Art visual np2

As I watched the final performance of Breaking New Ground: Dance at The Decatur Arts Festival at the Dance Studio Theatre at Beacon Hill Arts Center here tonight in Georgia I realized that each of the dance pieces on the program could be danced on any stage in the world. The confidence and individuality expressed in the work of the evening’s 10 choreographers and 23 dancers was a revelation and the effortless flow of the evening created a transcendent atmosphere that allowed nuances of movement, emotion and humor to have maximum impact. Kudos to Beacon Dance Company’s Artistic Director D. Patton White who produced this outstanding dance event. “Tribal Raks Assaya” choreographed by Jaki of Jahara Phoenix – sensual, celebratory, and evocative movement creates an atmosphere of strength, joy and vitality. “6 hour later (Distract)” choreographed by the Dancers and Corie B. Thomas-Johnson of Notchyomamas Modern Project - poetry by Pablo Neruda read by Glen Close dissects the ambiguities of l...

The exhibit The Global Playground - featuring art by over 4 oo student artists from Brookwood Elementary School - opened at Dalton City Hall in Georgia yesterday. The exhibit includes masks inspired by and as tributes to a variety of African cultures. They were created while I was as an artist in residen ce at the school. Parents, students, teachers, the media and community at-large all lent their enthusiastic support at the opening reception. Here are behind the scenes photos of project coordinator Jane Snipes, myself and parents mounting the exhibit. Many thanks to the Georgia Council for the Arts, Alternate ROOTS, the National Endowment for the Arts, Dalton City Hall and Brookwood Principal Will Esters for making this exciting event possible! photos: Michael Birnbaum