CCMH Annual Czech Spring Festival 2024

Get ready for our annual Czech Spring Festival, where we celebrate the sights, sounds, and flavors of springtime traditions in the Czech and Slovak Republics.

Enjoy: 👇
🎶 Live music to get your body moving
🎨 Face painting and a caricature artist to capture your excitement!
📸 Photo booth for those must-have spring day memories.
🌭 Redneck Czechs Deli will be serving up delicious eats to fuel your day, while games
🌻🌷 and flower crowns keep the little ones entertained!

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

• Chris Rybak Band | 12-4 PM

• Texas Czech-Slovak Queen presentations | 1 PM

• Maypole dance | 2 PM

• Puppet Show | 3 PM

• Kolache Eating Contest | 4 PM

👑 Featuring CHS Texas Czech-Slovak Queens and Royalty

🪷 Destiny Hollingsworth, Miss Czech-Slovak US Queen 2023-2024

💐 Kyla Jupe, CHS Miss Bexar County Czech-Slovak Queen 2024-2025

🌺 Khloe Haygood, CHS Bexar County Czech-Slovak Little Princess 2024-2025

🪻 Allison Pustejovsky, CHS Miss McLennan-Hill Junior Queen 2024-2025

🌼 Karson Haygood, McLennan-Hill Czech-Slovak King 2024-2025

🪗 and Chris Rybak

April 20, 2024

Milan Kundera Book Club Discusses The Unbearable Lightness of Being

Please join us for a series of events exploring the work of Milan Kundera (1929-2023), the Czech writer whose books became an international phenomenon. During the Soviet domination of Czechoslovakia, Kundera reminded the world of his native country’s central place in European culture. Kundera was also drawn to the imagination of France, where he settled in 1975. The cultural form that preoccupied Kundera was the novel. He leaned into its skepticism and comedy to contemplate societies distorted by ideology and vacuousness.

Robert Cremins and Dan Price from the Honors College at the University of Houston will lead us in a discussion of The Unbearable Lightness of Being, a best-seller that became a popular film. They will be in conversation with Houston author and physician Ricardo Nuila from the Humanities Expression and Arts Lab (HEAL) at Baylor College of Medicine.

DACAMERA Young Artists will perform music from Beethoven’s late String Quartet in F Major, Op. 135, prominently referenced in the novel.

In September we will meet to consider The Book of Laughter and Forgetting, which back in late 1980 The New York Times called “the most original book of the season.”

April 16, 2024

Jazz Night 2024: Sparky's Jazz Express

Sparky’s Jazz Express charmed attendees at the CCMH on March 28, 2024 with their salute to jazz music from Czechoslovakia! Members of the public were able to unwind and enjoy a memorable night out while indulging in the cozy ambiance of the Brno Gallery, savoring refreshing beverages, and the entertainment of live music.

Sparky’s Jazz Express has several talented members such as Tom Borling on piano, Steve Montgomery on bass, Ben Atkinson on drums, and Sparky Koener on the trumpet and flugelhorn.

Sparky Koerner, the leader of Sparky’s Jazz Express is also in another ensemble called “The Galvanized Brass”. He recently retired after 40 years of being the Director of Instrumental Music/Jazz Studies at College of the Mainland in Texas City. Sparky had also served as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at COM and continues to direct the COM Community Jazz Ensemble as a Lifelong Learning Class. He also recently retired as principal trumpeter with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra.

Collector's Eye on Czech Photography

Members of the public were able to join Frazier King for a free public tour exploring the remarkable works of art showcasing the poetry, creativity, and humor of Czech photography. Czech and Slovak photography from those who have presented at FotoFest since 1990 was on display. Insight was provided to attendees about the artworks on display by King, and they were able to take advantage of such an incredible opportunity to learn about the tradition of Czech photography and get an exclusive look at works from Houston’s art enthusiasts. After the public tour, King offered a book signing of “The Collector’s Eye - A Photographer’s View of His Contemporaries”. This event took place on March 26, 2024.

As for Frazier King, he’s a photographer, collector, and curator living and working in Houston. For over the last 25 years, he has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, and Belgium. His work is in the collections of several individuals as well as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Harry Ransom Center in Austin, George Eastman House in Rochester, New York, Bibliotheque nationale de France in Paris, France, and the Museu de Arte Moderna, in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Frazier King has been a collector since the 1990s. His collection was shown by FotoFest in 2012 in “The Collector’s Eye II” exhibition. Subsequently, he produced in conjunction with FotoFest and Schilt Publishing a book entitled “The Collector’s Eye—A Photographer’s View of His Contemporaries”. During his 15 years serving as a member of the board of directors of HCP, King curated or co-curated exhibitions and participated as a reviewer in photography portfolio review events around the world.

FotoFest 2024 Artist Reception

Join the Czech Center Museum Houston on Wednesday, March 20, from 6–8 PM to celebrate this year’s FotoFest Biennial Participating Spaces exhibition Czechs, Collected: Czech and Slovak photographers in Houston’s private collections and at FotoFest since 1990. Meet and mingle with the artists, curator, and team behind the special exhibition, and immerse yourself in the world of Czech photography. 

The Artist Reception will be held at the CCMH, with an introduction by FotoFest co-founder Wendy Watriss and FotoFest executive director Steven Evans. Complimentary valet parking is available to CCMH guests. This event is FREE and open to the public. Enjoy light refreshments and see images that have inspired Houston collectors over the last 30 years.

March 20, 2024

Czech and Slovak Hockey Game

On March 2, 2024, Houston’s annual Czech and Slovak hockey match took place!

Další ročník CZ&SK bruslení a hokejového zápasu Česko-Slovensko All Star Team proti Zbytku Světa je tu!

Začneme hodinou bruslení (2 - 3 pm), bude následovat krátká pauza a po ní to nejdůležitější - hokejový zápas!! Pokud nebruslíte, přijďte aspoň fandit. Budeme mít určitě něco na zahřátí!
Po skončení hokejového zápasu se, stejně jako loni, přesuneme do nějaké občerstvovny na pivo.

First there was a free skating period for those who were interested in participating. This was followed by a short break and then the hockey game! Attendees who did not participate were encouraged to cheer. After the match, like in previous years, attendees then followed up the event with some beer.

Movie Screening: The Investigator

On February 7, 2024, the Czech Center Museum Houston presented a screening of a documentary film by director Viktor Portel - which was then followed by a discussion with Dr. Lora Wildenthal, the John Anthony Weir Professor of History at Rice University.

The Investigator presents the moving story of Vladimir Dzuro - who was the first Czech investigator for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. Throughout the screening, he confronted the haunting legacy of war crimes, witnessed the impact on victims’ families, conflicting nations, and Vladimir Dzuro himself.

Regarding Lora Wildenthal, she is the John Anthony Weir Professor of History at Rice University. She has taught the history of human rights since the late 1990s, and currently she’s the Director of the Center for the Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality at Rice University. She has authored The Language of Human Rights in West Germany - which was then published with the University of Pennsylvania Press. She has also co-edited the Routledge History of Human Rights along with several other projects and publications.

Masopust: Potluck a Maskarni Ples 2024

On February 3, 2024, Houston’s Czech and Slovak communities were invited for a Masopust and Masquerade Ball!

Občerstvení formou potluck. Víno & pivo bude k zakoupení opět přímo na místě, stejně tak jako uzené výrobky. Zábava pro malé i velké - kostýmy, hry pro děti (i dospělé) - skákání v pytlích, běh s vajíčkem na lžíci atd. Crafts, soutěž v jezení koláčů. A samozřejmě české a slovenské písničky, můžeme i tancovat!

Refreshments were in the form of a potluck. There were also plenty of opportunities for people of any age to have fun - such as games for children and adults, a cake eating competition, singing Czech and Slovak songs, and dancing in costume.

Czech-American TV Screening (Copy)

On January 17, 2024, Czech-American TV presented its original, high-quality reports and documentaries about Czech culture, traditions, cuisine, etc., at the CCMH! The video presentation was introduced by Czech-American TV founder and producer John Honner, as well as marketing director Joe Mraz.

Czech-American TV, also known as CATVusa, is a non-profit volunteer project created by Czech-American John Honner. He decided 20 years ago to begin promoting the Czech Republic in his new home country of the United States of America. He received much support and many donations from not only in the USA, but from Czech universities and institutions as well.

CATVusa has been promoting the Czech Republic - especially in English-speaking countries through the presentation of half-hour shows. They have been airing weekly shows on cable TV in Illinois for over 20 years, and now broadcast in Florida, Oregon, and Texas - where the shows are watched by almost 6 million people across those states. Along with cable broadcasting (HMS-TV Comcast Channel 17, At&T U-Verse Ch 99, Sudden Link Ch 99, Phonoscope Ch 96, all in the Houston City Limits), the programs can also be accessed via the Internet - which is utilized by over 100,000 viewers across the world - mostly in Canada, Australia, England, and Germany.

The broadcasts that take place inform viewers about stunning and interesting places in the Czech Republic as well as teach them about Czech history, folklore, cuisine, fashion, products, regions, cities, monuments, etc.

Second Saturday for Students 2024

January 13, 2024

February 10, 2024

March 9, 2024

April 13, 2024

May 11, 2024

June 8, 2024

July 13, 2024

August 10, 2024

September 14, 2024

October 12, 2024

November 9, 2024

Vánoční Večírek

Rok se s rokem sešel a my máme štestí, že za našimi česýymi a slovenskými dětmi opět přiletí až z Gerlachovského Štítu svatý Mikuláš v doprovodu anděla a čerta! Samozřejmě ani dospěláci nepřijdou zkrátka - jídla, pití a zábavy bude spousta, jako vždy!

Můžete se těšit na aktivity pro děti (tvoření, omalovánky, zdobení perníčků atd.), vánoční písničky a samozřejmě setkání s celou česko-slovenskou komunitou.

Tak jako pokaždé bude občerstvení formou potlucku.

Tak, jako minulý rok, bude na místě možné zakoupit pivo, víno, svařák a kafíčko a dále také klobásy, spišskě párky, vinně klobásy s výborným chlebíkem!

December 2023

Memorial Service for James E. Ermis

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, members of the community came together to attend a memorial service in honor of founding board member James E. Ermis.

James was born September 26, 1935 in Beaumont, Texas and passed away peacefully at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston on November 10, 2023 after a lengthy illness. James was preceded in death by his wife of almost 60 years Danna Hopson Ermis, his mother Agnes Miculka Ermis, father Ladimer Edward Ermis and sister Virginia Ermis Harper. James is survived by his niece Linda Ellis, nephew Purvis Harper (Lynn Harper), great nieces Petria Christine Ellis, Shannon Harper Boyer (Danny Boyer), Lauren Harper Lorensen (Adam Lorensen), and great nephews Eric Wayne Ellis and Blake Allen Harper (Ashley Harper), brother-in-law Clyde Hopson, god-daughter Erin Swearingen and many additional family and friends.

James graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont, attended Texas A&M University, and graduated from Lamar University in 1959.  After graduation, James worked for Tenneco Oil and then Wing Oil Corporation as its treasurer from 1968-1998.  James loved bowling, worked part time at a bowling alley and even considered becoming a professional bowler at one time.

James and Danna lived in Houston in the early years of their marriage and then relocated to Spring, Texas where he remained until the death of his beloved wife Danna. At that time James moved to Kingwood to be close to his sister Virgie Harper, her children, and grandchildren. James was a faithful member of Kingwood Methodist Church and the Apostles Sunday School class.

James and Danna enjoyed many hobbies including jewelry making and ceramics of which family and friends were often the grateful recipients of their creativity.  James and Danna also loved traveling and often visited the Texas Hill Country, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma to visit Danna’s family homestead and to Czechoslovakia, James’ family homeland.

James was a founding board member, former treasurer, dedicated volunteer, and enthusiastic advocate for the Czech Center Museum in Houston. James and Danna’s personal collection of Czech porcelain and crystal is on display at the museum. James was extremely proud of his Czech heritage and worked tirelessly to promote the interests and reputation of the Czech Center Museum in the vibrant Houston Museum district.

Members Preview Night

On Friday, December 1, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, CCMH members and friends were invited to preview the annual fundraising auction items.

During the event, attendees were able to enjoy holiday tunes from local musicians, explore the galleries and exhibitions on all three levels - including our special exhibits Leaving Czechoslovakia and Guts & Glory. They also indulged in light refreshments and sweet treats, browsed the gift shop, and took pictures to capture special festive moments!

Annual Holiday Auction

Members of the general public were invited to help support one of CCMH’s largest annual fundraisers for a great cause! The annual online holiday auction aided in the CCMH”s mission and contributed to the preservation of Czech heritage, culture, and history.

Individuals had the option to bid on various exclusive handpicked items such as art pieces and vintage finds on the online auction platform from November 23, 2023 at 12:00 AM to December 7, 2023 at 11:59 PM where new items were added every day.

Thank you to CCMH’s sponsors for helping make this event successful!

Czech Heritage Month Concert

In honor of Czech Heritage Month, October 26, 2023, members of the general public were captivated by performances by the Apollo Chamber Players, along with special guests Lauren Spaulding - who played viola, and Norman Fischer - Professor of Cello at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. The talented musicians performed music by Czech composer Antonín Dvorák - headlined by his folk-inspired Spring Sextet.

The members of the Apollo Chamber Players include: violinists Anabel Ramirez Detrick and Matthew J. Detrick, violist Aria Cheregosha, and cellist Matthew Dudzik. The Apollo Chamber Players is based in Houston, and the members pride themselves in performing with liveliness and rearranging music for a diverse generation through globally-inspired programming and multicultural new commissions. They were the recipient of Chamber Music America’s prestigious Residency Partnership award and have performed for sold-out audiences at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center. The ensemble is frequently featured on American Public Media’s nationally syndicated program Performance Today.

Lauren Spaulding has established herself as a rising genre-defying soloist and chamber musician through her Instagram account (@MonochromeViola). She’s a Texas native and studied under the teachings of Professor Peter Slowik at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music as well as under Roger Tapping of the Julliard string quartet. Lauren Spaulding’s dedication to social advocacy was able to get her the privilege of performing at the White House in 2012. As a “Champion of Change”, President Obama recognized her for her contributions in utilizing music as a catalyst for positive social transformation.

Norman Fischer has performed in concerts in five different continents and in 49 of the 50 states in the U.S. He was the cellist with the Concord String Quartet during its 16-year career, and was the winner of the Naumburg Chamber Music Award, received two Grammy nominations along with an Emmy award. Norman Fischer is currently Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Cello and Director of Chamber Music at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston.

Czech Center Museum Houston would like to thank Diana Austin, Rev. Paul Chovanec, Adelma Graham, Sharon Schweitzer J.D., Valerie Sheppard, and William and Marie Vavrik for generously supporting our Czech Heritage Month programs.