Pix of the Day

Always Remember: Legacy building lights up to commemorate World AIDS Day

The Legacy Community Health Services headquarters is all lit up this weekend to commemorate World AIDS Day on Sunday. The entire side of the building facing busy Westheimer is illuminated with images of red ribbons, the symbol in the longstanding fight against AIDS, and the words, "Always Remember," from 6 p.m. until midnight.

Since the mysterious illness first began to ravage otherwise healthy young men more than 30 years ago, a lot has been achieved in new treatments that now make it a manageable disease. But officials agree that more education, testing and treatment options are needed as rates of infection rise in various segments of the population.

Bright Star Productions lighting designer Gary Archer came up with the installation after talking with Legacy senior director of development Tim Martinez about doing something striking on the side of the building for World AIDS Day. Legacy executive director Kathy Caldwell suggested projecting a red ribbon and Archer expanded the idea.

"I thought it should be multiple ribbons all the way across, some larger, some smaller, different shades of reds, bold, shadows. I visualized this as each of us standing side by side honoring those friends & family who have been affected by HIV/AIDS," Archer said in an email. "On a personal level, I see many friends up there and therefore, I see myself."

Among activities in Houston are the 13th annual World AIDS Day Luncheon at the Westin Galleria hotel on Monday. The keynote speaker is Phill Wilson, president and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute, the only national AIDS/HIV think tank focused exclusively on black people. AIDS Foundation Houston will also present the 2013 Shelby Hodge Vision Award to UTMB - Galveston for its work in the fight against the disease.

The Harris Health System hosts its 14^th annual World AIDS Day Program at Thomas Street Health Center, 2015 Thomas St., Monday at 10 a.m. The event includes The Tree of Remembrance, a 9-foot Christmas tree decorated with ornaments placed by visitors and staff in memory of family and friends who have died from the disease.

unspecified

don't get burned

Talented performers fire up new store and training facility in Houston

Supplies for fire performances to open in Houston in 2025.

Photo by Matt Hellman

Kira Bailey performs with fire fingers.

Have you ever wanted to juggle, swallow, or dance with fire? Houston will soon be home for a place that sells the gear and offers lessons in that art.

Chris and Kira Bailey of the Solar Rain Performance Troupe have been firebending for audiences for more than a decade, as well as running their own online store for tools of the trade, TheOddPropShop. In 2025, they plan to open a combination storefront and workshop for Houstonians to enter and practice the fiery arts.

"Having a physical location allows us to connect with our customers on a more personal level that can’t be replicated online — which is especially important for building props that performers must trust with their lives," the Baileys wrote in an email. "Because of that, we’re building this workshop to become a space to create and test products, and invite our customers in when they want custom-made props. We go through a long trial-and-error with each of our new ideas, often using affordable items from Temu to build our prototypes, and then improve our designs until they’re ready to sell."

The space will be located in Kemah and is scheduled to open in the second half of the year. It will be a combination storefront, living space, and workshop area that will serve aspiring fire performers in a variety of ways. The Baileys will sell their signature fire bubblers, fire jump ropes, and sun wheels that are perfect for both professionals and hobbyists.

The brick-and-mortar OddPropShop will serve as a hub for greater Houston's performance community. Interested first timers will be able to take classes, while established performers can try out new routines and equipment. According to the couple, Houston is home to a significant community of fire artists.

"We wanted to be in a city that not only has a great arts scene and supportive creative community, but is also in a location where we could quickly and easily get the materials we needed to build our props," the Baileys wrote. "Houston was the only place that checked all those boxes. We were also personally drawn to Houston because many of our friends and fellow performers live in the city. In many ways, Houston already felt like home."

In addition to the tools of the fire trade, TheOddPropShop will sell costumes and accessories such as leather and stone jewelry. These small pieces of flair help add to the pagan ambience of the overall fire package.

performing-arts shopping fire performers