Published: November 06, 2009 10:25 am      

SHSU, City to kick off new cultural district

The SHSU President’s Office and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum will help the City of Huntsville celebrate its official designation as one of the State of Texas’s seven “Cultural Districts” with a reception on Thursday.

The come-and-go reception, during which time executive director of the Texas Commission on the Arts Gary Gibbs will officially announce the designation, will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., with a brief program beginning at 6 p.m. at the Walker Education Center.

“This is a great honor for our community,” said Linda Pease, cultural services coordinator for the City of Huntsville. “It is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn more about our designation as a cultural district, as well as the many amenities, organizations, and businesses within its boundaries.”

The State of Texas Cultural District Designation is an initiative from the Texas Commission on the Arts designed to highlight historical attractions, cultural amenities, and the arts to promote economic and community development.

The Texas Commission on the Arts opened applications to all Texas cities with the charge of selecting seven that “significantly contribute to the culture and fine arts in the state.” Winnsboro, Austin, Denison, McAllen, Lubbock and San Angelo were also selected.

“I think it is a real honor for the community,” said Huntsville city councilmember Mac Woodward, who also serves on the cultural district steering committee. “To be one of the first seven cities chosen for this district demonstrates that the state recognizes the many great things about our community. This is a real opportunity for Huntsville.”

In addition to Gibbs, the kick-off reception will feature remarks by deputy director of the Texas Commission on the Arts Jim Bob McMillan, Texas Poet Laureate Paul Ruffin, Huntsville Mayor J. Turner, Wynne Home Arts Center coordinator Linda Pease, Woodward, and Sam Houston Memorial Museum Director Patrick Nolan.

A slideshow featuring many of the district’s most notable attractions will be presented and visitors will be invited to view the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s photographic exhibit: “Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy.”

The event is open to the public.

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Mike Yawn at (936) 294-1456.