houston is one of the nation’s most diverse cities.  The 4-part Witness Series 2023 will explore the many profound experiences Communities of Color have to the Land and Waters of Southeast Texas and beyond.  Co-curated in partnership with artists from the Indigenous, African American, Latino, East Asian and South Asian communities, each Witness experience will bring communities together through the power of nature and art.  The series will provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.  Attendees will become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

This event will begin with a rich dialogue between Indigenous leaders, scientists, and historians to explore how Indigenous knowledge and worldviews can be elevated and work alongside western science and historical traditions (known as “Two-Eyed Seeing”) to create a healthier, more just world. Attendances will have the opportunity to witness an Artist performance by Danza Azteca that shares the legacy of Mesoamerican culture.  Their sacred rhythms and movements will connect all those who bear witness.

The Houston Botanic Gardens- 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017

https://thecollective2022.squarespace.com/the-witness-series

Join us for the opening reception of the latest Moody Project Wall installation, "_____ as myth," led by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton.

Enjoy a community-centered exhibition that explores mythology as a catalyst for self-discovery and social commentary. Taking inspiration from Mouton’s memoir Black Chameleon, the artwork on view is a result of students and local artists investigating how modern-day mythology can explain the nuances of our everyday experiences. The project was a part of her residency at Rice's Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning.

October 27. 2022 at The Rice University Moody Center For The Arts 6100 Main St. Houston, TX 77005, from 6pm to 8pm,

Click HERE to register.

The final event in the series, Witness: Artists by Nature, will offer an artistic experience that examines space, nature, and time. Invitees will explore a historic Houston park through an artistic lens by creating Plein air paintings and learning how local African American artists have used nature imagery and symbolism in their creative process. Participants will join Houston Audubon on a bird walk for artistic inspiration. Our lives are intimately connected with the lives of birds and they have long inspired artists around the world through spiritual symbolism and scientific inquiry. From their birdsongs to their migration patterns, birds teach us the rhythms of life on earth and give us opportunities to foster a meaningful connection with the natural world.

Location: ER & Ann Taylor Park —1850 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051

Time: 9am to 11:30am

REGISTER HERE

The Witness Series was created by Jaime Gonzalez, a Houston-based conservationist, environmental educator and biologist, and Kristi Rangel, Houston-based Multi-disciplinary artist and Education Advocate.  The experiences are in collaboration with Houston Audubon, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Coalition Against Hate, Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, National Wildlife Refuge System, Nature Heritage Society and The Nature Conversancy Texas. For more information about the series CONTACT US .

Join the Houston Parks & Recreation Department foe an Earth Week prairie planting at Clinton Park, In addition to the prsire planting we will explore some of the deep roots between our local prairies and legendary Black Cowboys and the rodeo,

Location: Clinton Park —200 Mississippi St., Houston, TX 77029

Space Limited: Register at naturalresources@houstontx.gov

The Witness Series was created by Jaime Gonzalez, a Houston-based conservationist, environmental educator, network weaver, biologist, and storyteller, and Kristi Rangel, Houston-based Multi-disciplinary artist and Education Advocate.  The experiences are in collaboration with Houston Audubon, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Coalition Against Hate, Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, National Wildlife Refuge System, Nature Heritage Society and The Nature Conversancy Texas. For more information about the series CONTACT US .

Witness: Hiking Through History the Power of Greenspaces to Engage and Empower African American Communities is the second of a 4-part series designed to bring communities together through dialogue. Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. Hiking Through History will educate participants on the historical significance of public lands, unearth long-omitted perspectives, and celebrate the Hill at Sims with The Nature Heritage Society. 

The Hill at Sims is one of the lesser-known natural jewels in Houston.  Located in the south side of Houston near historic Sunnyside, the Hill is a tranquil respite from the stresses of daily life.  One can pleasantly loose themselves in the sights and sounds of nature for as long as one wishes.  There are several small lakes where one can fish or simply watch the sun dancing on the water or birds in flight.

Meet and registration on-site starting at 8:30am at Cloverland Community Center Building, 11800 Scoot St., Houston, TX 77047

The Hike is 1.5 to 2 miles

***Please dress appropriately for weather.  It is suggested all participants wear hiking boots if they have them or good sneakers with ankle support is recommended.

The Witness Series was created by Jaime Gonzalez, a Houston-based conservationist, environmental educator, network weaver, biologist, and storyteller, and Kristi Rangel, Houston-based Multi-disciplinary artist and Education Advocate.  The experiences are in collaboration with Houston Audubon, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Coalition Against Hate, Houston Health Department, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, National Wildlife Refuge System, Nature Heritage Society and The Nature Conversancy Texas. For more information about the series CONTACT US .

Witness: The Long Arc Exploring Connections Between African Americans & The Lands of Southeast Texas is the first of a 4-part series designed to bring community together through dialogue. Since Houston’s founding, African Americans have had complex relationships to the land, some uplifting and celebratory, some rooted in oppression and injustice. Witness: The Long Arc will explore the many profound experiences of African-Americans with the land of Southeast Texas through dynamic, participatory breakout sessions on walks of the Houston Botanic Garden.

Participants: Ivy Lawrence-Wells, Ivy Leaf Farms, Ayanna Jolivet McCloud, Bayou City Waterkeeper and Dr. Marco Robinson, Ruth J. Simmons Center for Race and Justice, Prairie View A&M University

Moderators: Jaime Gonzalez, Nature Conservancy, Kristi Rangel, 2021 Houston Coalition Against Hate Emerging Artist of the Year and Michael Godoy, Houston Botanic Garden

Click HERE to Register:

Non-member fee of $25 for includes general admission to the Garden. Members receive a $10 discount.

The experiences are in collaboration with Houston Audubon, Houston Coalition Against Hate, Houston Botanic Garden, Houston Health Department, National Wildlife Refuge System, Nature Heritage Society and The Nature Conversancy Texas. For more information about the series CONTACT US .