Too early for back to school?

My brain hurts a little from all the intellectual stimulation last week. Still synthesizing everything that I learned from the multitude of lectures hosted by Rice University.

The Shepherd School of Music in collaboration with Rice University Humanities Research Center and Methodist Hospital Center for Performing Arts Medicine presented a week-long conference focused on the intersection of music and cognitive fields. Science and arts — seemingly disjunct disciplines — are helping one another understand how the brain thinks and processes information, including creative pursuits. Wild. During musical performance, the electricity emitted by our gray matter would be blinding.

Turns out, vivid imagination is just as powerful as physically experiencing something.

The kids at The River Performing and Visual Arts Center, an affiliate of Theatre Under The Stars, used all their creative power to bring Seussical the Musical, to the stage at the West Gray Multi-Service Center. It may not be the perfect theater production, but seeing children who have disabilities, chronic illnesses or are economically disadvantaged make huge strides in their development reminded me of the many aptitudes we take for granted.

This week is about fun, wild art parties and celebrating Houston's diversity and get-to-it spirit.

DiverseWorks Art Space "Luck of the Draw X: Revolution!"

Only alternative art presenter DiverseWorks could have dreamed of an art bacchanal/fundraiser like "Luck of the Draw X: Revolution!" Imagine oodles of pieces by notable artists. One by one, you have 15 seconds to grab your favorite. Think of a fast, furious and raucous grab-a-thon. Ready?

Competitive types can ensure they get their chance earlier — for better selection — by purchasing one of the higher ticket levels. Or you can just chill and watch as others attempt to claim their favorite works. Chairs Karen Niemeier and Michael Coppens have also put together a blind auction for those who would rather bid on larger items. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Lone Star Lyric Theater "Simply Grimm" Festival

I know. They are fairytales. But if you take the time to read them — really read them — you'll find that the Brothers Grimm often liked to explore the darker side of things. Their tales have very little in common with the Disney translations. It must be a German thing.

The Lone Star Lyric Theater has put together a four-day festival showcasing modern interpretations of these infamous tales crafted by American composers including three one-act operas and a Broadway-style musical. With titles like What Your Parents Don't Want You to Know..., Clever Gretel, The Man Who Studied Fear, and Hans in Luck, I am curious to find out if any of the characters will live happily ever after. Thursday through Sunday.

TEDx Houston 2011 "Where do we go from here?" Regroup Mixer at Caroline Collective

Have you been losing sleep with ideas buzzing around your head? Not sure what to do with them? TEDx Houston 2011 presented an overwhelming amount of information and ideas worth spreading and wants you to take action.

This mix and mingle social brings together those inspired by the event — either at the University of Houston or online — and are ready to do something about it.

Where do we go from here? Continue the conversation. And down a brew or two courtesy of Houston's favorite Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Friday at 7:30 p.m.

World Refugee Day 2011 at Baker-Ripley Neighborhood Center

About 80,000 refugees find themselves in the United States every year. Many of them come to Houston looking to start a new and productive life. But the transition is not an easy one. World Refugee Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate those that have made it by honoring their heritage.

Expect a colorful and lively day filled with art, music, dance and children activities. Who knows, maybe even make a new friend? Saturday from 1 - 5 p.m.

Summer Solstice: Wine, Cheese & Bats at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

What better way to honor the longest day of the year than by enjoying a little vino in the beautiful oasis that is the Houston Arboretum? Leave the kids at home for this one, it's an over-21 social only.

There's more. You get to learn about bats, enjoy a walk on the wooded trails and use an ultrasonic bat detector to watch the creatures interact. Saturday at 7 p.m.

You will find my colleagues lurking around at ....

Assistant editor and art savant Steven Thomson's pick: "Art Saving History" Live Auction Benefiting the Fodice Foundation

Steven says: "Pay attention: The Fodice Foundation has the potential to be East Texas' answer to Marfa. The specs have all the ingredients of a talent-packed art enclave: historic ghost town, artist residencies, performance spaces. The missing piece is hard cash.

"Help solve that problem and raise some money at this auction." Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Photo editor and design junkie Barbara Kuntz's pick: Whole Foods Market Montrose Meet the Artists Reception

Barbara says: "I'm fulfilling my senses to the brim with a trip to the new Whole Foods Montrose store, ready to pack my tote with mouth-watering produce while taking in the creativity of the surrounding artwork. Yes, that's right. As part of its grand opening celebration, the new location is sharing its walls with local artists.

"Look for works by David A. Brown, founder of Spacetaker; Penn Morrison, graphic artist and blues enthusiast; Celeste Tammariello, designer/artist and owner of Stella Rose Studio; and several more. Any place and every place can be a backdrop for art. I hope Whole Foods makes this a tradition." Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Arts contributor and Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: "Home + Place" at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Nancy says: "If you missed HGO's chamber work about Azerbaijan, Your Name means the Sea, there's still time to learn more in the exhibit, "Home + Place", at MFAH through June 26. Geoff Winningham created a visual arts project between students in Baku and Houston. Thirty four students from Love Elementary School, Mark Twain Elementary School and Lanier Middle School were taught the basics of digital photography. They were asked to take photographs thinking about ‘What does home and place mean to them?’

"Geoff worked with the Houston students, while Peace Corps volunteer, Rebecca Gilbert, taught students in Azerbaijan to make photographs also describing what "Home + Place" meant to them."

Managing editor Chris Baldwin's pick: Houston Rockets 2011 NBA Draft Viewing Party at the House of Blues

Chris says: "Yes, the Houston Rockets are stuck with the 14th pick again. Yes, unless general manager Daryl Morey is able to move up — and not just to No. 10 with that rumored Bucks deal — the Rockets are not going to get a player that will change their fortunes.

"Yes, barring something drastic, this is still a franchise running in place.

"But none of this means that you cannot party. That's what the annual fans' draft event is about anyway. Who knows, maybe new coach Kevin McHale will even make a surprise appearance at the House of Blues. McHale is one of the more accessible coaches in the NBA.

"Forward Patrick Patterson — who the Rockets took with the 14th pick last year — is scheduled to be there even though his name's been bandied about in some of the trade talk. Drama? Thursday at 5:30 p.m.