Enjoy Mother's Day with Stark Cultural Venues

Mother's Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914, after only six years of local celebrations. Anna Jarvis, widely considered the founder of Mother's Day, wanted to honor her mother with a memorial. In 1912, Anna trademarked both, 'Mother's Day' and 'the second Sunday in May.' The holiday was then adapted into many other countries. Mothers, grandmothers and families are invited to celebrate Mother's Day at Stark Cultural Venues.

The W.H. Stark House:

Family is an essential part of the story at The W.H. Stark House, and the history of the Stark family is filled with important, dynamic women. Celebrate the important women in your life this Mother's Day at the Stark House. In the week leading up to Mother's Day, mothers and grandmothers will receive a free Rosemary plant as a gift.

Come along Saturday, April 30 for our special tour How Does Your Garden Grow led by Shangri La Gardens Director of Horticultural, Joseph Johnson. In addition to speaking about the plantings at the Stark House, Johnson will also answer questions about local plants, including what thrives in southeast Texas' hot and humid climate and how to take care of house and garden plants. Tours at 10:00 am, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm.

The W.H. Stark House offers a special presentation, Your Family Treasures, the day before Mother's Day, Saturday, May 7. Inherited a set of china, a family bible, or grandma's quilt from Mom? The W.H. Stark House Curator, Jeff Harris, will be offering preservation tips and tricks to keep things in tip-top shape, so all family treasures can last generations. Hourly tours from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Stark Museum of Art:

Look closely at The Stark Museum of Art on Saturday, May 7 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm forGallery Conversations as Dr. Katie Robinson Edwards, Author of Midcentury Modern Art in Texas guides visitors through Modernism in the Stark Museum of Art Collection.

Discover the role of western and Texan artists in American modernism. Learn to identify and connect regional developments in art by artists such as Alexandre Hogue and the Taos Society of Artists with greater national movements within modern art and develop a deeper understanding of the modern artists represented in the Collection of the Stark Museum of Art.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center:

Join in the fun for a delightful spring evening at Family Stroll and Movie: A Bug's Night onSaturday, May 7, beginning at 6:30 pm at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.

Bring the entire family for an evening stroll through the gardens at dusk to enjoy David Rogers' Big Bugs as the last light of day fades. Then, set up your lawn chair or blanket, have some popcorn, and enjoy an outdoor full length feature film suitable for all ages.

Included with general admission. Stark Cultural Members free. For more information about The W.H. Stark House, Stark Museum of Art, and Shangri La Gardens, visit, starkculturalvenues.org.