June 2010 - Cover

Downtown Update
Chaparral St Parking lot.
For those wondering what the blue canopies are that have appeared on the Schatzell / Chaparral corner lot on the 500 block of Chaparral the answer is – a City owned and DMD managed parking lot. The new lot began leasing spaces mid May and for the first 90 days priority will be given to Downtown residents. After that initial period the leased spaces will be available to anyone who cares to apply.
Rates are currently $50pm for Downtown residents.
Application forms may be obtained at the DMD offices at 223N Chaparral St, Ste A or you may telephone 361-882-2363 for additional information.

Downtown ArtWalk - Save the Date – Friday August 6th
Big changes are coming to the Downtown ArtWalk.
The 2011 season will start on Friday August 6th with a launch party and to see what new exciting things the event will have to offer you’ll need to be there so mark your diaries now and be sure to join us for the big night.

Mesquite Street Mercado.
Ongoing logistical difficulties have put the open air Mercado on hold at this time. However, during restaurant hours, a gift shop operates within the restaurant itself.
Information on progress towards the outdoor Mercado will be posted on facebook.com/mercadocc as it becomes available.

June 2010 - Barry Brown Clay Studio

Barry Brown Clay Studio

By Jennifer Rhea

If you are looking for a place to learn to create art using clay, then the Barry Brown Clay Studio inside the Art Center of Corpus Christi is just for you.
Tucked away in the back of the Art Center is a little studio where anyone from beginners to seasoned artists meet to learn the art of using your hands to transform a lump of clay. Try your hand at a wheel class or a hand building sculpture class. Learn to make your own glazes. Included in the price of classes is the cost of clay, glaze, and the use of the kiln. With the addition of the new gas kiln, this studio is a one stop shop.

I decided to stop by and see for myself the magic of making something beautiful out of a piece of clay. Everyone was so generous with their knowledge and showed me around the studio. I was drawn to a woman who had her hands molding a piece of clay while it spun around on the wheel. Eager to find out what the next step would be, once she had finished molding the clay, I was shown another room where you apply glaze to your artwork. We walked into the largest room of all where I got to see the kiln. After you glaze you then fire the clay in the kiln.
There were shelves and shelves of people’s work behind the kiln; it ranged from a child’s artwork to expert looking pieces.
When I spoke to different people involved with the studio, all I heard was the camaraderie and joy they feel for the love of making art out of clay. Kim Schmid was one of those people.  The way she described the people and the facility made me want to sign up for a class right away. Kim, who now is the president of the Clay Studio Group started her journey as a beginner who signed up for a class after seeing an advert in the paper.
“All intimidation was lost in the class with other students sharing what you know”, Kim Schmid said.
The studio was started, in the Art Center, in 1999 by the Southwest Sculpture Society. The presidents at the time were Barry Brown and Kaye Hass. Barry Brown was a phenomenal guy who had a vision of what the clay studio could become. The Society wanted a place for the public to have the opportunity to work with clay.

In the beginning, the studio had little rooms and an outdoor patio. According to Schmid, Brown “was the driving force in the expansion two years ago”. He campaigned to raise awareness of the studio and helped raise funding. They were able to expand the space by enclosing the patio to make room for the new gas kiln. Brown had yet to show anyone else how to use the kiln when he died suddenly in December of 2008. In memorial to him, a new sign was made by everyone’s contributed clay works and the studio was renamed the “Barry Brown Clay Studio.” The sign itself is a magnificent masterpiece. It is located on the patio entrance of the studio.
The place is evolving constantly with 6 wheels and the hope of getting at least two more in the future.
Schmid feels Brown would be proud of what the studio has become. “We have taken the vision of Barry Brown and made it come true but we are still not done.”
If you feel the desire to try something new, Schmid wants you to feel welcomed. “I want other people in the community to know if you have an inkling to do it, then come by.”
The Clay Studio partners with several community businesses. Every year they team up with Metro Ministries to have a “Souper” Bowl. The Studio makes five hundred handmade bowls and fills them with soup to be purchased. The proceeds go to Metro Ministries to help feed the homeless.

The Clay Studio also participates in the Downtown ArtWalk which is a great opportunity to spend an evening in the Downtown area looking around and getting more information on businesses and Art venues. The Downtown Management District, through its’ArtWalk budget, recently agreed to a funding package for the new Clay Studio signage on Shoreline. This is great news as it will help raise public awareness of the Studio and the facilities it has to offer.
Stop by or visit the Art Center website for a list of classes available from novice to expert. Several times a year workshops are hosted by artists who teach a new technique of transforming clay.
The Barry Brown Clay Studio offers many classes and resources. Classes are available for both children and adults. Children can sign up for the Muddy Buddies Kid’s Clay class. Children younger than six years old can go if accompanied by a parent.
You can find more information by calling the Art Center on (361) 884-6406, stopping by 100 Shoreline to pick up class schedules at the front desk or in the Clay Studio, or visit the website at www.artcentercc.org

June 2010 - Summer ArtWalk

DTown Summer ArtWalk - Thursday 24th
By Michelle Smythe

Celebrate Summer in DTown by attending ArtWalk Thursday, June 24, 5:30 to 9 pm. ArtWalk is a fun and entertaining way to check out the Coastal Bend’s bustling and diverse art community, as well as the Downtown shops, restaurants and bars. Over the past year, the event has grown from five participating businesses to twenty-four.

Enjoy fine art by local and national artists, tours through artists’ studios, art demonstrations, multi-cultural performances, delicious samples from great restaurants and drink specials at area bars. Many of the venues will have live music and other entertainment.

The event is held next to the beautiful Corpus Christi Bayfront in the evening when the breeze is nice and temperatures are pleasant. Walk from one venue to the next or catch the colorful DTown tram and enjoy a Honk-a-delica serenade by HOBO who play onboard as you ride. Maps can be picked up at any participating business. Key venues are Art Center of Corpus Christi, K Space Contemporary, Texas Surf Museum and Produce Gallery, Studio and Shop. Other participating venues include restaurants, office buildings, antique shops, unique boutiques and coffee shops.

The evening kicks off at K Space Contemporary with live alternative music by “Newman”. Opening exhibits include “The Dog Show” an exhibition of clay sculpture by Art Star Day Wheeler in the K Space Contemporary gift shop. The featured show is “Carriers, Panels, and Culm Piles”: new works by Dennis Kemmerer. “Faux’s and Schmoe’s” a series of finger-painted portraits by new recruit Rebecca Jordan Glum will open in Hot Spot Gallery in K Space Art Studios.

Aria Sky Terrace & Lounge joins ArtWalk with an exhibition of works by the Coastal Bend Artists. Aria will feature drink specials. Business Interiors will feature their permanent display of works by Dinah Bowman. Other venues include The Gold Bug, Gigi’s Intimate Apparel, and Whetstone Graphics.
The event concludes at the Art Center of Corpus Christi with the drawing for door prizes at 8:30 p.m. The Art Center of Corpus presents the South Texas Art League’s 76th Annual Exhibition
 and the Southwest Sculpture Society 52nd Annual Exhibition juried by Greg Reuter, Professor of Art at TAMUCC in the Meadows Gallery. In the Kucera Gallery is Sculpture by Dave Regier. Local favorite Chispa Bluntzer will be showing beautiful paintings in the Lockett Gallery.

For a complete list of participating venues & events visit www.dtowncc.com or join us on facebook.com/artwalkcc. There is plenty of nearby free parking, and easy access to local hotels or famed Corpus Christi eateries. Admission is free.

ArtWalk continues to grow and draw community involvement and interest. More merchants and restaurants are involved and more arts related activities are available to enjoy. Please contact individual venues for specific exhibition and special event information.

The June event is the final ArtWalk of the season and there are big changes planned for the 2011 season which will kick off on August 6th, so be sure to Save that Date and come on Downtown to find out what the new ArtWalk has to offer.

ArtWalk is presented by the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District and K Space Contemporary. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of or a participant in the Artwalk, or have any art related business, suggestions or ideas in regard to the Art Walk, contact Alan Albin, Downtown Management District (alanalbin@dtowncc.com, 882-2363) or Michelle Smythe with K Space Contemporary (info@kspacecontemporary.org, 887-6834)

June 2010 - Coastal Bend Artists

Coastal Bend Artists pair with New ArtWalk Venue - Aria

By CBA

Coastal Bend Artists (CBA) will be kicking off the summer ArtWalk season on June 24th at Aria Sky Terrace and Lounge. Aria is a chic night spot located in the heart of Downtown at 326 N. Chaparral St.

The CBA is a little over a year old and has shown at nearly every ArtWalk event since May of last year. For most of those shows the Venue at the House of Rock hosted the group.

"We love House of Rock and the people there are amazing. But due to scheduling difficulties we had to find another ArtWalk host for the June event and, as luck would have it, Aria was scheduled to join ArtWalk as a venue in June and so here we are, helping each other out," said Laurette Escobar, founder/director of the CBA. "It'll be another great experience, I'm sure."

Escobar went on to say that every show presents new possibilities.
 "You never know what's going to happen and you have to prove yourself on the fly a lot of times. But it’s good fun and we really enjoy it. So ArtWalk shows are worth the nerves and anxiety attacks," she laughed

The show will begin at 5:30 and will go to 9 p.m. There will be appetizers and Aria will have $3 wine and $2 domestic and well drinks available.

June 2010 - Corpus Christi Downtown Karate

Corpus Christi Downtown Karate

By Steven Rhea

“The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants”

To some, the systematic training and strengthening of the bodys’ limbs to be used as weapons in the event of physical confrontation is nothing more than the everyday, run of the mill, self defense class.  To those like 5th Degree Black Belt Jeff Ghee and 2nd Degree Black Belt Mathew Rosas this training and strengthening is only a small gift of the Shotokan Karate-Do teachings.  Like the past Shotokan Karate-Do masters, both Ghee and Rosas believe that the first purpose in pursuing this art form is the nurturing of a sublime spirit.  The spirit of  humility.

    Personally, my own dreams of being a Black Belt (or any color belt for that matter) ended when my older brother found other hobbies and I quickly became aware of the fact that both Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita (Karate Kid) were just faking.  The impressive resumes of both Ghee and Rosas describe two individuals who are quite obviously not faking and take their responsibilities, studies and training as instructors very seriously.  With over 40 years combined experience between the two Ghee and Rosas bring a vision of instruction to others and believe that Karate-Do can strengthen an individual’s physical and mental state.  “I want to promote the community to have a secure feeling for themselves so they can protect themselves, defend themselves and stay safe” says Ghee.

Shihan Ghee opened the studio, which is located above the Axis Tattoo Shop, on Starr Street in 2009.  He has studied the art of Shotokan Karate-Do since 1980 and earned his first Black Belt at the age of 18 while residing in Columbus, Ohio.  After joining the United States Navy he began to teach Karate and earned his 2nd Degree Black Belt while being stationed in Sesabo and Yokuska, Japan.  In 1991 Shihan Ghee began a karate organization known as South Texas Shotokan Karate-Do in Corpus Christi. The beginning of this organization was only an inkling of what was to come for both Ghee and our Sparkling City.  Ghee has since earned the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan as a member of Dia Ichi Shotokan Karate-Do under Hanshi Ricardo Johns, Sr. in Houston not to mention earning the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate as a member of The Society of Harmonious Fists Martial Arts Organization under Hanshi Balfour Wright in San Antonio.  Ghee continues to receive instructions from both Hanshi Ricardo and Wright on a regular basis. As pointed out earlier Ghee opened the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio in 2009 and currently trains and teaches as Chief Instructor.

Sensei Matthew Rosas began his training at the age of 9 years old under the instruction of Shihan Ghee in Ikiru Shotokan Karate Do. He earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in July of 2003, and his 2nd degree black belt in July of 2006.  He is the assistant instructor at the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio and continues his training in Shotokan Karate Do and Goju Ryu Karate Do. Sensei Matthew is also an accomplished well known tattoo artist at Axis Tattoo.

    Together Ghee and Rosas offer unique study and training for any age, gender or physical state.  It is the vision of Corpus Christi Downtown Karate to “provide the highest quality martial arts instruction and training in a safe, productive and positive atmosphere in order to promote personal growth of mind, body and spirit for ourselves, our members and our community.”  It is their belief that these goals can be conquered by following the basic principles of Shotokan Karate-Do as set forth in the Dojo Kun (rules of the Dojo).  The Shotokan training consists of three elements; Kihon, Kata and Kumite. Kihon is the first and basic technique using punches, blocks, kicks and basic self defense. Kata is the next building block which teaches prearranged movements against imaginary opponents. Both Ghee and Rosas utilize choreographed sequences until the movements of the pupil’s bodies are able to travel in fluid motions that simulate actual fighting and self-defense techniques.  Once the pupil has learned Kihon and Kata, the method of sparring called Kumite is studied. This training and teaching involves acquiring both offensive and defensive techniques against an actual assaulting opponent in arranged, semi-arranged or free fighting situations.

    Since one of the most unique features of karate training is that it may be easily practiced and studied by all walks of life. It is this reason that Corpus Christi Downtown Karate offers a wide variety of instruction ranging from ages 4-6 years (Tiny Tigers Karate), Youth Beginner Classes, Adult Karate classes and annual summer training camps not to mention the Dojo participates in both local and national tournament competitions.  One-on-one instruction, group and even family karate programs are available along with structured exercise programs for those that want to get into shape.  With various instruction and price plans available, do yourself and your community a favor by inquiring at the Corpus Christi Downtown Karate studio by calling (361) 537-3004, checking out their webpage (www.ccdk.weebly.com) or better yet, by paying a visit to Jeff and Matthew at the studio located at 410 Starr Street, Downtown.

June 2010 - WaterStreet Music & Surf Fest

Musicians and Authors and Surfers... Oh My!

By Sue Donahoe

Summers in Corpus have had a special kick-start for the past seven years with the WaterStreet Music and Surf Fest…and this year has an exciting new literary twist.
A 10 AM Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, on Saturday, June 5th, unveils the newest six stars in the South Texas Music Walk of Fame, and this year, they’ll all be here in person. The 2010 inductees include Texas’ most successful, wholly independent, female artist - Terri Hendrix, Conjunto Hall of Fame member - Agapito Zuniga, master-of-all-guitar chops - Michael O’Connor, King of Texas Style Zydeco - Ponty Bone, San Antonio band leader and music historian - Geronimo Trevino III, and award winning singer/songwriter and novelist - Mike Blakely.

This year the ceremony will be more elaborate than in past years and will begin, and end, with a courtyard performance by Mike Blakely Y Los Yahoos. There will be no art booths. Instead, two book signings and an in-store performance will follow the ceremony - taking the crowd out of the heat and inside Surf Club Records, beginning at 12 Noon.
Mike Blakely’s 16TH novel, A Tale Out Of Luck , was co-written with Willie Nelson and has been adapted into a screenplay. This Hill Country rancher grew up in South Texas and became a journalist, novelist, and President of the Western Writers Association of America before he stepped forward with a guitar. Now he wins awards for his music too. He tours America, Europe, Australia and all over Texas. Mike has 10 great CDs under his belt, and other Texas musicians, such as Gary P. Nunn and Larry Joe Taylor, record his songs.
Geronimo Trevino III published his book, Dance Halls and Last Calls in the late ‘90s. Widely considered to be the most important book ever written about Texas music history, it documents the harmony which developed between the Tejano culture (residents of what was then Tejas), and the Texicans, (European and U.S. immigrants). Together, they became Texans and built the Dance Halls of our State. Geronimo usually performs with a full band, so it’s a real treat to have him pull up a chair and do an acoustic set.
Agapito Zuniga no longer performs. He will be present for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, though, and there will be many folks here to see this Conjunto legend in person. A star in two countries, with record deals beginning in 1951 and, as “El Scorpion”, a long-running radio show in Corpus, Agapito’s star is very bright.

The Texas Surf Museum has its own literary connection this year too. Curators Dan Parker and Michelle Christenson will be on hand throughout the day to sign their new book, Surfing Corpus Christi and Port Aransas. The book is the basis for the Museum’s brand new exhibit, “50 YEARS OF STOKE”, and visitors are sure to see familiar faces among the hundreds of coastal residents who are part of both the book and the exhibit. The Opening Ceremony will take place Friday, June 4th, at 6:30 PM. The exhibit will be up throughout 2010.
Three more of the new inductees perform at The Executive Surf Club on Saturday night. The doors open at 7 PM and, at around 7:30, Michael O’Connor takes the stage. The leading go-to guitar gun for Texas’ top songwriters, Michael has toured with and appeared on the recordings of Slaid Cleaves, Michael Fracasso, Susan Gibson and many others. A first-rate vocalist, too, and a fine songwriter – with three CDs under his belt - Michael will play a solo, acoustic set to begin our night full of stars.
Few female artists in all of music history have a resume to match that of Terri Hendrix. Fewer still have anything close to her success as a wholly independent artist. “Cry ‘Till You Laugh” is her 14th CD, hot off the presses, and we’re very lucky that she could slip away from the Kerrville Folk Festival to perform here. She begins around 8:45 and is joined by acclaimed guitarist, producer, and friend, Lloyd Maines.
Ponty Bone & the Squeezetones finish the night, and no-one could do it better. Best known for the many years he spent in Lubbock and the many tours and albums in which he played with Joe Ely’s band, Ponty was actually born in San Antonio. He created a new sound a couple of decades back, and stepped to the front of his own, swampy, good-time band, coining the phrase “Texas Style Zydeco”. Tickets for this exciting concert are $15.

The South Texas Music Walk of Fame has a new “sister” this year. An archive is opening, gathering all the history and photographs from each star and each year’s ceremonies. The archive will be permanently housed at the La Retama Central Library where an exhibit opening and reception will take place on Sunday, June 6th at 3 PM. The library exhibit will be up throughout the month of June.
The weekend’s activities are special indeed. They serve to open the newest additions to both the Texas Surf Museum and the South Texas Music Walk of Fame. There is one great difference, however, between this event and most others – come Monday, these two attractions won’t go away. Both are gifts from the WaterStreet Restaurants and the Executive Surf Club. Located at 300 N. Water Street, they are Always Open and Always Free.

June 2010 - Mambo by the Bay

Mambo by the Bay - June 18 - 20

By Venessa Santos-Garza

Flips, tricks, and amazing showmanship are just some of the many things Corpus Christi can expect from Mambo by the Bay.
Mambo by the Bay is the first ever salsa event held in Corpus Christi. The three day celebration of music and dance, hosted June 18- 20 at the Omni Bayfront Hotel, will feature performers from around the country.
There will be two shows—Friday and Saturday evening—and two days of workshops.
“This showcase is an awesome compilation of routines from world famous dance companies,” said Kenny Del Torro, show director and salsa dance instructor from McAllen. “It’s a weekend full of Latin dancing, workshops and fun!”
Del Torro teamed up with local dance company and non-profit Third Coast Salseros to bring in feature performers from as far away as Boston, New York, Chicago and San Diego. Teams from throughout the State, including Corpus Christi, will also join in to complete the show.
Full weekend passes are available and allow people to participate in all the weekend events. For those interested in show and evening dance night passes are also available.
One of the greatest things, said Del Torro, is that people won’t see the same show on Saturday that they saw on Friday. He encouraged people to try and make it out both nights.

For Lisa Vargas, who dances with Semeneya Dance Company out of San Antonio and Pasiones Unidas of Austin, the trip to Corpus Christi is very personal. The 27-year-old graduated from W.B. Ray High School in 2000. She began dancing and training in San Antonio shortly after and now serves as one of the team’s artistic directors.
Mambo by the Bay will be the first time she performs on a Corpus Christi stage. Vargas , who spends a great deal of time traveling the country to perform with her San Antonio based dance group, is anxious for her family to be able to attend a show.
“It means the world to me to be coming back to my hometown to perform for such a big event,” said Vargas. “I’m excited, happy and nervous all at the same time.”
 For more information or to purchases passes visit www.mambobythebay.com

June 2010 - Tavern on the Bay

Tavern on the Bay at Harrison's Landing

By Cathy Harrison

Local business owners Cathy & Bill Harrison are going into the restaurant business again.  Actually they are returning to almost the same location as before, just around the corner from their original restaurant, ...The Lighthouse! 
This time, rather than starting from scratch, they are adding to their exiting business - The Yachting Center of Corpus Christi.  Tavern on the Bay will be the newest outdoor waterfront restaurant in Downtown Corpus Christi and is located in the heart of the City Marina on Peoples Street T-Head. 
At Tavern on the Bay, you'll be able to begin your day dockside enjoying beignets and coffee or traditional breakfast fare.  Lunch and dinner offer a delicious assortment of burgers, seafood, salads and much more.  Stop by for a frosty margarita and cold fresh shrimp.  The ambience and location can’t be beaten! Come casual, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterfront.  You won’t go away hungry.

The Yachting Center already houses a gift shop and boutique, American Sailing Association sailing school, and a private party room.  If you want to go sailing but don't have a boat we can help you.  We offer Bareboat Charters for experienced sailors who want to captain their own cruises or Captained Charters for those with less experience or who perhaps just want to enjoy a relaxing time on the water.
Bay tours and Party tours can also be arranged using the 50 foot open-air touring boat “Japonica” – rates for one hour Bay tours are adults $10, children 12 and under $5. Party rentals  - call 361- 881-8503 for pricing and availability.

The Yachting Center is also an authorized Hobie Kayak dealer and carries many units in stock for immediate delivery. Guided kayak tours and hourly rentals are also available with walk-ins welcome but reservations preferred to avoid disappointment. 

While you’re at The Tavern, be sure to visit Cathy’s Chandlery Gifts & Boutique or drop into the Yachting Center and book a sailing cruise, rent a Hobie kayak or buy tickets for a one hour boat ride!
Captains training courses and boat brokerage completes the list of services we offer and details of all our products and services can be found on our website at: www.yachtingcc.com

The Yachting Center of Corpus Christi is also a Downtown ArtWalk venue and will be open for the next event on June 24th. The Peoples Street T-head offers plentiful free parking and is an official ArtWalk tram stop so why not visit us on the 24th, grab a bite to eat, explore all we have to offer, and then hop on the DTown tram for a free ride to the other ArtWalk locations.