West End Oktoberfest Seeking Artists and Craft Vendors

Suzanne at Blink Optical in Allentown is organizing the second annual Oktoberfest for Sat. Oct. 3 from noon to 10 p.m. in the 500 block of N. 19th Street, by Civic Theatre.

She is looking for artists and other creative vendors who might want to rent a space to sell their wares. Last year this event apparently attracted 1,500 participants and they're sensing even more interest this year.

If you're interested in participating, contact Suzanne at Blink Optical Boutique:
Blinkon19th.com

The vendor form can be viewed Here.

Meeting Notes 5/23/09

Another fun time with fun people at The House of Chen! Thanks to those who attended.

Sarah spoke about posters for Velocity show, handed out extra posters. They look FAB.
Velocity show drop off of work, scheduled for Friday June 5 between 10-5 at lower level of Museum.

31 artists are participating in the show. More details and info will be e-mailed to participants as we get closer to June 7.

Old Allentown Street Festival is June 20, and we will have a Chen Arts table set up there. Anyone intested in participating, contact us through e-mail.

Yodi brought posters for city events which we can participate in: The Summer in City music Series, 7th St. Festival, Blues and Brews. Lots going on this summer.

Yodi has made plans for Chen artists to show work in two vacant storefronts: The former Xertek Gym(more Soho style non traditional work), and Holiday Inn Floral Shop(traditional work), both on Hamilton. Phase 1 starts June 5th, phase 2 following week, and then a rotating schedule of artists. Please contact us if you would like to participate. This is a great opportunity.
Thanks Yodi!

He also mentioned the "Artists in Action" series for street artists, happening June 13th and June 20th on 7th St. Another opportunity for our artists to participate and educate young people.

Sharon Hillman spoke about her plans for organizing a 2nd Saturday event in downtown Allentown at the Plaza. She would like to start small with "Sat. night at the Plaza" with a singer, a salsa dance lesson, and dance party. She in envisioning something happening every Sat. night from June till Sept. Anyone interested in helping please contact us at the e-mail and we will forward to Sharon.

Oh, and please don't forget to put a link to your art work at this blog!

Don't miss Chenster Ro Geseck's fabulously cool mural with the kids at Mayfair!

So much going on, thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers.

Please keep checking the blog for updates.

Angie Villa (Secretary)

Artist Links

Attention Chensters,

I'd like to start putting up links (at the sidebar) to our artists. Please let me know if you would like to be included. If you have a website or blog please send me the link, and include your full name. Send the info to my e-mail and I will post the link. If you are a blog author at this blog, please add your own link. I'll start by posting my links.

Ayngie4@aol.com

Thanks,

Angie

Coates Shows in New York

Artist Gregory Coates is having a solo show at Rubin Chapelle in NYC through May 26. 410 W. 14th Street.

Greg submitted some photos from the recent opening. Congrats on a great show!

Arts Luminarium: Baila Conmigo

The Arts Luminarium will celebrate its inaugural weekend May 15 - 17, 2009. This group requests your support:

Please join us for the U.S. premiere screening of the film, El Sistema, a documentary about the transformative power of music among children in the barrios of Venezuela. The film will be shown on Friday, May 15th, as part of The Arts Luminarium’s “Baila Conmigo” festival, May 15-17. We especially want you there for the post-film discussion because of your leadership and commitment to the Lehigh Valley.

El Sistema is a network of children and youth orchestras, music centers and workshops in Venezuela, in which more than 250,000 children and young people are currently learning to play an instrument.

El Sistema will be shown Friday, May 15th only, at 7:00 p.m. The screening will take place at Zion's Reformed UCC Church, 620 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. The film is in Spanish with English subtitles. It is not rated, but is appropriate for all ages, and runs 1 hour 30 minutes. The event is free.

Other events:

Saturday, May 16
1:00 Capoeira Demonstration
at the Weed & Seed Office, Buck Boyle Park
Front & Gordon Sts., Allentown

7:00-11:00 Baila Conmigo Dance Party
at Fearless Fire Co.
1221 S. Front St., Allentown
$7 in advance, $10 at the door
Tickets: Dominguez Grocery, 347 N. 2nd St.
or Sweet Italian Pizza, 535 N. 7th St.

Sunday, May 17
2:00 International Peace Parade
from Allentown Arts Park
to Buck Boyle Park, Allentown

The Arts Luminarium was founded in 2007 as a temple of the arts, fostering community transformation, celebrating human experience and inspiring a culturally creative movement. A registered not-for-profit organization, the Luminarium aims to model environmental sustainability and educate through multicultural and multi-disciplinary programming.

Informational Meeting on Arts Grants

Attention Artists:
The Lehigh Valley Arts Council is hosting a meeting Tuesday, May 12 from 4:00-5:30 PM at Lehigh County Government Center located at 17 S. 7th Street in Allentown to provide information about the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) 2009-2010 Project Stream funding.

PPA Project Stream grant funding supports new arts projects or activities taking place in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties and focuses on reaching underserved communities. Applicants do not have to have nonprofit status with the IRS, but cannot be for-profit.

Projects must take place between September 1, 2009 and August 31, 2010. Grants awards available up to $3,000.

Submission deadline: June 19, 2009

To register for a FREE workshop or for additional information, comments or questions, please contact PPA Program Coordinator Frank Forestieri at 610-437-5915 or email fforestieri@lvartscouncil.org.

It is recommended that attendees download and print a copy of the grant from the PCA website to bring with them to the workshop.

Other workshops will be held:

Thursday, May 14 from 4-5:30 pm
Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation20 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe

Tuesday, May 19 from 4-5:30 pm
NCC SouthSide Center511 East 3rd Street, Rm. 605, Bethlehem

Before you vote, something to consider:

From ArtsQuest:

HELP US SAVE FUNDING FOR THE ARTS!!!
The Pennsylvania Senate approved their version of the budget for FY 09-10 (SB850).
SB 850, includes ZERO funding for Pennsylvania Council on the Arts arts grants.

If the Senate version prevails, beginning July 1, 2009 there will be no arts grants in Pennsylvania. This will directly impact the Lehigh Valley and all its great art and cultural programs.

Below is just a short list of some of the organizations that will be deeply impacted by this budget cut:

Arts Community of Easton
ArtsQuest
Bach Choir
Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission
Godfrey Dainels
Illicks Mill Partnership
Lehigh University
Lafayette College
DeSales University
Moravian College Music Institute
Allentown Art Museum
Allentown Symphony
Banana Factory
Baum School of Art
Civic Theatre of Allentown
Liberty Bell Shrine
Mock Turtle Marionette Theatre
PA Shakespeare Festival
Musikfest
Celtic Classic
SouthSide Film Festival
PA Youth Theatre
PA Youth Ballet
MayFair
Lehigh Valley Arts Council
and so many more

Cultural arts really enhance the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. It is so important that we let the Senate know that arts funding is important to us and to the economic vitality of the state.
Please contact your state senator today to let him/her know that $14 million for arts grants is important to you. If you wrote to your senator last week, give them a call today to tell them:
You don't support SB 850 with zero funding for arts grants and
You would like arts grants funded at the $14 million level.
You can find out contact information for your senator by visiting our Legislative Action Center at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102570078119&s=413&e=001N3cDoC-cRSOTkJ71uM6-1iPLwgbXStZK4CYyhwQAKQ6e0htjWwe9SzkyOo5xizR4ssPxZr--eWuw12tlwAscv4M21IB-qvBXfen5_k9WVJ-k5viXKOHWM3lVvzOEqP4HiKDUMwKmv_6y5tKzMVloHOat5DBR2Mt0 Type your zip code in the box at the top of the page and you will be taken to a page with information for all of your elected officials. Please personalize any phone conversation or letter that you may write with anecdotes about how arts funding has enriched your community.

Last of all, forward this e-mail to family, friends, co-workers, etc. and ask that they also contact their legislators in support of state arts funding. I'm singing to the choir, I know, but what a dreary state we would live in without the arts. If funding ceases to exist, that just may happen.
Thanks for all of your help with this important campaign.
If you have any questions, please contact Citizens for the Arts jlh@citizensfortheartsinpa.org or by phone at 717-234-0959.

Chen Artist Profile - "Yodi" Duane Vaden

This video was produced by Post Sputnik Video Productions. We will occasionally be doing profiles on different members of the Allentown Chen Arts Group in order to help promote local artists and share their thoughts and ideas with the rest of you.

Show Opening at Downtown Gallery, and more...

From Craig at Art N Soul:

The Art of Joshua Andrew Belanger will be on display. The opening starts @ 7pm. Free event,Live DJ, free food, free beer, free wine and one free kick ass time. Great way to start your saturday night. Wondering what josh is all about check him out - www.joshuaandrewbelanger.com

Also...
Art N Soul has launched PushArt. Pushart is a movement to help expose great art. PushArt is selling rare Limited Edition(signed & numbered) Gig posters from all over the world, Vinyl collectible toys, custom hats and original Art from PushArt's house Artists- Konnik, Adam Kuder and Mike Arehart. All of this great art stuff can be found in the Gallery of Art N Soul Studios. PushArt will soon have its own webpage along with a new and improved art n soul website. For now go to www.myspace.com/pushartmanagement

I gotta bridge to sell ya...

well...actually an amazing loft building...
Chensters...get the word out...the redevelopment authority is taking proposals for this amazing 7,000 square foot loft space. Old Allentown and the Redevelopment Authority have placed an ad in GlassQuarterly magazine to highlight this property to an international audience...

figured I'd put this out here just in case someone is interested in an amazing building at a great price...enjoy!

Life Drawing In Center City Allentown this week!

Hello fellow Chensters...I received this email from my friend Donna - aka the reason I'm in Allentown. She mentioned that there is a life drawing class being held this week...here's the info below. It would be great for them to have a good turnout to encourage this to keep happening!

original email:

Hi...next week on Tuesday the 5th we will be joining together for our first night of figure drawing. It would be great
if you can make it. It will be from 6-9pm and I'm asking people to bring a little something to eat...a bit of a "potluck". Depending on the amount of people showing up will depend on the price...however it won't be more than $9. Pat Sonne will be our model and we also will be in contact with Vince who has modeled locally. It will be held at the lofts at 727 N Meadow St in Allentown (directions below) We have horses and easels for you to use....just bring your medium. I look forward to seeing you and please RSVP by Sunday May 3rd. RSVP to stank_bill@yahoo.com,

Thanks,

Bill Stank
stank_bill@yahoo.com,
Directions

Tilghman St east to Jordan St

Left onto Jordan St

Travel 1 block to Green St

Right onto Green St

Travel 1 block to Meadow St

Left onto Meadow St

Travel .5 block to entrance on right hand side 727 N Meadow St

Old Allentown Event Coming May 9th

Young Artists Share Their Work

I have seen the future: “The Elementary Art Exhibit”

I just seen our future and it looks great. “Look what I can do”, is said by most children at one time or another to gain attention. But this time I am saying it for them to bring attention their cause. This exhibit you must see. I can’t stress must enough. All the artwork is outstanding.

The artwork belongs to the Allentown School District Elementary Schools, all 16 of them. The Allentown Public Library is hosting The Elementary Art Exhibit: A collection of artwork by elementary school students. The show will run for April 27 to May 4, 2009.

In the community room on the lower level of the library, art lovers will have the unique opportunity to see 16 schools exhibit at the same time. This is an annual event. Come see what the school teachers have sparked in these future “Chen Artists”. The Library telephone is 610-820-2400 and hours are: Monday to Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday 9am-5pm.

I think it is worth stating again “Come look what they can do”! or is it Did?

For more information about this annual event contact Renee Lorenzetti, Related-Arts Curriculum Coordinator lorenzettir@allentownsd.org or call 484-765-4110

Photo and Story by Yodi

Green Man Festival on Saturday

Circle of Stones Ritual Theatre Ensemble is holding its annual Green Man Festival on Sat. May 2 from 2-6 p.m. at the Arts Park located on N. 5th St. across from the Art Museum.

The event features a drum circle, music, children's theatre performance, and a feast from Las Palmas and Aci Halal Turkish restaruant. A presenter from the Italian eco-community Damanhur will be in attendance.

Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for kids.

www.circleofstones.org
610-967-3243

The Arts and Social Capital

I don't have a background in economics or sociology, but I know that the term social capital refers to the value of meaningful human interaction-- cooperation, understanding, building trust, bridging social gaps, easing ethnic tensions. High social capital strengthens a community. Low social capital leads to an intolerant and corrupt society and citizens who are apathetic about their local government. It becomes difficult to identify problems and find solutions. Crime increases. The concept of social capital has been obscured by our current economic panic.

Community arts events and artist groups help to build social capital which can result in actual capital for a city. Therefore, cultural events should not be eliminated when a city is struggling. The arts should not be viewed as just peripheral activities in a city.

A 1996 study found that two thirds of all major city arts agencies in the US were involved in crime prevention, 9 out of 10 involved in helping at risk youth, 9 out of 10 involved in raising cross-cultural awareness (Source: United States Urban Federation, June 1996 Report on the Arts Councils in the 50 largest US cities). So putting the arts on the back burner is not a good idea if a city wants to improve. Smart government leaders can see the interconnectedness and synergy of it all, and the value of the arts. It's more than just pretty pictures for your walls, and it's not just a luxury reserved for the wealthy class.

In Italy, a study of Italian regional government found a strong relationship between the number of choral societies and the effectiveness of government. Apparently, communities that sing together are happy with their government! (Source: Robert D. Putnam, Making Democracy Work, 1993.)

There is a mountain of evidence that arts programs keep kids safe, prevent crime, and beautify shabby neighborhoods.

Art also brings joy to people's lives, and joy makes us more willing to reach out and connect with each other. (Source: Michael Argyle, In Pursuit of the Quality of Life, 1996).
When people attend a cultural event or join a community arts group, they can discover shared understandings. When they participate in creating art, music, or dance, they can learn from each other, become more accepting of differences, respect each other more, and build friendships. The arts are unique in that way.

Dollars and cents aren't the only way to define a successful society. For example, in Canada they developed "Canada's Genuine Progress Index"(GPI) which is a measure of national well being > http://www.gpiatlantic.org/gpi.htm It has five parts: time use (volunteerism, housework and childcare, leisure time), natural capital, human and social capital, human impact on the environment, and living standards. Perhaps we should develop something like this in the U.S., because the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) does not measure human well being.
The GDP shows how much income we produce, but not how it is distributed-- and we know there has been a growing gap between the rich and poor in America.

Bob Lynch, President of Americans for the Arts, estimated that 10,000 arts organizations in the U.S. will close their doors this year. That's 10% of all arts organizations. Maybe during tough economic times, the non-profits and the arts institutions need to find new ways to demonstrate the value of the arts. Perhaps a model for assessing social capital is needed. People will spend time and money on something they feel is valuable in their lives.

I believe we need to create more social capital. Here are 150 things you can do to help create more social capital in Allentown > http://www.bettertogether.org/150ways.htm

Photo: HALA Community Mural at 5th and Gordon Sts., Courtesy Allentown Good News Blog

Happy Birthday

The Allentown Chen Arts Group is now One Year Old!

We had a great potluck birthday party over the weekend, hosted by Peter at his loft on 7th Street. The turnout was great and everyone had a wonderful time.

It's amazing to think of what has been accomplished in the last year. From our first meeting at House of Chen, to the "16 & A Movie" show a Pete's and the glamorous "Momentum" show at the Butz building. The group continues to meet monthly to discuss art and support each other.

Hopefully there will be more great events in the next year, starting with the "Velocity" show in June.

We should all be proud of bringing eclectic and independent artwork back to Allentown.

Looking for an Artist's Assistant...?

Joyce Marin, the city's director of Community and Economic Development, has alerted the Chen Arts Group to an interesting offer:

There is economic stimulus money in the pipeline that will allow area business owners to employ and train local youth (ages 14-24) on the government's dime. This summer, Chensters and other professionals will have an opportunity to hire a young person, which personal budget restrictions may not have allowed in the past.

In exchange, the young adult that you hire will receive a paycheck through the stimulus dollars, and even better, gain real job experience and training from you.

The Innovative Summer Youth Program is organized through Career Link. For applications, contact their office at 610-841-1029 or visit careerlinklehighvalley.org.

Applications are due April 30 - that is Thursday. So don't delay. There are plenty of skills our area artists can teach to the youth of our region, and the youth of our region have plenty of help to offer.

Spring Offensive on 7th Street This Weekend

Seventh Street will be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 25, with a Spring Offensive.

Street puppets, by talented artist and Chen member Yodi Duane Vaden, will take to the street and interact with the public.

There will be music, flower plantings, family activities and more. The colorful businesses and tasty eateries will be open, as always.

Please come from 10 am to 4 pm to participate in this event.

Local Artists Exhibit This Weekend

This was submitted by Yodi. This show features artists active in the Allentown Chen Arts Group:

The exhibit is at the Mayor Ed Pawlowski Campaign Headquarter on the west end of the city (2020 West Hamilton Street Allentown Pa). It will be a way for the artist to express their support for the Mayor of Allentown. The opening for the show is tomorrow, Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 1pm to 3pm.

Mayor Pawlowski is a long time supporter of the arts in all forms. The artwork will be displayed from April 11, 2009 through May 19th during the primary; a secondary show will be hung during the general election. So stop in often. A few of the artist will be on hand to discuss their artist styles. The artist include Chris Neyen, Gregory Coates, Mohamed Mansour, Rick Hildenbrandt, and Yodi Duane Vaden.

Show Opening at Allentown Gallery on Saturday

Please come out to Art N Soul - the only independent gallery in downtown Allentown - this Saturday, April 11, for the opening of Cartoon Messiah, a show featuring the work of Josh Noti.

Art N Soul is located at 516 W. Hamilton Street. The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. Please try to support one of our area artists at this unique tattoo and art venue.