In this Hear Our Houston audio tour and contribution to Unexpected City, Artist Ayanna Jolivet McCloud takes a walk through the Third Ward where she grew up taking art classes and now runs her own experimental art space, labotanica, at 2316 Elgin, just beneath the historic El Dorado Ballroom. In Jolivet's words "labotanica responds to the need to have super diverse, flexible, forward-thinking and community-driven platforms for the arts," a relevant thought in the Third Ward as you pass by Project Row Houses, an internationally recognized model of art in community development. McCloud appreciates the Southern pace and tradition of porch sitting while making her way to S.H.A.P.E. Community Center where she grew up as a Summer program attendee and student in West African dance classes. Be sure to stop in for a delicious healthy meal or fresh smoothie at The Vegan Cafe inside S.H.A.P.E. Center. Listen by clicking on the link below:
Third Ward El Dorado to SHAPE Centerby Ayanna Jolivet McCloud
Further reading on Third Ward and Project Row Houses Architecture
On Budget Off Grid: Solar Power Made Affordable by Raj Mankad, Cite 76, Winter 2008
Rice Building Workshop Honored, Cite 62, Fall 2004
Big Idea Small House, Cite 58, Summer 2003
A New Home for Happy Feet: Project Row Houses Revives a Third Ward Landmark [Eldorado Ballroom], Kent Baxter, Cite 52, Fall 2001