VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Gulf Coast Council of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV), in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps, is partnering with Archway Gallery to present an exhibition of cultural objects from around the world collected by Houston-based RPCV from the countries in which they served.

This special exhibition, part of a national celebration, features paintings, pictures, photographs, baskets, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, clothing and other items representing a variety of the cultures of numerous countries which have been served by Peace Corps volunteers. The opening reception for this special exhibit is Sunday, March 6, 2011, from 1-5pm and will be on view at Archway Gallery through March 31.

Over the past 50 years, nearly 200,000 Americans have spent time serving in communities overseas. There are 139 host countries with volunteers from the United States working in the fields of education, youth and community development, health, business, information and communication technology, agriculture and environment.

Bringing the World Back Home is the theme of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Numerous local RPCV will attend the opening reception on March 6 and will share stories about their experiences in their host countries. Those interested in joining or getting more information about the Peace Corps are encouraged to attend and visit with former volunteers.

Area educators and their students are encouraged to attend the free exhibit in March to see first-hand the richness and beauty of these beautiful, yet utilitarian objects. The exhibition provides insight into the cultural contributions of various ethnicities and countries, many of which have roots in the decorative arts, and ties back into subjects such as world geography, global economy and foreign and international studies.

In addition, visitors will learn more about what it means to be an “American Ambassador of Good Will” and the benefits to being a Peace Corp volunteer, including earning academic credit for Peace Corps service and being eligible for scholarships, reduced tuition, internships and stipends through participating schools. The Peace Corps also provides training in a foreign language, technical skills, and cross-cultural understanding.

For more information, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=meet.regrec.event&eventid=96653  or contact Archway Gallery artist and former Peace Corps volunteer Gene Hester 713-522-2409 or geneisartglass@me.com.

ABOUT ARCHWAY GALLERY
Archway Gallery, one of Houston’s and the nation’s oldest artist owned and operated galleries, is located at 2305 Dunlavy and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 1 – 5 pm. Since 1976, Archway Gallery has been exhibiting the work of the area’s finest artists, providing a great selection of affordable, high quality art including sculpture, pottery and painting in a variety of media and styles. Artists are always on site, offering visitors a unique experience to meet the artist who created the work, offering a personal insight about the process behind their creativity. The gallery offers a “Tea and Tour” program, providing visitors with a free artist-led tour of the current exhibition, followed by tea and refreshments. In addition to monthly exhibitions, Archway also hosts a variety of demonstrations and monthly readings for local writers and authors.

With 30 artist-members, Archway Gallery is THE destination in the Houston area for art. For more information, visit ArchwayGallery.com or call 713.522.2409. Become a fan on Facebook.