HPL - Visit Us at Houston Public Library

Left image: Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Clara in Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2018). Right image: Houston Ballet former dancers Paul LeGros and Katie King in Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker. Photo by Connolly (c. 1976).

November 9, 2024 - January 11, 2025

The Julia Ideson Building | Exhibit Hall

About this Exhibit

A few years after the establishment of the Houston Ballet in 1969, the company began a cherished holiday tradition: performing The Nutcracker to audiences across Houston. This timeless ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1892, has become a beloved staple of the holiday season.

The Nutcracker tells the magical story of a young girl named Clara and her journey through a fantastical realm on Christmas Eve. The ballet has been reimagined through the creative vision of three distinguished choreographers for the Houston Ballet: Frederic Franklin (1972-1975), Ben Stevenson O.B.E. (1976-1986, 1987-2015), and Stanton Welch AM (2016-present). Each interpretation has infused new life into this classic tale, while honoring its enchanting story.

This exhibit showcases artifacts from each production, highlighting the creativity and dedication of the artists involved.

Join Us

Learn about the choreography, set designs, and costumes that have evolved over the years, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the performance. As you experience Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Comes to Life, we invite you to embrace the magic of the holidays and reflect on the memories and traditions that make this season special.

Please join us for the following family-friendly programs with Houston Ballet:

~~OPENING RECEPTION~~ ~~| Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM~~

~~December 3, 2024~~	~~11:00 AM - 12:00 PM~~	~~Looscan Neighborhood Library~~	~~Ballet Talk~~	~~Register Here~~
~~December 4, 2024~~	~~10:30 - 11:30 AM~~	~~Park Place Regional Library~~	~~Ballet Talk~~	~~Register Here~~
December 17, 2024	11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Stanaker Neighborhood Library	Ballet Talk	Register Here
December 19, 2024	4:00 - 5:00 PM	Oak Forest Neighborhood Library	Ballet Talk	Register Here
December 21, 2024	11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Kendall Neighborhood Library	Ballet Talk	Register Here
December 21, 2024	11:30 AM - 12:15 PM	Central Library	Dance to Learn	Register Here
January 4, 2025	11:30 AM - 12:15 PM	Central Library	Dance to Learn	Coming Soon

EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONS

MSS 0169 Lauren Anderson Papers

Finding aid coming soon!

SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIA

Kid/Juvenile

Alexander, Heather, A Child's Introduction to The Nutcracker: The Story, Music, Costumes, and Choreography of the Fairy Tale Ballet
Allman, John Robert, The Night Before the Nutcracker
Brett, Jan, Jan Brett's The Nutcracker
Celenza, Anna Harwell, Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
Coleman, Jennifer, The Texas Nutcracker
Hoffman, E.T.A., Nutcracker
Kladstrup, Kristin, The Nutcracker Mice
Mayhew, James, Ella Bella Ballerina and The Nutcracker
McMorrow, T.E., The Nutcracker in Harlem
Nebres, Charlotte, Charlotte the Ballerina: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Nutcracker History

Adult

Houston Ballet Guild, Shall We Dine: Houston Ballet Cookbook
Fisher, Jennifer, Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World
Johansen, Erika, The Kingdom of Sweets: A Novel of The Nutcracker
Maguire, Gregory, Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future Nutcracker
Whitehill, Angela, The Nutcracker Backstage: The Story and the Magic
Wiley, Roland John, Tchaikovsky's Ballets: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker

Don't forget our Library of Things!

Listen to over 100 music recordings of The Nutcracker!

This exhibition is in partnership with Houston Ballet and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation.

Recent Posts

Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker Comes to Life: Staging a Houston Tradition, 1972 - Present

Left image: Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Clara in Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2018). Right image: Houston Ballet former dancers Paul LeGros and Katie King in Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker. Photo by Connolly (c. 1976). November 9, 2024 - January 11, 2025The Julia Ideson Building | Exhibit Hall About this Exhibit A few years after the establishment of the Houston Ballet in 1969, the company began a cherished holiday tradition: performing The Nutcracker to audiences across Houston. This timeless ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1892, has become a beloved staple of the holiday season.The Nutcracker tells the magical story of a young girl named Clara and her journey through a fantastical realm on Christmas Eve. The ballet has been reimagined through the creative vision of three distinguished choreographers for the Houston Ballet: Frederic Franklin (1972-1975), Ben Stevenson O.B.E. (1976-1986, 1987-2015), and Stanton Welch AM (2016-present). Each interpretation has infused new life into this classic tale, while honoring its enchanting story.This exhibit showcases artifacts from each production, highlighting the creativity and dedication of the artists involved. Join UsLearn about the choreography, set designs, and costumes that have evolved over the years, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the performance. As you experience Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Comes to Life, we invite you to embrace the magic of the holidays and reflect on the memories and traditions that make this season special. Please join us for the following family-friendly programs with Houston Ballet: OPENING RECEPTION | Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM December 3, 202411:00 AM - 12:00 PMLooscan Neighborhood LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 4, 202410:30 - 11:30 AMPark Place Regional LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 17, 202411:00 AM - 12:00 PMStanaker Neighborhood LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 19, 20244:00 - 5:00 PMOak Forest Neighborhood LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 21, 202411:00 AM - 12:00 PMKendall Neighborhood LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 21, 202411:30 AM - 12:15 PMCentral LibraryDance to LearnRegister HereJanuary 4, 202511:30 AM - 12:15 PMCentral LibraryDance to LearnComing Soon EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONSMSS 0169 Lauren Anderson PapersFinding aid coming soon! SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIA Kid/JuvenileAlexander, Heather, A Child's Introduction to The Nutcracker: The Story, Music, Costumes, and Choreography of the Fairy Tale BalletAllman, John Robert, The Night Before the NutcrackerBrett, Jan, Jan Brett's The NutcrackerCelenza, Anna Harwell, Duke Ellington's Nutcracker SuiteColeman, Jennifer, The Texas NutcrackerHoffman, E.T.A., NutcrackerKladstrup, Kristin, The Nutcracker MiceMayhew, James, Ella Bella Ballerina and The NutcrackerMcMorrow, T.E., The Nutcracker in HarlemNebres, Charlotte, Charlotte the Ballerina: The True Story of a Girl Who Made Nutcracker History AdultHouston Ballet Guild, Shall We Dine: Houston Ballet CookbookFisher, Jennifer, Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New WorldJohansen, Erika, The Kingdom of Sweets: A Novel of The NutcrackerMaguire, Gregory, Hiddensee: A Tale of the Once and Future NutcrackerWhitehill, Angela, The Nutcracker Backstage: The Story and the MagicWiley, Roland John, Tchaikovsky's Ballets: Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker Don't forget our Library of Things!Tonie Box - Winter HolidaysSnowflake Cakelet PanHoliday Wreath Bundt Pan Listen to over 100 music recordings of The Nutcracker! This exhibition is in partnership with Houston Ballet and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation. ...

Looking Up: Sky, Branch and Bough

December 7, 2024 – January 23, 2025Central Library | 1st Floor Gallery Looking Up: Sky, Branch and Bough exhibits 44 tree paintings from artist Marla Luttrell’s neighborhood. The paintings, created outdoors to capture the essence of the trees in nature, are presented as small “tiles” mimicking the interface of a cell phone. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and the imitation of man-made technology encourages viewers to go outside and look up at natural beauty rather than look down at their phones. Luttrell observed the trees for over a year. Each painting evokes the senses awakened by sights, sounds, and climate. Marla Luttrell is a contemporary impressionist landscape oil painter in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit the artist’s website and Instagram page: @marlaluttrellartist. JOIN USArtist Talk with Marla Luttrell | Saturday, December 7, 4:00 - 5:00 PM CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG Kid/JuvenileBunting, Philip, The Gentle Genius of TreesCousins, Lucy, Maisy Loves Trees: Explore and Learn!Cyrus, Kurt, Trillions of TreesDelacre, Lulu, Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable TreesDK Smithsonian Institution, Trees, Leaves, Flowers & Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant KingdomHirsch, Andy, Trees: Kings of the ForestJohnston, Tony, TreesLemniscates, Árboles | TreesVeitch, Catherine, Learning About TreesVolant, iris, Under the Canopy, Trees Around the WorldZiefert, Harriet, Be Thankful for TreesZuckerberg, Randi, Dot. Unplugged AdultAlbala, Mitchell, Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio PracticeBaker, Samantha Dion, Draw Your World: How to Sketch and Paint Your Remarkable LifeDoherty, M. Stephen, The Art of Plein Air Painting: An Essential Guide to Materials, Concept, and Techniques for Painting OutdoorsGarrett, Howard, Howard Garrett's Texas TreesMacpherson, Kevin D., Landscape Painting Inside & Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio with OilsNewport, Cal, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy WorldPrice, Catherine, How to Break Up With Your Phone | Cómo cortar con tu móvilSmibert, Tony, Tate Watercolour Manual: Lessons from the Great MastersWolf, Rachel Jepsen, The Unplugged Family Activity Book: 60+ Simple Crafts and Recipes for Year-Round Fun WatchDevelopment of Painting - Tempera and OilsIntelligent TreesPainting Trees and BarkTrees | English | Español Library of ThingsBird Watching KitFirst Orchard GameLeaflettes Cakelet PanHarvest Leaves Bundt PanHarvest Mini Loaf PanOrchard GamePine Forest Bundt PanSeed LibraryThe Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game!Watercolor Brush Pens...

The Nomad Chair

Image courtesy Mauricio Rodriguez AnzaOctober 25, 2024 - February 15, 2025Jungman Neighborhood LibraryMcGovern-Stella Link Regional LibraryWalker Neighborhood LibraryYoung Neighborhood Library The Nomad Chair is a rotating exhibition featuring the designs of Mauricio Rodriguez Anza. Each location showcases a unique chair selected from a body of work spanning over 40 years. There have been noteworthy examples of architects who have delved into other artistic disciplines, particularly during the first half of the 20th century. In the manner of Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer, or Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Mauricio Rodriguez Anza has simultaneously practiced architecture, design, and art. During the last few years, he has created a version of what he considers a symbiosis between the three disciplines, which has resulted in a unique and innovative catalog of public art. Each chair corresponds to a different formal discourse; in some, the structural proposal is evident, while in others, it is suggestive or graphically manipulated. There are references to specific historical moments like Dada and Futurism. There is a reinterpretation of Mesoamerican styles that makes us think and speculate about their possible evolution had they not been interrupted by history. The Nomad Chair is a profound testament to the enduring spirit of artistic exploration and rediscovery. The architect-designer-artist reminds us that creativity is not a linear path but a continuous cycle of experimentation, where the emotional is mixed with thought and social discourse can be incorporated into a design object. CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG Kid/JuvenileClements, Gillian, The Picture History of Great BuildingsCrosbie, Michael J., Arches to Zigzags: An Architectural ABCHale, Christy, Dreaming Up: A Celebration of BuildingHeine, Florian, 13 Architects Children Should KnowO'Brien, Louise, 100 Things to Know About ArchitectureRoeder, Annette, The Power of Architecture: 25 Modern Building from Around the WorldYang, James, Charles & Ray: Designers at Play, A Story of Charles and Ray Eames Teen/Young AdultWillkens, Danielle S., Architecture for Teens: A Beginner's Book for Aspiring Architects AdultArtek and the Aaltos: Creating a Modern WorldFiller, Martin, Makers of Modern ArchitectureIjeh, Ike, The 50 Greatest Architects: The People Whose Buildings Have Shaped Our WorldMcCarter, Robert, BreuerOnce Upon a Chair: Design Beyond the IconWilk, Christopher, Marcel Breuer: Furniture and InteriorsZimmerman, Claire, Mies van der Rohe WatchAalto: Architect of EmotionsBauhaus: The Face of the 20th CenturyGraphic Design History: The Bauhaus MovementMies. Library of ThingsBuilding Site GameDiscovery Kit - Magna-tilesThe Uzzle Stack Royale Game This exhibition was created by Vivianne Falcó. ...

For Whence We Stand

Image courtesy of Priscilla T Graham October 19, 2024 - January 14, 2025The African American History Research Center at the Gregory School | Gallery For Whence We Stand is a documentary exhibit designed to create awareness, inform, educate, and stimulate learning through positive imaging and storytelling using mixed media, photography, and cinematography. The exhibit tells the story of the people fighting to preserve the cultural heritage of their community and the African American experience in Houston. Freedmen's Town, a living laboratory of African American history and life, was founded after the Civil War in 1865. The Freedmen, originally from small farms and plantations south and southwest of Houston along the Brazos River, migrated to Houston via the San Felipe Road, a significant migration route that symbolized their journey to freedom and opportunity. Many settled on the Buffalo Bayou's swampy banks, where they established their community.The Freedmen, a community of skilled stonemasons and carpenters, built their homes, businesses, churches, and even paved their streets with bricks they paid for themselves. This original settlement evolved into the economic, spiritual, and cultural heart of Houston's African American community. The self-sufficient Freedmen's Town boasted its businesses, hospital, and unique and intriguing architecture that continues to fascinate visitors today. Schools, a library, YMCA, YWCA, and various denominational churches were also part of this vibrant community. More than 95% of Houston's first African American businesses were located in Freedmen's Town, a testament to the community's entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. About Priscilla T Graham, The Visual Historical LyricistPriscilla T Graham is an American documentary photographer, author, and filmmaker who specializes in storytelling through the lens of the camera, capturing timeless moments of life. Her work is not just about capturing images, but about preserving the rich history and culture of the African American experience in Houston. It is a testament to her love for the community and her commitment to its history. JOIN USArtist Talk and Reception | Saturday, November 16, 2:30 - 4:00 PM EXPLORE THE COLLECTIONSElbert Howze Collection (MSS 0171)The Elbert Howze Collection contains newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and his “Fourth Ward” photography book. The contents of the collection primarily focuses on structures, people, and life in Fourth Ward, Houston during the 1980s.Freedmen's Town Association Collection (RG 0052)The Freedmen's Town Association Collection contains documents and published materials pertaining to the efforts of the Freedmen's Town Association in preserving the Fourth Ward from 1983 to 1986.General S. and Mary L. Johnson Collection (MSS 0129)The General S. and Mary L. Johnson Collection is reflective of Mrs. Johnson's life and career, spanning mostly through the 1920s to the 1970s. The papers include original writings, correspondence, biographical material, and newspaper clippings. Significant portions of the collection represent her time as a teacher and educator, showcase her editorial writings, and signify the Johnson's involvement with the Antioch Baptist Church in Houston. Other items in the collection include photographs and objects, such as a paddle board from Phillis Wheatley High School, a swagger stick, and school ribbons from Mrs. Johnson's time as a student at the Houston Colored High School in 1917.Ken Breisch Photographs (MSS 0187)The Ken Breisch Collection consists of 60 35mm slides showing buildings and streets in Fourth Ward Houston, Texas between 1983 and 1999. The collection includes images of Ruthven, Mathews, Andrews, and Robin Streets.Records of the Gregory School Project (RG 0008)The Records of the Gregory School Project contains records, plans, meetings, reports, and correspondence that document the collaborative process of the City of Houston, the Mayor's Office, the Houston Public Library, architects, contractors, and the surrounding community in their efforts to completely restore the building into the African American Library at the Gregory School.Reverend Jack Yates and Antioch Baptist Church Collection (MSS 0281)This collection is an assortment of church and school ephemera such as programs, memorials, yearbooks, and directories; correspondence and documents; along with historically important photographs of Reverend Jack Yates and Fourth Ward scenes and people. SUGGESTED READINGGraham, Priscilla T., 150 Years, Standing StrongNational Register of Historic Places, Freedmen's Town Historic District, Houston, TexasThe Red Book of Houston: A Compendium of Social, Professional, Religious, Educational and Industrial Interest of Houston's Colored PopulationWilliams, David A. (Editor), Bricks Without Straw: A Comprehensive History of African Americans in Texas This exhibition is partnership with Priscilla T Graham and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation. ...