Celebrate Deaf Smith’s 225th Birthday with Exhibit and Ceremonies at Texas State Capitol

Posted in: TAD Announcements by TAD Administration on April 6, 2012 | 0 Comments

Erastus “Deaf” Smith

Media Contact:
Steve Baldwin, Ph.D.
dfsmithtx@aol.com or (512) 410-0415

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Come Celebrate Deaf Smith’s 225th Birthday with Exhibit and Ceremonies at Texas State Capitol

AUSTIN, TX [March 30 2012] – Erastus “Deaf” Smith, a famous spy, scout, and soldier of the Texas Revolution, will have his 225th birthday celebrated with a special exhibit and ceremony at the Texas Capitol on April 18-20, 2012.

The exhibit will feature 16 unique displays, ranging from various historic paintings, photos, and knives to a taped one-act play to a wax figure of Deaf Smith to even a curious street sign. The displays will represent the artwork of eight artists from different periods and different mediums.

Smith settled in San Antonio, where he married Guadalupe Ruiz Duran in 1822; the union produced four children, all recorded by the Daughters of the Texas Republic. Because of his gradual hearing loss, Smith always hunted alone, avoided crowds, spoke too loud, and taught his dog to alert him to surrounding sounds. Personally chosen by General Sam Houston, the ever-taciturn Smith took over the spy and scout unit of the Texan army. His greatest contribution to the war was his pivotal role in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836.

“It is my vision that this exhibit will bring attention to Smith’s amazing feats,” independent researcher, historian, author, and retired educator Steve Baldwin, Ph.D., said. Baldwin is an avid Deaf Smith enthusiast who arranged the exhibit.  He has also written a colorful definitive 20-page commemorative booklet now available through the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD). He added, “Deaf Smith’s contributions underscore the fact that people with disabilities made Texas what it is today.”

The Deaf Smith exhibit is endorsed and supported by the TAD, Humanities Texas, Texas School for the Deaf, Greater Austin Foundation for the Deaf, ViUDA Bistro, Communication by Hand, and Gallaudet University Regional Center-Southwest.  An opening ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m. on April 18 in the Legislative Conference Center, Room E2.002. After that, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the rotunda ground floor.

Download press release with pictures: (PDF format)
http://deaftexas.org/wp/?attachment_id=1791

Long-Awaited Deaf Smith Special Edition

Posted in: TAD Announcements by TAD Administration on March 22, 2012 | 0 Comments

Long-Awaited Deaf Smith Special Edition

Now Available for Purchase!

This 20-page, soft cover 8½” X 11” special edition by author Dr. Steve C. Baldwin, on the famous exploits of Erastus “Deaf” Smith, hero of the Texas Revolution, may be purchased now! See below for ordering information.

GOOD NEWS FOR TAD MEMBERS!

In order to celebrate the 225th birthday of the famous hero of the Texas Revolution, the TAD board is proud to give the membership free copies of the Deaf Smith Special Edition! Copies will be mailed out within 30 days. (Order form may be used by non-TAD members)

For Non-member, you can order it for $20 dollars. See ordering form below.

Download order form – click here (PDF format)

UPDATED: 2nd Annual Deaf Masquerade Gala – 2012

Posted in: TAD Announcements by TAD Administration on March 2, 2012 | 0 Comments

Deaf Masquerade Gala 2012 – Austin

You are cordially invited to a Masquerade Ball, A special evening of Cocktails, Music, Dinner and Dancing. Trust me, it’s more fun with a mask. Think romance and mood lighting, candles and party favors on the tabletop, people parading around in the ballroom in their masks and formal gown, and the aroma of the Cajun chicken dish and the chocolate desserts awaits you. The Miss Deaf Texas Pageant Organization is hosting the 2nd annual Deaf Masquerade Gala 2012 at North Austin’s DoubleTree Hotel. Hope to see you there!

Please view the video message presented by our new Miss Deaf Texas 2011, Sericia Jackerson: http://youtu.be/kks1eZyP1fM

Date: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm – midnight

DoubleTree Hotel
6505 IH-35 North
Austin Texas 78752

Want to see what it was like last year??
http://vimeo.com/22271089
Attire: Formal gown, black tie and mask required. (*Tuxedo is not required)

Age Requirement: 21 & up.

Tickets:
$50 per person
Buy tickets online at: http://www.MissDeafTexas.com ($3 processing fee)

Contact: DeafGala@gmail.com or Amanda.Tuite@yahoo.com

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deaf-Masquerade-Gala/173914549287734

Noted Deaf Artist and Actor Chuck Baird Passes Away

Posted in: TAD Announcements by TAD Administration on February 11, 2012 | 0 Comments

Photo: Credit to Steve Baldwin and Paul Rutowski

Official Press Release

February 10, 2012

Media Contact:
David H. Pierce
david@davideo.tv

NOTED DEAF ARTIST AND ACTOR CHUCK BAIRD PASSES AWAY

Chuck Baird, who was born on February 22, 1947, attended Kansas School for the Deaf, Gallaudet College (now Gallaudet University), and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Upon completing his education, Chuck spent five summers at National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) as set carpenter and painter. He also did various jobs developing his art in Upstate New York and Delaware.

He then moved to Austin, Texas, to become a member of Spectrum which was nicknamed a “deaf art colony” from the late 70s to the early 80s.

In 1980, Chuck became an actor and set designer for NTD for 10 years. Had the lead role in three plays: “Heart of a Lonely Hunter,” “King of Hearts,” and “One More Spring.”

After his tenure at NTD, he lived in California and Arizona performing at local theaters.

He then worked for DawnSignPress, a San Diego-based publishing company, as an in-house artist creating a number of Deaf-related works which culminated in a coffee-table book containing 35 plates of his work.

He then went back to Kansas City and Tucson running his own painting studios. During this time, he traveled to paint murals or lead art workshops for deaf children at schools, summer camps, and art festivals.

His work led to the creation of a new art genre called Deaf View Image Art (De’VIA) with numerous art exhibits all over the world.

Gallaudet appointed Chuck to help coordinate the visual arts exhibitions for Deaf Way II in 2002. He also taught art there for one semester.

Chuck then relocated to Austin, Texas where he continued his work until his passing on February 10, 2012.

Monetary donations can be made to the Chuck Baird Fund c/o Dr. Steve Baldwin at 501 Havana Street, Austin, TX 78704 by February 24, 2012 or send flowers to Pam Farley at Bannockburn Baptist Church at 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin, TX 78745-502 by noon February 12, 2012.

-oOo-

Deaf Masquerade Gala 2012 – Austin (New Date!)

Posted in: TAD Announcements by TAD Administration on January 19, 2012 | 0 Comments