Heather McAdoo Photographer

01/04/2024

While museums and the arts are among some of my favorite topics of discussion (and action), I also advocate for cultural heritage and knowledge sharing, as they play an important informational role in building strong communities fortified by understanding and appreciation. It was a privilege to have spent the last few months of 2023 photographing the Matachines dancers of Saint Faustina Catholic Church in Fulshear, Texas. As a ministry of movement, these dedicated ladies shared their dance and devotion with the church and community on December 12th, in celebration of the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The resulting photoessay, which is intended to create awareness and understanding for the work of this ministry, can be found in its entirety by following this link: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/t2UaWLsghMYrS

Saint Faustina Catholic Church Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston City of Fulshear

A story told with Adobe Express

12/18/2023

I recently had the great fortune of becoming a contributing photographer for a unique documentary project, 1 in 6 by 2030, created by photojournalists Ed Kashi, Ilvy Njiokiktjien, and Sara Terry. This photo story allowed me to explore the concepts of age and identity, pairing them alongside a favorite topic of dance as an intangible cultural heritage and a proverbial fountain of youth. What's more endearing to me is that this story features my beautiful mother as a member of the Houston Square and Round Dance Council (HSRDC), highlighting her life and passion of bringing square dancing to her local communities.



You can find the full-length photo story on my website: https://heathermcadoo.com/photo-stories

https://www.1in6by2030.com/stories/dancing-towards-happiness

←Chapter:“72”Sue Blanchard:Square Dancing in Texas 🌐Texas, United StatesBy Heather McAdooSquare dancing has provided a built-in social dynamic for Sue, introducing her to new people and establishing long-term friendships. She is proud of the support system it creates for dancers who are exp...

08/12/2023

It is 101 degrees today, and feels like 111, but that doesn't stop the farmers and artisans from small towns across from showing up to work at their Saturday morning markets. Here are just a few of the devoted individuals participating at Forever Fulshear this morning despite the scorching heat.

As farmers markets are dedicated to connecting farm/ranch/home-to-table goods to local communities, they also help to promote cultural understanding and appreciation while preserving generational knowledge. A special thanks to all who make these events and opportunities possible across the , keeping us connected to diverse heritage practices and supporting .

06/30/2023

Contributing cultural knowledge and developing an experiential space takes a lot of hard work and dedication for these volunteers. The construction of the mudhif begins in the early hours of the day and lasts well beyond sunset. These images are just a brief glimpse into the work of the Marsh Arabs Project, a collaboration of hands including non-profit organizations, students, community members, and many more.

Images by Heather McAdoo Photographer



Archaeology Now The Arab-American Educational Foundation Rice University

06/29/2023

Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of documenting Archaeology Now's most recent endeavor, The Marsh Arabs Project. If you have driven by the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University, you may have noticed a new structure rising from the grass on the neighboring lot. A mudhif! This is where art, culture, ecology, and architecture collide!

You can read more about this beautiful reed building, its ancient history, and its purpose within the Houston landscape in this Texas Monthly article by Arman Badrei. Images by Heather McAdoo Photographer.

This project would not be possible without the diligent work of local community volunteers, The Arab-American Educational Foundation, and Azzam Alwash of . To learn more about this project and many other amazing organizations that have contributed, follow the link in the comments section below.

Archaeology and architecture groups banded together to bring a mudhif, a town hall for the Marsh Arab tribe of Iraq, to Rice University.

06/02/2022

March to May is prime wildflower season here in , and the sweetness of nature's decorations compliments the charm of a western landscape just perfectly! However, now is on its way out and the summer heat is rolling in, and the local ecology is shifting right along with the seasons. This is where stops time and lets us hang onto the past (and cooler weather) a little while longer. Check out my first photographic exhibit for the Fulshear Museum of Arts & Heritage, a digital space provided by the Fulshear Historical Association. Be on the lookout for the picturesque poetic work of collaborator/author Scott Wiggermann as you mosey through the gallery, then drop me a comment and let me know what you think of your exhibit experience!
https://www.fulshearhistoricalassociation.org/fulshear-museum

05/30/2022

This morning I attended the 2022 Memorial Day Ceremony for the City of Fulshear. This beautiful remembrance was made possible through the love and assistance of many town volunteers and leaders, and they provided space for community members to recognize loved ones who have laid down their lives in service to this country. We can never thank these soldiers personally for their bravery. We can never comfort their families enough for their loss. We can only show them our sincere and unending gratitude for their selfless giving and protection. Thank you to all the men and women who have gone beyond so that we may have freedom, and thank you to those who came out to honor them today.

01/12/2022

While the month of brought a close to the 2021 year, it also provided an opportunity for ; an assessment of the many and memories made in the last 365 days. Among them was the addition of an unexpected and new hobby, accompanied by a supportive community of challenge seekers. Indoor rock climbing took me and my photography to new heights (literally), simultaneously cultivating friendships and the mutual exchange of that this year truly needed. With much , I created a photo story featuring one of my fellow climbers, a dear friend who has taught me to embrace growth and the ongoing evolution of identity. It is my hope that these images move others to honor themselves as well, and as always...to

https://express.adobe.com/page/KOFss2zG6bVvy/

10/13/2021

At the beginning of October, I had the great pleasure of working alongside the amazing community and volunteers of Saint Faustina Catholic Church in the City of Fulshear. By documenting a series of the parish's recent events, I created a photo story highlighting their theme of Coming Together, showcasing what it looks like to build a city of God. I am so grateful to have shared in these moments, and glad that (despite the weather) the church was able to gather in celebration of their faith and their diverse and growing parish!

https://spark.adobe.com/page/Ffv6gZmZl4TKU/

See the story

10/05/2021

What a beautiful way to spend a Saturday! Couldn't be happier than to be surrounded by fun, food, and Faith!