Notes from the June 26th Meeting

Below are the notes kept by Ellen at the last group meeting:

On Saturday, June 26, a small, but lively group met at House of Chen for our monthlymeeting. We welcomed some new members into the group. Jacqueline Meyerson,a pastel artist from Macungie and her husband Allen, a musician joined the group.Along with a newcomer to the valley Fauleyibi Tunji who brought some of his pieces toshow us—beautiful wood cuttings, silk screens and paintings. Also, Tony Dong of GDProductions attended his first meeting. Others in attendance were Heather Haas andher husband, Tracey and Rafael Lopez, Cathy Botch, Rosemary Gesek and Ellen AnnKafkalas.

Tony Dong brought up the proposed Arts Center on 7th Street that will be a joint venturebetween GD Productions, The Allentown Public Theatre and the Chen Arts Group. TheCenter will house two theatre spaces, a proscenium and three quarter stage, a café,gallery space and offices.Tony also brought up the upcoming 24-Hour Festival, August 13-14, where writers,directors, producers and actors will have 24 hours to create and perform a play. Therewill be salsa dancing, a drum circle, staged readings, painting workshops and anopportunity for artists to sell their work. Tony Dong will be sending Sarah the informationshortly to distribute to the group. You can also read a bit more about the project on theirwebsite http://www.gdproductions.tk/

The upcoming Emergence show was discussed. A sheet for volunteers to man thegallery hours, along with a sheet for people to man the drop-off dates was passedaround. Artwork can be dropped off either Saturday, July 31st or Sunday, August 1stbetween the hours of 11 am – 4 pm. An email with all the details will go out to thoseparticipating a couple weeks before the show. The idea of a closing night reception, aswell as an opening night reception was brought up as several of the artists participatingwon’t be able to attend the opening night. The closing night reception was tabled untilwe know what kind of monies we have. The question of advertising arose. Chris Neyenis designing a poster that we’re hoping the City will print for free again as they have inthe past, Sarah is checking on that. We’re also hoping to have his design printed as apostcard that can be put out various places, and a digital image that can be posted onartist’s websites and email. Tony Dong said he would post it on their website.

Tracey Lopez asked if anyone was interested in participating in an Altered Book projectfor the upcoming show. It would be on display as one of the pieces. She is distributingone 8-1/2x11 chipboard to anyone interested. The page could be related to "Emergence"or not in whatever medium the artist chooses. An email request to distribute to the wholeChenarts Group will be sent to Sarah for distribution. Those participating would just bringtheir board to the next Chenarts meeting on July 17th, or send them back to Tracey.

Fauleyibi Tunji volunteered to do a Facebook page for the group, so artists could keep intouch with each other.The group adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, July 17 to coincidewith Malaysian night so expect some great treats.

**Note - due to a scheduling conflict with our host location the group meeting for July will be held on the 24th at 6:30 pm at House of Chen, 732 Hamilton St., Allentown.