After a 28-month closure, one of Houston’s unique public artworks depicting various light sequences will reopen Sept. 15 on the grounds of Rice University, officials confirmed via news release.

How we got here: The structure, titled James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace, was built in 2012 by the artist as part of his global series dedicated to light-filled architectural spaces. Its temporary closure began in 2024 amid nearby construction of the university’s latest business school expansion, Asha and Farid Virani Hall.

At a glance: Twilight Epiphany, which bears a pyramid-shaped formation, offers viewers both a physical and perceptual experience at two different times of day throughout the week: sunrise and sunset.

Using LED light projections on the structure’s pure white ceiling, Turrell’s skyspace presents guests with visual light sequences showing off the tones and colors of the natural world. These tones are created by cast light and naturally occurring light from the sky, according to the Moody Center for the Arts website.

The skyspace is located inside the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion on Rice’s property, adjacent to the Shepherd School of Music.

More details: Once it opens, people may visit the Turrell skyspace with free admission. No reservations required.

Although the structure will be open to the public throughout the day for seven days a week, it is recommended that visitors review sunrise and sunset times prior to their arrival to ensure they do not miss portions of the daily light sequences.

• Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, 6100 Main St., Houston

Officials with the Texas Medical Center announced a lineup of new restaurants slated to open across two campus buildings throughout late 2026 and early 2027.

The details: The upcoming restaurant lineup includes Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John's, Leaf & Grain and Starbucks opening in the TMC Commons Food Hall. On the other hand, la Madeleine Bakery & Cafe and Rakkan Ramen will open at the TMC3 Collaborative Building.

The new additions are part of a broader renovation of the 30,000-square-foot Commons Food Hall, which is set for completion by spring 2027.

Something to note: The new restaurants are expected to open in phases starting this fall. With these announcements, approximately 90% of the available retail, restaurant and ground-floor space across both buildings is now leased.

• 6550 Bertner Ave., Houston

The Wendy Wagner Foundation has opened applications for its biannual fall Trio Grants, which support women visual artists in the Greater Houston area who demonstrate original expression in contemporary art.

What is it: Named after the late Houston-based artist Wendy Wagner, the nonprofit foundation will award three unrestricted grants of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

To qualify for the grants, applicants must be women contemporary visual artists who are 21 or older and meet the following criteria:

• Live and work in Houston or Harris County.

• Have resided in Houston or Harris County for at least one year prior to the application deadline.

• Are not currently enrolled in or planning to attend an art-related degree program in the coming year.

• Are not related to a Wendy Wagner Foundation director.

Something to note: Eligible artistic media include painting, drawing, sculpture and other visual media, but exclude music, theatre and dance.

Applications are due by Oct. 1, with recipients to be notified Nov. 1.

The nonprofit Bayou Land Conservancy, which focuses on preserving streams that lead into Lake Houston, has named Dr. Anna Weiss as its new executive director.

Weiss succeeds Jill Boullion, who retired after ten years of service.

The details: In her new role, Weiss will oversee daily operations and implement initiatives directed by the board. She has a decade of experience in the environmental sector, most recently serving as the Director of Green Galveston Initiatives at Vision Galveston.

Weiss earned her Ph.D. in Geosciences from The University of Texas at Austin and previously managed community-led restoration and research projects for the Billion Oyster Project in New York.

Quote of note: "It is an honor to lead the Bayou Land Conservancy. I am grateful to my predecessor, Jill, for her legacy of leadership and I am excited to build on the organization's amazing 30 years of conservation," said Dr. Weiss.

Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin announced two lawsuits against individuals allegedly stealing homes with fraudulent paperwork during a press conference on Sept. 9.

Current situation: The lawsuits stem from the Harris County Attorney’s Office’s investigations into scammers committing deed fraud, Kamin said. According to a news release, scammers file fraudulent paperwork to obtain deeds to homes, selling or renting them to unsuspecting tenants.

The details: The lawsuits cover 10 homes in Harris County that the County Attorney’s Office alleges have been stolen. The scammers target families of different socioeconomic backgrounds, Kamin said.

Before you go: County residents can check to make sure no transfers have been filed for their home’s deed. If homeowners believe a suspicious filing has been made, they can file a complaint with the County Attorney’s Office.