The Gulf Coast Council of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV), in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps, is partnering with Archway Gallery to present an exhibition of cultural objects from around the world collected by Houston-based RPCV from the countries in which they served.

This special exhibition, part of a national celebration, features paintings, pictures, photographs, baskets, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, clothing and other items representing a variety of the cultures of numerous countries which have been served by Peace Corps volunteers. The opening reception for this special exhibit is Sunday, March 6, 2011, from 1-5pm and will be on view at Archway Gallery through March 31.

Over the past 50 years, nearly 200,000 Americans have spent time serving in communities overseas. There are 139 host countries with volunteers from the United States working in the fields of education, youth and community development, health, business, information and communication technology, agriculture and environment.

Bringing the World Back Home is the theme of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Numerous local RPCV will attend the opening reception on March 6 and will share stories about their experiences in their host countries. Those interested in joining or getting more information about the Peace Corps are encouraged to attend and visit with former volunteers.

Area educators and their students are encouraged to attend the free exhibit in March to see first-hand the richness and beauty of these beautiful, yet utilitarian objects. The exhibition provides insight into the cultural contributions of various ethnicities and countries, many of which have roots in the decorative arts, and ties back into subjects such as world geography, global economy and foreign and international studies.

In addition, visitors will learn more about what it means to be an “American Ambassador of Good Will” and the benefits to being a Peace Corp volunteer, including earning academic credit for Peace Corps service and being eligible for scholarships, reduced tuition, internships and stipends through participating schools. The Peace Corps also provides training in a foreign language, technical skills, and cross-cultural understanding.

For more information, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=meet.regrec.event&eventid=96653  or contact Archway Gallery artist and former Peace Corps volunteer Gene Hester 713-522-2409 or geneisartglass@me.com.

Bring your 4-leggers, bring the 2-leggers and definitely bring the cameras because you are going to want to capture this for posterity!  Join Bayou City Outdoors & Archway Gallery, located at 2305 Dunlavy, for Picasso's by Paws, a fundraiser for Houston SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program).  We'll be assisting the dogs in bringing out their inner Picasso with safe water based paints and canvases.  Every dog gets to paint their own masterpiece and then for a small donation ($20 suggested minimum donation) you can take it home.  Put it up on the fridge or hang it in the living room, this is true dog art! After painting, there will be a shampoo and wading pool station, and then a Happy Tails Cocktail Hour.  Doggy treats and watering stations brought to you by SNAP.  Light appetizers, wine and soda brought to you by Hungry's Café, Momo Catering & Archway Gallery.

Don't forget your leash - this will be a big bash!!

Bring your 4-leggers, bring the 2-leggers and definitely bring the cameras because you are going to want to capture this for posterity!  On Sunday, August 15, from 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Bayou City Outdoors & Archway Gallery, located at 2305 Dunlavy, presents Picasso's by Paws, a fundraiser for Houston’s SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program).  We'll be assisting all the dogs in bringing out their inner Picasso with safe water based paints and canvases.  Every dog gets to paint their own masterpiece and then for a small donation ($20 suggested minimum donation) you can take it home.  Put it up on the fridge or hang it in the living room, this is true dog art! After painting, there will be a shampoo and wading pool station, and then a Happy Tails Cocktail Hour.  Doggy treats and watering stations brought to you by SNAP.  Light appetizers, wine and soda brought to you by Hungry’s Café & Archway Gallery.  For questions or more details visit www.bayoucityoutdoors.com, or call 713-524-3567.

Drawing by Shirl Riccetti