South Campus fine arts projects explore local environmental legacy
The San Jacinto College South Gallery and theatre program have teamed up to present "The Pits" and "Solastalgia," exploring the theme of local environmental history.
The project, led by theatre and film professor Jonelle Walker and gallery curator Bradly Brown, addresses the feeling of solastalgia. Opposed to nostalgia, solastalgia is a term used to describe the emotional distress that people experience when their environment changes negatively.
The San Jac South Campus is located near the Brio Superfund Site, a contaminated area where hazardous chemicals were improperly disposed of in the 1980s. Despite the site's proximity, many students remain unaware of its history.
"We're literally across the street from the site," Brown said. "I took an informal poll of my students, and only one knew about Brio. It makes sense to keep that story injected into their consciousness."
In fact, the Brio Superfund site documents are housed at the South Campus library including Brio Site Repository Documents, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrative Records, and documents concerning the adjoining Dixie Oil Processors site.
Walker highlights the connection between the local environmental history and the broader themes of climate anxiety.
"We're wrestling with not just the despair of climate change but also the hope and possibility that might arise from it," Walker said.
The project emphasizes the importance of educating the local community about Brio, especially as many students are bound for careers in the petrochemical industry.
"San Jac is neck deep in the petrochemical pipeline," Brown said. "I know industry has an important role in supporting the community, but I think there is a need for reflection on environmental responsibility. You can be critical to help make things more responsible in the future."
Walker added that the cast's growing awareness of the issue further underscores the project's significance.
"One of my students' mothers is a recipient of the Brio settlement funds. She had no idea the play would bring this part of her family's history to light," she said. "These environmental events connect to all of us, whether we realize it or not."
"The Pits" and "Solastalgia" also aim to highlight the long-lasting impact of environmental disasters.
The events that happen in the news don't stop when the article ends. They impact families for generations, and the choices made on a large-scale ripple through communities.
According to Brown and Walker the project has been a true collaboration across campuses and departments. With artists utilizing spaces, equipment, and drawing on the expertise of the natural science department and library. Particularly biology professor Sharada Gollipudi, geology professor Heather Dalton, and library director Rich McKay.
San Jac Board of Trustees Chair and publisher of the local newspaper The South Belt-Ellington Leader, Marie Flickinger also served as an consultant for the projects to offer her unique perspective and expertise, which you can learn about on KHOU 11’s website.
“Working with Mrs. Flickinger has been wonderful,” he said. “She has been a great help during this process.”
“Look for her cameo in the play,” Walker said.
These projects serve as a reminder that environmental issues aren't just abstract concerns—they are local, with consequences reverberating through time. Together, "Solastalgia" and "The Pits" comprehensively explore the intersection between art, science, and advocacy in Houston's South Belt area.
The collaboration's final touch? A small but meaningful gesture, a packet of seeds.
"A literal and metaphorical takeaway," Walker said.
About "Solastalgia"
“Solastalgia,” brings together the work of artists Heather L. Johnson, Cathie Kayser, Cindee Klement, Renata Lucia, and Ellen H. Ray. This thoughtful exhibition showcases a range of mediums, including traditional printmaking, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and experimental installations. Through these diverse works, the artists engage viewers with environmental trauma and resilience narratives, creating an immersive experience that transcends visual art and delves into social and ecological themes.
About "The Pits"
"The Pits" is a world premiere immersive theatrical experience about the past, present, and future of the Brio Superfund Site at 2501 Dixie Farm Road. This production will envelop you in the unique vision of Houston artist and comic book writer Sarah Welch.
When:
Monday, Oct. 7 – Friday, Dec. 6
Student Reception:
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2-5 p.m.
Weekend Reception:
Saturday, Oct. 26, 12-5 p.m.
Artist Talk:
Saturday, Oct. 26, 3-4 p.m.
Admission:
Free and open to the public
Location:
San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery
Flickinger Fine Arts Center
S15.143
13735 Beamer Road
Houston, Texas 77089
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: By Appointment
When:
Thursday, Oct. 24, and Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 31, and Friday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1:30 p.m.
Where:
San Jacinto College South Campus
Flickinger Fine Arts Center
Black Box Theatre (S15)
13735 Beamer Road
Houston, Texas 77089
Tickets:
$5, available here.
