Resources

At SOLEL International, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge and tools. Our Resources section is designed to provide valuable information and guidance across various areas relevant to our mission. Whether you're an artist, a community leader, or simply interested in learning more about arts, culture, and community development, you'll find useful resources here.

At SOLEL International, we believe in empowering our community with knowledge and tools. Our Resources section is designed to provide valuable information and guidance across various areas relevant to our mission. Whether you're an artist, a community leader, or simply interested in learning more about arts, culture, and community development, you'll find useful resources here.

A. Community Resource Directory

Our Community Resource Directory is a comprehensive guide to local organizations and institutions that support arts, culture, and community development.

Local Arts Organizations

  • Houston Arts Alliance: Information on grants, events, and public art opportunities

  • Project Row Houses: Community-based arts and culture organization in the Third Ward

  • DiverseWorks: Contemporary art center offering exhibitions and artist residencies

  • Art League Houston: Nonprofit art school and gallery

Cultural Institutions

  • Houston Museum District: Guide to 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius

  • Houston Theater District: Information on major performing arts venues

  • Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA): Youth arts education and cultural programs

  • Asia Society Texas Center: Programs promoting understanding of Asian cultures

Support Services for Artists

  • Fresh Arts: Professional development and resources for artists

  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Residencies and exhibitions for craft artists

  • Writers in the Schools (WITS): Opportunities for writers to work in educational settings

  • Texas Commission on the Arts: State-level grants and resources for artists

B. Educational Materials

We've curated a collection of educational resources to support artists, educators, and lifelong learners.

Art Technique Guides

  • "Fundamentals of Drawing": A step-by-step guide to improve drawing skills

  • "Color Theory for Painters": Understanding and applying color in visual arts

  • "Digital Art Basics": Introduction to creating art using digital tools

  • "Sculpture Techniques": Guide to various sculpting methods and materials

Cultural History Resources

  • "Houston's Cultural Heritage": An overview of the city's diverse cultural influences

  • "African American Art History": Exploring the contributions of Black artists in America

  • "Latino Arts in Texas": A guide to the rich tradition of Latino arts in the state

  • "Indigenous Art of the Gulf Coast": Highlighting Native American artistic traditions

Technology in Art Tutorials

  • "Introduction to Digital Photography": Basics of composition and camera settings

  • "3D Modeling for Artists": Guide to creating 3D art using software like Blender

  • "Video Editing Fundamentals": Techniques for creating and editing video art

  • "Sound Art and Audio Production": Exploring the intersection of sound and visual art

C. Disaster Preparedness Guides

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for community resilience. Our guides help individuals and communities plan for various scenarios.

Personal Preparedness Checklists

  • "72-Hour Emergency Kit": List of essential items for short-term emergencies

  • "Family Communication Plan": Template for creating a family emergency contact plan

  • "Home Safety Checklist": Guide to making your home safer in various emergencies

  • "Financial Preparedness": Tips for protecting important documents and financial information

Community Response Plans

  • "Neighborhood Emergency Response Team": Guide to forming and training a local response team

  • "Community Shelter Planning": Steps for identifying and setting up emergency shelters

  • "Vulnerable Population Support": Strategies for assisting elderly, disabled, or non-English speaking community members

  • "Post-Disaster Recovery Planning": Long-term community recovery strategies

Art Preservation in Emergencies

  • "Protecting Artwork from Natural Disasters": Tips for safeguarding various types of art

  • "Emergency Conservation Techniques": Basic methods for preserving damaged artworks

  • "Digitization for Preservation": Guide to creating digital backups of important cultural artifacts

  • "Disaster Response for Cultural Institutions": Steps for museums and galleries to protect collections

D. Artist Resources

We're committed to supporting artists in all aspects of their careers. These resources provide practical guidance for professional development.

Grant Writing Tips

  • "Finding the Right Grant": Guide to researching and identifying suitable grant opportunities

  • "Crafting a Compelling Narrative": Tips for writing effective grant proposals

  • "Budget Development for Artists": How to create realistic and compliant project budgets

  • "Post-Grant Reporting": Best practices for grant management and reporting

Portfolio Development Guides

  • "Curating Your Best Work": Strategies for selecting and organizing portfolio pieces

  • "Digital Portfolio Platforms": Review of online portfolio hosting options

  • "Artist Statements That Stand Out": Tips for writing impactful artist statements

  • "Tailoring Portfolios for Different Opportunities": Adapting your portfolio for various submissions

Marketing for Artists

  • "Social Media Strategies for Artists": Leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok

  • "Building Your Artist Website": Guide to creating an effective online presence

  • "Networking in the Art World": Tips for building professional relationships

  • "Pricing Your Artwork": Strategies for setting fair and competitive prices

E. Cultural Preservation Toolkits

Preserving cultural heritage is a key part of our mission. These toolkits provide guidance on various aspects of cultural preservation.

Oral History Collection Guide

  • "Planning an Oral History Project": Steps to set up a successful oral history initiative

  • "Interview Techniques": Best practices for conducting oral history interviews

  • "Recording Equipment Guide": Recommendations for audio and video recording tools

  • "Ethical Considerations in Oral History": Guidelines for respectful and responsible practices

Digital Archiving Best Practices

  • "Digitization Standards": Technical specifications for various types of materials

  • "Metadata Creation": Guide to creating effective metadata for digital archives

  • "Digital Storage Solutions": Options for secure, long-term digital preservation

  • "Access and Rights Management": Balancing preservation with public access

Community Engagement Strategies

  • "Identifying Cultural Assets": Methods for community cultural mapping

  • "Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer": Strategies for passing down cultural knowledge

  • "Cultural Events Planning": Guide to organizing community cultural celebrations

  • "Collaborative Preservation Projects": Involving the community in preservation efforts

F. Augmented Reality Technology Information

As pioneers in using AR for public art, we're excited to share resources on this innovative technology.

AR Basics for Artists

  • "Introduction to Augmented Reality": Understanding the fundamentals of AR technology

  • "AR vs. VR vs. Mixed Reality": Comparing different immersive technologies

  • "AR in the Creative Process": How artists can incorporate AR into their work

  • "Ethical Considerations in AR Art": Addressing privacy and accessibility concerns

Tools and Software Recommendations

  • "Mobile AR Apps for Artists": User-friendly AR creation tools for smartphones

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Case Studies of AR in Public Art

  • "SOLEL's Independence Heights AR Mural": Behind the scenes of our first AR mural project

  • "Global AR Public Art Initiatives": Showcasing innovative AR projects worldwide

  • "AR for Historical Preservation": Using AR to bring historical sites to life

  • "Interactive AR Sculptures": Exploring the intersection of physical and digital art

Complete Emergency Contact List for Hurricane Scenarios in Harris County

During a hurricane event in Harris County, the following emergency contacts are crucial for various situations you might encounter. This comprehensive list includes contacts for emergency services, government offices, transportation, veterans' resources, community organizations, and more. Keep this list easily accessible and consider creating a physical copy in case of power outages or cell phone battery depletion.

Immediate Emergency

In any life-threatening situation, always call 911 first. This number connects you to Emergency Services including Police, Fire, and Ambulance. Use this for immediate life-threatening emergencies, such as injuries, rescues, or imminent danger.

County and City Emergency Management

  1. Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management: (713) 881-3100 Call this number for county-wide emergency operations, evacuation orders, and local shelter information.

  2. Houston Office of Emergency Management: (713) 884-4500 Use this contact for city-specific emergency information, local road closures, and city shelter locations.

  3. Ready Harris (Emergency Notifications): Sign up at readyharris.org Register here to receive real-time emergency alerts and updates specific to Harris County.

Harris County Government

  1. Harris County Judge's Office: (713) 274-7000 Contact for county-wide emergency declarations and policy decisions.

  2. Harris County Commissioners Court:

    • Precinct 1: (713) 274-1000

    • Precinct 2: (713) 755-6220

    • Precinct 3: (713) 755-6306

    • Precinct 4: (713) 755-6444 Call your precinct's office for localized emergency response and recovery efforts in your specific area.

  3. Harris County Public Health: (713) 439-6000 Contact for public health concerns related to the hurricane, such as water safety and disease prevention.

Weather and Flood Information

  1. National Weather Service Houston/Galveston: (281) 337-5074 Call for detailed, local weather forecasts and hurricane tracking information.

  2. Harris County Flood Control District: (713) 684-4000 Use this number for information on flood risks, bayou levels, and flood control measures.

Transportation

  1. Texas Department of Transportation: (800) 452-9292 Contact for updates on major road closures and conditions.

  2. Houston Public Works: (713) 837-0600 Call for information on local road conditions, debris removal, and infrastructure damage.

  3. Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO): (713) 635-4000 Use this number for updates on public transportation services during the emergency.

  4. Union Pacific Railroad Emergency Hotline: 1-800-848-8715 Call to report emergency situations on or near Union Pacific railroad tracks.

  5. BNSF Railway Emergency Hotline: 1-800-832-5452 Contact for emergencies involving BNSF railway operations.

Utilities

  1. CenterPoint Energy (Gas Leaks & Electric Outages): (713) 207-2222 Call to report power outages or gas leaks resulting from the hurricane.

  2. City of Houston Water: 311 or (713) 837-0311 Use this number to report water main breaks or sewage issues caused by the storm.

Federal Assistance

  1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): 1-800-621-3362 Contact for information on federal disaster assistance programs and how to apply for aid.

Veterans' Resources

  1. VA Houston Regional Office: 1-800-827-1000 Veterans can call this number for information about VA benefits and services during the emergency.

  2. Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center: (713) 791-1414 Contact for veterans needing emergency medical care or prescription refills.

  3. Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) Call if you're a veteran experiencing mental health crises during the emergency.

Health and Human Services

  1. Texas/United Way 211: 211 Use this number for information on general assistance, including food, shelter, and health services.

  2. Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 Call for immediate crisis counseling related to the disaster.

Animal-Related Emergencies

  1. SPCA of Texas: (713) 869-7722 Contact for animal rescue needs or information on pet-friendly shelters.

  2. Houston Humane Society: (713) 433-6421 Call for animal welfare concerns and pet evacuation assistance.

Additional Resources

  1. American Red Cross Greater Houston: (713) 526-8300 Use this number for information on emergency shelters, relief efforts, and volunteer opportunities.

  2. Salvation Army of Greater Houston: (713) 752-0677 Contact for emergency shelter, food, and other basic needs during the disaster.

  3. Houston Food Bank: (713) 223-3700 Call for information on emergency food distribution sites.

Coast Guard

  1. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston: (281) 464-4851 Contact for maritime emergencies and search and rescue operations.

Community-Level Resources

  1. Houston Super Neighborhoods Super Neighborhoods can provide localized information and coordinate community-level response efforts. To find your Super Neighborhood and its leadership contacts, visit the City of Houston Planning & Development Department website at www.houstontx.gov/planning/Neighborhood/super_neighborhoods.html.

  2. Civic Clubs and Homeowners Associations These local organizations often have emergency plans and can provide neighborhood-specific information. Check your neighborhood's website or social media pages for contact information. If unavailable, contact the City of Houston's Department of Neighborhoods at 311 or (713) 837-0311 for assistance in connecting with your local civic club.

  3. Houston Department of Neighborhoods: 311 or (713) 837-0311 Call this number for information on local civic clubs and community organizations in your area.

Additional Community Resources

  1. Houston Community ToolBank: (713) 674-0262 Contact for tools and equipment to help with disaster response and recovery efforts.

  2. Neighborhood Centers Inc.: (713) 667-9400 Call for various community services and information on local resources during emergencies.

  3. Houston Volunteer Lawyers: (713) 228-0735 Contact for free legal services to low-income individuals, including assistance with disaster-related legal issues.

  4. Texas Gulf Coast Regional Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): www.txgulfcoastvoad.org Visit their website for current contact information and resources. VOAD coordinates between various volunteer organizations during disasters.

Remember, this list should be used for non-immediate emergencies, information gathering, and recovery assistance during and after a hurricane event. For the most up-to-date information on your specific Super Neighborhood or civic club, it's recommended to attend local community meetings before hurricane season, follow their social media pages, and register for any available community-specific alert systems they may offer.

During an emergency, these local community organizations can often provide the most relevant and timely information for your specific area within Harris County. Stay safe and be prepared!