Issue 5 • July 2018 • Facebook.com/TalkArts
IT’S ALL ABOUT
ARTS
Supporting Local Arts and Culture
From the Editor: On Being an Artist
Now retired two years
from full time work as Membership Director at BNN TV, I fill my days with a variety of activities. Some days seem like I am busier than when I was working. I take care of my family and home, work PR for a few clients and do many art related activities. I manage affairs for the Roslindale Arts Alliance, I curate art shows, assist in the production of a weekly arts related TV show, write and publish this monthly online art magazine and post art events and opportunities on my Facebook and Twitter pages.
My real passion and avocation though is my
daily doing of art. When I was working, art creation was time crammed in wherever I could find a few hours. It was a way to relax. While I have always done
IT’S ALL ABOUT ARTS
watch on www.bnntv.org www.itsallaboutarts.com facebook.com/TalkArts Twitter - @itsallaboutarts Instagram #itsallaboutarts BEYOND THE PALETTE RADIO SHOW AND PODCAST www.wbcaradio.org facebook.com/glennspalette Podcast can be heard on www.podbean.com or ITunes ROSLINDALE ARTS ALLIANCE www.roslindalearts.org facebook.com/Roslindale-Arts-Alliance-129685993761701 ART STUDIO 99 www.artstudio99.com facebook.com/Art-Studio-99-145566388819141 Twitter @artstudio99 Instagram - janice_art_studio_99
My advice “Do something artful today”!
art and considered art a big part of my personality, the reality of making a living doing art is something that typically eludes artists, especially those who have families to care for. I never found the starving artist idea as being something I could do. Most artists I know who are trying to make it with just their art, struggle daily to meet basic needs. I both admire them and feel sorry for them.
I still suffer from a preconceived notion (not
sure where this comes from but maybe a good topic for another article) that art is a hobby to be done after chores and work are completed. I have made headway into making sure that each day I make creating art a priority. My output has increased considerably and I am having fun and feeling very productive. I also believe that art is the golden nugget for my senior years as I get up each day excited to do my next piece of art and share it with the world. It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Published by It’s All About Arts Copyright 2018 - All Rights Reserved Glenn Williams - 617-543-7443 glennsmusic.williams@gmail.com Janice Williams - 617-710-3811 janice@artfulgift.com TO ADVERTISE - REQUEST OUR MEDIA KIT
Jonathan Ulman - a Beat Above by Janice Williams
If you go to session drummer Jonathan Ulman’s website and click on “Gigs/Events” make sure that you have some time to peruse a packed schedule. He is in demand. No doubt Photo: Craig William Johnston Jonathan Ulman is a man driven by extreme passion and vision. Just back from performing at a three day festival “Boston Calling” and leading a discussion on The Music Industry in Boston at Northeastern University with recent graduates and students within that field, he graciously sat down to speak to me so I could share his incredible musical journey. Ulman’s journey began at the age of twelve when he took to drums and has never looked back in twenty-five years. According to Ulman, “ The very first kit I ordered when I signed with Ludwig Drums was a Green Sparkle Drum Set. I remember as a kid watching John Bonham play one on TV and would cut out pictures of him playing it and hang them on my wall. I used to dream of the day I would own the same Green Sparkle kit so I could be like him, and it was the very first thing I did when I joined the Ludwig Family”. As a talented session drummer, he has been embraced by the International music world in a colossal way. He has crisscrossed the US, Canada and Europe for the last eighteen years performing and recording. His awards have been It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
frequent and of astounding note. Named “Session Musician of the Year” in both 2017 and 2016 by The Boston Music Awards, Ulman has worked with 35+ Artists; performed 150+ live shows and recorded 45+ days in the studio on average annually. Ulman was also nominated for 2016 “Best New Drummer in the World” - Rhythm Magazine (UK). Add to that list of accomplishments: contributing writer to Modern Drummer Magazine; profiled in three of the biggest drummer publications in the world: Rhythm Magazine, Modern Drummer Magazine, DRUM! Magazine and performed on Jimmy Kimmel, He has been heartily
Photo: Janos Fulop endorsed by nine of the most respected Drum Companies in the World: Zildjian Cymbals, Ludwig Drums, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks, Westone IEMs, Big Fat Snare Drum, Protection Racket Cases, KBrakes and Drumtacs. According to Terri Lyne Carrington (3 Time Grammy Award Winning Drummer): who has layed with such artists as Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Al Jarreau, Diane Reeves,
Jonathan Ulman - a Beat Above by Janice Williams (continued)
“Jonathan is a first class drummer, (continued) hands down. His liquid time feel and stylistic versatility make him someone to be acutely aware of – now and years to come! He has a fat groove and a masterful understanding of the instrument. I’m a fan…” Born into a very artistic family (mother, father and brother) who are engineers, sculptors and photographers, Ulman cut a wonderful distinct career path that has entertained and nourished musical audiences and his own soul. Ulman is married with a beautiful young daughter
Photo: Jonathan Ulman
and he enjoys the time at home in Boston where he maintains a studio. Ulman creatively documents his love affair with drums through incredible artistic photos that he shares on social media. Check out Ulman’s BIO page to see the list of people he has played with: jonathanulman.com/ bio. More about Ulman at jonathanulman.com. Social media: @jmudrums (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook). Cover Image - Photo by Simon Simard
It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Photo: Justin Craig Roth
Attention BOSTON Lovers BUY ART Karen McFeaters
Winter Wonderland in Fort Point, 2017 16 x 20”, acrylic on canvas, $1,400.00
L Street Diner, 2017 12 x 12,” acrylic on canvas $950.00
Dusk on Congress Street, 2018. 30 x 30,” acrylic on canvas, $2,200.00
Summer on West Broadway, 2018 16 x 20,” acrylic on canvas $1,400.00
To purchase contact Janice Williams at 617-710-3811 or janice@artfulgift.com It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Driving to Lake Erie on Mother’s 97th Birthday The late October light has weakened my resolve for heroism. Mother and I drive east, the lake to our left, its furthest coast another country. To our right, maple leaves’ cinders singe the sidewalk’s gray vestiges, leave scars. A lonely teenager rakes the clamorous debris, her red hair drowns her shoulders. Over our heads, the clouds hold their convocation. And the sparrows have gathered their tribe like a hundred arrows released and turned by the wind. Mother curves her head: she hears but does not see. If I didn’t know better I’d say when it’s time to die, try to face north. The light remains constant there. © Anastasia Vassos
POETRY
Anastasia Vassos’ work has appeared most recently in “Gravel Mag”, “Haibun Today”, “Blast Furnace Press”, “Right Hand Pointing”, “Literary Bohemian” and “First Literary Review - East”. Her poem “Tinos, August 2012” was a MassPoetry.org, Poem of the Moment in 2017. She is a long-distance cyclist, and is a 13-year rider in the Pan-Mass Challenge. She lives in Roslindale with her husband, landscape painter Gary Koeppel.
It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Goodness
The Art Connection is the only non-profit in the Boston met-
ro area that enriches and empowers underserved communities by providing access to original works of visual art. We were founded over two decades ago by philanthropist and community leader in the All inquires about receiving artwork, becoming a donor, or Boston art scene, Fay Chandler. We build bridges between local artsupporting our mission can be directed to info@theartconists and social service agencies to improve tens of thousands of lives nection.org or 617-338-7668 each year.
At the heart of The Art Connection is the Art Donation and
Placement Program which results in permanent exhibitions of original artwork in social service spaces such as health clinics, homeless shelters, and safe houses. We actively source original works of art gifted by local artists and then facilitate a community curation process that empowers agencies to take charge of their onsite culture. The original works of art add dimension, warmth, and provide welcome opportunities for reflection, inspiration, comfort, and hope. Over 400 of our recipient agencies have found that original artwork enlivens spaces and connects them to their constituents in profound ways.Thanks to their generosity over 7,000 original works of art are showcased in Greater Boston. theartconnection.org
GOT GOODNESS? Share your arts related goodness photos and stories with It’s All About Arts send to janice@artfulgift.com It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Promoting local arts and culture on community access television. Now in our 21st season, we invite artists from all disciplines to share their artists endeavors with our viewing audience. Host: Glenn Williams Co-Host: Kelly Ransom Producer: Janice Williams
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GOING INTO EXILE By Dan McCole
My watercolor painting inspired by a short story by Liam O’Flaherty (Irish writer)
This painting ‘Going into Exile’ is set at almost any time in the last half of the 1800s and the early 1900s. Two eldest children … of Pat and Mrs. Feeney … are leaving their village on the small island of Inverara, … off the Galway coast on the first step of their emigration to America. ‘ Going into Exile’ was inspired by the Liam O’Flaherty short story, “Going into Exile”. (My apologies to Liam for lifting his title but it is offered with great respect...and I couldn’t think of a better title.) O’Flaherty’s story, as beautifully as it is written, is a sad tale repeated throughout the years … around the Globe in other small villages … in other countries … by other families. Not enough work for the young to make a living wage and work toward future opportunities … as well as too many children for parents to feed. In his story O’Flaherty describes a festive allnight party held for the youngsters Michael and Mary on the eve of their leaving for America. Back in the day, the costly fares and the long arduous boat trips literally turned the decision to emigrate into an ‘exile’. The all-night party is sometimes referred to as an ‘American Wake’. The event was filled with music and dance, singing and laughter … all the night and well into the daybreak ... organized by the family to offset and disguise the heartbreak of the two youngsters and the It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
family … who would never to see each other again. O’Flaherty weaves the feelings of the parents, young Mary and Michael, their siblings, the young friends and local villagers, all they have ever known in their short lives … as they were about to leave. Mrs. Feeney busied herself at the stove making sure that there was plenty … forcing her emotions away. Throughout the night Pat Feeney would laugh and shout and encourage the music, the singing and the laughter … but at times he would step out the kitchen door and stand back against the gable wall staring off into the dark skies for many moments. Then give a swipe at his eyes and head back to the party. As dawn broke the villagers leave to begin their morning chores and to allow the family to these few moments alone. Pat called the children together around their hearth and assigned the daily chores, excluding Mary and Michael. O’Flaherty wrote: “But, Michael and Mary had nothing to do and they sat about miserably conscious that they had been cut adrift from the routine of their home life. They no longer had any place in it. In a few hours they would be homeless wanderers. Now that they were cut adrift from it, the poverty and sordidness of their home life appeared to them under the aspect of comfort and plenty.” (continued)
GOING INTO EXILE By Dan McCole (continued) At that moment … being excluded from family chores … their emigration … their exile … had begun. Mary, the younger of the two had struggled with thoughts throughout the long night party … a mixture of knowing that she would never see those left behind again .. and excited about the voyage and their ‘new world’ to be. Michael … very confident about his chance to succeed in America … was saddened with thoughts of the family and home. And he knew he had to be strong for this. He followed his father one time out to the gable wall and took the moment to pledge that he would repay Uncle Ned for the loan for the dance and Aunt Mary for the passage money. Again O’Flaherty wrote:“The father was silent for some time. He was looking at the sky with his lower lip hanging, thinking of nothing. At last he sighed as a memory struck him. ‘What is it?’ said the son. ‘Don’t weaken, for God’s sake. You will only make it harder for me.’ ‘Fooh!’ said the father suddenly with pretended gruffness. ‘Who is weakening? I’m afraid that your new clothes make you impudent.’ Then he was silent for a moment and continued in a low voice: ‘I was thinking of that potato field you sowed alone last spring the time I had influenza. I never set eyes on a man that could do it better. It’s a cruel world that takes you away from the land that God made for you.’ They stood in silence fully five minutes. Each hungered to embrace the other, to cry, to beat the air, to scream with the excess of sorrow. But they stood silent and somber, like nature about them, hugging their woe. Then they went back to the cabin.” O’Flaherty writes about Mary and her mother …..“Oh, well, God is good, said Mrs. Feeney, as she wiped her lips with the tip of her apron. ‘What will be must be, and sure there is hope from the sea, but there is no hope from the grave. It is sad and the poor have to suffer, but …” Mrs. Feeney stopped suddenly. ’ Like her husband she was unable to think intelligently about her two children going away. At that moment the realization that they would never see each other again became almost unbearable to Mrs. Feeney. As children were leaving … never to see them again. But her mind grappled with the things about her … busily and efficiently, with the preparation of food with the entertaining of the guests … with the numerous things that only a woman can do properly. These little things saved her from bursting into tears whenever she looked at her daughter and whenever she thought of her son, whom she loved most of all her children. So she laughed down in her breast a funny laugh she It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
had. “A person begins to talk … and then a person says foolish things.” But Mary knew her mother laughing that way ….. she always laughed that way before she had one of her fits of hysterics. And Mary’s heart stopped beating suddenly and then began again at an awful rate as her eyes became acutely conscious of her mother. And she was stricken with horror at the thought of leaving her mother and at the selfishness of her thoughts. She had never been prone to thinking of anything important, but now, somehow for a moment, she had a glimpse of her mother’s life that made her shiver and hate herself as a cruel, heartless, lazy, selfish wretch. Her mother’s life loomed before her eyes, a life of continual misery and suffering, hard work, birth pangs, sickness and again hard work and hunger and anxiety. It loomed up and then fled again, a little mist came before her eyes and she jumped down from the bed. “Sit down for a while, mother,” she whispered ..… I’ll look after the table.” “No, no,’ murmured the mother with a shake of her whole body, “I’m not a bit tired. Sit down my treasure. You have a long way to travel to-day.” And Mary sighed and went back to her friends again. At last somebody said: “It’s broad daylight.” And immediately everybody looked out and said. “So it is, and may God be praised.” The morning light was sneaking over the crags and the stars were growing dim. Cocks crew, blackbirds carol led , a dog let loose from a cabin by an early riser chased madly after an imaginary robber, barking as if his tail was on fire.” The people said goodbye and went to their homes to see to the morning’s work. All the family gathered in the kitchen. There were eight of them … the father and mother and six children. Tea was made and they sat about drinking it and eating raisin cake. Later, in the bedroom the son and daughter, on their knees, clung to their mother, who held their heads between her hands and rained kisses ravenously. The two children were sobbing freely. Then the father came into the room. He coughed and said in a weak voice that was so strange to him, as he touched his son, “Come now, it is time.” Mary and Michael got to their feet. The father sprinkled them with holy water and they crossed themselves. Then, without looking at their mother, who lay in the chair with her hands clasped on her lap, looking at the ground in a silent tear less stupor, they left the room. (continued)
GOING INTO EXILE By Dan McCole (continued) Each hurriedly kissed little Thomas. And then, hand in hand, they left the house. As Michael was going out the door he picked up a piece of loose whitewash from the wall and put it in his pocket. Nobody spoke in the cabin for a long time. Then the mother rose and came into the kitchen. She looked at the hearth, as if she was looking for something she had lost. Then she threw her hands into the air and ran out into the yard. “Come back she screamed; come back to me.”She looked wildly down the road. But there was nobody in sight. Nobody replied. Two old women led her back in to the kitchen. There is nothing that time will not cure,” said one “Yes time and patience,” said the other. Again I apologize to O’Flaherty if I butchered the edited excerpts of his story in any unconstructive way. The painting (shown at the beginning of this article) was also inspired by a scene from the movie, ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ … and through many moments spent during my own youth listening to the conversations at the kitchen table in South Boston. In 1924 my parents left their home and families and friends in Donegal, Ireland and came to America as immigrants with three children. Others were born here (including me) until there were eight. My parents loved America with its great opportunities but when the aunts and uncles and friends from Donegal came to visit they would talk of ‘Home’ with the soft nodding of the heads followed by long stretches of silence … and their faraway staring. ‘Home...and their Exile’ Dan McCole is an acclaimed watercolor painter and teacher who lives in South Boston. He is the Co-founder and President of the South Boston Arts Association. For more info: danmccole.com - southbostonartsassoc.org
Additional Irish Paintings by Dan McCole
It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Landscape Artist
RUTH LAGUE laguewax.com facebook.com/Laguewax @ruthlague #ruthlague
It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Neighborhood Cultural Organizations HYDE PARK, MA - a Boston Neighborhood
Menino Arts Center - home of Hyde Park Art Association - hpaa-mac.org
There’s something here for everyone, at any age. 12 months a year we present art, music, workshops, demonstrations, lectures and special events, at our facility and off site.
The Switch Co-op Gallery facebook.com/hydeparkartistscoop
Work of nearly 20 artists, including paintings, photos, art quilts, and jewelry for sale and music/poetry events.
Riverside Theatre - rtwboston.org
Host several main stage theatrical performances every year, from all-youth productions to family-friendly shows to challenging plays and musicals aimed at adults. We also host recitals, meetings, fundraisers, and community gatherings,
Inspire Arts & Music - Boston Crusaders - inspirearts.org
Not-for-profit organization whose programs seek to develop and ‘inspire’ young adults via both scholastic and non-scholastic activities. The vehicle we use to do this is a portfolio of performing arts programs, and our mission is to help them develop and demonstrate the qualities needed to achieve excellence in both their program and their personal lives.
Youth and Family Enrichment Services Inc. (YOFES) - yofes.org
Range of programs designed to engage Haitian youth and support their families. YoFES offerings include a quality after school program, music education programs, a summer enrichment program, health education programs for teens and young adults, parent counseling and an annual community-wide festival and talent show celebrating all-things-Haiti.
Dance Academy Hyde Park - danceacademyhp.weebly.com
Full service dance studio in Hyde Park, MA: The Tap dance, Jazz, Ballet and Gymnastics
Aashka Dance Company - aashkacompany.com
Dance Company for children ages 5 to 17. Students learn Hip-Hop, Latin Dances, African Bantaba, Jazz, Contemporary all during our 8 month long program.
Kierdan Jordan Dance - kieranjordan.com
Kieran Jordan Dance is a boutique Irish dance studio, and fitness, wellness, and creative space
KS Dance Studio - ksdancestudio.com
KS Dance Studio is a place where children and adults can explore their creativity, extend their physical limitation, practice their passion while applying a new discipline in their lives. Our studio is open to all ages with no discrimination. It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
www.chefstablefoundation.org www.facebook.com/chefstablefoundationnortheast @chefstablefound 617-645-9043 - joemurphyctf@gmail.com
DO SOMETHING ARTFUL TODAY SHAKESPEARE ON THE BOSTON COMMON July 18-August 5. Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common. Directed by Steven Maler. FREE. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Dates and times at commshakes.org 51ST ANNUAL PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL July 27, 2018 - July 29, 2018 Boston City Hall Plaza. More info puertoricanfestivalofma.org/festival-info INTERNATIONAL SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL July 20th -22nd. Revere Beach reverebeachpartnership.com/sand-sculpting-festival/ FRANKLIN PARK ZOO Butterflies and Fairies July 14, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. zoonewengland.org SAVE THE DATE The Boston Arts Festival will take place Saturday, September 8 & Sunday, September 9th, from 11am – 6:30 pm, at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. This annual event is designed to showcase the visual and performing arts in Boston. Affectionately dubbed (ähts), it began in 2003 by Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the City of Boston’s Office of Arts, Tourism and Special It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018
Events with the mission of promoting the Open Studios happening throughout the Fall in Boston’s neighborhoods. SOWA OPEN MARKET Sundays, through October, 10 AM - 4 PM Now in its 15th season, the award-winning SoWa Open Market is Boston’s largest celebration of local artisans, farmers, food trucks, brewers, and musicians. Every Sunday, shop from over 175 makers and enjoy Boston’s first ever Beer Barn, a beer hall and taproom housed in the iconic SoWa Power Station. Created in partnership with Craft Collective, the Barn will showcase a curated selection of local brews and ciders. Come for the beer, stay for the lawn games and live music. sowaboston.com ARTISANS MARKET The Greenway Open Market is a vibrant openair artisan market featuring talented area artists, crafters, and independent designers. Visitors will find exceptional art, locally produced products, and much more! The Greenway Open Market takes place in the Wharf District Parks Saturdays and every-other Sunday throughout the summer and early fall. rosekennedygreenway.org
BEYOND THE PALETTE
with Glenn Williams ARTS EDUCATION ROCK & ROLL
Arts educator, arts promoter and singer, songwriter, Williams can be heard weekly spinning tunes and talking about arts and education. Listen on BNN Radio: WBCA 102.9 FM (Wednesdays 7-8 pm) or streamed live on wbcaradio.org and at Beyond The Palette podcast at Podbean or ITunes.com.
facebook.com/glennspalette
A LITTLE HELP
www.janicebiz.com • 617-710-3811 • janice@artfulgift.com
It’s All About Arts Magazine July 2018