Be in the moment.

2016 Annual Report Open your mind. Contents

Fiscal Year 2016 / July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 For 45 years, the Rothko Chapel has

been a beloved and internationally Program Engagement 5

Expanding the Chapel’s Reach 10 recognized landmark. Rothko Chapel in Medellín, Colombia

The Rothko Chapel inspires people to Interfaith Outreach

Mark Rothko: A Retrospective

action through art and contemplation, Chapel Guild nurtures reverence for the highest Communications By the Numbers 14

aspirations of humanity, and provides Financials

Chapel Visitors a forum for global concerns. The Guided Group Visits

Chapel is a sacred space that supports Volunteer Hours

Our Supporters 16 human rights and is a rallying place In 2015–16, more than Planning for the Future 18 100,000 people from People Behind the Rothko Chapel 20 for all who are concerned with peace 98 countries visited the Chapel, and more than and freedom throughout the world. 9,000 participated in its educational, cultural, and spiritual programs.

rothkochapel.org | 1 Dear Friends ­— On behalf of the Rothko Chapel, we extend our deepest appreciation for the great generosity shown this year in support of the Chapel’s mission to engage the human spirit and our community through art, spirituality and the promotion of human rights. We are grateful to the hundreds of From the Chapel’s visitor comment book: individual and institutional donors who ensure that the Rothko Chapel is open every day of the year—free of charge. The Chapel invites people from all backgrounds and walks of life to discover how best to address “On the 1st of August 2016 I started a the diverse and complex needs in the world around us in ways that journey on my bicycle from NYC to enhance mutual respect, understanding and collective action. In order to meet the needs of the increasing number of program participants and Houston, TX just to see the Chapel. visitors to the Chapel, we launched two very exciting initiatives in 2015-16. The first is a new communications plan that includes a more interactive website and social media I could have flown here but figured it presence, allowing us to expand our outreach and foster conversations both within, and would be a good journey. It certainly far beyond, the Houston metropolitan area. The second is the initiation of our site develop- ment masterplan. This planning process will yield critical Chapel interior improvements and was. Today is the 25th of August and campus renovations that will enhance the visitor experience, while allowing us to fulfill the stewardship of the art entrusted to our care. As a first initiative, ’s I have been in the Chapel for about Broken Obelisk was removed in January 2016 from the plaza and transported to the 2 hours or so. As an artist and quite a original foundry for conservation that should ensure its vibrancy for years to come. The Chapel’s public outreach featured significant programs that spoke to diverse spiritual person and considering the viewpoints and multicultural experiences including our Spring Symposium on income journey I made to get here I wanted inequality; the annual celebration of the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which explored the relationship of hip hop to Dr. King’s message of social change and equity; to laugh & cry. I meditated and drew and the 2015 Óscar Romero Award, which recognized two courageous, Honduran grass- roots human rights activists. Sadly, one of the honorees—Berta Cáceres—was murdered in in my sketch book. Thank you, words March in Honduras. The Rothko Chapel became the sacred space in Houston where people gathered to mourn her loss and honor her life’s work. Throughout the year, we also hosted cannot quite describe.” — Tom numerous meditations, concerts and interreligious gatherings that collectively engaged and nourished many facets of the human spirit. As in years past, the Chapel was the site for numerous weddings, memorial services and other life cycle events that bear witness to the significance of this cherished space for Houstonians.

As detailed in this report, the Rothko Chapel continues to be a spiritually imbued sacred space where peace, justice and the highest aspirations of humankind are lifted up and cul- tivated daily. We thank you for your support and look forward to our future work together.

Sincerely,

Christopher Rothko David Leslie Chair Executive Director

2 rothkochapel.org | 3 Program Engagement

Throughout the 2015–16 season, the Rothko Chapel presented a wide range of programs that invited dialogue, reflection and action on the world’s most pressing issues. Our programs are occasions for individual and collective introspection and exploration of the sacred, and create contexts for investigating the interplay between art, spirituality, and human rights. Our public programs included discussions with community leaders, writers, poets and artists; concerts and spoken word performances; guided meditations; and yoga and tai chi.

4 rothkochapel.org | 5 Highlights

Berta Cáceres

2015 Óscar Romero Award recipients Berta Cáceres (left) and Vigil for Berta Cáceres, March 4, 2016 Miriam Miranda (right) with board chair Christopher Rothko.

“We don’t want to be martyrs, we don’t want any more “…I refuse to go into exile. I am martyrs in this country, but we also have the historical In the weeks leading up to the a human rights fighter and November 12, 2015 Award cere- responsibility to show that we have the right to build a mony, the Rothko Chapel present- I will not give up this fight.” —Berta Cáceres better world. And we can’t run away from that responsibility.” ed a series of programs investi- gating the challenges and perils ______—Miriam Miranda of advocating for indigenous human rights. On the day before Tragically on March 2, 2016, Berta 2015 Óscar Romero Award the Award ceremony, Miranda and Cáceres was assassinated in Cáceres had a moderated conver- her hometown of La Esperanza, The biennial Óscar Romero Award recognizes sation with Univision news anchor Intibuca, Honduras. Cáceres’ life courageous grassroots human rights advocacy. Raú Peimbert. The program in was under constant threat, as The award is named after Archbishop Óscar Romero Spanish with simultaneous inter- were the lives of many other of San Salvador, who was murdered in 1980 because pretation was presented at Baker indigenous leaders in Honduras, of his work advocating for the poor of El Salvador. Ripley Neighborhood Center. yet she made clear that she would The theme for the 2015 Award was “Listening to not stop her advocacy for human Voices Not Silenced” and Honduran indigenous rights rights and justice. The Chapel activists, Miriam Miranda and Berta Cáceres, shared hosted a vigil to honor her life and the award. witness on her birthday March 4.

6 rothkochapel.org | 7 “Still Dreaming” in honor of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday 2016 Spring Symposium Last year, the Chapel offered 50 events and programs attended On January 15, 2016 we hosted “Confronting Inequality: Alternative our annual program honoring Economies, Resilient Communities” by more than 9,000 individuals. the life and legacy of Dr. King. was the theme of the symposium The program was moderated by held from March 31 to April 3, 2016. Dr. Aundrea Matthews, Professor, Speakers addressed strategies and Lone Star College, and featured tactics to eliminate economic in- artist Toni Blackman, hip hop equality through creative, effective artists David Banner and Bun and equitable economic policies B, and Professor and programs. Author, conserva- Anthony Pinn. In addition to the tionist, and activist Terry Tempest conversation inside the Chapel, Williams opened the symposium, the program included a cypher in which academic professionals, on the plaza featuring local hip community activists, religious hop artists. More than 320 leaders, and artists also took part. people attended.

8 rothkochapel.org | 9 Expanding the Chapel’s Reach

Rothko Chapel in meditative space (inclusive of a Interfaith Outreach Baha’i, Christian traditions and Medellín, Colombia photo mural, benches, meditation interfaith organizations came rugs/cushions, and sacred texts) During the year, Chapel repre- together to celebrate collective In the fall of 2015 the Rothko and an educational space (fea- sentatives visited numerous faith, efforts over the past year and Chapel was invited by the Museo turing the Chapel’s history via a cultural and service organizations imagine possibilities for the future. de Arte Moderno de Medellín looping video, floorplan, and an around Houston to learn about Throughout the year numerous to participate in a new exhibi- interactive 360 video projection the important work being done faith leaders led meditations tion titled De Lo Espiritual En and Google cardboard glasses around the area and teachings at the Chapel, El Arte. Obertura (Concerning for a virtual experience). During and to explore opportunities for representing practices such as the Spiritual in Art. Overture) on the course of the exhibit the continued partnership. The visits Shambhala, Quaker, Sikh, Sufi, view from July 20 – September museum curated programs that culminated with the Chapel’s Hindu, Christian, Bon Buddhist, 11, 2016. This exhibition provided offered meditations, lectures and annual Interfaith Breakfast and Jewish, as well as modern medita- the Chapel with the opportuni- concerts. Rothko Chapel director Conversation at the Chapel in tions like Loving Kindness ty to share the essence of the David Leslie presented a lec- August where representatives and Breath. Rothko Chapel with a different ture titled “The Architecture of from Buddhist, Islamic, Jewish, community and culture. The Justice—the Transformative Power Chapel’s contributions included a of Sacred Spaces.” 10 rothkochapel.org | 11 : A Retrospective at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Chapel Guild Communications

“The Rothko Chapel makes patently This important exhibit that was on view from The Chapel Guild was established in 2012 with 13 The Chapel secured the services of Langrand and clear what I have learned is true of September 20 until January 24, 2016 brought a members and has grown to 40 members in 2016, Company in 2015 to help develop a more robust all Rothko works. They yield only deeper understanding of the life and work of Mark with 6 also serving as Guides. communications and marketing strategy. The proj- Rothko. The exhibit also provided many collaborative ect included an extensive community engagement what we put in… they will only speak The Guild provided invaluable support for Chapel opportunities between the Chapel and MFAH includ- component that led to the significant expansion of to our inner worlds, when we are events and programs and last year contributed over ing a tour of the exhibit led by the Chapel’s Board the Chapel’s digital media presence, redesign of our 1,857 hours. Guild volunteers welcome guests, orient open to their invitation or sugges- Chair, Christopher Rothko, and a series of monthly website (which now receives an average of 24,000 visitors to the space, support public programs, and tion. Ultimately, to understand a meditations led by Chapel Advisor Alejandro Chaoul hits per day), email newsletter, program brochures, help facilitate a deeper and more meaningful visitor Rothko is to understand what the in exhibit galleries. The audio tour included Rothko and other collateral materials. experience through the Guide Program. painting helps us see in ourselves.” Chapel’s Executive Director, David Leslie, among Thanks to these efforts, the Rothko Chapel has sub- other area leaders and artists. Social and educational enrichment opportunities are —Christopher Rothko, from his book stantially extended its reach to visitors and program Mark Rothko: From the Inside Out offered throughout the year in support of the Guild participants from many different communities across including lectures from top curators, tours of art ex- the region and beyond. hibitions, and an annual sacred spaces tour.

“The Guild is a small, but dynamic group of diverse individuals with beautiful souls who cherish our stewardship of the Chapel as much as the friendships we form there.”

—Guild member Carrie Pillsbury

12 rothkochapel.org | 13 By the Numbers

For Fiscal Year 2016 July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 The data are derived from the audited financial statements Chapel visitors of the Rothko Chapel as of June 30, 2016. 100,000+ Program participants

Rental properties 4% Earned income 6% and guided tours

Development 17% Special events 3% 9,000+ Volunteer hours

Administration 14% Investments 43% 1,857

Program 65% Contributions 48%

Operating Expenditures Sources of Funding $1,432,275 $1,753,075

14 rothkochapel.org | 15 Our Supporters July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

The Rothko Chapel would like Lillie Robertson Jerry and Nanette Finger Family Kathleen and Glen Cambor Claudia Horwitz Melissa Quinones to thank those who have Arwa and Aziz Shaibani Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William A. Camfield Dr. Robert Ivany Dr. and Mrs. Manuel Ramirez contributed in 2015-16. Sandra Tirey and Jan R. van Lohuizen Dr. Brendan and Maria Lee Jesus M. Castillo Suzanne Jeansonne Kate and Greg Robertson Mary Welch and Ernesto Maldonado Candace and Robert Leslie Naiyer and H.S. Chadha Bridget Lois Jensen Shari D. Rochen Mark Yzaguirre Vincent Maggio Raina Chamberlain Pam B. Johnson M. Alma Rodriguez Chairman’s Circle $25,000+ Linda K. May Isabelle and John Chapman, Jr. Ingrid Jusbasche Sr. Ceil Roeger The Brown Foundation, Inc. Mary McKerall and Richard Steele Christopher Chester Elizabeth S. Kaled Nancy and Theodore Rosen Patron $1,000+ Lori Cohen and Christopher Rothko Amanda McMillian and Benjamin Dinah Chetrit and Rich Levy Nancy Hunt Kiesling Glen Rosenbaum Holloway Houston Arts Alliance Anonymous Theresa Clarke and Christian Kelleher Jarrod Klawinsky Naomi and Gary Rosner in memory of H. Dixon Montague Houston Endowment, Inc. Jim Blackburn Thomas R. Cole Eileen Kleiman and Peter Lurye JoAnn Avinger Muriel Pollia Foundation Marta E. Calleja and John Biggs Mr. H. Talbot Cooley Sheryl L. Kolasinski Robert Ross Carol and Eric Nelson K.C. and William Coats Barbara G. Cowan Daniela and Rex Koontz Janice Rubin and Charles Wiese Director’s Circle $10,000+ Francesco Pellizzi Adelaide de Menil Sean Cowan Carmen Kovens Philip T. Rummel Catherine and Scott Roberts Anonymous Erica D’Eramo and Matthew Skinner The Rev. Dr. Carolyn M. Craft Virginia and Lee Lahourcade Mark B. Ryan Carrie and Ed Shoemake The Cultural Heritage Ellen Efsic and Scott Legg Sydney Thu Dao Joan and Tommy Lamnek Debra and Camille Samara Tim Stout Preservation Fund Frances T. Farenthold George DeGeurin Leigh and David Leslie Kathie and David Saucier Jane and Gary Swanson River Oaks District Stephen Fox Erika de la Garza and Alejandro Chaoul Virginia Lew Glenna M. Scharon Maryann Tebbe Joyce and Mohammed Salhoot Michelle and Douglas Gessner Angela and David DeRubeis Carol Kazmer Liffman Bryan S. Scrivner Commission on the Arts Ed Gibbon Rauf Diab R. R. Littman Eric Shamban Melanie Gray and Mark Wawro Associate $100+ Michla J. Dien Kristin Loewenthal Carey C. Shuart Barbara and Gerald Hines Paula Djabbarah Ellen McCorquodale Martin Gail and John Siegel Benefactor’s Circle $5,000+ Betty and Ken Adam Bridget L. Jensen Brittany Duncan Martin Randall Travel Ltd Hinda Simon Janice Adamson and Michael Splawn in Kathryn and Hank Coleman Katie Kitchen and Paul Kovach Nita and Dinesh H. Singhal honor of Sissy Farenthold and Mike Piana Joanne Edmundson Marion Andrus McCollam Nancy Crown and Sam Weisman Kate Lear and Jonathan LaPook Louis H. Skidmore, Jr. Gail and Louis Adler Byron A. Eknoyan Dallas McNamara Gayle and Mike DeGeurin Ginny Lyman Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP Al Amado Laura H. Fain Chris Meehan George and Mary Josephine Hamman Tatiana and Craig Massey Honorable Charles A. Spain and John S. Foundation Surpik and Paolo Angelini Josephine Faires Daniel W. Meyler John Robertson Adcock Wil McCorquodale and Mark Hitt Anonymous Jack Fallas Minor Design Dorothee Sauter and Josef Helfenstein Mr. and Mrs. George Stark Michael R. Piana Anonymous Sandra Fenn Claudia Morgan Robin and Andrew Schirrmeister Frances and Nicholas C. Stephens Karen Rosa and Jim King Anonymous Michael Findlay Helen and Robert Morgan Angelique Shoebroek Daniel Stoecker Louisa Stude Sarofim Bennie Flores Ansell and David Ansell Nanette Finger Susan Farb Morris and David Morris SK Foundation - Jan and Jack Cato Barbara Brown Taylor Lois and Arthur Stainman Naomi and Stephen Antonakos Fleiss Family Fund Suzanne K. Morris John K. Smither Roger D. Townsend Carol Mancusi-Ungaro Steen Angela and Cyril Arney Liuda and Gustavo Flores Paula A. Mott SPF Event Resources Thuy M. Tran and James Tiebout Lynn Wyatt Susan and David Askanase Jeff Fort Yvonne and Charles Moyer Clare Sprunt Ashley Turner and Danny Vu Katherine Atkiss Cece and Mack Fowler Lynn Murphy and John Pack Rosie and Jim Vincent Patricia and Steve Uchytil Sarah Balinskas Louis James Frey Jennifer L. Naae Sustainer $2,500+ When and Where I Enter, Inc. Jana Vander-Lee Nanda and Mohit Banerjee Mel Gallagher Liliane and Cesar Nahas Kellye and Kyle Wright James S. Wallace Anonymous Rev. Jim Bankston Kim Glosserman Stuart C. Nelson Mr. John L. Zipprich II Tessa and Todd Ward Suzanne Deal Booth Alva G. Barbosa Lisa Glosserman Carol Neuberger Nancy and Steve Weissman Dolly H. Brenneman Francie Barnard Pam and Norm Glosserman Duyen and Marc Nguyen Jason E. Welker Susan and Francois de Menil Annie Benzon Carla Muñoz Gonzalez Mary and Paul Nugent Supporter $500+ Rochelle White and Laurence Land Mimi Detering in honor of David Benson Helen Berger and David Benson Nonya and Jonathan Grenader Trilla and Bob Pando Anonymous Jill Whitten and Rob Proctor Heather and Sanford Dow Lynn Birdwell Mr. B. P. Gunn Dr. Deborah Parks Susan G. Baker Lettalou Whittington Virginia Dwan Jody Blazek and David Crossley Wanna H. Hadnott Louise and Ralph Pearson Anne and Albert Chao Mary Ellen and Tom Whitworth Helen Winkler Fosdick Lynn S. Bliss MaryScott Hagle Georgia Pelias and Andy Wadman Cuchara Restaurant Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Ann and J. Kent Friedman Robert Blodgett and Jeff Hudson Ann Hamman Sharon Pelton David Graeve Art Elena Cusi Wortham Mila Golovine Jean and John C. Boehm Beth and Karam Hanhan Mr. and Mrs. Jose R. Perez, Jr. Janie and Dick DeGuerin Louis Wu Chinhui Juhn and Edward Allen III Boheme LLC Sandra K. Hanneman Lynn K. Pickett Kelli Cohen Fein and Martin Fein Meng Yeh and Camilo Parra Willy Kuehn Debra Michele Bonilla Mark Fers Haukohl Presbyterian School Cullen Geiselman Jo Laird and Michael Danoff John Bradshaw, Jr. Grace Q. Hernandez Carol and Dan Price Heidi and David Gerger We have made every effort to be accurate in Kathrine G. McGovern William E. Cain James M. Hitt The Rev. and Mrs. John W. Price our listing and apologize if any mistakes or Patsy and John Howard, Jr. Janet Caldwell Brendan Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Victor G. Prieto omissions have been made. Holly and Josh Hudley

16 rothkochapel.org | 17 Planning for the Future

and updating the reflecting pool to ensure that this landmark endures for future generations.

The Broken Obelisk was disman- tled in late January 2016 and returned to the original foundry, Lippincott, LLC in Connecticut, where restoration was completed over a 10-month period. During this time, Lippincott, LLC rede- signed and replaced components at the obelisk/pyramid juncture to optimize water drainage and to slow the rate of localized cor- rosion. The cost of restoring the sculpture was generously paid for by the . The con- servation department at the Menil, headed by chief conservator Brad Epley and objects conservator

Kari Dodson, oversaw the treat- Isometric drawing by Eugene Aubry. ment program.

In January 2016, the Rothko Chapel Site Planning The site plan will provide specific The overarching objective of the Committee, chaired by Christopher Rothko, launched recommendations for landscap- entire site development is to make the planning process to address lighting improve- ping and appropriately sited and improvements that will accommo- ments inside the Chapel, development of a master configured space for visitor date growth, allowing the chapel site plan and renovation of the reflecting pool. The services, community programs, to respond more fully to existing most critical interior Chapel improvements aim to archives, administration, guest needs while pursuing new oppor- better control natural and supplement lighting to en- housing for presenters, visiting tunities. Expanded programming sure that the paintings and the ambiance they create scholars and artists. Taken to- in the new and redeveloped may be experienced to their full effect, regardless gether, these improvements will spaces will enhance the visitor of time of day or the weather. The vestibule, interior positively impact the visitor expe- experience, while minimizing acoustics, weather proofing and security systems will rience and our public programs. impact on the chapel’s silent, also be reconfigured for optimal functionality. sacred space. A significant part of the work is the ongoing conservation of Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk

18 rothkochapel.org | 19 People Behind the Rothko Chapel

Board of Directors Staff The Guild Maconda O’Connor Abinader Michelle Ashton, Public Program Nicole Amie David L. Benson Director Elizabeth Arlington Dolly H. Brenneman, Secretary Ashley Clemmer, *Christopher Baranowski Community Engagement Director Hank Coleman, Vice-Chair Christine Bunger Chiquita Jones, Office Manager and Gayle Ross DeGeurin, Past Chair Christine Casas Database Administrator Sanford L. Dow *Barbara Cowan David Leslie, Executive Director Wil McCorquodale Sarah Crawford Yma Luis, Visitor Services and Volunteer Michael Piana, Treasurer Coordinator Rauf Diab Karen Rosa Alison Pruitt, Operations Director Laura Fain Christopher Rothko, Ph.D., Chair Thuy M. Tran, Director of Advancement Josephine Faires Joyce Salhoot Amy Garratt Carol Mancusi-Ungaro Steen Virginia Hill Mark Yzaguirre Hosts Barbara Homann Nedeljka Buncic Kelly Johnson Joan Lamnek Honorary Directors Emma Cameron Esmeralda Hernandez Will Lasner The Honorable Donald Easum Debra Jackson Braveheart (Taffi) Lev Rev. Joseph Eldridge Melanie Jamison Patty Mayeux Frances T. Farenthold Fannie Jones Amy Kugali McWilliams Fariha de Menil Karimnia Nadia Luis Nannette Morazan Willy Kuehn Ellen Phillips Anne Morris Hana Tiric, Lead Host Justin Myers Advisors *Carolyn Mytholar *Carrie Pillsbury Rev. Jim Bankston Vincent Pinto Jim Blackburn Melissa Quinones Alejandro Chaoul, Ph.D. Hanne-Elin Rodriguez Stephen Fox Cynthia Salvaggio Ann Friedman, Ph.D. Alexandra Santana Juan Mendez *Domitilo Silva Anthony Pinn, Ph.D. Emily Sloan Lynn Wyatt, Cultural Ambassador *Jay Stailey Elaine Suerte Mieke Vogel Allyson Wilkinson Ann Witucki Monica Yancey Josiah Yarbrough

* Denotes both Guild and Guide roles

20 rothkochapel.org | 21 Rothko Chapel 1409 Sul Ross Houston, Texas 77006

Visit

Rothko Chapel 3900 Yupon Street Open daily 10am-6pm

Contact

Office 713.524.9839 Mailing Address 1409 Sul Ross Houston, TX 77006

rothkochapel.org [email protected]