April 5, 2010
CONTACT: Molly Dannenmaier,
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
CELL: 409-771-5105, OFFICE: 409-765-7834
Molly.Dannenmaier@galvestonhistory.org

Galveston Historical Foundation “Green Revival” Design and Crafts Contest Entries to Be Displayed April 8 at MOD Coffeehouse

One-Night Art Sale to Benefit GHF

GALVESTON, TX - More than 25 entries in a “green revival” design contest held by the Galveston Historical Foundation will be on display beginning April 8 at Galveston’s popular MOD Coffeehouse. MOD Operator Ken McManus is hosting the event as well as an open sale of work by Catherine Stroud. All proceeds will benefit GHF.

The event will be the public’s first opportunity to see the imaginative and practical “green” indoor and outdoor furniture, light fixtures and artwork submitted by Galveston area artists and designers hoping to see their works on display at GHF’s Green Revival house. GHF is restoring the 1890s gable-front cottage at 31st Street and Avenue Q, turning it into a model that conforms to the highest national standards of the “green” building movement. The house will be featured on GHF’s Historic Homes Tour during the first two weekends in May.

The design entries include materials ranging from a wooden ship hatch cover to fishing net buoys, recycled residential door trim and flower petals, said Matthew Pelz, GHF project coordinator.

“We had entries from students at the Art Institute of Houston, local crafts people, designers, both professionals and amateurs,” Pelz said. “It’s a really great cross-section.

“GHF hopes many of the “green” design creators will attend the MOD event,” Pelz said.

“We are very happy that they participated in the program and we want to help shine a spotlight on their work and let them share it with others,” Pelz said.

The event, which is free, is scheduled at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 8. The MOD Coffeehouse is located at 2126 Postoffice in downtown Galveston.

Winners of the Green Revival design and craft contest will be announced later in April. Their works will be displayed in the restored house.

In partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the 1772 Foundation, GHF’s Green Revival House will demonstrate how the energy-efficient properties inherent in historic design and original materials can work in tandem with sensitively planned modern systems to conserve resources as well as heritage. Once finished, the house will be open to the public to showcase Galveston’s signature interpretation of the new nationwide green historic preservation movement.