Welcome to the New & Improved... RaisingStars!! An E-Newsletter Publication of Raising Expectations Inc. Fall 2009 Issue * September 1, 2009 |
In This Issue
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Message from the Founder It's amazing how fast the summer went by this year. But, the saying is true that times flies when you're having fun! And Raising Expectations Inc. really enjoyed working with some exceptional artists in the Arts & Crafts workshop series this summer. Youth worked with a mosaic artist and a jewelry designer during summer 2009 and gained some valuable skills about discipline, dedication, and determination. In this Fall 2009 issue, we recap on the last Jewelry design workshop series and highlight some achievements of our arts affiliates. Additionally, you can learn about our upcoming environmental education and mosaic/sculpture art project, "Green the Block," with The Hop Hop Caucus, Green for All, and new co-sponsor, the Potomac Arts Therapists Association (PATA). Our goal is to raise $5,000 by October 1st and we know we can do it because saving the Earth is too important! Support R.E. on our website, www.RaisingExpectationsDC.org, via easy PayPal donations. R.E. is gearing up for an exciting Fall 2009 season of activities! Enjoy this issue of RaisingStars e-newsletter. Share it with a friend or parent interested in arts education. Enjoy! Sincerely, Abeo F. Anderson |
| Summer Arts & Crafts Continued: Jewelry Design 101 August 5th & 12th (5:30-7:30PM) – For two Wednesdays in August, a at the Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative in Southeast, DC, youth met to learn from Danielle Nicole Woodhouse-Johnson about jewelry design. The workshop series, entitled “Jewelry Design 101: Designing Jewelry to Reflect Your Personal Style,” taught youth how to create their own wearable necklaces, rings, and earrings. Mrs. Woodhouse explained how she started out doing jewelry design as a pastime in Peace Corps while overseas. Her mother would send her different kinds of beads from all over and she would make it for her host family and friends abroad. Woodhouse, a social worker full-time, continues her jewelry design business, Flamboyan Designs (www. flamboyan.etsy.com), as a part-time venture. Check out her website -- her designs are creative, lively, and fun! Mrs. Woodhouse-Johnson began her workshop by teaching the young ladies how to use the instruments for making jewelry. Next, she allowed the youth to choose their 3 colors for a jewelry necklace piece. The youth were amazed by the wide selection of beads in her collection. They didn’t know which to choose, but in the end, they made up their minds and chose beads that they found different, interesting, reflective of their own personal style, or a favorite color. Once the youth got started with their jewelry creations, they couldn’t stop! In fact, Woodhouse was amazed at how fast they worked and finished their jewelry pieces. After their jewelry design was arranged and put into a pattern, Mrs. Woodhouse |
| showed the youth how to use the tools for fastening the necklace together. Next, they learned how to use the tools to make very unique ring pieces. The youth were excited about the flashy, different, and funky styles they made with the rings. One of the grandmother’s of the young ladies even decided to pick out some beads to create her own stylish necklace and earring set. Ms. Anderson, R.E.’s Founder/CEO, also participated in the workshop series and quickly designed a pattern for her earrings/necklace/bracelet/ring complete set. By the end of the two sessions actually, Ms. Anderson had a customer who wanted to buy her jewelry. Mrs. Woodhouse also discussed how the young ladies could make jewelry for their own personal wear, gift it to others, or even sell it to others at shows. She highlighted the need for developing a signature style of jewelry that is unique from other designers. In addition, she spoke about the need for proper marketing and promotion of their jewelry pieces. The workshop series concluded with several jewelry pieces created by the talented, young jewelry designers in DC. They now understand how to use the jewelry instruments and what materials are needed to make their own jewelry. And they can save money by making their own jewelry, instead of buying it from a store. The jewelry designing was art therapy at its best and brought out the participant’s creative energies. They learned life skills, such as perseverance, diligence, and commitment, while creating their pieces because some exercises with the small beads and slippery materials proved to be a challenge, but they overcame it successfully in the two Wednesday evening workshops. We only hope that the youth are now ready for the next level in jewelry design! Coming soon! |
| Green The Block Project New Co-Sponsor: Potomac Art Therapists Association August 31, 2009 – Raising Expectations Inc. was called upon by The Hip Hop Caucus to join a group initiative for the “Green the Block” (GTB) campaign in fall 2009. This national effort to empower individuals with tools to clean up their neighborhoods through their individual works and through their political leverage has the potential to have a profound impact. We all know that air, water, and land pollution, coupled with rapid global warming, is causing severe, irreversible damage to our planet. And for this reason, Raising Expectations Inc. decided to join the Green the Block cause and sponsor youth environmental arts efforts culminating with the International Day of Action to Stop Global Warming on Saturday, October 24th. And recently, the Potomac Art Therapists Association (PATA) became co-sponsors of R.E.’s creative vision through mosaic art and trash collection/reuse by DC youth citywide. For 3 Saturdays in October, groups of 10 youth will assemble in “Green the Block” teams to learn from environmentalists and artists about various ways to help keep their communities clean and green. Collected recyclable materials will be used by youth to design large mosaic figures for each DC Ward. Our goal through this project is to remind the community about the effects of global warming and ways to reduce waste by recycling, conserving energy, and reusing materials for beautification efforts. |
| On the 4th Saturday in October (October 24th), our goal is for young people to finish their designs and showcase them to the community on the International Day of Action to Stop Global Warming. Student leaders from each Ward in DC also will present as a group their own Community Action Plan (CAP) for stopping global warming and reducing waste. Youth will have an opportunity to contribute positively to their community’s development while gaining valuable knowledge about their earth’s geological development as well as “green job” training from mentors. PATA is one co-sponsor, but Raising Expectations Inc. is calling on DC government agencies, local community organizations, local businesses, and environmental activists to help support our unique Green the Block (GTB) Mosaic/Sculpture Art Youth project designs with funding or in-kind donation of their time as a project volunteer, a mosaic teacher, or an environmental education teacher to our youth leaders. R.E. urgently needs to raise up to $10,000 for this citywide project to happen in October. It’s only 1 month away, but giving is easy on-line with PayPal at www. RaisingExpectationsDC.org. Click here to read request letter/budget and Project Sponsorship Application. Print it out, e-mail, and share with others in your Ward. We are counting on your support of this important environmen-tal project encouraging youth activism and creativity. For more information or to join, contact Raising Expectations Inc. at (202) 507-7882 or e-mail info@RaisingExpectationsDC.org. *Only 10 positions available per Ward* Download and share GTB flier. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to be a Youth Leader! Join a Green the Block Team Today! |
| R.E. Photographer, Victor T. Johnson, Graduates from CDIA August 30, 2009 – On a bright Sunday morning, graduates and their families met to celebrate the culmination of years of study, hard work, discipline, and most importantly creativity. And among them, one of R.E.’s own artists, Victor T. Johnson, completed the requirements to graduate from Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA). On the lower level of an office building in Georgetown, DC, CDIA’s small high-tech “campus” is equipped with dedicated faculty possessing tons of professional and academic experience to teach the next generation of “creatives.” The term “creatives” was used in fact by one of the Program Directors in his refreshing introduction at the graduation commencement. It was a sort of jargon used by the graduates and their instructors at CDIA. Because, indeed, it was obvious from the portfolio presentations during the ceremony program that the CDIA curriculum challenged the students to think outside of the box in order to find their 4 “P’s” in life – Passion, Practice, Purpose, and Persistence. These four ingredients for success were carefully analyzed by CDIA’s Executive Director, Bob Daniels, who described the vocational school at CDIA as a vocare, or Latin for “a calling.” And each student’s portfolio, edited into a musical video presentation for the ceremony, was equally unique, creative, and signature of their style. The graduation speaker was renowned photographer, Michael Cunningham, who also teaches at CDIA. Cunningham, born and raised in Landover, MD, and Winston-Salem, NC, shared his stories of trial and triumph in the photography arena. Among his most poignant points to the graduates was to always “dress to impress” and to be confident that there will “always be work” in the five (5) Program Areas at CDIA: 3D Animation, Game Animation, Digital Film making, Graphic and Web Design, and Digital Photography. The audience was impressed |
| by Cunningham’s eloquence and charisma as he made them think beyond graduation and into the future. Indeed, Cunningham’s successful photography and book publishing career, with majorcorporate clients and his top-selling book, “Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats,” should be sufficient motivation for the graduates seeking a similarly successful career in their chosen paths. After the Certificates were presented to graduates, R.E. Founder/CEO, Abeo Anderson (pictured with Victor Johnson to the left) , celebrated the achievements of Victor Johnson in the lobby reception area at CDIA. Two of Mr. Johnson’s digital photographs were on display in the lobby along with samples of the other graduates. Victor chose two images that reflected the diverse range of beauty found in African-American women. It was quality work similar to his video portfolio works in the presentation. For this reason, R.E. Inc. has constantly called on Mr. Johnson to capture the essence of our youth arts enrichment program workshops, excursions, community service projects, and annual holiday celebrations. Visit his website at www. vterraunce.com. While at the reception, Ms. Anderson was introduced by Johnson to the Digital Photography Program Director and learned about their Practicum Program with youth in the DC-metropolitan area. This relationship would be a great opportunity for young, digital artists to hone their technique and creativity at an early age in their young adulthood before college. Stay tuned for more information about R.E. Arts Apprenticeship Program details with CDIA as they develop. We are so happy for graduate, Victor T. Johnson! He set a goal and completed it with his certification in digital photography from CDIA. In his own words, Victor is now “A Professional.” And was he smiling ear-to-ear after the graduation commencement and elated to be finished the 18- months of “exhausting, fun, and sometimes dramatic” experiences at CDIA! I know that the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University has prepared him for even more successes. Moreover, CDIA program has introduced him to a plethora of wonderful, thoughtful, and creative people from across the globe that he, and hopefully R.E., will have the pleasure to work with in the future. |
| “I Wanna Rock with You” Michael Jackson Tribute – R.E.'s 4th Annual Holiday Party This year’s annual holiday celebration hosted by Raising Expectations, Inc. (R.E.) will celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Pop, the late Michael Jackson. While his passing was a tragedy to us all, we’d like to honor his long-lasting contributions to music with a showcase of talented youth performing his works in their own creative ways. Held this year at the Emergence Community Arts Collective in the Howard University neighborhood (733 Euclid Street, NW, Washington DC 20001), our much anticipated holiday celebration will take place on Friday, December 18, 2009, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. |
| Throughout the 2009 year, R.E. has challenged youth participants to “R.E.-Educate, R.E.-Unify, and R.E.- Connect Through the Arts,” and express themselves in positive and creative ways, music production & DJ workshops, African dance and drumming classes, Mosaic Design, Jewelry Design and more. R.E.’s annual celebration and Michael Jackson tribute will gather together families, educators, arts educators, and community leaders to bridge generational gaps through the art. We will also recognize our 2009 student accomplishments, parent volunteers, and arts educators in our network. If you know a talented young person that would like to perform their own rendition of a Michael Jackson performance, please contact info@RaisingExpectationsDC.org (downloadable Call for MJ Performers). Interested in sponsoring this event? Click here. |
| R.E. Welcomes New Board Member: Ms. Kay Reid At our 2nd quarter Board of Directors meeting in late June 2009, Raising Expectations Inc. (R.E.) officially welcomed Ms. Kay Reid to our team. Ms. Reid – mother of two R.E. long- time youth artists, Kameron and Kiona – will be instrumental to the development and success of our organization. Kay gave a brief presentation to the Board of Directors about her experience and her passion to move forward the vision of R.E. in re-educating, re-unifying, and re-connecting through the arts. She referred to her own children and the joy they receive at each R.E. youth arts enrichment activity. Afterward, R.E.’s Board unanimously voted for Ms. Reid to join due to her resume full of community involvement activities, parent leadership roles at Paul PCS, and church service. We look forward to working Kay and welcome her aboard! |
| Poetry Corner Solidarity, 5.2.2008 Solidarity, they say, brings clarity. I ponder on the actions I've taken to walk this walk without being mistaken. I reflect on the thoughts I've had of the future, present and the past, without getting mad at myself, at others, and The Creator. Simply I accept and celebrate all that I have and how my life has fit together and the pieces fallen in line so clever. I laugh at myself and try not to put myself on a shelf, Staying humble and allowing God to use me as a vessel. Through my words, I inspire hope and passion for all things positive and righteous because there remains progress in time. My moments in solidarity are sacred as I talk to my Creator and Better Half. We work out my thoughts and actions, reflecting on The good and the bad. A resolution is made and the energy of my vibrations are put out in the Universe for others to rehearse and converse in their moments of solidarity. There is peace in solidarity, when you know the time is right, and the visions of two, two hundred, two thousand, and two million take flight And become unified in One. |
Thank you for Reading the RaisingStars E-Newsletter Fall 2009 Issue. Have comments or suggestions? Give Us Your Feedback: Info@RaisingExpectationsDC.org |
