‘Vibrant part of cultural life in Houston’: Summer Jam transforms Rice’s Moody Center for the Arts

Moody Center for the Arts Summer Jam
Moody Center for the Arts Summer Jam
(All photos by Frank Hernandez)

The Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University hosted its annual Summer Jam July 20, celebrating community and the arts. From noon to 5 p.m., visitors of all ages enjoyed a variety of art activities, games and an indoor farmers market, turning the building into a lively hub of fun and creativity.

The event was presented in partnership with The Informal Grub, known for its Rice Village and Heights farmers markets, adding a unique touch to the festivities. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the current exhibition, “Resonant Earth,” while engaging in a scavenger hunt that led them through the galleries. In addition, the Moody hosted an interactive planetarium, presented by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, that provided a mesmerizing experience, underscoring the exhibition’s themes of nature and human environmental impact.

Moody Center for the Arts Summer Jam

DJ Perez provided the musical backdrop for the day’s events, and guests enjoyed complimentary drinks courtesy of Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Other attractions included face-painting, bubbles and a host of games that allowed visitors to explore the Moody’s many creative spaces including its classrooms, flex studio, theater and more.

“It was wonderful to see so many families and friends enjoying what the Moody has to offer,” said Alison Weaver, the Suzanne Deal Booth Executive Director of the Moody. “Events like Summer Jam underscore Rice’s commitment to connecting with the greater community through the arts and demonstrate that our campus is a vibrant part of cultural life in Houston.”

The Moody activated both floors of its state-of-the-art building to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for all attendees. The indoor farmers market featured an array of vendors offering a delightful mix of products, including Casita Coffee, Margie Mae’d, Avila Flavors and Experiences, Cause Urban Winery, Dumpling Haus, Love Croissants, Wonderpops, Bitesize, La Lydia, Oils Earth, Prophecy Foods, Mosscapes, N&R Vintage Candles, Morning After Food Truck and Maximo Food Truck.

Learn more about upcoming events at the Moody here.

Moody Center for the Arts Summer Jam
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