Raising
Expectations Inc.
captures the
energy and
creative freedom
of young people
and motivates
them to continue
their artistic
discipline.
Creativity is not the finding of a thing,
but the discovery of how it works.
--James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) US poet, editor, diplomat
Photo Gallery (Page 1)            Page 2
We hope that you enjoy our Photo Gallery!
*Please click on each picture to view full gallery of pictures with R.E. youth
learning about themselves through art and growing into the future leaders of tomorrow!   
Register to get involved and participate in Raising Expectations Inc.'s youth arts programs today!
Raising
Expectations Inc.
"RE-EDUCATE, RE-UNIFY, RE-CONNECT THROUGH THE ARTS"
Phone/Fax: (888) 549 - 3695 * E-mail: Info@RaisingExpectationsDC.org
Meet Wesley Clark, The Artist
January 20, 2007 - Youth learned abstract art techniques in Wesley Clark's home
studio.  

Participants also create their own expressions in a group masterpiece and freestyle
exercise.
1st & 2nd Youth Art Mural Projects
Upshur Recreation Center

November 14 - 17, 2007 - DCPS youth from Ward 4 recreation centers and schools
participate in mural design brainstorming sessions and paint their own art mural at
Upshur Recreation Center.  Project was part of a Ward 4 Beautification initiative and
included R.E.’s Community Mural Dedication Ceremony. Thanks to sponsors: ANC
4C Mini-Grant.

Ft. Stevens Recreation Center

August 26 - 30, 2008 - DCPS youth from Ward 4 recreation centers in Brightwood
neighborhood design art mural for Ft. Stevens Recreation Center.  Community enjoys
live DJ and dancing at Mural Dedication.  
Gee’s Bend – The Architecture of the Quilt  

August 24, 2007 - R.E. organizes a group trip to Baltimore’s Walters Museum for
Quilting Art Exhibit and Documentary on African-American women quilters from Gee’
s Bend, Alabama.  Youth gained appreciation of community life in the South and
innovative creative expressions of community through quilts.  Trip sponsored by ANC
4C Mini-Grant.
Stop the Violence Youth Art Gallery
& Conflict Resolution Workshops

May - June 2008 - Youth from upper NW schools learn ways to reduce conflict in
their theme of conflict resolution.

Each art work was showcased in the Juror's Lounge of the DC Superior Court for the
summer of 2008.  Raising Expectations Inc. hosted a gallery opening reception with
remarks from Superior Court judges, recreation center representatives, and project
sponsor representatives of GA Avenue Rock Creek East Family Support
Collaborative.
Hair-Art Braiding and Personal Grooming Workshop

July 2008 - Young girls, their mothers, and grandmothers learn how to care for their
hair and properly braid conrows and other styles.  Two professional hair stylists share
hair care secrets and offer helpful advice to participants.
Mic Check…One Two…One Two - Music Studio Visit
January 13, 2007 - Youth experience first-hand exposure to ParkTriangle Productions
music studio in upper Northwest, DC.  Local spoken word artist, Bomani D'Mite
Armah (www.notarapper.com) help youth write and perform own rhyme to popular
beat and mix tracks in studio.


Green the Block Mosaic and Music ParkTriangle Productions Studio Tour -
September 30, 2009 - Youth learned from Christylez Bacon how to engineer music
and play instruments in harmony.  Earth-themed songs were used in preparation for
"Green the Block" community service activities in October.
African Dancing and Drumming Workshop Series

February and March 2009 - Youth learn about West African oral traditions and culture
from Farafina Kan and In Memory of African Culture dancers and drummers.  Youth
learn African dance rhythms according to community folklore and perform at Benning
Road Recreation Center.  Additional workshops at United Planning Organization in
April 2009.
An After-School Affair Kick-Off Event

Sept 9, 2005 - Raising Expectations Inc. introduced our arts programs to DC youth
and parents at Cafe Mawonaj with live entertainment, food, and remarks from
community leaders. Students were registered on-site and continue to participate in
our activities developing their artistic talents and creative ability.
1st Annual Holiday Celebration - Winter Karaoke Jam

Dec 15, 2006 - Raising Expectations Inc. and DC Idol Hands celebrated the holiday
season with a Karaoke party for the entire family at Java & Cream coffeehouse in
upper NW. Santa Claus made a surprise visit; youth performers won prizes donated
by community businesses.  
2nd Annual Holiday Event - Kuumba and Kreativity

December 20, 2008 - R.E. celebrates its 2nd Annual Holiday Celebration with the
Kwanzaa tradition and the principle of creativity, or Kuumba, at Martin Luther King, Jr.
Memorial Library.

Local African dance and drumming was performed at this event with poetry and
artwork showcased by R.E. Arts Apprentices.  

3rd Annual Holiday Event - A Hip-Hop Holiday

December 19, 2008 - Youth performed their DJ'ing skills and dancing skills at the
Emergence Community Arts Collective in the Shaw/Howard neighborhood of
Washington, DC.  Youth apprentices auctioned their photography and youth culinary
artists showcased their cooking skills at holiday event.  Special thanks to the United
Black Fund for partially sponsoring this annual celebration.Mixin’ and Jammin’  DJ
Workshop
Series



Mixin & Jammin DJ Skills Workshops

July 23, 2007 - Youth learn from a panel of local DJs how to make beats
and the evolution of the DJ in hip-hop music. Youth learned how to use
equipment in this DJ Skills Training workshop at the Latin American
Youth Center’s Art & Media House in Columbia Heights neighborhood.

October 2008 -  Part 2 of DJ workshop held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the  
Woodland Terrace Housing Development Comty of Southeast, DC.
Express Yourself Again" - Youth Poetry Open Mic
April 26, 2007 - Artmosphere Café in Mt. Rainier, MD, co-hosted youth spoken word/
open mic event with Raising Expectations Inc. Featured artist included RhymeCipha
WHUR 96.3 FM Radio Station Site Visit
June 21, 2007 - Youth from MentoringWorks2, Inc., were given a hands-on tour of
Howard University’s WHUR 96.3 FM radio station. They learned about all of WHUR’s
studio departments, such as promotions & marketing, programming, news, WHUR
HD-World, and management.  Youth also had the opportunity to meet Triscina Grey
during her live Midday show and talk On-Air!
Mosaic & Decoupage: The Beauty of Reusing and Recycling Workshop Series

July 2009 - Youth participate in a two-part workshop series with Raising
Expectations Inc. and presented by mosaic artist, Jokeeta Joyner, Founder of
HarrietGirls, Inc.  These workshops were held at the Far Southeast Family
Strengthening Collaborative.
Liturgical Dance Workshops

March 2010 - Youth from Ward 8 east of the river participate in inspirational dance
classes with professional dancer Willette Woods. Classes were held at Ferebee
Hope Recreation Center.
Shakere Drum Making Workshops

April 2010 - Raising Expectations Inc. invites percussionist from Joy of Dance
project back to teach Ward 7 and 8 youth how to make Shakere music instruments
from recycled water bottles.  
Jewelry Design 101 Workshops

May 2010 - Raising Expectations Inc. hosts a 2nd series of Jewelry design
workshops with jewelry designer and owner of Flamboyan Designs, Mrs. Danielle
"Nikki" Woodhouse-Johnson.  The girls from Ferebee Hope and the Washington
Highlands neighborhood of Congress Heights, SE, really enjoyed learning how to
make their own wearable necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.