Rothko Chapel

Bittersweet news from the Rothko Chapel Board of Directors: Executive Director David Leslie has announced his retirement, set for June 2025, after a decade of transformative leadership. Since joining in 2015, Leslie has guided the Chapel through extraordinary growth, including the $43-million Opening Spaces restoration and campus development, expanded programming in human rights and social justice, and virtual initiatives during the pandemic. He also laid the foundation for the Institute of Spirituality and Social Justice, furthering the Chapel’s mission of interdisciplinary engagement. Board Chair Troy Porter and former Chair Christopher Rothko praised his steady leadership and enduring legacy. A national search for his successor is underway.

A heartfelt thank you to Covenant Church for hosting our Day of Remembrance on Thursday, October 31st. This interfaith gathering brought our community together to commemorate Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day through powerful music, poetry, and storytelling. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection on life and loss, drawing upon the wisdom of various traditions. We created a sacred space to remember and honor those we've lost, celebrate their lives, and find comfort in shared experiences. The gathering fostered collective reflection, healing, and renewal through the support of community. Participants were encouraged to bring mementos, photos, or items to contribute to a communal altar in tribute to loved ones who have passed. The event featured contributions from ISKCON; Kai Dotiwala of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston; Rabbi Barry Cohen from Alexander Jewish Family Service; members of Myoken-ji Temple; and Imam Dr. Basem Hamid of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. The occasion was enriched by a guitar performance by Jesus Lozano.

Join us and our partner Rice University Center for Collaborative Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) post-election for a discussion on Undivided, which follows the journeys of four individuals—two Black and two white—whose lives are transformed by a faith-based program promoting antiracism and systemic change in a Cincinnati evangelical church. The book delves into their challenges, deepening connections, and the discovery of racial solidarity during a time of division in America, offering a hopeful vision of a more united society. The program features a conversation between the author Hahrie Han, Undivided leader Chuck Mingo, and participant Jess McKnight, followed by a brief book signing. The discussion will be moderated by Matt Ewalt Senior Director of Events and Live Journalism at The Texas Tribune. We have a limited number of free copies of Undivided available with registration. Sign up today while supplies last! In the aftermath of the election, this event offers an opportunity to reflect, connect, and explore how we can build a more united and just society. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gMJ7mh_d

Join us for a "Time of Remembrance" on October 31st at Covenant Church—an interfaith gathering that celebrates the richness of diverse faith traditions and cultures through music, poetry, and personal reflections in observance of Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day. We have an exciting lineup of diverse faith leaders who will be sharing their wisdom and perspectives. Participants are also invited to bring a small memento, photo, or item to place on a shared community altar in memory of loved ones who have passed. Be a part of this meaningful event by registering through the link in our bio on our Linktree. We hope you can join us to create a space for connection and community during these challenging times. Register here: www.rothkochapel.org.

Shanah Tovah from the Rothko Chapel As we enter the sacred space of Rosh Hashanah, we pause in reflection and renewal. Just as the Rothko Chapel invites quiet contemplation, this New Year invites us to look inward, seeking peace, healing, and connection. From all of us at the Rothko Chapel, Shanah Tovah U’Metukah — wishing you a prosperous New Year. #RoshHashanah #ShanahTovah #Reflection #Renewal #RothkoChapel

Today, on the International Day of Peace, the Rothko Chapel invites reflection on peace within ourselves, our communities, and the world. #InternationalDayOfPeace #RothkoChapel #PeaceDay #UnityInDiversity #PeaceBeginsWithUs

In May, Houston was struck by a derecho, followed by Hurricane Beryl in late July, which brought severe winds and heavy rains, causing extensive damage, power outages, and loss of life. Unlike previous extreme weather events that spared the Chapel from harm, Beryl's heavy rain and gale-force winds caused significant damage, including roof leaks affecting parts of the ceiling, several walls, and four of Mark Rothko's iconic panels. An old oak tree also split, damaging our office roof and causing water damage. While we are grateful no one was injured, the damage to the murals is severe, and the Chapel is closed indefinitely for restoration. We are asking for your generous support to help reopen the Chapel as soon as possible. Whitten & Proctor Fine Art Conservation, a leading firm, has been engaged to lead the efforts, with an estimated $200,000 needed for restoration and repairs not covered by insurance. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to restoring this sacred space and preserving its irreplaceable artwork. By donating, you help ensure the Rothko Chapel can continue to serve as a space for contemplation and community. Please consider contributing to the Restoration Fund today—your support is vital in preserving this cultural and spiritual landmark. Learn more and donate here: https://lnkd.in/g2FDM-Bu

In partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston , the Rothko Chapel hosted a reflective evening on Friday featuring a captivating Indian classical music duet. The performance included Pandit Shubhendra Rao on sitar and Maestro Saskia Rao on Indian cello, accompanied by Subroto Bhattacharya on tabla. The event also highlighted talented youth poets from Faye School. Additionally, Bradley Bailey, the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art, presented a talk titled "Cultural Confluence: Indian Influences in Japanese Art." We extend our heartfelt thanks to JLF Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for their invaluable collaboration in making this event possible.

Join Us Tonight—Don't Miss Out! In partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rothko Chapel invites you to an extraordinary evening of Indian classical music **tonight**. Experience the artistry of Pandit Shubhendra Rao on sitar and Maestro Saskia Rao on Indian cello, accompanied by Subroto Bhattacharya on tabla. The evening also features contemplative readings by youth poets from Faye School. In addition, Bradley Bailey, Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Curator of Asian Art, will give a talk on "Cultural Confluence: Indian Influences in Japanese Art." This event is held in observance of the International Day of Peace, celebrated globally on September 21st. Established by the United Nations in 1981, Peace Day is a call for all of humanity to unite in a shared commitment to peace. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g5dicq9f MFAH Members can also use membership access to attend.