On Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m., the Menil Collection invites Houstonians to its annual Neighborhood Community Day, celebrating the museum's vibrant community and the 30th anniversary of the Cy Twombly Gallery. This free event offers a rich array of art, music, poetry, and family-friendly activities, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of Houston.

Event Highlights:

Spoken Word Performance: Kick off the afternoon with a dynamic spoken word session by Meta4 Houston and Writers in the Schools (WITS) from 1 to 1:30 p.m. on the Menil Front Lawn.

Interactive Art Class: Families can immerse themselves in "Art Class for Families with Frida Kahlo," presented by Express Children's Theatre at the Rothko Chapel from 1 to 2 p.m. citeturn0search3

Typewriter Poetry: Between 1 and 3:30 p.m., the Inprint Poetry Buskers will craft personalized poems on vintage typewriters, adding a nostalgic literary touch to your day on the Menil Front Lawn.

Paper Folding Workshop: Explore the art of paper folding with Joan Son from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Menil Drawing Institute.

Curator Talks: Deepen your appreciation of Cy Twombly's work with curator Michelle White's insights at the Cy Twombly Gallery from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Additional talks on Twombly's drawings will be held at the Menil Drawing Institute between 2 and 4 p.m.

Jazz Performance: Enjoy a live jazz trio featuring DACAMERA Young Artists from 2 to 3 p.m. on the Menil Front Lawn.

Watercolor Demonstration: Witness a watercolor art demonstration by the Watercolor Art Society from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Poetry Workshop: Children can participate in a collaborative writing activity with WITS from 3 to 4 p.m. on the Menil Front Lawn.

Drum Circle: Learn the basics of African drumming with Sam Dinkins III, co-presented with DACAMERA, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Menil Drawing Institute.

Conservation Talk: Gain insights into the Dan Flavin Installation during a talk by conservator Joy Bloser from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at Richmond Hall.

Inprint Prize Winners Reading: Conclude the day by listening to readings from the University of Houston's Alexandra L. Rowan Memorial Foundation Writing Competition winners and Inprint Juried Prize recipients from 3:45 to 5 p.m. on the Menil Front Lawn.

All-Day Activities:

Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy music by Ice House Radio DJ, create cyanotypes with the Houston Center for Photography's Flash Drive, learn about Plant It Forward's gardening initiatives, participate in a scavenger hunt, engage in sidewalk chalk drawing, and make personalized Menil buttons.

Food and Refreshments:

Local vendors will be on-site offering a variety of culinary delights:

Eureka Heights Brew Co.: Local craft beers.

Moon Rooster: Tacos and hot dogs.

Burger Joint: Burgers and fries.

Kona Ice: Flavored shaved ice.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, Texas 77006.

This celebration is a collaborative effort with esteemed organizations including DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, Plant It Forward, Rothko Chapel, Watercolor Art Society, and Writers in the Schools (WITS). Their collective contributions ensure a day rich in cultural and artistic experiences.

Houston Style Magazine Readers, for more information and a detailed schedule of events, visit the Menil Collection at menil.org.