tag:carpediemarts.org,2005:/blogs/busy-s-blogCarpe Diem's Blog2018-12-04T17:09:37-05:00Carpe Diem Artsfalsetag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/64704542020-11-04T22:32:34-05:002020-11-04T22:32:34-05:00The Tide Is Turning: Statement of Solidarity - June 11, 2020<p>The Tide Is Turning: Statement of Solidarity </p>
<p>Sharing a Song: “Wake Up America” -- and Reflections </p>
<p>June 11, 2020 </p>
<p>We have been reflecting--moved and inspired by the words and actions of so many, here at home, and resonating around the world. Calling for change. Demanding change. </p>
<p>Until we wake up each and every day, focused on what we can do to create a better, more equitable world for all, we will be rightly accused of being complacent and complicit in perpetuating the wrongs that have plagued our nation for too long. </p>
<p>Carpe Diem’s commitment as an organization is to have more diversity on our board, staff and advisory council by increasing the representation of people of color to at least 50%, to better reflect the audiences we serve. </p>
<p>This past Friday, our friend and fellow teaching artist Lea Morris shared these words before leading us in singing the powerful song, “Wake Up America" by Dave Kinnoin and Jimmy Hammer. </p>
<p><strong><em><span style="color:#d35400;">“This turmoil, this unrest, and this shaking of the foundations is akin to labor pains in giving birth. Sometimes pain and discomfort are necessary to birth something beautiful, something important, something strong and enduring. I believe that peace and love, kindness and human decency, and respect for the dignity of all are the foundation and the bedrock of what we are looking to create. Having a vision of what is next for us is going to be what is required, right now, in order for this moment to have a meaningful, lasting, positive impact on our country, for all of us.” </span></em></strong></p>
<p> ~ Lea Morris, June 5, 2020 </p>
<p>Last week, Kidist Tilahun and Leah Negash, two middle school students who are part of the “Healthy Families: Healthy Communities” program of Brass Ring Company and Carpe Diem Arts, shared statements as part of Takoma Radio’s “Moments of Reflection,” which included these words: </p>
<p><strong><em><span style="color:#d35400;">“I believe that everyone should be treated equally because our skin color on the outside does not matter. We are all the same on the inside…. I really hope people can learn from everything that is going on right now and not take away another innocent life.” </span></em></strong></p>
<p> ~ Kidist Tilahun, age 12 </p>
<p><em><span style="color:#d35400;"><strong>“We all need to step up in some way and support the Black Lives Matter movement…. We can’t let America stay the way it is. We can’t continue to let police officers kill innocent Black people because they look suspicious…. African Americans need to be heard. Our struggles need to be heard.” </strong></span></em></p>
<p> ~ Leah Negash, age 12 </p>
<p>We echo Lea's, Kidist's and Leah's words in our resolve to join with our fellow country men, women and youth in addressing the undeniable evidence of police brutality and the atrocity of mass incarceration, born of systemic racism and deep-rooted prejudice that affects the lives of Black communities in countless ways. We have heard the outrage, the anger and anguish for decades, for centuries, in the face of rampant social injustice. </p>
<p>We must address the undeniable evidence of police brutality and the atrocity of mass incarceration, born of systemic racism and deep-rooted prejudice that affects the lives of Black communities in countless ways. We have heard the outrage, the anger and anguish for decades, for centuries, in the face of rampant social injustice. There is much work to be done, but there is hope. </p>
<p>There is hope in the resounding refrain that the time for fundamental change is now. We are experiencing unprecedented examples of courage and conviction which may finally ensure that change will be for lasting good. </p>
<p>Carpe Diem Arts stands in solidarity with the Black community and people of color in the fight against racism. </p>
<p>We, as a nation, as individuals and organizations,, are called in no uncertain terms to end racial injustice everywhere and make ever more true George Floyd’s six-year-old daughter’s declaration: “My Daddy changed the world.” </p>
<p>Will Smith, our Maryland State Senator and a member of our Carpe Diem Arts advisory council, issued a statement this week that included these words: </p>
<p><span style="color:#d35400;"><em><strong>“The silver lining in all of this is that we have the power to seize this moment… to do the hard work of creating a society more loving, more welcoming, and more accountable to us all.” </strong></em></span></p>
<p> ~ Will Smith, Maryland State Senator </p>
<p>Carpe Diem’s pledge is to take active measures and be leaders of change, as an organization and as individuals, to reflect in action a strong commitment to access, equity, and justice in all that we do. We pledge to address the issues facing people of color in our community, to work harder to empower children and youth by providing programs that build agency, self-confidence, and leadership skills. Our future is now, and we are stronger together. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>The Board and Staff of Carpe Diem Arts</p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/55047352018-11-08T10:33:53-05:002018-11-08T10:42:39-05:00Turning IDEAs Into Action<p>I am spending today, November 8, at the annual ArtsLAB symposium hosted by Maryland Citizens for the Arts. This year’s theme is “Unheard Voices,” examined <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/3fb2acdad77e47d5874ce727ee76172e8cd15456/original/img-0677.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" />through the lens of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) initiatives. Featured will be panel discussions, conversations, and presentations by artists, programs and organizations “doing the intentional work that moves beyond conversation, turning IDEAs into action.” </p>
<p>I am honored to have been invited to serve on the panel focused on “Advocacy: Finding Your Vehicle.” I look forward to learning from my fellow arts advocates, and to exploring how we can move forward in working together to bring the arts to life -- in ways that matter and make a difference -- particularly for under-resourced schools, communities, and non-traditional settings such as senior care facilities and preschools, as well as special needs audiences, wounded warriors and prison inmates. All those places where we see the lights go on when the arts walk in. </p>
<p>The Arts are not the be-all, end-all solution to all of our problems – but I think most of us will agree that the Arts need to be an essential part of the solution. </p>
<p>As Thomas H. Keane, former governor of New Jersey, once said: "If food and shelter give us life, the arts give us something to live for.” </p>
<p>Best wishes to you and family during this time of Thanksgiving, </p>
<p>Busy Graham, Founder </p>
<p>Carpe Diem Arts</p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/54736152018-10-17T11:05:28-04:002018-10-17T11:51:06-04:00October 2018: Autumn Arrives with Arts Abounding <p>The Fall fundraising season is upon us and our focus has been on writing grants, reviewing program data, preparing our FY 2018 annual report -- while also hosting our usual events and activities. </p>
<p>Highlights this month so far have been: <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/5bca9d48667627467c79292616579b66bb664e06/original/oct2018-contra-dance-tom-arnold-70th-birthday.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_none" alt="" /></p>
<ul> <li>the kick-off of our 2018-19 season of <a contents="Jump Start with the Arts Family Fun Night Out!" data-link-label="Family Fun Night" data-link-type="page" href="/family-fun-night" target="_blank">Jump Start with the Arts Family Fun Night Out!</a> with a dynamic performance of The Uncle Devin Show </li> <li>two concerts with local band <a contents="Tinsmith" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tinsmith.net/" target="_blank">Tinsmith</a> (Brooke Parkhurst, Henry Cross and Rowan Corbett) at the Chesapeake Center for adults with disabilities, and the Brookletts senior center on the Eastern Shore </li> <li>a high-energy contra dance with caller Andrea Nettleton and live music by the awesome Frog Hammer Band <em>(See photo of Anne Spielberg and husband Tom Armstrong, a Carpe Diem volunteer, celebrating Tom's 70th (unbelievable) birthday at the dance... with candles and cake and "Happy Birthday" played by the band! </em><span style="color:#27ae60;">NOTE: Let us know if you have a birthday coming up--and bring your friends to dance and celebrate with you. A ready-made party complete with entertainment!</span>
</li> <li>posting of our bi-weekly <a contents="“Arts-to-You” e-calendar&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://carpediemarts.org/arts-to-you-silver-spring-dc-area">“Arts-to-You” e-calendar </a>
</li> <li>performances by <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thisislea.com">Lea Morris</a>, Duo Blanco y Negro de Cuba, <a contents="Linda Harris Jazz Trio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.lindadharris.com">Linda Harris Jazz Trio</a>, and Liz Brinker & Sisters Uke at the Plum Gar Fall Festival in partnership with the Plum Gar Community Recreation Center </li> <li>attended one of the <a contents="Maryland State Arts Council “We’re Listening” sessions&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://industry.visitmaryland.org/news/join-msac-for-october-we-are-listening-sessions/">Maryland State Arts Council “We’re Listening” sessions </a>
</li> <li>started up two <a contents="Ukes-on-the-Move " data-link-label="Ukes On The Move!" data-link-type="page" href="/ukes-on-the-move" target="_blank">Ukes-on-the-Move </a>classes at Washington Revels </li> <li>launched the fall series of community events at <a contents="Genesis" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.genesisdc.org">Genesis</a> in collaboration with<a contents="Mi Casa" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.micasa-inc.org"> Mi Casa </a>
</li>
</ul>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/87d8a75542940274a8835ea4861dbdda416ad443/original/zadie-and-michelle-introducing-the-uncle-devin-show-at-el-golfo-oct-4-2018.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We hope to see you at our <a contents="Community Family Sing" data-link-label="Sing with Us" data-link-type="page" href="/sing-with-us" target="_blank">Community Family Sing</a> on Sunday, October 21. </p>
<p>Busy Graham</p>
<p> </p>
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<p><span class="font_small"><em>Zadie & Michelle Mosher introducing the Uncle Devin Show </em></span><span class="font_small"><em>at Jump Start Family Fun Night Out, El Golfo, October 4</em></span></p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/54243312018-09-13T09:58:39-04:002018-09-13T11:52:14-04:00September 2018: Reflections on an Arts-filled Summer<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/b23a0fde7cd0d353b78646406e47a3b4736fddc1/original/img-5925.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />September has arrived with a mixture of gratitude, relief and exaltation after having successfully completed four back-to-back weeks of summer arts camps. Each week I treasure meeting new campers and reconnecting with returning campers, watching them develop new skills, make new friends and build self-confidence while creating remarkable works of art, learning international dances, playing the ukulele and writing songs! </p>
<p>Our camp season kicked off in early August with a SleepAway Arts Camp on the Eastern Shore for 10-12 year old girls. The girls worked with celebrated MCPS art teacher Christina Campo-Abdoun to create tie-dye t-shirts and caps, paintings, and other projects. Longtime Carpe Diem Arts Camp director Binta Coulibaly did decoupage journals with the campers -- and we all performed on our ukuleles and led the audience in singing as part of the Muskrat Park Concert Series in St. Michaels. Other camp activities included yoga, dancing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, bicycling to Deep Neck Farm to see the horses, and taking the ferry over to historic Oxford where everyone was treated to ice cream at the world-renowned Scottish Highland Creamery. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/faaa4427a36a7a9a9754e25d912703a27beca04c/original/neha-silk-painting-photo-montage.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The second week on Broad Creek was shared with a wonderful group of 14 girls ages 12-14. Teaching artist <a contents="Sue Stockman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://suestockman.com/" target="_blank">Sue Stockman</a> led her popular silk-painting workshop. After the steaming process, Sue delivered the scarves to the girls at that week’s Muskrat Park concert. The scarves were so gorgeous that audience members and passersby asked if they were for sale! The girls also had the opportunity to work with the fabulous <a contents="Lea Morris" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thisislea.com/" target="_blank">Lea Morris</a> in a digital music and songwriting workshop; they painted bottle lamps with <a contents="Ally Ger" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.earthtoskyarts.com/" target="_blank">Ally Ger</a>; and created collage light-switch plates and coasters with Ann Perper; plus paper lanterns with Binta and Reina Coulibaly. </p>
<p>No sooner had the SleepAway camps ended than we packed up our art supplies and ukuleles and returned to the Washington area to run our two weeks of Carpe Diem Arts language immersion camps at Seekers Church in Takoma, DC. Along with playing ukulele and singing French songs, learning dances, and doing art projects, the French immersion week included walking field trips<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/e8f98de35016c486c29fdb3590f24951cb4a0528/original/img-2247-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /> to the local splash park and to the <a contents="House of Musical Traditions" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://hmtrad.com/" target="_blank">House of Musical Traditions</a> and <a contents="Takoma Radio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://takomaradio.org/" target="_blank">Takoma Radio</a>, where we had the pleasure of joining Michael Shereikis and Eme Awa during their “Jolly Papa” show. </p>
<p>The next week’s Spanish immersion arts camp, directed by Carmen Maria Quintanilla and Veronica Menendez, included many of the same activities and field trips -- this time catching the “Rock’n Roll Rabbit Hole” show at Takoma Radio, coincidentally hosted by one of our camper’s fathers - Scott Williams - and his friend Walter. Many of the campers also performed at our Third Annual Ukestra Extravaganza and Parade on the Plaza, to great acclaim! </p>
<p>Take a look at some more photos <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMm8WeCvLWmYRSU30x6XbUZq1MXTP1qYyktcDYkaZCdv04aoMtVQsHvVsEOSV_kGg?key=ajUzOUtfVzV3QUUxWnU1X0VQcHRObGRaa2x2MEtR" target="_blank">HERE</a> -- highlighting our four weeks of Carpe Diem summer arts camps. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/1049641f6ebd3e5656c7ab6c37a7f2e608cb9200/original/french-immersion-group-at-uke-eventon-plaza-aug-29-2018-elise-genevieve-juliette-genevieve-nico-josie-bg-photo-credit-laura-cimo.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>We look forward to seeing many of our Carpe Diem campers and families at the <a contents="Takoma Park Folk Festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tpff.org/" target="_blank">Takoma Park Folk Festival</a> for our performance on the Grassy Nook Stage from 12:35-12:50pm on Sunday, September 16 at the Takoma Park Middle School -- and again at our <a contents="Carpe Diem-Revels Community Family Sing" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.carpediemarts.org/sing-with-us" target="_blank">Carpe Diem-Revels Community Family Sing</a>, September 21, 6-8pm for a potluck picnic at Sligo-Bennington Park in celebration of the fall equinox. Here’s hoping to see you there, too!</p>
<p>May the arts be with you!</p>
<p>Busy Graham <br>Founder/Director</p>
<p>* * * * *</p>
<p>PHOTO CREDITS: Sue Stockman, Laura Cimo, Christina Campo-Abdoun, Busy Graham</p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/53675262018-07-30T14:15:49-04:002018-08-08T16:53:59-04:00August 2018: Participating in the Arts: Insights from a Late Bloomer - a guest post by board member Paula Posas<p>For me, the arts and performance were always something other people did. That is until I met Busy Graham and Carpe Diem Arts at age 40. First I took a 4-week ukulele class, a present to myself for that milestone birthday. Slowly, steadily, I started participating in more Carpe Diem Arts-sponsored activities, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/62f6445ad9da349b5a8e10d8ebbdf74c96990d78/original/paula-posas-community-sing-circa-2016.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" />especially the monthly community sing, which my small children love to attend. </p>
<p> After a songwriting workshop, a choral residency, and a few more ukulele classes AND with the amazing arts-inspired community that I am now surrounded by, I am these days living quite a lot larger on the arts side of my brain. I even regard community singing and playing ukulele as hobbies. I have literally gone from a bystander to a participant in the arts. My life and everyone whose life I touch is better for it.</p>
<p>Embracing music like this in my adult life has added grace notes to my days. I have made new lifelong friendships, my advocacy for others in the community has grown, and my children have learned the joy of singing and making up songs on the ukulele. They are ages 3, 4, and 6 and know 0, 1, and 3 chords respectively. Where I felt reserve and trepidation about trying new things pertaining to the arts most of my life, my children are undaunted, delighted, and confident. They draw and paint with gusto and care. They sing and dance in front of and with groups. They want to perform and be filmed on my phone. They strum the ukulele while singing about love and family and friendship ... and Cutey Cute and Rainbow Bear (my little son’s stuffed animals). Hearing their spontaneous made-up songs is like a real window into their souls. It is exciting to raise children with such enthusiastic and healthy attitudes toward art and self-expression.</p>
<p>So, that's my story. What have I learned from my experience that I can share? Let's narrow it down to four things.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/9432a1770b1e6fc2793cb20b07bbb186d62d753a/original/ukulele-selfie-liz-2018.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px;" /></p>
<p><strong>1. We all have arts potential</strong>, and even if not already experienced in the arts, we can start becoming an artist or deeper art appreciator any day we choose. That might be when we are 20, 40, 60, or 85. If it’s when we are toddlers or young children, all the better! Singing and ukulele are great places to start! See these <a contents="testimonials" data-link-label="Testimonials" data-link-type="page" href="/testimonials" target="_blank">testimonials</a>.</p>
<p><strong>2. We should not allow fear of not being good enough to shut down our development.</strong> “If only the best birds sang, the woods would be silent." "Every expert was once a beginner." Those sayings on my high school guidance counselor's wall are every bit as true in the arts context as they are in work and life. Watch this excellent <a contents="TED Talk" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_HOBr8H9EM" target="_blank">TED Talk</a> by Tania de Jong to convince yourself!</p>
<p><strong>3. Even if we are not sure of our place initially, we belong and can make a difference.</strong> Surely we are all richer in our belonging when we are part of a vibrant, local, arts-appreciating community. I think a lot more about artists now than I used to. I think about their creative process, their gifts, their sharing, their struggles, and I want to be a part of helping them succeed and bring joy to their own and others' lives. We don't all have to do the same thing. Some people prefer to be out front, some behind the scenes, some on the stage, some in the audience. We are interdependent, and all roles matter. We each have a part to play. Some people are truly gifted in the arts, but we can all participate and all support the arts and artists. My talents are more in the area of process, planning and courage to take on daunting projects (song books, brochures, and annual reports from scratch). Even without a known artistic gift, my skill set has allowed me to make meaningful contributions in support of Carpe Diem and the arts.</p>
<p><strong>4. Artists of every kind are so important!</strong> My spiritual tradition says that artists and craftspeople advance the affairs of humankind, that perfecting one’s art and work done in a spirit of service are forms of worship, and that the arts can uplift and transform both individuals and larger groups. Many people locally also understand the importance of artists and the visual, literary, and performing arts. Maryland Senator Will Smith, a Carpe Diem Arts advisory council member says: <em>“The arts inspire hope, encourage creative expression, strengthen education and celebrate diversity. We must continue to find ways to support the arts in our schools and communities – an essential step in creating a stronger foundation on which to build our future.”</em></p>
<p>To conclude, my actions now reflect these four lessons ... I role model my attitude of openness, support, and enthusiasm for the arts for all. No shame, no insecurity. I do what I can when I can. I feel truly blessed, even at this late date, to have found through Carpe Diem Arts my passion for the arts and for building bridges and community through the arts.</p>
<p> </p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/53375012018-07-09T13:34:21-04:002018-07-09T15:13:07-04:00July 2018: Anticipating Summer Camp - a guest post by Camp Co-Director, Binta Coulibaly<p>I have been waiting with great anticipation for the Carpe Diem Arts summer camp season to begin. For the past four years, I have had the great pleasure of working -- first as a counselor, and then as co-director -- at the French immersion, Spanish immersion and Sleep-Away camps. Spending several weeks every<a contents="" data-link-label="binta-and-summer-camp-group-2014-seekers.jpg" data-link-type="file" href="/files/343387/binta-and-summer-camp-group-2014-seekers.jpg" target="_self"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/f556a0e2a3c924a96abb77526c1dc5a578bf6c2c/original/binta-and-summer-camp-group-2014-seekers.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></a> summer making art, cooking, dancing, singing, playing ukulele, and getting to know our wonderful groups of campers, has become such an important part of my life -- beyond what I could ever have imagined. </p>
<p>Working at the Carpe Diem camps gives me the opportunity to exercise my creativity and experience the joy of both teaching and learning in a nurturing environment. After months of writing papers and attending lectures at Columbia University, spending my days with enthusiastic and curious campers is always a welcome change of pace. I look forward to seeing past campers and meeting new ones -- and to sharing great times together. </p>
<p>Happy July! </p>
<p>Binta Coulibaly </p>
<p><em>(Binta is pictured third from right in this photo.)</em></p>
<p><em>P.S. We still have a few openings for 10-12 year old girls in our August 5-10 sleep-away camp on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It’s hard to convey how special these camps are. You can get a notion by looking at these <a contents="photos from last summer’s camp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNoDBSmStwBGtdP3qTYM9HMtHRXzpaQGUYqv7ozYHwjS4rt1-2hFLZCSVJjndgf4Q?key=TlR1OEJGWlNkQU53bl9TelY0b1BBX0VCRElKdndB" target="_blank">photos from last summer’s camp</a>. More info and link to registration <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://carpediemartssummercamps.org/2018-camps/sleep-away-camp/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </em></p>
<p><em>P.P.S. Space is also available in our delightful Carpe Diem Arts <a contents="Spanish Immersion camp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://carpediemartssummercamps.org/2018-camps/spanish-immersion-camp/" target="_blank">Spanish Immersion camp</a> for rising 3rd-5th graders, designed to prepare for the new school year, while also providing a whale of a good time! This year we are welcoming our new Spanish camp director, Carmen Maria Quintanilla.</em></p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/52787122018-06-06T14:42:58-04:002018-06-08T09:50:04-04:00June 2018: The Arts Create Family - a guest post by Jo Rasi<p>School is almost out, summer vacation looms beautiful and big on the horizon, and as I configure summer growth opportunities for the four children in our blended family, I am grateful for Carpe Diem Arts. All four kids have been raised with a connection to Carpe Diem Arts – the programs and the community. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/570a8a6ed245ec59e63a541dab58d43b1cc8b18f/original/jo-rasi-at-ss-dance-may-11-2017-with-le-vent-du-nord-standing-with-loren-june-isa-molly.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" />Our kids enhanced their language skills over the summer months away from school, with Isa in Spanish Immersion Camp and Nico in the French Immersion. Their experience with arts projects, field trips, singing, and dancing in their second language was truly delightful. They especially enjoyed meeting new children from all over the DC metro area who could converse with them. </p>
<p>The overnight camps for girls at the Eastern Shore were another superb growth experience for our kids. Carpe Diem Arts creates a magical experience at a magical waterfront site, and the world expands and contracts as girls enter into a small secure space that is full of big world experiences. </p>
<p>All four kids sing at the monthly Community Sings, but they don’t just sing – they help prepare a dinner dish to share for the outdoor June Equinox Sing. Joseph and Loren help set up chairs for indoor Sings in July and August. All four kids set up snacks, clean up after snacks, staple song sheets and greet people at the door. It is so much growth and enjoyment for them, and sharing those experiences as siblings helps strengthen our blended family. </p>
<p>And the Monthly Dances at the Silver Spring Civic Center provide us with the same, but distinctive, growth and shared community. The kids still participate and volunteer, but the dancing is an opportunity to connect more directly with community members and strangers – a chance to hold hands and look into the eyes of people who are the same (loving the music and the movement) and perhaps also different (the attendees are multigenerational, multicultural, and from various income or educational backgrounds). We dance together, we dance with others, and we are reminded that moving in unison contributes to the creation of community and the creation of family. <em>[Photo above right shows Jo Rasi (left) with two of the four children from her blended family - Loren Riva-Clement (second from left) and Isa Riva-Clement (second from right) with friends June Paitshik and Molly Graham Hickman.]</em></p>
<p>We didn’t get “born” as a family – we came together later. And some of the rituals and experiences that create family didn’t happen for us – shared birth stories, beautiful toddler moments, family history, or even a concise definition of what “family” means. We had to create family, and while we all see how the arts can build community, it is more obvious to a blended family just how much the arts can also create family. So no matter how your family evolved, you might take a moment to think about the ways that sharing in music, dance and traditions has helped your family to connect, to grow together, and to strengthen your bond. The programs of Carpe Diem offer a chance for personal insights, tighter families, closer and larger communities, and a space to share happiness and love with our whole-world family. </p>
<p>Please join my family, and our larger family, at a Dance or Sing this summer, and consider the camps for your kids. You’ll be glad you took the time to connect, share and experience the world through Carpe Diem Arts.</p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/52117982018-05-02T13:53:57-04:002018-05-02T14:04:24-04:00May 2018: Spotlight on Youth ArtBeat Outreach Programs<p>The month of May always brings a bustle of activities into our lives: May Day celebrations, Mother’s Day and college graduations to name a few. Carpe Diem Arts is offering five great public events to add to this mix. See our May newsletter or our <a contents="calendar" data-link-label="Calendar" data-link-type="page" href="/calendar" target="_blank">calendar</a> for details! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/9f9ab427942165142e64d383a3c0c5be45214be9/original/thomas-young-and-ace-dancers-feb-2018.png/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Our Youth ArtBeat afterschool outreach programs are also brimming with activities. In the African Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) Academy, students have recently completed a Swahili language residency with Kenyan teaching artist Anna Mwalagho. The amount of Swahili the first through fifth graders learned in just six weeks time is impressive. Of course, Anna made learning easy and fun by incorporating songs, games and dancing. </p>
<p>The students are currently working on the “Friendship Bench” project with teaching artist Denise Jones, who is also our Community Engagement Director and owner of Brass Ring Company. In this four-week residency, students are learning about the social-emotional and mental health benefits of friendships and safe spaces in which they have a voice. They are applying their artistic talents in creating designs to paint on the benches. </p>
<p>On Saturday, May 19, students from ACE Academy will perform Ethiopian Dance with teaching artist Thomas Young at the annual <a contents="Celebrate Takoma" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/recreation/celebrate-takoma-festival/" target="_blank">Celebrate Takoma</a> festival. The photo (to the right) of Thomas and ACE students performing at a parent celebration portrays the students’ deep concentration on the elaborate choreography, as well as their joy and enthusiasm for dancing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/ef58423cee0d415f3e8a27bfa0365cad5786ec66/original/wheaton-uke-class-justin-heath-on-uke-with-jairo-and-angel-1.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The middle school Youth ArtBeat students in Wheaton are in the third week of a ukulele residency with Janie Meneely. The students have been surprised at how easy and enjoyable it is to play the ukulele. Some students will join us at El Golfo Restaurant on May 3 to give a cameo performance at our Jump Start Family Fun Night Out. Later this month, Janie will lead a two-week songwriting residency, giving the students an opportunity to acquire the skills and confidence to write their own songs. We are grateful to Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) and to the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County for their support in providing these cultural enrichment experiences to the Wheaton middle-schoolers. <a contents="Extensive research" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nafme.org/advocacy/what-to-know/all-research/" target="_blank">Extensive research</a> has shown the direct benefits of arts engagement and music education on students’ academic achievement and social-emotional development. We’d also like to extend our thanks to Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for their generous donation of ukuleles and tuners for this program. </p>
<p>Do you work with or know of a community that could benefit from our Youth ArtBeat program? <a contents="Contact us" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:info@carpediemarts.org" target="_self">Contact us</a> to see how we can work together to <em>Bring the Arts to Life!</em></p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/51445222018-03-23T16:38:33-04:002018-04-05T14:01:27-04:00April 2018: Celebrating Spring and Milestones<p>Hello! These first few months of 2018 have been full to the brim of exciting events and activities -- and great leaps forward for Carpe Diem Arts. Our biggest news is that we received our 501(c)(3) designation as a nonprofit, and can now receive direct donations of tax-deductible funds and in-kind support. We remain immensely grateful to <a contents="Artivate" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.goartivate.org/" target="_blank">Artivate</a> (formerly Class Acts Arts) for having served as our fiscal sponsor for several years. Our remarkable board of directors also deserves thanks and praise for the key role they have played in this process. Another major achievement this year has been the production of our first <a contents="Annual Report for FY 2017" data-link-label="annual-report-fy-2017-carpe-diem-arts-final2.pdf" data-link-type="file" href="/files/330369/annual-report-fy-2017-carpe-diem-arts-final2.pdf" target="_blank">Annual Report for FY 2017</a>. </p>
<p>Some recent highlights: </p>
<p>--- The launching of our second year of Youth ArtBeat after-school programs for middle schoolers at the Pembridge-Amherst apartment complex in Wheaton: a <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/9e6b5870e5ac427ad80e92472e218efcdebc614c/medium/img-0647.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />collaboration between Carpe Diem Arts and Montgomery Housing Partnership, Impact Silver Spring, DaVinci’s Apprentice, and Brass Ring Company -- funded in part by a Wheaton Cultural Project grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. On March 29, Carpe Diem Arts co-hosted a Community Celebration after the completion of the middle school students’ mural project during Spring Break with teaching artist Arturo Ho. <em>(See photo to the right.)</em></p>
<p>--- The African Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) Academy program is going strong in its third year of operation. Led by the Collaboration Council of Montgomery County in partnership with Carpe Diem Arts, the Community Preservation and Development Corporation, DaVinci’s Apprentice, Brass Ring Company -- funded by a 21st Century Learning Grant, with additional support from the City of Takoma and the Takoma Foundation -- the project continues to receive high scores. We are still waiting on word re. funding for FY 2019 and keeping our fingers crossed. </p>
<p>--- A memorable multi-generational songwriting workshop with Mary Amato -- which has already inspired the composing of numerous new songs. </p>
<p>Here are links to photos from recent programs and activities: </p>
<p><a contents="African Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) Academy" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMnHFS4Ossem2BLl8dd5YSjiWHcQkoXHFfaZ4GQoHQpfFRNKvr16Qwrms82ftl6cA?key=R1AyM3htTGw1RzFOVHVnUGpVNUhWaXk0SjBseFJB" target="_blank">African Arts, Culture and Education (ACE) Academy</a> </p>
<p><a contents="Wheaton Cultural Project&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPwyQUZfrn-DjDUt5EsGApa2UbuvngZwAijsFfSAyUHkyIhO8ZXayEsbqAtgup4rA?key=d0J2SXNOS252ajB0WnFZTl80b2g4UlBEZGxicFJn" target="_blank">Wheaton Cultural Project </a></p>
<p><a contents="Monthly Community Sings&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOTLoI4aBLGAL-ipd3NRLAseGP81kMCScAxK7pPVn_4Ziltt7nF8VfNZH4N4wCjxA?key=QS1GZ3V3NC1kalZ1NUZGVktkYUJqVHg1MEhRSjJ3" target="_blank">Monthly Community Sings </a></p>
<p><a contents="Second Thursday Dances&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMqLqXnHYm6d-VlVu9Sbdf0tKtzJEF67MoYKVks2BwDBJeOQzWm7M7DZyygXCYFjw?key=OTlhZEx5c0RqU2o3STNGSG1JSDhqeEdHeDFZUnJR" target="_blank">Second Thursday Dances </a></p>
<p><a contents="Jump Start! Family Fun Night Out at El Golfo&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/3wqZvH8yS2mn1xPu2" target="_blank">Jump Start! Family Fun Night Out at El Golfo </a></p>
<p><a contents="Ukulele and Songwriting with Mary Amato&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/kGwMQpVEA1t6TclG2" target="_blank">Ukulele and Songwriting Classes with Mary Amato, Liz Brinker and Maureen Andary </a></p>
<p>Another highlight, as always, was this year’s Maryland’s Arts Day when 500+ artists, arts organizations and arts advocates come to Annapolis for a pep rally and to meet with their representatives in the Maryland Assembly. </p>
<p>This year’s recipient of the Sue Hess Award is Sandy Oxx from the Carroll County Arts Council. I wanted to share her compelling <a contents="acceptance speech" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdriI1VgTpUJV6U1IJTorShhWpQERzmd2z0BxFiRlss/edit" target="_blank">acceptance speech</a> as a reminder to us all -- as to why we work so hard to promote and fund the arts as a vital part of our lives, our schools, our towns and communities. </p>
<p>We hope to see you at some of our upcoming events. </p>
<p>May the Arts be with you! </p>
<p>Best wishes, </p>
<p>Busy Graham <br>301-466-0183 <br><a contents="busygraham@carpediemarts.org&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://busygraham@carpediemarts.org" target="_self">busygraham@carpediemarts.org </a></p>
<p> </p>Carpe Diem Artstag:carpediemarts.org,2005:Post/62732172017-04-06T10:25:00-04:002020-04-06T10:23:22-04:00Busy Graham Receives 2017 Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year Award<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/7bea7ec40c88d237453fc30c5e35e37534b4d442/original/md-arts-day-180x180.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" />Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) announces the winner of the 2017 Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year Award </p>
<p>It is with great pleasure that Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) announces the winner of the 2017 Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year Award: </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/173642/d16612ab21cc8da2366992001b849116dae48892/original/busy-with-orange-uke.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />BUSY GRAHAM </p>
<p>Founder, Class Acts Arts (now Artivate) <br>and Project Youth ArtReach <br>State-wide programs (1995-2005) </p>
<p>Founder/Director, Carpe Diem Arts <br>Silver Spring, MD (2006-present) <br>and Royal Oak, MD </p>
<p>Director, Carpe Diem Arts Outreach Fund <br>of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation <br>Easton, MD (2010-present) </p>
<p>In 1977, Sue Hess co-founded Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) with the late Francis Murnaghan. Still serving as an active Trustee, Sue was honored back in 2009 with the creation of an annual award for outstanding commitment to arts advocacy that bears her name. Over the years the award has been presented to Maryland arts leaders like Fred Lazarus of MICA, the late Nancy Haragan, and Joe’s Movement Emporium founder Brooke Kidd. The 2016 Award was presented to Baltimore Clayworks’ Herb Massie. </p>
<p>This year’s award will be presented to Busy Graham during Maryland Arts Day in Annapolis on February 14, the annual event sponsored by Maryland Citizens for the Arts when hundreds of artists and arts enthusiasts and supporters meet with members and staff of the General Assembly to express the need for continued state supports of the arts. </p>
<p>A committee of five oversees the nominations. Led by MCA Trustee Julie Madden, the committee included Carol Trawick, former chair of the Maryland State Arts Council, Jessica Cleaver, Director of the Harford County Cultural Arts Board, Kerry Holahan, an MCA Emerging Arts Advocate, and Sue Hess, Co-founder and Trustee of MCA. The committee’s choice was unanimous. John Schratwieser, Executive Director of MCA is excited to honor such a leading voice. </p>
<p>“Busy Graham has been one of those arts sector ‘boots on the ground’ for nearly 40 years. MCA is thrilled to honor the work of this incredible advocate and to acknowledge the breadth and depth of her work, and her impact, throughout Maryland.” </p>
<p>Busy has devoted most of her life to the arts and education, with a special focus on arts outreach to under-served audiences. After living abroad in Tunisia where her Dad was Peace Corps director, and in Switzerland during her gap year (working at the Ecole d'Humanité and with the international Luethi-Peterson Camps where she taught music, dance, arts and crafts, and French in Vermont, North Carolina, Denmark and France before embarking on a career in arts administration. </p>
<p>From 1985-1994, she represented folk, jazz and world music artists in the national market and produced concerts and special events in the Baltimore/DC area, including the annual Winter Solstice Concert with Helicon, now celebrating its 32nd anniversary. </p>
<p>In 1995, while serving as the Director of the Institute of Musical Traditions, Busy founded Class Acts Arts with the goal of bringing traditional music, dance, and storytelling into DC area schools and communities. Partnering with a large roster of master teaching and performing artists, Class Acts reaches an audience of more than 200,000 each year, facilitating upwards of 2,000 culturally diverse programs (visual, literary and performing arts) throughout Maryland, DC and northern Virginia. </p>
<p>During her 10-year tenure as founder/director of Class Acts Arts (recently renamed Artivate), Busy launched numerous initiatives including Project Youth ArtReach (serving youth in correctional settings); Carpe Diem Choral Arts Residency Project (a cross-cultural, multi-generational performance-based program); Hoop and Holler for Health! Buena Vida! (promoting health and fitness); and the Jump Start with the Arts performance series. </p>
<p>She was a founding board member of Lumina Studio Theatre, and served on the board of the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation. </p>
<p>In 2005, Busy launched Carpe Diem Arts. Carpe Diem's signature programs include the Carpe Diem Spanish and French immersion summer arts camps; Arts for Life, outreach to seniors; Youth ArtBeat (after-school programs, working with immigrant and refugee populations); Jump Start with the Arts (arts integration in early childhood education) -- and numerous public performance series. </p>
<p>Carpe Diem's monthly public events in Silver Spring, Maryland include the Revels-Carpe Diem Community Sing (21st of every month) and the Silver Spring Community Dance (2nd Thursdays), as well as the Jump Start with the Arts "Family Fun Night Out" series on the 1st Thursday of the month. </p>
<p>On the Eastern Shore, Carpe Diem presents free monthly lunchtime concerts at the Talbot County Senior Center, the Music in the Gallery Series in Bellevue, Seasonal Celebrations at St. Michaels Auditorium, plus a series of performances at the Chesapeake Center for adults with disabilities. Busy also coordinates block-bookings in area schools, community centers, libraries and correctional facilities, and hosts a summer arts sleep-away camp, as well as retreats for artists and non-profits on the Shore. </p>
<p>Working closely with the Talbot County Arts Council, she has succeeded in raising the funds needed each year since 2010 to guarantee that all schools receive 100 percent of matching funds for Arts-in-Education programs. As a result, 10 public and private schools in Talbot County will benefit this year from more than 60 programs plus artist residencies—more than double what would otherwise have been possible. </p>
<p>Carpe Diem also produces the Arts-to-You online postings of arts events and activities, both for the DC area and the Eastern Shore. </p>
<p>Through fundraising, block-bookings, and creative partnerships with other non-profits, schools, housing developments, and social service agencies, Carpe Diem Arts has effectively extended its reach in Talbot County, Montgomery County and beyond, while also supporting the livelihoods of many visual, literary, and performing artists representing diverse cultures and traditions. </p>
<p>Maryland Citizens for the Arts<br>John Schratwieser, Executive Director <br>120 W. North Avenue, Suite 302 <br>Baltimore, MD 21201 <br>(410) 467-6700 <br>www.mdarts.org</p>Carpe Diem Arts