The Brio Memory Project

The Brio Memory Project The Brio Memory Project is about states of environmental, historical and cultural amnesia that often occur when our surroundings are drastically altered.

A space for stories past and present, and imaginings for the future of the Brio Superfund site and for neighborhoods affected by industrial pollution in Houston, Texas and beyond. This page was created to encourage input and dialogue (scroll down for more). Three decades ago, 667 houses and an elementary school once stood where there are now three retention ponds, situated next to the Bri

o Superfund site in Friendswood, Texas - one of the most notorious toxic waste dumps in the country. In 1997, the buildings were razed after large numbers of residents fell ill to serious and unusual maladies, and children were born with birth defects. The rubble was relocated to a nearby landfill, and the area it left behind was eventually shaped into retention ponds designed to catch runoff and help mitigate flooding. The Brio Memory Project considers the circumstances and aftermath of this event through stories of those who bore witness, researched newspaper articles and documents, and from the imagined perspective of the land itself. While serving as an homage to what was lost, the project offers a healing gesture by holding space for memories, and through the release of regenerative material, it promises potential for rebirth and renewal. This summer (2024), I am making ink drawings on paper handmade from scraps of fibrous trash I’ve collected from the retention ponds and areas surrounding them. The paper is embedded with native Gulf Coast prairie grass and flower seeds that will release when the paper is exposed to wind and rain. These drawings are inspired by stories I find and receive; when completed, they will be placed back outdoors around the retention ponds and left to deteriorate and release their seeds. The documentation of this will be featured in the upcoming exhibition, "Solastalgia", on view at San Jacinto College South Gallery October 7 - December 6, 2024.

*I am actively seeking stories and images from those who lived near the Brio Superfund site while it was in operation or during the EPA's remedial process - and from those who live or work near the site now. This page was set up to make that easier.*

Have a story? Drop a line! Further info will be posted here and on my project web page at https://www.heatherljohnson.com/brio-memory-project. Further details will be announced soon!

Jumping on to because it’s patriotic. The word “patriotism” to me means acting on behalf of others in a spirit of inclu...
11/21/2025

Jumping on to because it’s patriotic. The word “patriotism” to me means acting on behalf of others in a spirit of inclusion and care. Here’s to the artists in this world, pursuing visions despite efforts to silence us; to all those who don’t fit dominant cultural requirements; to everyone scared to death for themselves or loved ones in danger of being deported; to all who can’t get the care they need; to all who can no longer feed themselves or pay rent.

I make art for myself. But I also make it to amplify voices and perspectives not heard, supported or accepted. Here’s to the power in expressing freely, and in listening.

04/27/2025

Today is the last day to view TRIAGE, featuring work by Ellen Harper Ray and myself - including the 2nd iteration of The Brio Memory Project! We will have a reading of Houston pollution stories by Parish Conkling, Willow Naomi Curry, Julia Claire Wallace, Michael Woodson and Briokids - followed by a closing reception for the show (complete with dirty cocktails)!

Come on out and join us at Throughline today (Sunday, April 27), from 4-7pm.
3909 Main St, Houston, TX 77002

* TRIAGE, The Brio Memory Project, and associated programs are funded in part by the Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs through Houston Arts Alliance

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Briokids, y'all..
04/24/2025

Briokids, y'all..

Briokids Documentary - Sneak peek of opening/titles. Coming soon.Music by Briokids - Ickoo - Master Planned Community

Tonight, at 7pm, the duo behind Briokids - a story contributor and a major inspiration of The Brio Memory Project - is p...
12/27/2024

Tonight, at 7pm, the duo behind Briokids - a story contributor and a major inspiration of The Brio Memory Project - is performing tonight!

These guys used their abject, energetic music to confront the corporations, bureaucrats and individuals responsible for the Brio Superfund site’s endless poisonings. Conceived in mid-late 90’s rave culture, it’s still more relevant than ever. No doubt they will deliver one hell of an experience.

1509 Stuart St, Houston 77004

Tonight!! Briokids

If you’re in Houston and want to participate in a conversation about actions artists are taking in the face of climate c...
11/02/2024

If you’re in Houston and want to participate in a conversation about actions artists are taking in the face of climate change, don’t miss this symposium next weekend at Diverseworks! Details below.

Coming to the Art + Climate Justice Symposium Nov 8-10, 2024?

Don’t forget to register for the workshop on Friday Nov 8. Details below and at DiverseWorks.org. Link in bio to register.

—✨

Friday, Nov 8: Workshop and Reception

3:30 pm | Workshop: Sustainable Practices for Artists and Curators with Jack Massing, artist, Hannah Chalew, artist, and Ashley DeHoyos Sauder, curator

A brief introduction to sustainable studio, artistic, and curatorial practices. We share tips about how to eliminate oil products and environmental hazards from your studio practice and make climate-friendly decisions that do not limit artistic freedom and presentation.

6 pm | Reception & Symposium Welcome
With Spoken Word by Aris Kian, Houston Poet Laureate

Image: Hannah Chalew, Feedback LOOP (detail), 2022, courtesy of the artist. Design by Mingo Almazan.

Now that Brio Memory Project stations are installed in three exhibitions, I've had the time to step back, take a short b...
10/31/2024

Now that Brio Memory Project stations are installed in three exhibitions, I've had the time to step back, take a short breather, and begin pouring material into a new section of my website devoted to the project. It includes all the videos made so far, images of drawings in the sites where I placed them, exhibition images, and a research page: an area very much in progress with newspaper articles, maps and a trove of images I shot during many site visits I made throughout the year.

There's also a CALL FOR PARTICIPATION page that I'm hoping will help expand the project to amplify voices of those affected by industrial pollution at sites around Houston. If you or someone you know has a story to tell, please feel free to share.

I owe thanks to so many people who enabled this project to happen. Exhibition organizers and curators, folks who trusted me with their stories, and the infinite support of friends and family members. I hope you all know who you are, and how deeply I appreciate you.

Extraction, Erasure, and the Power of Remembering

THIS SATURDAY, October 26, 12-5 at San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery.. it’s all going down!- THE PITS, a play abo...
10/24/2024

THIS SATURDAY, October 26, 12-5 at San Jacinto College South Campus Gallery.. it’s all going down!

- THE PITS, a play about Brio at 1:30
- ARTIST PANEL DISCUSSION at 3:00 with Ellen Harper Ray, Cathie Kayser, Renata Lucia, Cynthia Travis Klement, Sarah Welch and yours truly - moderated by Dr Weston Twardowski.

Details below. See you Saturday!

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Houston, TX

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