Monday, June 30, 2008

BARACK OBAMA: A CHAMPION FOR ARTIST, THE ARTS, CULTURE, ARTS EDUCATION, COMMUNITY AND A PROGRESSIVE NATION


"THIS NATION WOULD SPIN INTO A 21st CENTURY LAND OF WONDER, IF CUSTODIANSHIP OF THIS PLANET, AND THE COSMOS WERE A PRIORITY, AND CREATIVITY FOR THE ENHANCEMENT & ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANITY, WAS A MAJOR PART OF OUR LIFE'S MISSION"

XENOBIA BAILEY

"THEM" IS MY WORDS ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF CREATIVITY.... LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF JOY & HAPPINESS IN THIS COUNTRY GOOD FOLKS!!!...... AS FAR AS I SEE IT,... IT'S ALL ABOUT OPENING UP A HEALTHY FLOW OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION OF THE PEOPLE,... FOR THE PEOPLE..... WE'VE BEEN DAMNED SO LONG,... IT SEEMS LIKE A LIFESTYLE CHOICE.

A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS FROM PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BARACK OBAMA

Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces
with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling
books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and
value of creative expression.
A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
Reinvest in Arts Education: To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the
kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s
creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new
global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts
education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.
Barack Obama believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Chairman
of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said “The purpose of arts education is not to produce more
artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings
capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education, Obama
will:
􀂾 Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama will
increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and
Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and arts
organizations. Obama will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support for
public/private partnerships.
􀂾 Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama supports the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artists
trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstrated
that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across the
curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.
􀂾 Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use the
bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts
education in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, high
skill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas
as well.
Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. Barack
Obama supports increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods all
across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.

by Obama for America
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers – representing our values and ideals
– can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States
Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic
ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists
can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources
for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama will work to reverse this trend and
improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.
Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members of
the foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists provides
the kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. As
America tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to come
here, went elsewhere. Barack Obama will streamline the visa process to return America to its rightful place as
the world’s top destination for artists and art students.
Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexing
obstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditional
employment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies are
financially out of reach. Barack Obama’s plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.
His plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy
affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. His plan also creates a National Health
Insurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participating
private plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and charge
fair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.
His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.
Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced by
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fair
market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.

Friday, June 27, 2008

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ: A PHOTOGRAPHER'S "(sure-nuf-real)" LIFE 1990-2005 BROOKLYN MUSEUM ARTIST TALK / ARTIST MOTHER & CHILD (The real job!..)









SORRY THAT IT HAS TAKEN ME SO LONG TO POST THIS ARTIST TALK OF ANNIE LEIBOVITZ AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM IN 2006,.. BUT... YOU KNOW HOW PROJECTS CAN GET LOST IN THE SHUFFLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE....

I WENT TO HEAR ANNIE LEIBOVITZ BE INTERVIEWED BY THE MUSEUMS DIRECTOR AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM DURING HER EXHIBIT, A PHOTOGRAPHER'S LIFE 1990-2005..... I REALLY ENJOYED HEARING ANNIE LEIBOVITZ SPEAK ABOUT HER LIFE, WORK AND EXPERIENCES... BUT...WHAT I REALLY REALLY ENJOYED WAS SEEING ANNIE LEIBOVITZ THE PHOTOGRAPHERS LIFE WITH HER FAMILY AND ONE OF HER THREE CHILDREN.... THIS WAS A REAL ARTIST/MOTHER & CHILD MOMENT FOR ME....

MOTHERSHIP... IS A "MOTHA"... "YOU GO" ANNIE LEIBOVITZ!!!.....MY HAT'S OFF TO YOU....

Thursday, June 26, 2008

"A GREAT DAY IN BROOKLYN" 2008 PHOTOGRAPH SET, INSPIRED BY ART KANE'S PHOTOGRAPH OF JAZZ GREAT'S "A GREAT DAY IN HARLEM" 1958


GREAT DAY IN BROOKLYN AMAZING ORGANIZER, PRODUCER, AND SOON TO BE BIG BUSINESS WOMAN: KALALEA,... A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO SHE OPENED UP THE CUTEST LITTLE ORGANIC FOOD RESTAURANT IN BROOKLYN NAMED "SMOOCHES",... IT WAS A REAL HAPPENING PLACE,... THEY HAD LIVE MUSIC,... INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS,... POETRY READINGS,... A REAL NICE FUNKY CHIC DECOR,... CYBER CONNECTION,... GREAT FOLK DROPPING IN THE FROM THE "HOOD",... REAL HEALTHY FOOD & GREAT VIBE. AND SMILING ON HER SHOULDER IS NATURAL HAIR ENTREPRENEUR: ANU PRESTONIA OF KHAMIT KINKS (AMERICA'S PREMIER NATURAL HAIR CARE & STYLIST, SHE BRAIDED STEVIE WONDER'S AND OPRA WINFREY'S HAIR, TERRY MCMILLAN AND ALL OF OUR HAIR.)

GREG TATE: CULTURAL CRITC, VILLAGE VOICE WRITER, AVANT CARDE MUSICIAN AND "BURNT SUGAR" BAND LEADER.


DJ REBORN: WRITER/FILMAKER


DWAYNE RODGERS: PHOTOGRAPHER

JOAN VAN HEES: STYLIST & VINTAGE CLOTHING MAVEN, AND ME.

I BORROWED THIS FROM MY DEAR FRIEND & STYLIST SHARON PENDANA'S BLOG:
"few Sunday's ago, on the monumental steps of Fort Greene Park, photographer and restaurateur, KalaLea assembled a large gathering of Brooklynites who have impacted the Brooklyn arts community for the documentary project, A Great Day in Brooklyn, inspired by Art Kane’s iconic A Great Day in Harlem. I was honored to take part in this group of creatives and entrepreneurs including MoCADA’s Laurie Cumbo, Selma Jackson, Carl Hancock Rux and DJ Spinna".

I WAS REALLY HONORED THAT KALALEA HAD ASKED ME TO BE A PART OF THIS HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHIC PROJECT... IT WAS REALLY GREAT BEING ON THE SET,... IT WAS HELD RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM SOUTH PORTLAND, WHERE I USED TO LIVE IN BROOKLYN, BACK IN THE DAY WHEN SPIKE LEE WAS ON THE BLOCK MAKING HIS "HOLLYCOULD" TYPE MOVIE'S. SPIKE HIRED JUST ABOUT EVERY BODY IN THE HOOD TO WORK ON HIS FILMS THAT HE AND MONTY ROSS'S PRODUCED.

IT WAS GREAT SEEING MY OLD HOOD, THE FOLKS,.. SEEING ALL THE CHANGES... VERY INTERESTING.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

GREEN FOODS FESTIVAL IN HARLEM LAST WEEKEND, WAS A BOOMING SUCCESS AND A LIFE ENHANCING LEARNING EXPERIENCE




WHEN I SAW IRIS PREPARING THIS PIE, I KNEW I HAD TO STOP TAKING PHOTO'S AND GET INTO POSITION TO SECURE ME A PIECE OF THIS MAN'S PIE.


JUNE 21 2008, I ATTENDED THE INSPIRING HARLEMS GREEN FOODS FESTIVAL, THAT WAS HELD IN MT. MORRIS PARK aka (MARCUS GARVEY) PARK ON 124 ST. BETWEEN PARK AND MADISON AVE..... AND AT THE NATIONAL BLACK THEATER ON 125TH AND MADISON AVE.... THIS BRILLIANT AND WELL NEEDED EVENT IN THE HARLEM COMMUNITY WAS PRODUCED BY THE GOLDEN HAND OF MY DEAR SISTAH GIRL-FRIEND AHIJAH MITCHELL.

THE FESTIVAL BROUGHT A HEALTHY FRESH, NEW ENERGY TO MARCUS GARVEY PARK.... THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT, A SUMMER LIKE SPRING DAY, WITH A SOFT BREEZE, SOFT ENOUGH TO BE COOLING, AND NOT TO STRONG TO BLOW AWAY THE VENDORS TENTS.

I ARRIVED AT THE FESTIVAL A LITTLE LATE, BECAUSE I HAD TO MAKE A QUICK RUN TO MY EXHIBIT (RE) POSSESSED AT THE JERSEY CITY MUSEUM TO MAKE A SMALL ADJUSTMENT.

WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE FESTIVAL, I WENT DIRECTLY TO THE FOOD PRODUCT VENDORS, AND THE LIVE FOOD PREPARATIONS DEMONSTRATION....

DR. ARIS LaTHAM THE GENIUS SUNFIRED FOOD SCIENTIST, INNOVATOR, AND ORIGINATOR OF SUNFIRED FOODS CUISINE, WAS DOING FOOD DEMONSTRATIONS PREPARING HIS ENERGIZING LIVE FOOD RECIPES. ARIS KEPT A THICK CROWD AROUND HIS DEMONSTRATION TABLE.

AFTER ARIS PREPARED A DISHES, HE WOULD HAVE HIS ASSISTANTS PREPARE PLATES AND SELL THEM THE FOLKS WATCHING THE DEMONSTRATION.... I HAVE ATTENDED FOOD PREPARATION CLASSES FROM ARIS WHEN HE WAS IN BROOKLYN, "BACK IN THE DAY" BEFORE THE TURN OF THE 20th CENTURY.... HIS FOOD IS NOT ONLY ENERGIZINGLY NUTRITIOUS, IT IS DELICIOUS, QUICK TO PREPARE AND BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT AS IT WAS BEING PREPARED, AND WHEN THE FOOD WAS SERVED.... ALL THE INGREDIENTS THAT HE USES ARE FRESH AND EASY TO FIND IN LOCAL STORE.

HIS LIVE FOOD PIES ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.... I PURCHASED A SLICE OF PAPAYA PIE WITH A CREAMY NUT TOPPING,... THAT WAS THE MOST SATISFYING DESERT THAT I EVER HAD IN MY LIFE, THAT DID NOT ZAP MY ENERGY.

WHEN DR. ARIS LaTHOM HAD HIS RESTAURANT IN BROOKLYN, HIS PIES WERE ALWAYS SOLD OUT AS SOON AS THEY HIT THE TABLE, I HAD TO BE AT THE RESTAURANT THE VERY SECOND THE PIE WAS PREPARED, IN ORDER TO PURCHASE A SLICE.

ARIS HAS MASTERED BLENDING HIS MANY NATURAL INGREDIENTS TO DEVELOP HIS NEW AGE RECIPES AND MENUS... HIS FOOD IS A ABSOLUT "MUST-TASTE", TO EXPERIENCE HIS ORIGINAL MASTERFUL CUISINE.

LILLIAN BUTLER THE OWNER OF RAW SOUL RESTAURANT (A LIVE FOOD RESTAURANT) ON 145 BETWEEN 8TH & 7TH AVE. GAVE A TALK,..... I WAS NOT AT HER PRESENTATION,.... BUT I AM FAMILIAR WITH HER AND HER HUSBAND EDDY ROBINSON WORK DEVELOPING LIVE FOOD RECIPES, MENUS AND DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THEY ALSO DO WONDERFUL WORK WITH SPROUTING AND FERMENTATION A REAL ADDITION TO THE DIET BECAUSE OF THE LIVE ENZYIMES

I HAVE TAKEN WORKSHOPS FROM THEM.... THEY ARE DEFINETLY DEVELOPERS OF KEEPER THE ENJOYMENT IN HOW TO EAT TO LIVE LONG AND WELL, IN THE URBAN COMMUNITIES.

QUEEN AFUA ALSO GAVE A PRESENTATION,... AND FOR THE SAME REASON I MISSED LILLIAN BUTLERS PRESENTATION,... BECAUSE I SPENT MOST OF MY TIME AT DR. ARIS LaTHOMS SUNFIRED FOOD DEMOSTRATION,.... I MISSED QUEEN AFUA'S.... BUT, LIKE MY EXPERIENCE WITH LILLIAN BUTLERS WORK,.... I CAN SAY THAT QUEEN AFUA HAS DEVELOPED A QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAM WITH HER SACRAD WOMANS WORKSHOP THAT HAS BECOME HER LIFE'S WORK.

I TOOK HER SACRAD WOMANS COURSE A FEW YEARS BACK ALONG WITH THE PRODUCER OF THIS GREEN FOOD FESTIVAL AHIJAH MITCHELL.... I MUST SAY,... HER PROGRAM TAUGHT ME HOW TO CARE FOR MY HEALTH IN A TOTALLY LIFE ENHANCING WAY..... HER FASTING, INTERNAL CLEANSING, FOOD PREPARATION, MEDITATION, MOVEMENT, CHANTING, I COULD GO ON AND ON.... HER WORK WILL REALLY HAS PUT THE GOLD IN MY GOLDEN YEARS.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET SENT A REPRESENTATIVE AND GAVE OUT FOOD & NATURAL BODY CARE PRODUCT SAMPLES,... THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF FOOD, BEVERAGE AND PRODUCT SAMPLING, I THINK THIS IS GOOD WHEN INTRODUCING A NEW LIFE STYLE INTO A COMMUNITY.

TO SAY THE LEAST, AHIJAH MITCHELL IS DUE MANY THANKS FOR HER HARD WORK, IDEA, PLANNING AND PRESENTING THIS GIFT OF THE CHOICE OF A MORE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE..... WHAT SHE AND HER CREW BROUGHT TO HARLEM WELL BRIGHTEN THE FUTURE HEALTH AND ENJOYMENT OF LIFE AND SIMPLE PLEASURES OF THE PEOPLE IN HARLEM... I FEEL THIS FESTIVAL NEEDS TO BE SHARED WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.

EXCELLENT JOB AHIJAH AND CREW.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

XENOBIA BAILEY'S ETSY SHOP IS OFFICIALLY ONLINE AND OPEN FOR THE WORLD TO VIEW: 2008 FALL & WINTER BEADED CROCHET SKULLCAPS, xenba.etsy.com




I ACCOMPLISHED A MAJOR MILE STONE,... SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN ON MY MIND FOR WEEKS TO DO.... I FINALLY GOT MY ETSY SHOP UP AND RUNNING.

BUT... BEFORE I OPENED MY SHOP,... I RESEARCHED THE CROCHET ITEMS ON THE ETSY SITE,... I WAS REALLY EMPRESSED,... I FIGURED I SHOULD NOT LET MY RESEARCH GO TO WASTE,... SO I DECIDED TO MAKE A "XENOBIA BAILEY BEST ETSY CROCHET GIFT LIST".

I FURTHER RESEARCHED THE SITE AND WAS REALLY BLOWN OVER BY THE BRILLIANCE OF THIS GROUPS CREATIVE BUSINESS SAVVY.... THIS IS JUST A TOTALLY BRILLIANT MOVE ETSY FOLKS!!!

SO... AFTER ALL THAT GATHERING OF INFO,.... I FELT COMFORTABLE TO POST MY CROCHET WORK ON THE SITE.... I KNOW IT'S EARLY TO BE THINKING ABOUT CROCHET FALL AND WINTER BEADED HATS,... BUT I HAVE TO GET THE IMAGES OUT IN CYBER SPACE AND THE MARKETING PLAN WORKING EARLY,.... NEED I SAY MORE.

CHECK MY WORK OUT AT

XENBA.ETSY.COM

BOY!!!... I'M GLAD I GOT THAT OUT THE WAY....

XENOBIA BAILEY'S OUTSTANDING ETSY.COM CROCHET GIFT ITEM PICK: IRISH CROCHET LACE INSPIRED NECKLACE COLLECTION by HeddaVatter









I HAVE A GREAT APPRECIATION FOR ANYTHING CREATED WITH IRISH CROCHET LACE,... THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY REASON I THINK THIS COLLECTION OF CROCHET NECK PIECES ARE SO VERY STUNNING,.. THESE ARE DEFINITELY HAND MADE ITEM TO BE CHERISHED AND HANDED DOWN THROUGH THE FAMILY FOR AGES TO COME,... WELL PRESENTED... WONDERFUL JOB.

DESIGNER DESCRIPTION: www.HeddaVatter.etsy.com,

These necklaces are inspired by irish lace and is unique.

All items come from a non-smoking and non-pet household.

I welcome special requests. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
My Flickr album is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heddavatter/

hedda.vatter@mail.ee

Enjoy Your visit!
Female, Born on June 8

XENOBIA BAILEY'S OUTSTANDING ETSY.COM CROCHET GIFT ITEM PICK: HAND CROCHET WASH CLOTH by knotsewcute




I REALLY LIKE THESE HAND MADE WASH CLOTHES BECAUSE THEY PUT THE COMFORT OF PERSONAL GROOMING BACK IN YOUR HANDS,... I'M REALLY FEELIN THE ONENESS OF IT ALL, THE CIRCLE OF "LUV" KIND OF VIBE.... OK,.. I'M GETTING CARRIED AWAY WITH THIS... I KNOW YOU GET WHERE I'M COMING FROM. THIS A WONDERFULLY MADED AND WELL PHOTOGRAPHED HANDMADE PERSONAL GROOMING ITEM.

DESIGNERS DESCRIPTION: etsy.com, knotsewcute

Set of 4 100% Cotton Wash Cloths are made in classic neutrals to match any decor. Colours include Taupe, Cream, Ivory, and White.

These multi-purpose cloths may be used for anything from dishes to baby's sensitive skin.

The cloths measure approximately 19 cm (7 1/2") square.

XENOBIA BAILEY'S OUTSTANDING ETSY.COM CROCHET GIFT ITEM PICK: HAND CROCHET COASTERS by knotsewcute



THESE WONDERFUL COASTERS ARE THE TYPE OF HAND MADE ITEM THAT TURNS A HOUSE INTO A "CRIB".... REALLY NICE TOUCH HERE.

DESIGNER DESCRIPTION: etsy.com, knotsewcute

4 natural looking felted leaf coasters come in 4 autumn colors: Deep Olive, Rich Red, Paprika, and Old Gold.
Leaf veins have been needle felted on to add extra detail.

Felted coasters measure approximately 3 1/2" wide and 5" long.

XENOBIA BAILEY'S OUTSTANDING ETSY.COM CROCHET GIFT ITEM PICK: SOPHISTCATED AFGHAN & PILLOW SET by NPJ Designs






THIS IS THE MOST CONTEMPORARY, SOPHISTICATED, CASUALLY ELEGANT AFGHAN AND PILLOW SET I HAVE EVER SEEN, FRESH & SIMPLE PATTERN, WONDERFUL COLORS COMBINATIONS. EXCELLENT PHOTO.

DESIGNER DESCRIPTION : etsy.com , NPJ Designs

Bright, multi-colored stripes. Afghan is approximately 4 ft. x 5 ft. Pillow is approximately 22 in. x 22 in. You won't find a better deal for an original, hand-crafted set! Great gift idea and/or home accessory.

100% Acrylic
Washing Instructions:
Machine wash separately in cold water.
Tumble Dry LOW.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We will happily combine shipping costs on multiple purchases.

Thanks for looking!

www.NPJDesigns.com

XENOBIA BAILEY'S OUTSTANDING ETSY.COM CROCHET GIFT ITEM PICK: ULTRA CHIC SUMMERTIME SHRUG by trendyknitting's Shop





THE SUMMER ACCESSORY PIECE OF CROCHET ADORNMENT IS JUST TOO PERFECT... WONDERFUL WORK... EXTREMLY FLATTERING GREAT PHOTO.

DESIGNER DESCRIPTION: etsy.com : trendyknitting's Shop

With this lovely shrug you will draw all the attention of all people around you. It is made of %100 bamboo yarn, so you can use it willingly in spring and summer.
You'll love wearing it.

Size: One size will fit XS, S and M.

Measurements ( For Xtralicious ):
Shoulder: 17 inches
Shulder to arm: 11 inches
Bicep: 14 inches

Handmade with great care, in a smoke-free, pet-free home. Never been worn.

This item will be packaged with lots of love and care and shipped the day after payment received.

Please, contact me if you would like to make an order for L and XL.

Thanks for visiting Trendy Knitting store...