Juneteenth...Here We Come!

SPONSORED BY THE NAACP

Juneteenth NAACP link: http://www.juneteenth.com/9connecticut_us.htm

Come check us out at the Juneteenth Festival in Norwich CT on JUNE 19, 2010!
We will be performing and providing other fun activities! Please visit our blog regularly for updates on the festival and future performances!

"A WALK IN THE PARK" I.M.A.G.E.S. Presentation

Mimes will be posed along side the water at Howard T. Brown Park in Norwich for you to pull you camera out and snap away!

"SOMETHING NEW...THE MASTER AND HIS CREATION" I.M.A.G.E.S. Presentation
Mime play presentation on "creation."

"LOVESICK" I.M.A.G.E.S. Presentation
Mime to music. The art of mime along with songs that reveal different aspects of love.

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CALL SHARECE @ 860.840.2877



JUNE 19TH 9:00am – 6:00pm
HOWARD T. BROWN PARKON WATERFRONT, NORWICH,CT

ARTS, CRAFTS, VENDORS FOOD provided by GIUSEPPE’S

MUSIC by D.J. CLARENCE

A VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT(Including Performance by Artistik Xpressions)

JOIN IN A DAY OF FUN!

Bring your Lawn Chairs and Blankets
For additional information contact 860-886-1686

HISTORY OF JUNETEENTH:
© JUNETEENTH.com


Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.
Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another, is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another, is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All or none of them could be true. For whatever the reason, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

For More Info, Please Visit: http://www.juneteenth.com

OTHER JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS AROUND CONNECTICUT:

http://www.juneteenth.com/9connecticut_us.htm

Stamford
The City of Stamford, CT Juneteenth Day Committee will sponsor a weekend of events that commemorates Juneteenth Day. On Saturday, June 12, 1999 "The Knowledge" by the Perry Players will be held at The Stamford Center for Arts. Tickets are now on sale. On Friday, June 18, 1999 "A Stitch In Time" Seven Quilts for Seven Sisters Tickets @ $30.00 each. Performance to be held at the Stamford Center for Arts. There will also be a gala on June 18, 1999 at the Stamford Center for Arts. Entertainment includes. . . *R & B Dance Band (main stage) *Wally Gaten & The Gater Tails *Blues Dance Band (Leonhardt Studio) *Lonnie Young Blood *The Serendipity Chorale (gospel) *Triumphant Ministries Fire Choir (gospel) *Bruce Walker (jazz) *Marla Waldrow (jazz) On Saturday, June 19, 1999 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. " Lathan Wilder Center Youth Day Celebration" 11:00 A.M. Community Basketball Game (outdoor); 1:00 P.M. Youth films to be shown in the library; 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. (outdoor event) will feature Multi-Ethnic Performances; 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Multi-Ethnic Art Showcase,Face painting, Red Soda Fish Fry & BBQ; On Sunday, June 20, 1999, the Juneteenth Day Committe Presents a day of Gospel @ Columbus Park!; 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Lofton & Kirk Music Ministries (High Point, NC) Derrick L. James (Mt. Vernon, NY) Syreeta Thompson (Brooklyn, NY); 5:30 P.M. @ The Rich Forum "Jazz Concert" *WABS Sunday Jazz Buffet *Vocalist Alva Anderson Trio *New Britain High School Jazz Ensemble For Ticket Information call (203) 358-2305; Information was provided by Crystal Bowles, City of Stamford Juneteenth Committee Member; Contact Persons: Crystal Bowles (203) 323-0681, fax # (203)964-8399, Warren Hunter/ Stamford Center for Arts (203) 358-2305

Hartford
8th Annual Juneteenth Celebration Hartford, Connecticut Friday, June 18 "The Juneteenth Gala" Black Tie 8 p.m. to midnight at the Wadsworth Atheneum 600 Main Street Hartford, CT RSVP by Friday, May 21 Tickets priced at various levels For Information: 800-923-0885 Saturday, June 20 Juneteenth Family Day 11 a.m to 4 p.m. This is a free event Red Soda Barbeque Saturday, June 20 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday June 20th Juneteenth Gospel Brunch 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets $35.00 All events take place at the Wadsworth Atheneum This is Hartford's premier social event and is always a sell out. Joyace Peoples and Connie Pouncy,Chairpersons Addt'l Information call toll free number or peoplesr@home.com - Poun1@aol.com
1999 JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT http://www.keystrokesgraphics.com/JUNETEENTHINDEX.html Friday, June 18th Juneteenth Gala & Silent Auction Final Bids by 10 p.m. (Black Tie) Saturday, June 19th Juneteenth Family Day 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Red Soda Barbecue 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 20th Juneteenth Gospel Brunch 12:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. Send e-mail to CTHO856285@AOL.COM with questions or comments. Call us at 1-800-923-0885

Norwalk
The Christian Crusaders of Bethel AME Church in Norwalk, Connecticut will sponsor their Third Annual Juneteenth 4 day Carnival. The Carnival will begin On Thursday June 10, 1999 and continue through Sunday June 13, 1999. The event will feature carnival rides, arts & crafts, ethnic foods, and entertainment. For more information, please contact the church office at 203-866-1042. Information was provided by E. Shirell Rogers, Event Publicity Chairperson 203-845-0633 (Event Chairperson - Mark McElveen 203-846-3771, Pastor Dr. Rev. A. D. Tyson Jr.)


CLICK HERE!
I.M.A.G.E.S. Mime to Music Program Video: Sharece M. Sellem performing, "Lions, Tigers & Bears"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa52ROqh_k

Rehearsals for "SOMETHING NEW...The Master and His Creation" Coming Soon!

Our project for Spring/Summer is: SOMETHING NEW...The Master and His Creation.

It is a mix of mime and monologue. The current members who are participating in this project are:

Special Thanks to Byron Knox for his help and loving support of Artistik Xpressions. Byron ensures that members from New London are prepared and here in New Haven for rehearsals.

Sobeidaliz Centeno Jonas

Caroll Adrianzen

D'Andrea Knox

Diego Adrianzen

Ani Lopez

Jeancarlos Florez

Jasmine Cedeno

Neilsen Filipe

Damian Henderson

Takiesha Smith

Tracy Mejia

We will be performing:

YOUTH IN ACTION

SPRING EXPLOSION!!!!

Saturday, MAY 15, 2010

OASIS OF RESTORATION

138 Garfield Ave. New London, CT 06320

6:00pm

18+ Donation

(under 17 free!)

Food

Hip-Hop, Tap, Jazz, Gospel, Choir, Drama, Mime & More!

The new "DIAMOND RUFF BOOK CLUB" starting in New Haven, CT!

A New Book Club @ Stetson Library!

Hosted By: Sharece M. Sellem, Director of Artistik Xpressions,
Amateur Youth Drama Group of New Haven, CT

“Diamond Ruff,” an urban novel,
Amazon National Best-Seller will be made into a film right here in Hartford, CT!
Diamond Ruff youth talent events are being organized to showcase YOU!

From more information on the Diamond Ruff movie project,
visit our website:
www.diamondruffmovie.com

DATES: THURSDAYS beginning MAY 6, 2010
TIME: 5:00pm-6:00pm
TOPICS: Chapters, thoughts on the book, and Diamond Ruff trivia game!
WHO: Young adults, ages 12+
WIN PRIZES AND EARN A CERTIFICATE FOR COMPLETING THE PROGRAM!



Meet the author, Joe Young
Stetson Library
Wednesday, MAY 26, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m.
For a discussion and book signing!

RESERVE AND PURCHASE A COPY OF
“DIAMOND RUFF” for $15 AT STETSON LIBRARY
BEFORE WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010.

Hollywood Actor, Michael Jai White will star as DIAMOND RUFF!http://www.wfsb.com/video/22464503/index.html

Mothers & Daughters Tea V.I.P Party @ Dress Barn Sunday May 2, 2010...Sharece M. Sellem performs "Open Up My Heart" by Yolanda Adams

On Sunday May 2,2010, I performed a mime presentation to Yolanda Adams' "Open Up My Heart." I've performed this particular song as an opening act for Melba Moore at the Fort Hamilton Army base in New York, Dee Dee's Night of Contemporary Jazz & Gospel, and a 50th Birthday celebration in Groton, CT. Today's event was fun and cute. I never knew that Dress Barn had a "girl's night out" program where they host a fashion show with their latest line for the season. You put together everything else like finger foods, music, and vendors. I thought it was such a cute concept and a great way to network and promote. Some showed an interest in participating in my mime-to-music class, I.M.A.G.E.S., which I hold on Fridays. It is really open to all ages though it has been promoted to adults. Two of my students were there, Alison and Robin. Zelphia is also a new member and was the host of the V.I.P. party. She invited me to perform. It was a nice experience. Check out the photos from the evening!



ROBIN'S TESTIMONIAL

DIAMOND RUFF ...My Hartford's Hollywood Experience!

"Homeless at a young age, Diamond Ruff was determined to succeed. With grit, shrewdness, and the tenacity to make it, Diamond forges a life alone on the streets of Hartford. Orphan, con artist, crime boss and millionaire, Diamond Ruff has seen it all. In prison for a murder he did not commit, he meets the Reverend Trek Woods, who overwhelms him with kindness, character and faith in God. Falling in love with April, a young woman with a terminal illness, Ruff is again challenged to grow and change. Will he be redeemed? There are no easy answers."

FOR MORE DETAIL ON JOE YOUNG AND THE MOVIE, PLEASE VISIT...
http://www.diamondruffmovie.com/

By: Sharece M. Sellem

Here's my personal experience: I personally had a GREAT time networking and getting to know people in the area who are very talented and share my same interests. The Benefit Dinner allowed me to get to know people who were serious about having involvement in the Diamond Ruff Movie project. I also got to meet Michael Jai White, who played in movies ... such as "Spawn," "Why Did I Get Married," "Why Did I Get Married Too." We shared thoughts and opinions from the book and even got some juicy info from the author himself, Joe Young about what lies instore for Diamond and other characters in the story for the future. So cool!. The next day was exciting. Even though I got home late I made sure that I got up extra early to meet a new friend at Dunkin Donuts at 7:45ish to go over reading excerpts from the book and refreshing our minds on details. We went to wait in line at 9am. The auditions were scheduled for 10. There was still a long line at 9am!. One of my well prepared Artistik Xpressions drama students was there fresh and early with his Mom going over the part of Tyrone over and over again. We waited 2-3 hrs and made use of our time by coaching others who were in line on the book. Many did not read it or was able to get the book in time for the auditions so we helped them get an idea of how the characters were described in the book. I helped coach with script reading. We also took a break and sang some old school joints in harmony. That was fun. It was a great time...Even if I don't land a role in the movie, I wouldn't change the wonderful experience. :)

By: Sy Jackson 4.26.10

Sy Jackson Had a GREAT time this weekend and met some GREAT people... Joe Young has a very big project and he need us to pull together and make this work.. Show love to the man he is voice in our community that show that we can do it if we work hard!!! God bless.......

By: Marcus Thomas 4.25.10

Had a great experience auditioning for the role of Trek Woods on Saturday. The event kicked off nicely on Friday night with the celebrity fund raiser dinner. We had the chance to hear from the author, Joe Young, Jr, the great Michael Jai White and Jim Noble. Great food, fun and networking. Met some great Hartford folk and even played "Diamond Ruff Jeopardy" with Joe Young and Sharece Sellem, an up and coming drama coach, musician, poet and actress!

The energy and vibe of the weekend was amazing! Hundreds of excited actors of all ages and backgrounds lined up for a chance to be involved in what will be a historic production in Hartford. I look forward to big things coming from Young Studios and hope to be included in the upcoming film! Stand up Hartford!

Marcus Thomas
Becket, Massachusetts



IF YOU WERE THERE, PLEASE POST YOUR EXPERIENCE!

Article By: OluShola Cole of the New Haven Arts Council

Perception: arts, identity, and access

LINK
http://www.newhavenarts.org/news/artspaper/articles.html

OluShola A. Cole

Those of us who have been around the arts community recognize the pattern: gatherings of creative focus groups, board meetings, etc., the feedbag of conferences for arts administrators and roundtable discussions. We’ve been having the same old conversation and asking the same old questions about art for decades: Is the face of art changing? Is the audience for traditional art venues shifting? How can we shift focus to grab a drifting audience? What is our community? How is our organization perceived? How can we pull in the (insert underserved community here) population? Who do we serve? Why are we here? And my all-time favorite: Who are we?

It would be completely false if I were to say I didn’t pose those questions to myself every so often: Who am I? Who do I serve? Why am I here? My position places me right at the intersection of identity, access, and art. I interact with people of varying levels of artistic and entrepreneurial skill, from those who can throw an art opening together in the blink of an eye, often the darlings of the New Haven arts scene, to those who can make a tag jump off a surface but can barely keep a dollar and have no idea about the Arts Council and those who are making their own waves through theater, photography, and dance while bringing together what community they can in New Haven. I simply have to get to the core of my mission and think about the arts and the community in terms of creativity and access. Break it down further, and it’s all about working to help artists be supported and validated, knowing they can become vehicles for cost-effective, influential and creative access to art.

A twisted air of grandeur accompanies the Arts Council, a perception of access-granting and encrusted arts patronage — of people shaking gnarled fists at struggling artists deemed unworthy of their benevolent support. This actually works in my favor as I continue to demystify my organization, meeting artists who choose to work in communities facing negative perceptions as they create access to something wonderful and positive.

It’s breathtaking to see how some of the groups I have run into adapt their identities and goals to create such great and groundbreaking organizations.

I’ve kept up with Tina Lee Hadari, executive director of Music Haven, a group of conservatory graduates who run a free after-school music education program for string players in the New Haven Schools. The program is quite simple, but the sheer impact of this work sheds light on the fact that strings are not familiar instruments in many school programs, particularly in lower-income environments with large populations of people of color, which the group mainly serves. There are very few programs like this in the country, and this access to the arts is cultivating a generation of musicians of color whose artistic careers could include joining string sections of orchestras.

Sharece Sellem is the director of the youth drama group Artistik Xpressions, which recently completed a New Haven Public Library Tour with its show Feelings and Footprints. The show highlighted Black History Month. This was a successful monologue series in which talented young student actors portrayed influential African American figures in history as children and later as adults. During the performances, which were held in libraries throughout New Haven during the February school vacation, the audience participated by asking questions of the actors in character as adult historical figures. I later found out that these actors are Sellem’s students from Davis Street 21st Century Magnet School, a school focused on literacy and maintaining high-level reading skills where Sellem teaches.

Enter Ibrahim and Sabhir, two charismatic and motivated young men I recently had the pleasure of meeting. They run a group in New Haven called The Youth Revolution, which is geared toward using community, hip-hop and spoken word to create an environment of positive reinforcement for New Haven’s youth. Their annual event, which gives youth space for creative and expressive outlets, is a great way to bring individuals, parents, students, and communities together to help creatively transform negative perceptions of youth and hip-hop in New Haven.

I’ve been keeping tabs on Rose Garcia, site coordinator for Youth as Leaders, another after-school program that has increasingly started using the arts as a way to engage youth and get them invested in their own community. From sending the students out to take pictures and putting up their work for a gallery opening to bringing in a Brazilian Capoeira group to one of its community functions or hosting a family night out where students bring their parents to an event with local arts programming. With is student arts focus group Arts Anonymous, Youth as Leaders is a model for non-arts organizations using the arts to help students and community gain access to essential resources and tools.

For urban design and street artists, there is a large void that needs filling in terms of space in which to gather and feel connected. After talking with several individuals about this, and the role the Arts Council can play, the idea of having a simple gathering space in which to critique work, meet, and socialize struck me as a basic necessity. I’ll be hosting an Arts Council after-hours for artists in the area who aren’t classically trained and don’t have access or exposure to traditional means of creative and visual expression.

Another empty space that can be filled with eye-opening and thought provoking art is women’s theater. Another individual addressing access and perception is Halima Flynn, artistic director of Fire Dragon Productions, who is producing events such as New Haven’s Celebration of Swan Day featuring female artist performances while preparing to host and set up the city’s first chapter of 50/50 in 2020. This will be a local organization, part of a national collective tackling the ongoing issue of women in theater not fully being represented across the board. In addition, the New Haven Theater Company’s Kaia Monroe is accepting play submissions for the Second Sex Playfest in order to present “theatrical material that would utilize only young female actors in order to expand the breadth of female-centric dramatic literature.” Again, a festival such as this is doing much to bring attention to the issues of accessibility, perception, and the struggle of women’s to find their identity and establish a presence in theater.

My position in the community leads me to believe that community knowledge and exposure to the arts at the local level is essential, and that is how I will serve my creative neighborhoods. The perception and identity of the Arts Council strikes a chord with me as a think about my position. I play an important role in demystifying and changing some of the perceptions of the Arts Council. I can tell focus groups and conference attendees that the face of art has never changed — it’s the administrative focus that has shifted. The lens is always revolving, and yes, the economic climate has made us artists get very creative.

Artists in this community from every income bracket need to feel as if they are part of the Arts Council. But how? While I don’t know the answer, I do know what will help create my approach. My angle is artistic accessibility, and the groups that I have mentioned represent that fully. I look at this cross-section of artists in the communities creating a platform that can encircle an at-risk population and through art slowly reduce risk — child by child, family by family — while also being deemed worthy of support by contemporary peers and groundbreaking patrons who are fully capable of understanding, relating to, and being supportive of the community dynamic.

This is the opinion of OluShola A. Cole, the Arts Council’s coordinator of community programs.

I.M.A.G.E.S. Classes for Adults...FRIDAY EVENINGS @ Dee Dee's Dance Studio

Inspirational.Movement.Art.Gestures.Emotions.Silence. Be apart of a new mime-to-music class at Dee Dee's Dance Studio on Friday evenings at 6:30-7:30. Do you have a special occassion coming up and would like to perform something unique? Would you like to do a fun and interesting activity with your son or daughter? This may just be the class for you! Call ahead to make arrangements with Sharece, the director of Artistik Xpressions. 860-840-2877 For Booking Sharece, please email: artistik.xpressions@gmail.com
It is a creative and fun blend of mime, dance, signlanguage, and music. Great for relieving stress. Not too strenuous. $10 Per Class