Our mission is to save the historic Fodice School and launch a year round Artist Residency Program that will operate in the once segregated school.
•The Fodice Foundation, a grassroots 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization that will provide an artist residency program to bring about artistic development, support arts education and advancement in the state of Texas.
•The program will be housed in the historic Fodice School was built for African-American students by the Works Project Administration ( W.P.A.) in 1938 and utilized until the early 1960s when segregation ended. The school remaines vacant and in poor condition.
•The story of Black Mountain College, which attracted free-thinking and great artistic spirits of the 20th Century like Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage and Willem and Elaine de Kooning, inspired founders Katy Anderson and Patrick Medrano to create an enclave for artists in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas, only two hours from Houston.
•The secluded environment will nurture individuality and creative intensity while also providing the artists with a sense of community as they work with the local school districts, inspiring the artistic talents of at-risk and low-income residents. Each year artists will participate in two-month residencies and will focus on their own work, learn from other artists, and conduct outreach activities in the community.
Fodice Artist Residency Program
Each year, we will offer four artists concurrent residencies for up to two months, for an estimated total of 16 artists per year. These visiting artists will have private living and working space and will be provided the opportunity to focus on creating new work. In addition to the four artist studio spaces, the school will include a fully equipped workshop, kitchen facilities, offices, a gallery space and performance space, as well as permanent installations. Artist will engage the community by way of lectures, public exhibitions, and artist talks and will be required to visit two local schools where they will present their work and speak about the important role that artist can play in modern society and will also propmote the arts in the local community through the hands-on educational outreach of artists in collaboration with regional schools and local education programs that encourage children to participate in and experience the arts. The school will also serve as a community museum and will host annual events and homecomings.
Not a Member ?
Fodice Film Night
February 12th, 2012
6pm - 8pm _ Gallery M Squared
339 W 19th Street Houston, Tx 77008
FREE ADMISSION for Fodice Members
$10 Dontaion required for Non-Members
B.Y.O.B
Popcorn & other edible goodies Provided by A La Carte Catering & Events
RSVP using Facebook, click here.
Our first event will feature short films by :
Ramzy Telley
Filmmaker/artist Ramzy Telley graduated from the CalArts experimental film program in 1984. His film work has been broadcast internationally and screened at notable museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and the Shanghai Art Museum, Shanghai, China. In 2000 Ramzy photographed Academy Award nominated film The Wildest Show in the South: The Angola Prison Rodeo and his film "Death In Vegas" was awarded the Grand Remi "Best of Show" at the 2007 Houston International Film Festival. Ramzy's art work includes video installations, performance art, sculpture and digital printmaking. Ramzy is currently teaching film at Pratt Institute in NYC.
Cage of Promise
15min. 16mm film Black & White
Ramzy Telley: Producer , Director, Editor, Cinematographer
An experimental film exploring philosophical themes of free will and determinism.
Awards: Golden Athena Award • Athens International Film Festival
Silver Award • San Francisco International Film Festival
Screened at the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art, Broadcast on the USA Network
The Wildest Show in the South: The Angola Prison Rodeo
30min. 16mm film Color and Black & White.
Ramzy Telley: Co-Producer, Cinematographer
October brings rodeo season to Angola State Penitentiary. Six thousand plus gather at the prison to watch the inmate Cowboys risk their lives in some of the most dangerous and bizarre rodeo events in the nation.
Awards: Sundance Film Festival - Best Documentary ShortAcademy, Academy Award nomination, documentary short.
Broadcast on the Discovery Network.
Death In Vegas
Ramzy Telley: Producer, Director, Editor, Cinematographer
6 min.,16mm Color film
A lyrical portrait of man and beast. Professional bullriding is one of the most violent and dangerous sporting events in the world. If done properly, bullriding can be a means of spiritual transcendence, if not, it can lead to serious injury or death. Death in Vegas is the artists vision of the consequences of being in rhythm with the universe (the Bull) or out of rhythm with the universe (the Wreck). The main thrust of this work is the importance of being in time and in accordance with nature to feel truly alive. The last bullrider in film dies during filming. This film was shot in Las Vegas, Nevada at the National Finals Rodeo. This film was awarded The Grand Remi Best of Show at the 2007 Houston International Film & Video Festival.
also showing :
Onardem Films
A collaborative team of 3 visual artists ( Patrick Medrano + Katy Anderson + Dan Medrano ) who have been the driving force behind the rise of the Fodice Foundation since founding the organization in 2008. Collecting footage over the years, the presective offers you a unique glimpse into the birth of an arts organization.
Join now.
SAVE THE DATE !
Fodice Picnic Weekend
May 12th, 2012
Picnic Starts at Noon _ The Fodice School
More details coming soon......
Fodice: A Short History
1860 -1960's
In the pre-Civil War South, African Americans were barred from receiving an education. After emancipation, freed slaves of all ages began swarming toward schools. For them, obtaining an education was not just another step away from shedding the chains of slavery, but also the sole path to embark upon the transition toward real freedom. The years following the end of the Civil War ushered in an astounding change in American formal education. Almost immediately after the documents ending the war were signed, legions of freed slaves sought teachers and built schools. By the end of the Reconstruction period, they had established hundreds of elementary and secondary schools, thereby laying a new foundation on the landscape of American public education. During the 1850s, thousands of former slaves left their plantations and struck out to make new lives. A group of freedmen migrated from Georgia and Arkansas up to Texas. They settled in an area two hours northeast of Houston and named their new community Fodice which some sources maintain came from "four dice," a favorite game of the early settlers. Other sources suggest that the those settlers came from the Arkansas community of Fordyce, from which "Fodice" was derived. The community steadily grew to include a grist mill, a cotton gin, a post office, and a Methodist church which doubled as a schoolhouse. Classes were held in the sanctuary until a school building was erected in 1900. Enrollment grew and they were blessed with the addition of a new much larger school in 1938, thanks to the hard work of local families and the financial backing of the WPA ( Works Projects Administration ).The school included an auditorium, a stage, and 12 huge classrooms. Fodice was never incorporated and was never much more than a few unpaved roads, but it was becoming a growing, thriving community alive with the promise of working families, plenty of children, and activity.
1960's - Present
When desegregation forced its students to consolidate into other area schools, the Fodice communities population dwindled. With its residents slowly migrating to other towns for work and school, there were few left to take care of the over sized school. The post office was closed in 1966 and the Fodice School became a Community Center. The Fodice Alumni Association was organized and annual homecomings were held at the one time school. Through their meetings residents were encouraged to seek a historical marker for their community. Sabra D. Berry, Alzena Berry and Pauline Davis , all long-time educators in Fodice are responsible for making that happen in 1980. This dedicated trio of Fodice teachers all passed before 1990 and did not get to see the historical marker placed at their beloved school. The Fodice School has remained unused and un-maintained since their passing. The Fodice Foundation was created to protect the Fodice School and our goal is to draw some much deserved attention the history of the Fodice community, allow the Fodice School to once again serve those who love it and to continue its legacy of education in the most inspiring way possible..thru ART.
The Berry Family at the 2011 Fodice Picnic.
Sabra D. Berry
Sabra Dorthy Berry August 19, 1915 - August 6, 1984 attended the Fodice Shool, Mary Allen College, and Texas College. She received a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education, she went on to recieve her Masters Degree from Texas Southern University. Sabra was an elementary school teacher for more than 37 years in Crockett ISD retiring in 1980. She continued her work at the Fodice Community Center, teaching adult education and holding arts and craft classes. She hosted many banquets, functions and dinners and worked hard to keep the Fodice School a vital functioning place for the communities in the Lovelady area. Pictured left : The Berry Family at the 2011 Fodice Friends Day Picnic.
I am the great-great-granddaughter of Rhoda Berry who migrated from Fodyce Arkansas. My father attended the Fodice School.Interested in sharing the progress of the Fodice Foundation at the Berry Family reunion in 2010. - Yvonne Herbert
I am a descendant of the Berry family that were prominent settlers of the Fodice community. My ancestors migrated from Arkansas and were instrumental in the settlement and development of the community. I have visited the school several times and it has always given me a sense of pride and appreciation for the history that lies within. My father and his siblings attended the school and I have often heard him tell stories of his classmates, teachers and the Fodice community. I hope the school will be preserved as it is such an integral part of this wonderful community. - Brenda Kaye Berry Lamb
Since my grand parents and my mother were all born in Fodice my brothers, sister and I are very concerned about helping the Fodice cause in the redevelopment project. We are all decendants of the Wiley Family. Although we reside in Seattle Washington we are still looking forward to helping and assisting in anyway to help the Fodice Foundation. We are availiable for support. - Ted Howard-Wiley
I grew up there in Fodice and attended school there.I remember so many good times growing up in that community. - Barbara Williams
I found your website on google by searching Fodice, Texas and stumbled your pictures of Fodice School. I am a decendent of the Berry Family and have many memories of playing in the school when I was a child, 20 years ago. I look forward to revisting your website for updates. - Tiffany Whitaker
AS THE FIRST BORN GRANDCHILD OF LESLIE M. BERRY AND SABRA D. BERRY, I HAVE MANY MEMORIES OF THE FODICE SCHOOL. NOT AS A SCHOOL BUT AS THE COMMUNITY CENTER OF FODICE SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SUCH AS WHITEROCK, PENNINGTON, THANKFUL, AND SMITHGROVE. I WITNESSED THE PRIDE AND HARD WORK PUT INTO MAKING THIS BUILDING SERVE THE COMMUNITY. MY GRANDPARENTS ALONG WITH OTHER RELATIVES WOULD COME TOGETHER AND HOLD MANY ANNUAL FUNCTIONS. THINGS SUCH AS THE WILD GAME DINNER DURING SEASONAL HUNTING, TRAIL RIDES BENEFITTING THE LOCAL CEMETERY. MY COUSINS AND I EVEN PARTICIPATED THE FASHION SHOWS MY GRANDMOTHER HELD. THIS OLD BUILDING MEANS ALOT TO THE BERRY, WOOTEN, AND A MANY OTHER FAMILIES FROM THE LOVELADY AREA. - KAREN BERRY
I grew up next the old school. My mother and aunt attend the school when they were growing up. My grandfather C D Jolly and grandmother Creola Jolly lived in the house just up the road. I have spend many hours playing in the old school. I remember when they taught some adults education classes in the school. They taught reading, writing, math and some arts. I also recalled that on Sundays I had a cousin that held church in the school also. I am glad that it is being reborn. It is a great place. - Linda Jolly-Evans
FOUNDING CIRCLE
M embers
$5000
Anonymous
Marie + Christian Bruns
Kimberly + Frank DeLape
Dr. Carolyn Farb
Gallery M Squared
Joyce Harlow
M. Brian Hicks + Pedro A. Blasini
Dena + David Linda
Buddy Steves + Rowena Young
Tom + Mary Rollins
Wade Wilson Art
Jim Prell
FODICE FRIENDS
$1500
Joe Walker
Nick & Candice Goodwin
Richard Orton
Steve + Otto
Terry Hamman
the Houston Press
Wendy Niziol
Debbie Porter
F.E. Abernethy
Janet Blocker
Kevin Davis + Bryan Frazier
Lisa Qualls
Sharon + Gus Kopriva
$100 - $499
Beatrice Johnson
Boheme Cafe & Wine Bar
Chris Higham
David Riddle
Denito Berry
Eleanora Alper
Elisa & Paul Rochford
Harry B. Grenader
Jim D'Imperio
Joann Crassas
Kay Sheffield
Kevin Begnaud
Kim Coffman
Larry Tharp
Lina Corinth
Marcy & Douglas Newman
Rufus Lovett
Spacetaker
Ted Wiley Howard Family
Wayne Picard
FODICE GUARDIANS
$2500
Alliance Printing
Dan Medrano
David + Carrie Hardaker
Deborah Colton
Colton & Farb Gallery
Gant Architects
Janice Splawn
Lana Anderson
Marshall Welch + Miri Wilkins
Max Boyd Harrison + Michael Kubis
Norman Ewart
Steve Hogan
Fodice Artist Members
2011
Alfredo Scaroina
Anderson + Medrano
Anita Varadaraju
Anthony Butkovich
Bexar
Bill Hailey
Candice Goodwin
Charlie Jean Sartwelle
Chasity Porter
David Hardaker
Eleanora Kupencow
Felipe Lopez
Gabriel Delgado
Galina Kurlat
Jill Moser
Jim Carter
John Knott
John Runnels
Karine Parker Lemoyne
Katy Anderson
Kelley Devine
Ken Mazzu
Kenn Coplan
Kevin Davis
Kevin Sechelski
Kieth Hollingsworth
Lester Marks
Lovie Olivia
Maria Cristina Jadick
Maria Smits
Max Boyd Harrison
Monica Kressman
Nick Anderson
Patrick Medrano
Robert Hodge
Sarah Whatley
Sergio Santos
Sharon Kopriva
Shelly Shanks
Vadim Payandaev
Victor Zambrano
The Fodice Foundation wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to the following individuals. Without your support, goals cannot be met nor can this dream become reality. Thank you all so much for believing in art, the future and history.
Thank you so much for your support.
Founders Katy Anderson and Patrick Medrano, inspired by the story of Black Mountain College, which attracted free-thinking and great artistic spirits of the 20th Century like Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage and Willem and Elaine de Kooning, seek to create a special enclave for artists in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas, only two hours from Houston. This secluded environment will foster individuality and creative intensity while also providing the artists with a sense of community as they work with the local school districts, inspiring the artistic talents of at-risk and low-income residents.
Goals and activities of the Fodice Foundation will include:
•The protection and preservation of African-American and Texas educational history through the restoration of The Fodice School and development of new insights and understandings of the African-American experience in the early 1900s.
•The creation of a new artistic environment that fosters individual artist development through an well-planned residency program which provides a sanctuary-type experience where artists may create new works, learn from other artists and enhance their skills.
•The promotion of arts in the local community and surrounding areas through the hands-on outreach program of artists in collaboration with regional schools and local education programs that encourage children to participate in and experience the arts which will supplement the lack of such programs in the public school systems.
•The economic development of the local community through the partnerships with arts agencies, galleries, individual artists, art patrons, and community centers and organizations that will provide contemporary art experiences for residents and visitors to the area alike, drawing regional acclaim and prestige to the area with the School serving as a community museum. The collection will be built through direct donations of art from all participating artists in residency. The Foundation will work cooperation with entrepreneurs who will establish new service and arts-related businesses in the area to promote and encourage the development of a vibrant full-scale arts community.
•The development of internal and public dialog through partnerships with community agencies, schoolchildren, arts patrons and professional artists that will focus on the relationship between the arts, science, culture, and topics related to multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural activities. Annual Open House events will celebrate the art created at the Foundation and foster dialog and exchanges to enhance arts education throughout the State of Texas.
Fodice Art Archive : These are examples of the Art created by Artists founders Patrick Medrano and Katy Anderson. Since starting their artistic collaboration at the Fodice School 10 years ago, there are now several hundred images in the archive that litterally document the birth of this organization.
OUR BOARD
Co-founder/Director
Co-founder /Artistic Director
Carolyn Farb
Melody Patelis
Roger Rippy
Troy Schulze
Cyndi + Justin Shillings
ADVISORY BOARD
MEMBERS
Mike Bell
Karen Berry
Sharon Johnson
Dez One
Bob + Judy Pringle
Barbara Wooten
GIVE US YOUR EMAIL, WE WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH !
BE THE FIRST TO FIND OUT ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS !
Co-founder
katy.anderson_sbcglobal.net
patrickmedrano_sbcglobal.net
Fodice Foundation
1623 BLOUNT
Houston, Texas
7 7 0 0 8
phone : 281-787-3031
ART GOES EAST
Click to read the new article in the new issue of Origin Magazine.
Written by Troy Schulze
Celebrating Houston's MasterMinds
We pass on a bit of luck to the recipients of our first creativity awards.
CHANGE MAGAZINE :
The Return of Fodice
Art saves history with the help of two dedicated Texas artist. Written by Katherine Adams.
Houston Press
Voted Best Artist(s) - 2009
Patrick Medrano and Katy Anderson
BECOME A FODICE MEMBER !
Show your support !
Annual Membership
Donate now.
FOUNDING CIRCLE MEMBER
[$5000]
• Invitations to private dinners and receptions.
• Recognition on bronze Donor Plaques.
• Recognition on the foundation's website.
• Weekend trip to see Fodice with the founders.
FODICE "MORTGAGE" ANGEL
[$3000]
• Invitations to Private shows and preview events.
• Private weekend tours to Fodice.
FODICE GUARDIAN
[$1500]
• Free to attend all events at the Fodice School.
FODICE FRIEND
[$100 - $499]
