May 29, 2024
From 14 Pews:
“Acclaimed visual artist Cressandra Thibodeaux, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Tribe of Chippewas, is set to present her latest photo series, “DOUBLE TAKE,” at 14 Pews in Houston, Texas. The presentation will take place on May 23rd from 7pm to 9pm at 14 Pews, located at 800 Aurora Street, Houston, TX 77009. This event is FREE and open to the PUBLIC. Double Take is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
In addition: Thibodeaux will screen two of her documentaries @ 8PM
Jesse Lott: Art & Activism is a 28-minute documentary, (shot by 28 students from the 14 Pews Film Academy) following Internationally recognized Houston artist Jesse Lott. The film has won numerous awards throughout the country. It won Best Short Documentary in both the International Black Film Festival and the Tulsa American Film Festival. The documentary highlights his art, activism and his mentors. In the National Museum of African American History and Culture there is an area which highlights Jesse Lott’s activism since he’s a co-founder of Project Row Houses. This documentary follows Jesse Lott when he is recently released from the hospital and continues to follow him as Mr. Lott prepares for his upcoming show at Art League Houston where he’s presented the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award by his childhood friend, the famous Mel Chin. Along the way the film highlights Mr. Lott’s involvement with the Internationally recognized arts organization Project Row Houses. Furthermore, the film highlights his mentors John Biggers and Charles White who both are also honored in National Museum of African American History and Culture. In addition, many other Houston’s Art leaders appear in this short documentary such as: Rick Lowe, Mel Chin, Jim and Ann Harithas, Allison Greene, Dan Allison, Peter Gershon and many more. The documentary also shows never seen before archival footage shot by the belated video artist, Andy Mann. The documentary is directed and edited by award-winning Native-American / Creole filmmaker, Cressandra Thibodeaux.
Nestor Topchy: Houston’s Phoenix is a 21-minute documentary starts in 1986 and spans 30-years, highlighting some of the very important ways that Nestor Topchy influenced Houston’s art community. Most of the archival footage, which has never been seen before, was shot by the talented Mark Pirtle with a few additional segments contributed by the Aurora Picture Show/Andy Mann Archive. 14 Pews Film Academy filmed many of the interviews and Ms. Thibodeaux then edited and interwove archival footage with recent interviews to create this diverse tapestry which pays tribute to Houston’s Phoenix – Nestor Topchy.
Little more about the photo presentation —
“DOUBLE TAKE” is a captivating photo series that delves into the complexities of maternal bonds and self-discovery. Through double like exposures, Thibodeaux presents her mother in a unique light, often capturing her engaging with herself in thought-provoking interactions. Building upon her previous work, “Portraits of My Mother,” which was showcased at the G-Gallery last year, “DOUBLE TAKE” offers viewers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of human connection.
Thibodeaux’s artistic journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. Despite being the first in her family to attend college, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas in Austin and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Columbia University’s film program, specializing in directing. Her passion for storytelling through visual media led her to explore the world of documentaries, predominantly focusing on artists.
In addition to her degrees in film, Thibodeaux recently completed another MFA in screenwriting from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA). Her screenplays, “The Hanging Tree” and “Bearheart,” have received numerous awards and recognition, including being a Quarterfinalist in the Academy Nicholl Fellowship 2022 and a Semi-Finalist in the Fade In Awards 2023.
Thibodeaux’s dedication to her craft extends beyond the realm of visual arts. She attended the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver to deepen her understanding of Tribal Law and has clerked at esteemed institutions such as the Navajo Nation Supreme Court and the EPA for Energy Development on Tribal Land.
In 2010, Thibodeaux founded 14 Pews, a microcinema located in an old church in Houston, Texas. As the Executive Director of 14 Pews, she has curated art shows, directed award-winning documentaries, programmed film festivals, and curated over 800 film screenings, fostering a rich creative community.
Thibodeaux’s work has been exhibited at renowned venues such as Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland, The G-Gallery, Texas Contemporary Art Show, Fotofest, Lawndale Museum, The Art Car Museum, and the Station Museum in Houston, Texas. She has also participated in two studio artist residencies at the McDowell Colony.
“DOUBLE TAKE” promises to be a captivating exploration of identity, memory, and familial relationships, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue about the complexities of the human experience.”
800 Aurora Street
Houston, 77009 TX
281.888.9677
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