2011- 2012 Season
A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965
Discovering the Jewish Roots of the American Songbook
Getting to Know You: An Enchanted Evening with Oscar Andrew Hammerstein
NURTURE: Stories of New Midlife Mothers
3rd Annual Teen Visual Art Exhibition
 A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965
Jan 18 – Feb 24
Americans have always responded to the optimism, the wit and sophistication, and the passion and verve of the standards that make up the “American Songbook.” The best songwriters associated with this era combined a genius for melody, memorable lyrics, and the ability to connect with a wide audience. A remarkably high percentage of these songwriters were Jewish by birth and heritage. In this exhibit, curated by essayist and poet David Lehman, and illustrated with colorful posters from Broadway shows and photographs of composers, singers, and the casts of hit musicals and films, we learn about the lives and works of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, and a host of other Jewish songwriters who wove the American songbook deep into the fabric of American culture.
 A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910-1965 was developed by Nextbook, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Jewish literature, culture, and ideas, and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The national tour of the exhibit has been made possible by grants from the Charles H. Revson Foundation, the Righteous Persons Foundation, the David Berg Foundation, and an anonymous donor, with additional support from Tablet Magazine: A New Read on Jewish Life. Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg sing with the cast of The Wizard of Oz. Courtesy of Photofest.
On condition of serving as a host site for this traveling exhibit, we are pleased to present two corresponding programs that are free and open to the public:
 Discovering the Jewish Roots of the American Songbook
Monday, Jan 23 • 8:00 PM
FREE
Join Howard Pollack, John and Rebecca Moores Professor of Music at University of Houston, as he sheds light on the Jewish liturgical roots of American music. Accompanied by pianist and singer Henry Darragh, Cantor Lance Rhodes of Congregation Brith Shalom, and cabaret performer Bethany Daniels Shapiro, this quartet will perform classic favorites you never knew started out in the Jewish prayer book. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim, deepen your love for music by learning about its cultural influences. Poster from Oklahoma! Courtesy of Photofest.
 Getting to Know You: An Enchanted Evening with Oscar Andrew Hammerstein
Thursday, Feb 2 • 8:00 PM
FREE
Get an up-close and personal look at the legendary Hammerstein family through the lens of Oscar Andrew Hammerstein, painter, writer, lecturer, and grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II. His book, The Hammersteins, unveils an unprecedented view of the sights and sounds, smoke and mirrors, trials and tribulations, and seductive family business that opened the world’s eyes and ears to musical theatre. Having devoted much of his life to studying and preserving his family’s heritage and legacy, Andy Hammerstein’s expertise is unparalleled.
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NURTURE: Stories of New Midlife Mothers
Curated by Cyma Shapiro
Feb 28 – Apr 18
 Cyma Shapiro collected stories from women across the country who chose motherhood after 40. Comprised of dramatic black and white photographs and transcribed words, Nurture celebrates the lives of women who became new older mothers through IVF, natural childbirth, adoption, fostering, guardianship, surrogacy and blending stepfamilies. Shapiro’s website, www.MidlifeMothers.org, is dedicated to promoting the advancement of new midlife mothers through voice, face and forum. This exhibit is the first of its kind in the country.
Photographs were taken by Shana Sureck and Tracy Cianflone. Photo credit: Regina by Tracy Cianflone.
Motherhood after 40: A Conversation
Thursday, March 22 • 7:30 PM
FREE
Join Elizabeth Gregory, author of Ready: Why Women Are Embracing the New Later Motherhood and UH professor, as she moderates a panel of midlife mothers. Whether through adoption, surrogacy, or natural conception, these women are part of a growing trend of becoming mothers at a later age. Hear firsthand about their experiences and how their lives redefine the traditional patterns of motherhood and women's work.
3rd Annual Teen Visual Art Exhibition
April 22 – June 1
For the 3rd year, the ERJCC Deutser Art Gallery will exhibit original works by local Jewish teenagers. This year, the exhibit will open with the J Teen Art Scene: Showcase for (e)ART(H), an all-day arts festival showcasing teenage artistic talents across many platforms.
Become a part of J Teen Art Scene: Showcase for (e)ART(H)! We are now accepting visual art submissions. Submissions are due Monday, March 19. For more information about J Teen Art Scene and submission requirements, visit our website.
Gallery Hours
Monday – Thursday • 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday & Sunday • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Deutser Art Gallery Season is funded in part by the ERJCC Patrons of the Arts.
For guidelines on submitting portfolios click here.
For more information about the Deutser Art Gallery, contact Ariela Amery at aemery@erjcchouston.org or 713-729-3200, ext. 3299.
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