February 1, 2014

Artist, News and Artists

Artist Spotlight: A Conversation with Warren Wolf

Re-Post by Samantha McCoy of MissionKey Communications There are many rising names in jazz, but few as mesmerizing as internationally renowned vibraphonist Warren Wolf.  We sat down to talk to this 33-year-old Baltimore native about his musical journey, future plans …

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Tags: Baltimore, Christian McBride, classical, gospel, Jazz, Music, Musician, swing, vibraphonist, Warren Wolf, Wolfgang

January 29, 2014

Artist, News and Artists

Dreaming Rich: Yinka Shonibare’s First Foray into the Identity of Hong Kong

Guest Post by Vickie Chan of Chantown Creative In November of 2013, Vickie Chan covered Shonibare’s first solo show in Hong Kong, which was housed at Pearl Lam (Pedder Building) until January 9th, 2014.  As Yinka Shonibare’s first solo show at Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation debuted …

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Tags: african, Afro-Diasporic, Art, Barnes Foundation, Culture, Hong Kong, Museum, UK, West Africa, Yinka Shonibare

“Behold, the first foto I ever sold. A serious moment of pride 12/14/2013. Thanks, Barack! © 2013” ~Nasozi Kakembo of Origins Style by Nasozi. To learn more and to view her work, visit: www.osxnasozi.com/

My son painted this photo when he was 3 years old. He named the photo, “La turtuga” or the turtle. This painting hung on our fridge for several months, and shows that everyone is capable of creating art, and often, children are the least inhibited artists. ~Jacqueline Lara

I took this photo at the Thai Annual Festival in April, 2012 in Silver Spring, Maryland. It was interesting to observe different dance forms, Muay Thai and indulge in authentic Thai cuisine. ~Jacqueline Lara

“I took this photo at a river in Barahona, Dominican Republic in June, 2013. I call it “Sparring at the River.” I love how free these guys look sparring, as if no one is watching.” ~Jacqueline Lara Even though the Dominican Republic is known for producing baseball players, it has also produced many talented boxers including: Carlos Teo Cruz, Leo Cruz, Julio César Green, Joan Guzmán and Juan Carlos Payano.

“What I like about this photo is how much one could read into the situation. You’d think this was in a seedy part of town, but it is in fact, on a trendy street with parked luxury cars, and hip cafes just a few steps away.” ~Sai Pradhan, Hong Kong, China

“I took this photo in downtown Birmingham, England in November, 2011. I call it, “Birmingham Lights.” At that time, my brother had been living in Europe for over four years with his wife. Thanksgiving is not a recognized holiday there, so my family brought the holiday to them in our own special way.” ~ Jacqueline Lara

January 12, 2014

News and Artists

Artists Photographs

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Art is inclusive, not exclusive. Painting: The Howl, Acrylic on illustration board by DJ Webb

“The storyteller matters and it’s important to tell unheard stories.” “This humble Woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a Queen and a trendsetter. And anybody who understands my homedecor mission knows that it’s about much more than aesthetics. The print that this Woman is wearing happens to be the all-time most popular in my collection. The fact that it can tell a story which transcends space, time, class and ethnicity is the very reason Africanprint fabrics give me life. That is Power.” ~Nasozi Kakembo of Origins Style by Nasozi. To learn more and to view her work, visit: www.osx nasozi .com/ Photo Credit: Everyday Africa

“Art produces” a euphoric feeling of fullness, freeness and gratitude.” Painting: Paparazzi by DJ Webb

“Art expands your mind to new possibilities, new people, cultures and concepts” Painting: Midnight Blues Acrylic and Gouache by DJ Webb

“Art empowers, teaches, improves self-esteem and builds community.” Painting: The Tourist Mixed Media by DJ Webb

January 12, 2014

News and Artists

Artists Prints

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Tags: Art, expression, Paintings, Photography

January 12, 2014

Culture, Music

Music, Beauty and Afro-Diasporic Traditions

By Irmary Reyes-Santos Music is one of the most important sacred tools of Afro-Diasporic traditions in the Americas. Brazilian Candomblé, Dominican misterios, and Cuban regla de ocha or santería deploy drums, and musical traditions that have been maintained and transformed …

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Tags: african, Afro-Diasporic, celebration, Dominican Republic, Musicians, West Africa, Yoruba

January 11, 2014

Classes & Workshops

Yoga at Work

“Smile and breathe,” Russell Simmons says when he talks about the practice of yoga. “You have to have the clarity to be present. When we’re in the present, we access our creativity.” Yoga at work continues to be all the …

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Tags: business, creativity, Dana Smith, employee satisfaction, iqSolutions, movement, Spiritual Essence Yoga, stress, yoga

January 11, 2014

Artist, Inspiration, Podcast Series

Podcast with Nasozi Kakembo

For our first podcast, we spoke with Nasozi Kakembo of Origins Style by Nasozi, which is a home décor collection integrating the finest of global textiles. She quit her full-time job in April 2013 to pursue her passion. In the podcast, you can …

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Tags: african, Art, business, creativity, entrepreneur, passion, Uganda

January 11, 2014

Inspiration, Music

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Music Video)

How can you not be happy listening to Pharrell Williams’ new song, “Happy?” Round the Clock Giddiness in 24-Hour Music Video (Source: New York Times)

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Tags: Art, creativity, dance, video

January 11, 2014

Arts Integration, Culture, Inspiration

How Hip-Hop Promoted Cross-Cultural Education

Hip-hop is unique in that it transcends gender, age, ethnic backgrounds, and can be a powerful tool for teaching educational concepts. Jake “2Pi” Scott of 2 Pi Productions produced this “Pythagorean Theorem” rap with Ernesto Lara: And, watch how cross-cultural …

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Tags: bilingual, Culture, Dominican Republic, education, empowerment, hip-hop, Spanish, STEM, video

January 10, 2014

Classes & Workshops, Culture

Escape with Eskista (Ethiopian Dance)

It’s rare to come across an East African dance class offering in the U.S., which never fails to surprise me.  I came across this video of an Ethiopian dance company in England, and instructor Temesgen Melese shares how they got their …

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Tags: dance, East African dance