IU Welcomes Guide Buddy

Remember the last time you planned a vacation? Wasn’t it a hassle going through all those forums and guide books? Ever wondered how you could get access to all the unique knowledge about what to do and where to go in a new place without all the trouble? Our friends at Guide Buddy wondered that very thing.

Guide Buddy founders, Saurav, Mani and Cesar, met over the course of the 3 Day Startup entrepreneurship event held at Texas A&M University. They spent two sleepless nights coding and drinking red bull, brainstorming about an online platform that would connect travelers with locals around the world. Being lovers of travel themselves, they were all too familiar with the fear, frustration and complication that goes hand-in-hand with visiting new destinations.

Saurav and Mani spreading the word about Guide Buddy in Austin, TX

We became acquainted with the Guide Buddy team at the same Startup competition, and after watching them slave away for days, and learning about Guide Buddy’s vision for creating an international community for travelers, we wanted to make sure that this great project became a reality. We are excited to welcome Guide Buddy as the newest member of the Innovation Underground and are looking forward to supporting this rapidly growing platform.

Want to get involved? Within just 2 weeks of launching the alpha version, the website has Buddies available in Washington DC, San Francisco, College Station, Austin, New York and even New Delhi, India! Join the global network today by becoming a Buddy or booking a Buddy to show you around on your next adventure.

Happy Traveling! https://guidebuddy.me/

Beautiful Opens New Group Home

It’s been over a quarter of a century since Phil Haas, founder of Beautiful Abilities, embarked on a journey of service that would ultimately lead him to found his ground-breaking non-profit. Beautiful Abilities’ goal is the same as the day Phil got started – to advocate for the intellectually disabled and provide them with opportunities once thought incompatible with their challenging situations. Phil and his team glean inspiration from the belief that “each person is created by God with beauty, value and purpose.”

It is this belief that motivates Phil to continue to tirelessly serve those with intellectual disabilities. According to Phil, “the name ‘Beautiful Abilities’ signifies the overall philosophy of achieving dreams by focusing on supporting abilities instead of a serving a disability.” In this way, Beautiful Abilities represents a radical contrast to the generally accepted ways of treating and interacting with people with disabilities. Haas and his team are aware of the very real challenges that intellectual disabilities pose, but instead choose to focus their attention on abilities rather than disabilities.

One way Beautiful Abilities encourages individuals to achieve their highest potential is through providing a one of a kind living situation. Beautiful Abilities’ group living homes give residents a high level of autonomy and puts them in a position to learn valuable life skills. By giving them a place to live in a community of peers, Beautiful Abilities creates an environment where “each individual is engaged, loved and appreciated for his or her God-given gifts.”

Recently Beautiful Abilities had the pleasure of dedicating their newest Home and Community Services (HCS) house in Bryan. The dedication marks a huge milestone in Beautiful Abilities’ mission to help individuals with intellectual disabilities reach their potential. What is most important about these communal living spaces is that they are “more than a house and a service – they are a home where each housemate becomes a part of an extended family.” In a world that routinely undervalues and disenfranchises individuals with disabilities, Haas and his team are giving those in HCS homes something invaluable – a place that is all their own; a place where they are recognized for what they can do instead of being stigmatized for what they can’t.

If you are interested in volunteering with Beautiful Abilities, visit their website to learn more.

Bryan City Council Tours the IU

Special thanks to Bryan City Council for visiting the Innovation Underground yesterday. We are fortunate to have such wonderful partners. We look forward to many more visits.

Bryan City Council Visits the Innovation Underground

The Innovation Underground Welcomes the SEAD Academy!

Last week we kicked off our first ever SEAD Academy classes, and if the smiles on the faces our inaugural students were any indication, they were a hit. Classes this summer are being led by local artist, Le Hale. As I stepped into the room to see what was underway, I could sense that I had crossed a threshold. I was no longer in the basement of the old Federal Building. No, I had entered another world entirely, full of energy and enthusiasm from both Le and the kids.

Le explained to me that they were wrapping up some projects and beginning to move on to their next skill. All around the room, careful hands were applying broad strokes of color to canvases. These broad strokes are a technique used in “painterly” style paintings. The term “painterly” references a style of painting where paint is applied in such a way that each brush stroke is visible to the eye. The intention of this technique, Hale reminds her little artists, “is to let the viewer’s eye do the work.” Though “painterly” may not be a term many are familiar with, the style of painting is closely associated with “impressionist” painting, which focuses more on capturing the essence of something rather than attempting to recreate it.

Van Gogh is considered by many the father of the painterly style for his use of the technique in works such as “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.” As I browse their workspace, many of the children are working intently on their versions of floral themed still-life painterly pieces. Hale instructs the children to remember: “the trick is to keep from mixing the paints too much – you want each layer of color to dry before adding another one.”

Le’s direction does not fall on deaf ears. It is often said that “children are sponges” and this group is no different. As I circled the room one last time, I am impressed with how deftly they are applying their newly acquired skills. Admiring their work, I couldn’t help but muse that some day in the not so distant future – one of these kids might be a featured artist in a gallery like SEAD’s.

 

IU Hosts Distinguished Visitors from the National Academy of Sciences and Texas A&M’s Visualization Department

Innovation Undergound recently had the pleasure of giving a tour of our facilities to Carol LaFayette, Associate Professor in the Department of Visualization at Texas A&M University and her guest JD Talasek, Director of Cultural Programs for the NAS. Both Carol and JD have made a living out of exploring the relationship between visual culture and other disciplines such as science and medicine. Talasek pursued the arts in his higher education career, receiving an M.F.A. in Studio Arts from the University of Delaware, an M.A. in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, and a B.S. in Photography from East Texas State University” (Wright State University Website). In his time with the NAS, Talasek has begun to focus more on the interconnections between art and the various disciplines of science.

Some of Talasek’s other work includes exhibitions such as the National Academy of Sciences, Visionary Anatomies, which toured through the Smithsonian Institution in 2004 through 2006; Absorption + Transmission: Work by Mike and Doug Starn; The Tao of Physics: Photographs by Arthur Tress; and Cycloids: Paintings by Michael Schultheis.

Likewise, Carol LaFayette is no stranger to the national art scene. She has had collections at the Museum of Modern Art, New Museum of Contemporary Art, The J. Paul Getty Museum, and Microcinema International.” To say that these two are leaders in their respective fields would be an understatement – pioneers would be more accurate.

While touring the Innovation Underground, JD and Carol also had the chance to see the SEAD Gallery, which seeks to explore the relationships between Science, Engineering, Art and Design. Currently, SEAD is expanding their scope with its summer SEAD Academy classes, which provide kids ages K-12 instruction from local artist, Le Hale, giving them an outlet for creative expression. For more design-minded children, SEAD Academy will be offering a week-long experience in July called Camp Innovation. Kids in attendance will have the opportunity to explore the SEAD disciplines through robotics, creative writing, and urban farming.

These classes are just a small part of what SEAD is doing to strengthen the bonds between the disciplines of Science, Engineering, Art and Design. With JD and Carol’s extensive experience in this budding field, we look forward to the continued exchange of ideas with these valuable partners and to the continued growth of SEAD both in the US and internationally.

 

Kopecky Family Band visits the IU

Recently we had some acclaimed visitors tour the Innovation Underground. You may recognize them from their hand-clapping, foot-tapping good performance on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Or you may have been one of the many people who endured the Texas heat to see them at Free Press Summer Fest.

Yes, that IS Kopecky Family Band. No they aren’t literally a family, but you wouldn’t know it from spending time with them. This down-to-earth group of friends have grown closer than most families over the years. What binds them is not a shared last name, but the shared passion of creating music. Later in the evening at Grand Stafford Theater, Kelsey, the band’s female vocalist, would share with the intimate crowd that she and her band mates make music to “bring people together.” That’s a cause we can relate to here at Innovation Underground.

While, we don’t do it with soaring choruses or honest to God heartfelt lyrics, we most definitely seek to “bring people together.” Musicians. Programmers. Graphic designers. Artists. Non-profit pioneers. Photographers. We look for any and all who are driven by a passion to create and forge new paths. As a private business incubator, Innovation Underground has the freedom to hand-pick our “clients,” although, we prefer to think of them as co-partners in the development of a community of inspired thinkers and creators.

One of the benefits of our diverse range of resident-businesses is the opportunity it creates for collaboration and cooperation. We believe that through the sharing of ideas and talents, a better product emerges than when those products are developed in isolation. While it is true that Innovation Underground provides a service to our incubated businesses, they also provide a service to one another – the service of inspiration. At IU, we are not just a business incubator, but a facilitator of a culture of innovation. We are not here merely to provide a physical space, but also to infuse that space with as much creativity as possible.

This creativity is manifested in the people who have chosen to use our space as a launching point for their business. And it IS a launching point. Our greatest desire is to see a business outgrow their space here. While it’s bittersweet to see old friends move on, the beauty of it is that as they do, they create space for new businesses to take their place. It’s not long before the void left behind will explode with life and energy from new ideas and new faces. And that energy is what sustains us. That is why we do what we do.

Advent GX Welcomes Cassidy Barton as Director of Community Development



We are excited to announce that Cassidy Barton has joined the Advent GX team as Director of Community Development. In this capacity, she focuses on the development of projects and experiences that enhance quality of life and economic vitality in the communities we serve. Cassidy has particular expertise in cultural and heritage experience creation and was a key member of the team that created SEAD Gallery, featuring fine artworks by regional artists and presented in partnership with Arts Council of Brazos Valley.

Prior to joining Advent GX, Cassidy served as the Executive Director of the Downtown Bryan Association, providing leadership and logistics support for activities and events Downtown. During her tenure, Cassidy was the face and voice of Downtown, routinely appearing on television and radio promotions. Cassidy has extensive knowledge of arts and culture as a foundation for local economic and community development, having contributed to the formation and implementation of programs and venues downtown such as Texas Reds, Lights On, First Friday, Art Step, Rock the Republic, Grand Stafford Theater, the Innovation Underground and SEAD Gallery. She as degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.

Imani Promotes Simply Love Campaign to Support Africa

 

The Innovation Underground’s only non-profit, Imani Tumani Upendo, Inc. is currently advocating the Simply Love campaign through the month of December. Simply Love is a campaign about a simple calling; a calling dedicated to following in Christ’s footsteps.

Simply Love by giving to those in need. Through this campaign, individuals will have the opportunity to assist Imani in supporting these different projects:

  1. Sponsor A Child: $40/month
  2. Help Build A School: $40/one time
  3. Help Buy Solar Paneling for Orphanage: $40/one time
  4. Sponsor A Woman (ImaniXChange): $40/month

Imani will place the tree at different locations throughout December, with details posted on their website. You can physically pick up an ornament and donate at the tree location or contribute online.

Look for the Acacia Tree and Simply Love!

Imani-Tumani-Upendo is a young non-profit  that serves mission organizations in Africa. By complimenting existing organizations, Imani helps families develop a better future and defeat poverty. Imani is located at the Innovation Underground, a private business incubator owned by Advent GX and located in historic downtown Bryan, TX. Imani-Tumani-Upendo means Faith-Hope-Love.

Grand Stafford Theater Honored with Willie Bennett Spirit of Downtown Award

This week, Grand Stafford Theater, a member of the Innovation Underground and a new live music venue in Historic Downtown Bryan, was honored with the City of Bryan’s Willie Bennett Spirit of Downtown Award. The team is honored and humbled by the award and eager to tell the story of what is just the beginning for this great downtown venue. The Innovation Underground (IU) took a few minutes to interview Grand Stafford Theater General Manager Carlton Lee to hear first hand the story and plans for the Grand Stafford.

IU: How did it feel when you and the Stafford team first heard that the Grand Stafford Theater received the Willie Bennett Spirit of Downtown Award? Were you expecting this at all?
Carlton Lee, GST: I was surprised and very proud of the hard work that the people on our team put into making this happen. It is humbling to know that there are unnamed people out there that have been positively influenced by Grand Stafford Theater. It is hard to know everyone of your supporters by name so this honor let’s us know that we are on the right track. I am thankful to all of our patrons, partners and supporters. Without their help this would not have been possible.

IU: Who all was involved in the remodeling of the Stafford? What was the experience like from remodeling to the first opening?
Carlton Lee, GST: Our contractor Larry Daniel of Make Rite Contracting was amazing! We had a hard deadline and I let him know that up front. I called him because I know his strong work ethic and quality craftsmanship. Larry would clock 40 hours in three days because he wanted to see us up and running and was committed to the goal of Grand Stafford. Other pivotal people on our remodeling were James Tates of Christian Brothers Plumbing and B&B Electric. We thank all of them for their hard work!

IU: What drew you and the people involved to reopen the Stafford?
Carlton Lee, GST: I was drawn in by the opportunity to be a part of something different. Music is exciting. It breaks down barriers between people and creates a common bond. Also, downtown Bryan is historic. I have heard stories about the Stafford from people who remember it as far back as the 50s. I am happy people can build new memories in this place. Our team really wanted to put together a project that would bring something fresh to the community as a whole; contribute in a meaningful way to culture, commerce and community downtown.

IU: Do you and the Stafford team have any particular plans or ideas for the future?
Carlton Lee, GST: One thing we are doing is listening to feedback from our community. We are headed in a new direction and the community has a lot of influence on where we go from here. Starting in the spring we will feature Two Tons of Steel once a month. If you haven’t seen them they are a wildly talented Texas swing band from Austin. Some of the crowd’s favorite shows from the fall will be back, like David Ramirez, a singer-songwriter based in Austin.

We are also going to bring a lot of up-and-coming bands and artists to introduce the community to the quality music that Texas has to offer. Some of my favorite shows in the fall were bands I didn’t know existed and now I have their album on my playlists!

To keep up with the latest on Grand Stafford Theater, visit the web site at www.grandstaffordtheater.com , follow on Twitter @StaffordTheater and like GST on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GrandStaffordTheater .

 

 

 

SEAD Gallery Adds Cultural Impact and Sustainability to Innovation Underground

When we opened the Innovation Underground, we planned to find ways to utilize our historic building to generate revenue beyond that earned through primary business incubator operations. In keeping with our focus on creating meaningful cultural and heritage experiences for rural communities, and given the potential of the first floor space of the Federal Building, we decided an art gallery would create a dual purpose space for both art sales and special events.

The idea for SEAD Gallery was born of our ongoing passion for both science and engineering innovation and the arts. Our good friends at the Network for Science, Engineering, Art and Design (SEAD Network) graciously allowed us to borrow their name and establish a venue to explore collaborations across the disciplines of Science, Engineering, Art and Design. Through exhibits and events, Advent GX seeks to encourage innovation and discover new ways to understand and positively impact our communities and our world.

Arts Council of Brazos Valley agreed to partner with us as curators of the gallery, lending their expertise and talent to the exhibitions. With the team in place, we set out to renovate former IRS offices into a space worthy of both visual and performing artist expression. We also sought to visually represent the name SEAD Gallery in a way that would encourage further exploration and even open the door to future collaborations in other fields.

Our in house branding team set out to model a brand identity. The facilities team tacked the space, choosing paint colors and art hanging systems, and Arts Council found an artist who could fill our walls with a dynamic solo exhibition that would draw a crowd.

After about six months of planning and hard labor, the gallery opened with a crowd of area art enthusiasts enjoying the vibrant work of Anguspaul. The solo exhibition features oil on canvas, metal sculpture and pottery. The opening reception provided a venue to showcase Advent GX’s newest technology innovation, ArtInteractive. The iPad app currently in beta, is designed to allow visitors to enjoy artist commentary on each work of art in an exhibition by simply viewing the work through the iPad. The application will enable galleries with limited resources to easily enhance user experiences without need for technical skills.

As more and more communities seek to engage artists and entrepreneurs, SEAD Gallery will provide a model for operations that showcases the unique resources of each community. Advent GX is documenting operational and business plans with an eye toward expansion to other rural markets.

Visit the web site to learn more about SEAD Gallery or contact Advent GX Managing Partner Joan Quintana  at joanquintana@adventgx.com to learn how Advent GX can support your community and economic development efforts.