2-10-10
So last night was our official launch of Catalyst Arts – the new initiative of The Center for Creative Resources. More than 50 friends, artists, and supporters turned out. A big thank you to Bob Chase and our friends at Intersections for allowing us to use their beautiful space on Fifth Avenue. Our dear friend, colleague and musical spirit Fred Johnson (www.frejon.org) opened the evening – as only Fred could! – with a musical welcome, setting just the right tone for the evening. Noel and I introduced our just completed video (thanks to Eric and Jeff at Meerkat Media) which will soon live on the website, but which you can view now on YouTube or on our new Facebook fan site. We featured a sampling of artists working in the social change arena who are a huge inspiration to us. First up, TE’A (www.teaproject.org) did a scene from “Under the Veil” in which Chuk Obasi and Crystal Quallo gave a moving portrait of being Muslim in America post 9/11. We then shared an amazing video by SAFE (www.sponsoredarts.org), the UK-based organization founded by British actor Nick Reding. SAFE Africa uses theatre to educate Kenyans about HIV/Aids. Visual artist Ellen Frank (www.efif.org) spoke about her “Cities of Peace” project and her vision of establishing peace centers around the world. Noel introduced William Harvey and showed a clip of his Cultures in Harmony (www.culturesinharmony.org) work in Papua New Guinea. Our presentation closed with the incredible story teller, Laura Simms (www.laurasimms.com), sharing an emotional and uplifting tale about a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. Afterwards, over snacks and wine, we met lots of new friends who share our interest in social change and are filled with renewed energy for the work ahead – helping to create a better world through creative expression.
Category : Blog