The Rhizome Experience Displays @ TAMIU
The unveiling of “Rhizome,” Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) historic, large-scale art installation, on display at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA), happened Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
The unveiling, which was free and open to the public, included an array of musical, dance, and theatrical performances throughout the evening-long celebration.
Outside the CFPA’s main lobby, individuals had a chance to enjoy theatrical performances, poetry readings, mariachi music, and an ongoing auditory performance. In the main lobby, eventgoers could experience traditional Ballet Folklórico.
“Rhizome” is a multidisciplinary contemporary art project organized by TAMIU Artist and Visiting Assistant Professor Crystal Wagner. It involved the collaboration between faculty and students in the music, art, dance, theater, and humanities and the community at large and created a fully dynamic conversation on art, culture, community, place-making, and sustainability.
The project was profiled on Texas Standard, a podcast from the NPR Network. Listen at: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381443479/texas-standard
Rhizome uses RPET fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, and the installation explores sustainability and awareness at the intersection of art, environmentalism, and community. It uses recycled materials and harnesses solar energy to generate power. Rhizome transforms RPET fabric into ART and then into reusable tote bags. It establishes a bridge between different communities through collaboration and becomes a net producer to reduce waste in the community. Corporate support for Rhizome has been provided by Speedball.
For more information including ways to support Rhizome, visit the dedicated website at https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/fpa/rhizome/index.shtml
Registration for Maymester, Summer, and Fall 2024 at TAMIU is now underway.
More on the University’s story is also available on the University's website, tamiu.edu, and on its social media sites including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter-X, and YouTube.
