Austin Pictures Spotlight: Carolyn and Marc Seriff
Carolyn and Marc Seriff have been tremendous supporters of the Austin Classical Guitar Society. They are Presenting Sponsors of Austin Pictures. We first met surrounding our multi-award-winning 2010 presentation of the GFA International Convention we called “Austin Goes Classical”, which they also sponsored.
Events in the arts like that simply do not happen without generous sponsors like Carolyn and Marc, and so I asked Marc a few questions recently to learn a bit more about these wonderful civic-minded arts patrons.
Matthew Hinsley: Tell me about you and Carolyn?
Marc Seriff: Carolyn grew up on an Indiana farm while I was actually born and raised in Austin. We met when we both worked for a company called Telenet - one of the pioneers of commercial data communications. Carolyn remained at Telenet until her retirement, while I went on to do several DC-area startups ending up as the founding CTO of AOL. We were married in 1989 and retired to Texas in 1996. We've got two sons - Dan and Jason - both of whom now live in Austin. Jason is married to Elizabeth and has a beautiful 3 year-old daughter. We spend most of our time at our home in Horseshoe Bay, although we now spend 2 or 3 days a week at our condo in downtown Austin. We spend a lot of time attending the performing arts and I'm a huge Longhorn sports fan - especially basketball.
MH: Why do you feel it's important to give back to our community?
MS: We've been incredibly lucky in our lives and do have some belief that giving back is important. In a few instances, that's the driving force behind our giving but, frankly, in most of the cases, we give because we're passionate about the causes and organizations that we give too. There's an amazing feeling when you're able to help solve a problem or create some new solution or work of art. Neither of us is particularly artistic or creative ourselves so this becomes a way we can be part of the process.
MH: You have been tremendous supporters of ACGS. We first met when you generously sponsored “Austin Goes Classical”. Why are you supporting Austin Pictures?
MS: Multiple answers to this one. The obvious answer is to provide support to some beautiful music. Beyond that, frankly, we're really supporting ACGS, rather than just Austin Pictures and there are three great reasons for that. First, collaboration between non-profit organizations is one of our hot-buttons and, first with last year's conference and now with Austin Pictures, nobody is doing a better job of that in Austin than ACGS. Second, we're both big believers in the importance of the arts as part of the educational experience. It's pretty stunning the success that ACGS has had locally with AISD and internationally with the curriculum project. Finally, we both love Austin and ACGS has, in its field, made Austin an international focal point for classical guitar.
MH: What other arts organizations or causes are you passionate about?
MS: When we first got back to Texas, we were both extremely active in non-profits in the Marble Falls area. Carolyn chaired the board of the Family Crisis Center and we both served as board members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes. For about a decade, we ran a small foundation in Marble Falls that assisted area non-profits and created some new organizations like the Family Services Center, the Highland Lakes Health Partnership and the Legacy Fund.
Now, we're both active in the arts. Carolyn, next month, will join the board of Zach Scott Theatre. I serve on the Long Center board and executive committee and the advisory board for UT's Department of Theater and Dance. We also both believe in creating sustainability for non-profits and, for that reason, I serve on the board of Austin Community Foundation and Carolyn, on the Legacy Fund board, a hill-country branch of ACF.
MH: We cannot thank you both enough, Marc. Community-based project like Austin Pictures simply wouldn’t be possible with folks like you in the community. See you there!
Austin Pictures Spotlight: The Blanton Museum of Art
The Blanton Museum of Art is a cultural treasure of Austin. On the UT campus, the gorgeous Blanton Space hosts some of the most interesting and spectacular exhibits and events in Austin’s art world and beyond.
We were just thrilled when they offered to be our visual art partner for Austin Pictures!
“Why a visual art partner?” you say? Because, in addition to presenting some incredible music on October 1st with Jorge Caballero, the Miró Quartet and Maestro Peter Bay, Austin Pictures has a strong visual art component!
Jorge Caballero will do the impossible on the guitar on October 1st. He will play a piece best-known as a symphonic work on a solo classical guitar. The piece? Modest Mussorgsky’s beloved Pictures at an Exhibition.
Mussorgsky’s masterwork has 11 musical themes. The first, and most famous, is the Promenade, which illustrates gallery goers moving through an exhibit of ten paintings – the remaining ten musical themes! We thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get visual artists involved. We commissioned 11 distinguished high school visual artists to each paint their own versions one of the 11 musical themes (meet them here)! The paintings will all be on display at Austin Pictures, and will also be the subject (along with the young artists) of a short film shown that evening.
We sat down with our friends at the Blanton to learn a bit more about this marvelous institution.
Matthew Hinsley: I cannot thank you enough for partnering with us for Austin Pictures!
The Blanton Museum of Art: The Blanton Museum of Art is proud to be a part of Austin Pictures. Not only does the event promise to provide some of the season’s most outstanding performances, but we are particularly pleased to join forces with the Austin Classical Guitar Society because their educational initiatives so closely resemble our own.
MH: We truly believe the core of our programming is about education. What kinds of programming do you have for young people?
BMOA: Like the ACGS, The Blanton is committed to providing exceptional cultural experiences for K-12 students, particularly those from underserved communities. Through our Art Central program, Story Time Tours, Holiday Family Days and other programming, we hope to impact and inspire the next generation of leaders in this community.
MH: The Blanton is always offering world-class exhibits and programs. What’s coming up?
BMOA: This fall, we are pleased to present two exhibitions that will engage young minds, as well as those from the University and greater Austin communities: We will serve as the only Southwest venue for El Anatsui: When I Last Wrote to You about Africa, a career-retrospective of the celebrated Nigeria-based artist hailed by the New York Times as an “international art star.” Also on view this fall is Storied Past: Four Centuries of French Drawings from the Blanton Museum of Art, a wonderfully rich selection that highlights the social and material history of drawing in France.
MH: Wow. Those both sound not only gorgeous, but thought-provoking, educational and richly culturally significant! Is there anything else you’d like to share?
BMOA: We congratulate the ACGS on Austin Pictures, and invite everyone to come and experience pictures “live and in person” in our galleries this fall.
MH: Thank you so much Blanton Museum of Art! And I’d like to encourage everyone to check out the Blanton’s website where you can learn more about their exhibits, their programming for young people, and so much more.
Matt Talks with Peter Bay about Austin Pictures!
I had a wonderful time sitting down to talk about Austin Pictures with Peter Bay recently. We were in the Long Center's Kodosky Lounge looking north at downtown Austin. Beautiful!
Austin Pictures: KMFA Live Broadcast, a Talk with Joan Kobayashi
For Austin Pictures, KMFA Classical 89.5 is not only a Media Sponsor, they have also joined us as a production partner to broadcast the evening live simultaneously with the show! So if it turns out you can’t come down to see the show at ACL Live on October 1st… you can still tune in your radio, or listen online, to the whole production.
This is actually not the first time we’ve played together like this. Do you remember the last time they broadcast a show live for us? It was for the opening of Austin Goes Classical last summer at the Long Center when Pepe Romero played his dazzling, sold-out show at the Long Center. What a night that was!
We love KMFA. And we wanted to sit down with KMFA’s General Manager, Joan Kobayashi, to learn a bit more about the station.
Matt Hinsley for Austin Pictures: What are some core principles or values that define KMFA?
Joan Kobayashi for KMFA: We include excellence of content, fiscal responsibility and community collaboration as some of our most important core principles. All of our principles require a constant focus on community trusteeship and stewardship. Staff, board, listeners and donors alike are all trustees and stewards of this community asset we call 89.5, KMFA – an all-classical public radio service for Austin and Central Texas. We consider the station and its resources as a trust we must preserve and enhance – and we operate with a sense of stewardship on behalf of the communities we serve, consciously working to honor the trust placed in us.
MH: Why do you feel it's important to give back to our community?
JK: We are part of, sustained by, and serve our community. Giving back is an inherent part of our mission and community responsibility. KMFA has long considered gifts in support of our station as gifts for Central Texans.
MH: Why are you supporting Austin Pictures?
JK: We feel strongly that our programming should be reflective of our community - and live broadcasts of locally based performances are the epitome of that reflection. Having successfully collaborated with the Austin Classical Guitar Society in the past, we accepted without hesitation when asked to be part of Austin Pictures. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition is described as a monumental masterpiece - so, too, is this amazing collaborative event that you - Matt Hinsley - have put together. We’re thrilled to extend its reach to as many people as possible through our broadcast!
MH: Tell me about the live broadcast you're planning?
JK: Our broadcast will begin at 7:30pm on October 1st and will be co-hosted by Dianne Donovan (KMFA mid-day announcer and Classical Austin producer) and Keith Neisler (KMFA Program Director). Content will include feature interviews with the performers before the concert and during intermissions. We will also have an online component where the performance’s multimedia images will be displayed on our website.
MH: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
JK: That we can’t wait! We particularly love working with you and the Austin Classical Guitar Society (ACGS). We’re also proud to collaborate with KUT and ACGS in presenting “Classical Cactus,” a new program that features the Austin Classical Guitar Society’s series of the same name at the Cactus Cafe. Our first program airs September 6th, and the remainder of the series will air throughout the year. More great Classically Austin programming!
Pictures Spotlight: Pisco Portón, Opening Night Dinner
We are busy planning the opening night dinner that will directly precede Austin Pictures on October 1st. Doors open for Austin Pictures at ACL Live (just north of City Hall, in the W Hotel) at 6:30PM, AV/previews begin at 7:30 and the show starts at 8. But across the street in Silicon Lab’s east building, beginning at 5:30, we’re having our opening night dinner!
Jorge Caballero, the genius guitarist who is our centerpiece guest performer for Austin Pictures, is from Peru. We learned this summer that chef Julio, head chef of our new favorite cuisine partner, La Sombra Bar and Grill, is also Peruvian! So it seemed like the perfect fit to ask La Sombra to create a Peruvian feast for opening night!
Our friends at La Sombra introduced us to Pisco Portón. These distillers of premium Peruvian Pisco are not only brilliant at what they do, but they are also very generous and community-minded. They have joined in as a sponsor of our opening night dinner. Thank you Pisco Portón!
“What is Pisco?” You ask? I thought you might! I had a conversation with the good people at Pisco Portón to learn a bit more (ooh, and there’s even a recipe below!).
Matt Hinsley: We are so grateful for your support of our opening night dinner and of our Austin Pictures project. I’m sure that I’m not alone in wanting to know more about Pisco and, specifically, Pisco Portón. Can you help?
PP: Pisco Portón is a new, ultra premium white spirit that is versatile in cocktails and offers complexity with a delicate finish when savored on its own. Born from grapes that grow in the shadows of the Andes Mountains, Pisco Portón is artisanally crafted at Hacienda La Caravedo distillery in Ica, Peru. Building on the heritage and traditions of this distillery, which was founded in 1684 and is the oldest in the Americas, Pisco Portón combines centuries-old methods with state-of-the-art and eco-friendly technology to create a “mosto verde pisco” of unmatched quality.
MH: I understand we’ll be mixing up some special Pisco Portón drinks at our opening night dinner, but could you share one of your favorite recipes with us now?
PP: Sure! This is the recipe for “The Portonero”:
2 oz. Pisco Portón
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. simple syrup
1 slice of fresh ginger
1 dash of Angostura™ bitters
Top off with ginger ale
Fresh lime wedge
Pour Pisco Portón, lime juice, simple syrup, ginger and bitters into a tall glass with ice. Top off with ginger ale. Stir ingredients and garnish with a lime wedge.
MH: We’re very grateful for your support of Austin Pictures and our opening night dinner. Why do you feel it’s important to give back to the community?
PP: Pisco Portón has a commitment to being a good neighbor and to practicing business sustainably. Pisco Portón’s new state-of-the-art distillery was built with the environment in mind, incorporating design features and technology to reduce water and energy waste, as well as carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, Pisco Portón is proud to support a number of worthy causes including Austin Pictures.
MH: I’m sure there are many great causes seeking your support. Is there something about Austin Pictures that made you want to support the project?
PP: Austin Pictures shares the best of music, film and art with its community and Pisco Portón was elated to hear you selected legendary Peruvian guitarist Jorge Caballero as the centerpiece. As a product based in Peruvian heritage and tradition, Pisco Portón is honored to be a part of Austin Pictures, creating the perfect Peruvian evening where music, cuisine and cocktails are paired together just as they would be in Peru.
MH: Are there other artistic causes you’ve supported recently, that you’re excited about?
PP: We recently sponsored Dan’s Paper Art Exhibition, an event that supports New York area artists. Although a new brand that launched this year, Pisco Portón is excited about supporting more arts organizations that do great work for their communities such as Austin Pictures.
MH: Is Pisco Portón available all over the US now?
PP: Pisco Portón is currently available in Texas, California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Louisiana, Ohio, Minnesota and South Carolina and will become available in more states very soon.
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They also sent a great shot of Master Distiller Johnny Schuler at their distillery in Hacienda La Caravedo, in Ica, Peru. Cheers!
$100 La Sombra Giveaway this Thursday!
On Thursday at noon we will give away a $100 gift card to La Sombra Bar and Grill to whoever has the most popular uploaded image on our Facebook wall! Join in the fun! Visit AustinPictures.org and follow the Facebook icon to the upload instructions. Then tell your friends to vote for your image!
Why Pictures? Our opening night at the 2,200-seat ACL Live Theater on October 1st is called Austin Pictures. The centerpiece is Jorge Caballero doing the near-impossible: playing the 40-minute orchestral masterwork Pictures at an Exhibition on solo guitar. By now you’ve read about Peter Bay and the Miro Quartet and the 100+ guitarists from over 1,000 miles away. Today we’d like to talk a bit about the 11 distinguished young visual artists who are also participating.
The music of Pictures at an Exhibition has 11 evocative themes based on images. We have commissioned 11 distinguished young visual artists from area high schools to each paint one of the 11 themes on 20”x24” canvases. Meet the artists now, by visiting Austin Pictures online! These young artists have been asked to study and listen to the music by Mussorgsky that relates to their theme, and paint a work of art in response to it. In that way, we’ve brought the art-work full circle, since Pictures at an Exhibition was originally composed in response to drawings – we’re doing the reverse!
We want your pictures involved too! The images posted to Facebook in the next 8 weeks will not only be eligible for awesome prizes, but they will also be woven into the fabric of the fabulous AV we’re planning in conjunction with our friends at the Alamo Drafthouse. We look forward to your participation.
La Sombra Bar and Grill. More than a thousand of you experienced the fabulous food of La Sombra Bar and Grill this summer during our Pasión Latin Series. Our fun with La Sombra continues! Not only are they generously donating the $100 gift card we’ll give away this Thursday, but they are also preparing the Opening Night Dinner hosted by Silicon Labs, before Austin Pictures on the evening of October 1st! Since Chef Julio is originally from Peru, and so is Jorge Caballero, we decided to ask the Chef to make an amazing multi-course Peruvian feast! Info about the dinner is online here.