THIS ISSUE’S ART IS IN COLLAB ORATIO N WITH MICE (MAss. Indepe ndent comics expo)
AN INDEPENDENT ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE
Sinking Columbus: BOSTON marches for indigenous peoples day What’s happening, Boston? Masks up, Columbus down! Boston, on October 11th, we will rally against the return of the Columbus statue to our waterfront. Mayor Walsh and the City Council have done much to ignore our Native American brothers and sisters whose needs are unmet within our community. The United American Indians of New England (UAINE) and North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB) have organized this rally and march to show our government officials that we can not be dismissed. The Columbus Statue was removed from Boston’s “Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park” after being beheaded, but the city has not committed to permanently removing it. In this case, the head wasn’t cut off the snake and the fight is still alive and well. Indigenous Peoples Day is about more than a name change; it’s a refusal to allow the genocide of millions of Indigenous peoples to go unnoticed, and a demand for recognition of Indigenous humanity. Recognizing this day in place of what’s currently known as “Columbus Day” is a way to correct false narratives, honor Indigenous Peoples, and begin to correct some of the countless wrongs committed against Indigenous Peoples. Not only is it important to reject the celebration of colonialism in the form of “Columbus Day,” but it’s also important to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of Indigenous Peoples despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles in its place. Indigenous Peoples are so often erased in society, that many forget Indigenous Peoples still exist. For this reason, it’s important to begin to undo some of the harm done through this holiday, and to correct the false histories that have been inscribed. Let’s change the conversation to highlight some of the accomplishments our indigenous neighbors have had in these past years. Are you ready to get active? Email info@indigenouspeoplesdayma.org Yours Truly,
PLACES YOU CAN HANG VOTE
Shai Lingo: The City’s Best Kept Secret On the scene for a few years now, Shai Lingo is Boston’s best kept secret. Inspired to become an artist following the murder of his great grandfather, a famous musician in Portugal, Shai Lingo wanted to carry out his great grandfather’s legacy and bring a different sound from most of the artists coming out of Massachusetts to the local music scene. Dropping his single, “On Go” at the top of the summer, the Turn Me Up Mau produced track is a different type of vibe in comparison to Shai’s previous releases. A record that can be played all year long, “On Go” will either have you in your bag or ready to dub your shorty. “The process of creating ‘On Go’ was magical,” Shai Lingo told Boston Compass. “I woke up that day and the vibes were just right. The day was going well, and I headed to the studio after a fresh cut, which always puts me in a great mood. I got [there] and my producer friend, Turn Me Up Mau, started playing some of his beats and I started jamming out! The words just started flowing [so naturally] and I hope the people can feel it when listening to the track.” Citing Lil Wayne, Drake, Chief Keef, and Queen as his favorite artists, Shai Lingo gives most credit to artist-producer, Ryan Leslie. “His dedication as both a producer and artist inspired me to be just as much as a creative force behind my music,” said Shai. “I learned how to play the piano and love being [present] in the creation of my sound.” Shai Lingo has co-produced many of his records, including “On Go.” “On Go” is the first of many singles for Shai Lingo. Going into 2021, expect more visuals, melodic and quality content, and a “further expression of creativity and personality.”
Let’s cut to the chase--if you are able to, it is absolutely vital that you vote this year, ideally early. Unless you’ve been in a decade-long coma, I hope I don’t have to tell you all of the reasons why this election cycle is different than others. As far as voting rights go, the odds are stacked against the will of the people and these obstacles have become increasingly magnified during this time of turmoil, when people in power are using every opportunity to further their own oppressive and exclusionary political agendas. Many people already have limited access to voting, and the defunding of the USPS (not the kind of defunding we were asking for!) during a pandemic leaves democracy teetering on the brink. With everything going on in the world, it may seem futile and naive to think that a single vote would count for anything, but you would be wrong! In last year’s election for Boston city councilors--a Latinx activist, Julia Mejia, won her seat by a single vote! This showcases the power of individuals within a democratic system as well as reminding us to pay more attention to who we are voting for locally. Below are some ways to make sure you’ll be able to cast a ballot this year: •Am I registered to vote? (www.sec.state. ma.us/voterregistrationsearch/) •Where’s my polling place? (www.boston. gov/voting-boston) •How can I vote by mail? (www.sec.state. ma.us/ele/eleev/early-voting-by-mail.htm) •When can I early vote? (www.massearlyvote.com) •How can I learn more about who/what I’m voting for? (www.ballotpedia.org/Massachusetts_elections,_2020) •How else can I help on election day? —WHBoston (www.boston.gov/departments/election/howapply-become-poll-worker)
—e.b.b.
THIS PAPER IS AN ONGOING PROJECT OF BRAIN ARTS ORGANIZATION, INC., A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT. PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO, VOLUNTEERING OR OTHERWISE SUPPORTING US: BRAIN-ARTS.ORG
—Tahisha Charles, @miixtapechiick
LAYOUT DESIGN: PHOEBE DELMONTE--->p.1,4,& 5 HANNAH BLAUNER--->p.2 & 3 ADRIAN ALVAREZ--->p.6 & 8 JULIA BARONI--->p.7
THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY A GRANT FROM THE BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL, A LOCAL AGENCY WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE MASSACHUSETTS CULTURAL COUNCIL, AS ADMINSTRATED BY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF ARTS + CULTURE
NOTES FROM THE CREW
EMO BUNNY: SOCIAL SENSORY OVERLOAD
Adopting and better understanding the importance of cultural equity has been so meaningful to us and that is why we are so proud to have the Boston Compass Newspaper as part of the Brain Arts Organization family. Together, our staff and volunteers will continue to provide and improve both the administrative and marketing support needed for the Dorchester Art Project to realize its full potential. It’s more than a HQ for our projects, it is our chance to help bring independence and sustainability to Boston creatives, specifically those in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Hyde Park. Dorchester Art Project will immediately feature a 2,000 square foot retail and coworking space and will soon develop our expanded livestream, video and photo studio space. Our initial goal is to begin generating enough money to pay our discounted but significant monthly rent. By Summer 2021 the idea is to be in a position to make an offer for a long-term lease on the space and begin to build out our new studios and rehearsal space. We have faith in the community to come together and achieve these goals-shout out to those who have already donated and shown up to volunteer in the new space! It’s going to take every one of you reading to prove how necessary DAP is to Boston, so reach out and make yourself heard!
-------------------------- SAM POTRYKUS
Director of Brain Arts Org
ADVICE
FOR LOVERS Q: How do I love myself? I’m 30 years old and eventually you won’t have to think so hard I’m still looking for love in other people. about it. For me, faking it till I made it really went a long way and I can’t remember when A: Don’t worry! We are constantly changing, it actually clicked into my reality. Don’t forget and the love you had for yourself when you just because you love yourself doesn’t mean were younger is different from your future that’s the end of the journey- there are days self-love. Loving yourself and loving others is where it’s just not going to feel authentic and not mutually exclusive; they both are able to years where you might have to adjust things. happen in tandem. It’s our nature as humans You will find a balance for finding love within to desire feedback/care/companionship from yourself and for others. you don’t want too others. I really think the whole “self-care” many questions involving the details or your movement is cringey because it revolves so feelings but be sure to give them security much around secluding yourself. Taking a with the information you deliver. Set your nice bath isn’t a cure-all for our treatment of boundaries and plead the 5th if it gets wild. ourselves. Having love for yourself is more than setting boundaries and taking a vacation day from work. It really is a constant practice- --------- XOXO HEART SOAKED
--------------- SUB/CONSCIOUS BY KRISTINA CARROLL @KRISTINACARROLLART
Greetings Compass readers! It’s been a little while so I wanted to check in and give you a little preview and perspective on what’s to come and where we’re at. This month we are opening our first floor, wheelchairaccessible storefront and coworking space at 1490 Dorchester Ave as an extension of the already established Dorchester Art Project. This is a monumental achievement for any group but we at Brain Arts Org feel particularly fortunate to have this opportunity to expand our mission and work towards meaningful sustainability for our organization (and thus the culture we serve) because of our innocent, idealistic and honestly, scrappy beginnings. When we started the Boston Compass (10 years ago this past spring!) I don’t think we even knew that sustainability was the goal; we just knew we had to do something. That is why I see this as such an important point on which to reflect for our artists and the members of the creative workforce we support: there really is no limit to what you can accomplish if you commit yourself to your goals and keep it consistent. You don’t even have to know where you’re going; just start somewhere! We started as a 1-page zine which we distributed to all the creative haunts of Greater Boston, with the simple purpose of introducing like-minded and mission-aligned artists in our city to one another. Throughout all the years and volunteers, we realized other ways that we could galvanize the creative workforce and create platforms where there weren’t any. Along with our varied programs (regular concerts, flea markets, meetings) the Compass expanded our purpose, too.
“Social Sensory Overload” is a comic art piece showcasing Sarah, the main character from my in-progress mental health comic, “Emo Bunny”. “Emo Bunny” is about a bunny girl who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks, reflecting my experiences with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and issues around being a disabled minority. Sarah (Emo Bunny) experiences her anxiety disorder in crowded social settings. The artwork illustrates Sarah going to an art gallery she was invited to through connections made during her growing modeling career. There’s a large crowd of people all around her, triggering her anxiety. It doesn’t help that everyone she’s surrounded by are well-off people with wealthy families, which makes her feel inadequate and out of place. Her social anxiety kicks in, making Sarah isolate herself on the couch. Sarah’s social anxiety is personified by looming monsters with gaping mouths and huge, crying eyes staring right at her. The eyes represent the feeling/fear of being judged by the people around you for being awkward, strange, and out of place. The tears personify the overwhelming feeling social anxiety causes, while the gaping mouths and sharp teeth represent the abundant condescending, aggressive thoughts anxiety disorders put through your head.
The second panel shows Sarah’s anxiety building and caving in on her. The social anxiety monsters become increasingly aggressive - their eyes intensify, and their sharp teeth grow bigger. The venue goer’s presence and the voices from their conversations, represented by black and white silhouettes surrounding her, make her feel claustrophobic. The colored heads outside of the panel symbolize the reality of the situation around her. The intensity of this panel portrays the symptoms of sensory overload. Sensory overload occurs when multiple senses are over-stimulated, triggered by conditions or issues such as crowds, excessive noises, messy surroundings, overload of information or traumatic content/experiences, and multitasking. The anxiety caused by a sensory overload causes you to feel helpless, scared, overwhelmed and even depressed. This is something I’ve experienced with my GAD in crowded, unfamiliar, or claustrophobic situations. Since this is a significant part of my anxiety experience, I wanted to develop a piece interpreting my experiences using Sarah.
--------------- AMARANTHIA SEPIA
See an interview with Fresno Black Girl Magic about “Emo Bunny”, and view my mental health advocacy works here: www.linktr.ee/_cutiehipsterart_
TRASH IS TRAGIC THE TAROT FORECAST
TRASH IS TRAGIC MOVIE NIGHT!!!! These billion-dollar PR efforts are not Free online screening of The Story of Plastic aimed at managing waste. They’re aimed at Wednesday, October 21 at 8:30pm managing public opinion while protecting RSVP at https://bit.ly/32IeZpT profits. Companies like Exxon and Dow Chemical know that recycling plastic is Break out the popcorn, you trashy little extraordinarily difficult; only 2% is effectively devils! We’re hosting a free online screening recycled. But they’re happy to continue their of The Story of Plastic, starring Nicholas Cage. trashy ways so long as citizens pay a heavy toll In a career-defining role, Cage portrays a bad - in dollars and life expectancy - to live with husband who secretly transforms into an their mess. elderly English lady in order to hang with his Fucking scumbags! It makes me wanna take estranged children. their beady little eyeballs and scooba doo OK I’m kidding, but seriously, what if ba doo ba ca! Ca! Habadoolala chupacabra Nicholas Cage was the star of Mrs. Doubtfire? YAAA and jerkoff into a Frito pie and make Hmm. them eat it. The Story of Plastic is a 2019 documentary We need to stop plastic at the source, about how plastic ruins everything for and end the corporate greed that drives its everyone forever. The film makes crucial reckless production. We need corporations to connections between plastic production, take responsibility for the problem of plastic fracking, climate change, social justice, pollution, and stop hoisting the entire burden corporate greed, and community health. onto communities. By interviewing activists Through cleverly designed public relations and experts from three continents, The Story campaigns, the plastics industry has groomed of Plastic presents action steps for meaningful us into believing that plastic waste is an change. Yay. unavoidable, and even beneficial, aspect of Join me October 21st on The Net (starring modern life. They’ve duped the world into Sandra Bullock), and bring your favorite thinking that “recycling” plastic is an effective makeout partner. To attend, RSVP at strategy for managing pollution. bit.ly/32IeZpT
------------------ MELANIE BERNIER
The Tarot Forecast is a look at the month ahead in a tarot spread. As we get closer to the election, things get intense. This October starts and ends with a full moon, including one on All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween). Prepare for weird, cosmic interactions and heightened energy. If you feel overwhelmed, some table salt in your pockets will help protect you. For the month of October, I pulled The King of Swords. This King is a seeker of truth, a worshiper of facts. This month try your best to be objective. Academic tools, like history and law, will aid you more than social media or ads that manipulate your emotions. If it is not a fact, if it doesn’t create clarity, then it’s misleading you. What in your life is pulling you away from the power of truth? Don’t be afraid to unplug this October. Only listen to sources you trust. The Full Harvest Moon falls on October 1st, and here is the heartbreak card again. When the III of Swords appears a betrayal has happened, and you may feel like your mind is fracturing your heart into many pieces. But you will need to gather your strength, pull the swords out from your heart, and start to tend to your wounds. Feel your grief, allow yourself time to rest, and be open to forgiveness this full moon. Although you may feel like you are breaking into a million pieces, your resilience will surprise and strengthen you. The Ace of Wands is a happy respite from all the swords this October, and shows up for the new moon on the 16th. This card is the
spark of a new idea, and brings with it the impulse to create. New moons are a great time to set intentions! Invite creativity and inspiration into your life. This is expansive energy, don’t be afraid to take up space. October 31st is All Hallow’s Eve and it lands on a full, blue, hunter’s moon, just three days before the election, in the middle of a pandemic and social justice movement! This is a time to remember and honor your ancestors and loved ones who have passed. Ask for their guidance and protection, and thank them for their wisdom and memories. The card for Halloween is the Page of Swords. The four Pages in the Tarot offer invitations to us all, and the Page of Swords invites us to think differently. Another card of honesty, this Page brings curiosity, insight, and a sharp mind on this full moon. Perhaps all the heightened energy will allow you to see something clearly for the first time. The X of Cups brings us guidance this month. It is a card full of positive energy and empathy. What do you need to do to make space for more peace and happiness in your heart? This is a loving card, but be careful you are not burdening yourself this month by letting other people’s emotions seep into your space.
Hi everyone, Cory here with Extinction Rebellion Boston (“XR”). How are you doing? Fall is such a time of reflection. It can feel really heavy, but sometimes it can also be energizing. This month I interviewed Jason Rudokas, another artist/maker involved with XR, about an action he took part in on 8/10. A small team scaled the CITGO sign during a Sox game and unfurled a banner over it reading “CLIMATE JUSTICE NOW”. XR Boston’s official statement: www.xrmass.org/news/xr-bostons-citgo-action
J Short-term, it was a huge feat to accomplish and the sign is iconic. I think the lasting impact has been to inspire our chapter and others to press onward. We need to do stuff like this continually. The mainstream media should be covering the climate crisis as headline news every day. It looks very likely that we are going to get “mode locked” into a hothouse earth, meaning the world will enter a physical state that can not be reversed no matter what we do period. C That’s terrifying, and also really abstract. What do you think is needed for this to seem real to people? J It’s hard, especially here. I’ve lived in a “spaceship” my entire life, but through education I have come to see how the climate crisis is already killing people, and those people are the most vulnerable. That makes me cry because our systems were designed to do that. I think civil disobedience is what we need to get people to take this seriously. We need to get lots of people to refuse destruction. C You’re a member of the Arts Working Group within XR. How do you think art can help? J Art helps you imagine something beautiful and then make it. That’s good practice for what we need to do for the world. https://xrmass.org/
------------------NAOMI WESTWATER
@naomiwestwater, www.naomiwestwater.com Naomi used The Marigold Tarot by Amrit Brar for this month’s forecast.
TAKING STOCK I’ve been reflecting on this year and my current state. As the peak of systemic racism continues to take full effect, while COVID-19 leaves us in another crisis that requires a careful balance of separated togetherness, from loved ones lost, the day to day struggles, and the other personal hardships I’ve endured, this year has brought much strife, yet so much opportunity. I submitted to the low feelings, letting them wash over me. Rather, I’m washing them off like old scales, paying close attention to their form as I scrub them off, asking myself ‘how am I being affected? The old scales hanging loosely are the fear, depression, and stress I’ve held. It has caused me to take stock and reflect on what’s important. What went well today? I would ask myself this nearly everyday per my therapist. As I asked myself this question I realized all the appreciative moments I would have otherwise missed, like the caring text message from a new friend, a walk, the rejuvenation after a good cry, saving a huge bug in your house instead of screaming and killing it. Those things give more power to the bigger things like, a successful moment at work, family/ friend time, a sense of financial stability, a Movement, a mini vacation, great news like DAP’s new expansion... Gratitude puts things in a healthy perspective, even in the darkest of times. What are my values? As I continue to grow in my innate role as a perpetual learner, some of my specific values will become stronger and more noticed, some will be realized to
no longer hold place in my life. As I continue to identify my values, I’m allowed to review if my actions are aligned with them. They are my blueprint. Some of my values include: Freedom, Courage, Creativity, Resilience, Stability, Love, Health, Family, Leadership, Wisdom, Loyalty, Spirituality. With my values in place I understand what’s important to me, and I’m constantly reminded of my power of choice, and my response-ability in all matters of my life. What are my intentions? Especially with the cooler air, crisping leaves, and that subtle inexplicable scent of approaching Fall, I’m called to set intentions. This season of transformation, to reflect and embrace change, you bury the seeds intended for blossom. The seeds’ path is completely unknown, the journey towards blossom may be smooth, or treacherous, but we know what the plant is. Moving into fall, I intend to plant the seed to find balance in what I do. A sincere current of ebb and flow, give and receive. With intentions, comes detachable visualization. You visualize the seeds journey, you visualize the way it blossoms. You begin with the end in mind. This opens up the doors to openly reflect on your current state, examine the journey of the smooth or treacherous one, let go of control, and hold on to the power you have to do what you’re intended for.
------------------------ JOYE WILLIAMS
C What was the inspiration for this action? J We wanted to illuminate the climate crisis in a major way and cast it as an issue around justice. The Citgo sign is a beloved landmark, but a landmark to a huge oil company. People venerate that without really thinking about how destructive the fossil fuel industry is. C Your group anticipated being arrested. What made you take that risk? J I think we have to model the attitude that we are willing to risk our freedom to accomplish the radical change our society needs, even though we are very likely already lost. That can move people who care about the world to really begin seeing and constructing a whole new society because that is what it will take. C This action has received more media attention than any previous XR action in the US. Why do you think that is? What has the response been like?
---------------------------------------------- CORY
MORE AT BRAIN-ARTS.ORG
ADVOCACY
Follow FTP Boston for information on rallies, protests, efforts, and more to continue the fight to defund the police and fund our low income and POC communities @ftpboston Violence In Boston works to improve the quality of life & life outcomes of individuals from disenfranchised communities by reducing the prevalence of violence and the impact of associated trauma. Learn more and get assistance at www. violenceinboston.org @violenceinboston Power to the People “Our mission is to empower black community by acknowledging the importance of supporting Black owned businesses & returning power back to the people.” Meets at DAP every Sunday, follow and support @__pttp. Stage Source - A POC and queer led organization creating opportunities and building a diverse community for New England artists. Find out more, including a detailed list of antiracism resources in a variety of mediums here: www.stagesource.org/page/ antiracism Follow The Other Boston! In their own words, they “highlight the #BlackBoston experience, create community thru our weekly events list + showcase our pride through our merch line”. Follow @theotherboston Follow Survivor Theatre Project for online events and opportunities that support women, queer, and POC voices. More info on IG @survivortheatreproject Center for Teen Empowerment encouraging and advocating for youth involvement in social change and political movements specifically for low income and POC in greater Boston www.teenempowerment.org/ Stavros’ Transition to Adulthood Program is an amazing resource for youth (14-22) with disabilities. They provide a number of resources as well as assistance to help youth make this difficult transition, and attempt to combat the excess challenges that youth with disabilities face. www.stavros.org STEPS’ Young Adult Resource Center is an all-encompassing resource for youth in need of assistance. They teach a number of different life skills as well as providing a safe and accepting community for young adults. www.waysideyouth.org The Transformation Center works specifically to help decrease the stigma around mental illness and provide support for those in need. In addition, they have a peer mentorship program that can be helpful for both those currently struggling and those who have in the past. The program connects struggling youth with adults (18+) who are in recovery. www.transformation-center.org The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is a resource that provides legal support, medical advocacy, counseling, and a 24/7 hotline. Further, they have a Youth Leadership Corps (YLC) dedicated to increasing education surrounding sexual violence and healthy relationships which is a great opportunity for Boston high schoolers. www.barcc.org
Rental Housing Workshop with Allston Brighton CDC is happening Oct 7, 2020 05:00 PM EST! A presentation on tenants’ rights and responsibilities. www.facebook.com/ AllstonBrightonCDC/events SINKING COLUMBUS: Boston Marches for Indigenous Peoples Day is happening Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 12 PM – 3 PM! Tremont Street by Park Street Station. Hosted by United American Indians of New England. www.facebook.com/groups/ UAINE/events The Black Box is “an inclusive digital space for Black men to share our collective experiences that define Black manhood”. Events posted on Instagram! @theblackboxforblackmen Create the Vote 2020 The arts and culture sector needs to use the current social and economic crisis, brought on by COVID-19 and racial injustice, as a catalyst for change and take action to build a more equitable, just future. MASSCreative relaunched Create the Vote 2020— its non-partisan, public education campaign—with a deeper focus on increasing civic engagement and strengthening our democracy. Learn more at www.mass-creative.org Follow @unofficialcommittee “An open community for activists, designers, and artists who create solutions for positive social change.” www.unofficialcommittee.com
MUSIC & AUDIO Co-Incidence Festival 2021 Applications are now open! Apply now to join this long running experimental music and visual art fest! coincidencefestival.com/ application GoodMusicShowcaseSeries DJ Alcide hosts local talent with videos and live streams. Signup info: alcidemusic@gmail.com IG @goodmusicshowcaseseries Boston Got Next is a female independent record label, currently looking for artists all over New England. Check it out at: www.bostongotnext.com/ Cake Factory ambient and experimental live streams! www.cakefactory.party/main HER MUSE Collective: DJ series Thursdays and Sundays every week & tutorials/informative videos from womxn & ally artists all around the globe! @hermusecollective LFOD Radio features regular livestreams of music and all forms of artistic expression Follow them @lfodradio Lunch is Ova! on Spark FM with DJ WhySham: Every Tuesday/Thursday from 1-3pm Live from DAP! www.sparkfmonline.com/ Non-Event: experimental, abstract, improvised, and new music happenings. Scope Non-Event’s Youtube channel. Check out their website for a growing list of events! www.nonevent.org/ Feel it Speak it: Boston’s only monthly open mic movement dedicated to voices & experiences of the LGBTQ+ communities of color every Thursday. Open mic sign up: https://tinyurl.com/fisivirtual @feelit_speakit
Follow Black Cotton Club for virtual open mics, community information and more! www.facebook.com/ BlackCottonClub/ @BlackCottonClub Club Passim Livestreams! Folk, americana, acoustic sets, and more. Check the continually developing schedule at www.passim.org/stream Brandie Blaze, Cake Swagg & Red Shaydez: Virtual concert on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 8 PM. An evening of Hip-Hop & R&B! Hosted by Amazing Things Art Center www.atac160.org/ Global Arts Live brings the best international music, contemporary dance, and jazz from around the world to stages across the Greater Boston area. Check out their website for a full list of events! www.globalartslive.org/ @globalartslive
VIDEO & FILM Somerville Media Center Free Tutorials on graphics and film editing, music editing and production, and more! www.somervillemedia.org/ classes/tutorials/ Weird Local Film Festival goes virtual on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 8 PM – 10:30 PM. Check out past virtual DIY film short showcases and look out for more. Submissions open until Oct. 15 at 11:59 PM. Scope Weird Local Productions on Youtube Follow @weirdlocalfilmfestival The LEF New England newsletter shares local filmmaker opportunities each month at www.lef-foundation.org The Roxbury International Film Festival is the largest festival in New England that celebrates people of color! Check out the 2020 festival schedule and purchase tickets on their website. www.roxfilmfest.com/ @roxfilm ShowPlace ICON is host to a redefined movie experience with cutting-edge digital and theatre technology. Check out their website for events. www.ShowPlaceICON.com @showplaceiconboston
VISUAL & ART MICE Returns! Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo goes down virtually 10/3-10/25. Expect to discover new artists, listen in on discussion panels, get deep in drawing games and cartooning workshops! Schedule online at www.micexpo.org and follow at @massmice HATCH Drawing Comics with Local Artists: Conversation and draw-a-long with three Watertown-based comic book artists on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 7PM www.watertownlib.org/hatch Check out Beacon Gallery’s online art exhibitions and blog! beacongallery.wordpress.com/ Follow Boston CyberArts: Uniting the worlds of art and technology since the last millennia. Check out their website for a full list of exhibitions and more! @bostoncyberarts www.bostoncyberarts.org/
Art on the Marquee Boston Cyberarts and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority have teamed up to create “Art on the Marquee,” an ongoing project to commission public media art for display on the new 80-foottall multi-screen LED marquee outside the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston. Many local artists currently on display! www.artonthemarquee.com/ artworks/ Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience - nightly @Franklin Park Zoo, Thursday through Sunday to November 1st. Experience the wonder of over 50 magnificent displays comprising hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns spanning Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres. www.franklinparkzoo.org/ bostonlights Just Us Somerville a group of residents looking to empower artists of color. Looking for street mural artists! Hit up justussomerville@gmail.com for more info
LITERARY ART & NEWS MEDIA Take-a-Zine, Leave-aZine Project looks to plant community-run book stands in Boston to foster the trade of zines, art books, and printed matter. Donate your zines or make a stand at your address! More info at @takeazine Boston Art Review an independent publication committed to facilitating active discourse around contemporary art in Boston. Issue No.6 coming soon! Purchase it and older issues at www.bostonartreview.com and follow @bostonartreview THE PAPER NAPKIN is a free digital publication made by and for restaurant industry workers in the Boston, MA area. We come together to support and uplift the local arts community of past and present industry workers while providing an open platform for all from emerging to established. Read at www.thepapernapkin.org and follow at @the_papernapkin Follow Print Aint Dead for events like their Black Feminist Study Hall which examines crucial written works by Black writers. This past July featured Bilphena from The Womanist Reader and focused on June Jordan’s essay “Many Rivers to Cross”. @print.aint.dead Fellow non-profit Wrong Brain from NH has shared their online zine archive! Check out the collection at www. wrongbrain.net/zine-archive/ wrong-brain-1 Papercut Zine Library is digital! Check out their new virtual library: www.papercutzinelibrary.com/ DigBoston - Boston’s other rad newspaper is back in print after a brief hiatus! Also online at www.digboston.com Dorchester Reporter Award-winning, weekly neighborhood newspaper still on the streets and online at www. dotnews.com
The Bay State Banner An African American owned news weekly that reports on the political, economic, social and cultural issues that are of interest to African American and English speaking Latinos in Boston and throughout New England. New columns daily at www.baystatebanner.com Sprout Distro - zines on music, culture, social change, advocacy, and more including “12 Things to Do Instead of Calling the Cops” zine! Find them at: sproutdistro.com
PERFORMANCE ART Check out The Comedy Studio! Comedians from Boston and beyond. All events can be streamed on their website, as well as a weekly podcast Tuesdays at 8 PM. www.thecomedystudio.com/ Check out the Open Theatre Project! www.theopentheatre.com/ The Open Theatre Project was formed to transform lives and build thriving communities through high-quality theatrical experiences. We are dedicated to providing artistic opportunities which allow the expression of diverse ideas to traditional and non-traditional audiences. @theopentheatre Driscoll Productions: Children’s Entertainer and Musical Ventriloquist booking virtually and in person socially distanced. www.driscollproductions.com @driscollproductions Illusions the Drag Queen Show Boston: www. illusionsthedragqueenshow.com Illusions the Drag Queen Show Boston is the perfect combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy performances by the industry’s best celebrity impersonators and the funniest Boston drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering. Outdoor Dance Classes at Starlight: Register for different outdoor dance classes at Starlight Stage in Central Square. www.starlightsquare.org @centralsqbid Comedy Cafe: Jokes For A Cause: Annual fundraiser hosted by Somerville Community Baptist Church on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 11AM. Supports Hearty Meal for All. Donate at: www.pledgeling.com/ comedycafe Multicultural Mosaic: An Annual BIPOC Fundraiser: Virtual event on Monday, October 26, 2020 at 7PM. Featuring performances from some of New Rep’s favorites, celebrate the multitude of BIPOC artists that make New Rep a home for us all. www.newrep.org/events/ multicultural-mosaic/ @newrepertorytheatre Watertown Historical Moving Plays: An immersive and educational theatrical experience that leads participants on a stroll through historic sites in Watertown. www.newrep.org/productions/ lenox-experience/ @newrepertorytheatre Cacophonous Voices: Poetry Slam For Healing. Sunday October 4th 2-5pm. @ Boston Commons. Message @ffcof2020 or @mai.thepoet on Instagram to get involved.
COMMUNITY Jamaica Plain Historical Society seeks to preserve and promote the rich history of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Jamaica Plain Historical Society seeks to preserve and promote the rich history of the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. Offering walking tours of different areas Saturdays at 11AM www.jphs.org @jamaicaplainhistoricalsociety
Cambridge Community Center COVID Resources for families and community members. www.cambridgecc.org/covid-19resources.html
Urban Adventure Quest: Interactive tour, smartphone clues lead you on a fun and engaging walking tour of the city www.urbanadventurequest.com
Shaped By Cambridge: Thursdays, October 1 - 15, 2020 at 7:30 PM. Cambridge Historical Society Virtual Event. Join the Cambridge Historical Society for a four-part fundraising event featuring stories of people influenced by Cambridge’s residents, places and history. www.wbur.org/events/624418/ shaped-by-cambridge @wbur
Creative Spirit: Make Your Own Oracle Cards: online retreatment with Peyton Pugmire, spiritual intuitive, intuition mentor, and Certified Angel Card Reader. Saturday, October 17, 2020 via Zoom www.creativespiritma.com/ oraclecards
Support Activation Residency’s 2020 project “Respite as Resistance for QTBIPOC” www.activationresidency.com/2020 @activationresidency on Instagram Boston Book Festival 2020: Boston Book Festivals Virtual Ashmont “Grab and Go” Events. This is a free festival that Farmers Market! Every Friday promotes a culture of reading from 3-7pm @Droser Plaza (outside and ideas and enhances the Ashmont T station) vibrancy of our city. Hosting virtual author interviews, panel Roxbury Crossing Farmers discussions and readings Market throughout the month of Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 am - October. 7 pm through November 24, 2020 www.wbur.org/events/618613/ boston-book-festival-2 Brigham Circle Farmers Market @wbur Thursdays from 11 am - 6 pm through November 19, 2020 Black Boston: Transforming the Roslindale Village “Grab and GO” Farmers Market Saturdays from 9AM - 1:30 PM in Adams Park https://roslindale.net/ rvms-farmers-market/ Farm Fresh Stand-up Comedy at Eastie Farm: Outdoor comedian sets Thursdays at 7PM. $10 suggested donation, register on Eventbrite. @eastiefarm
Arts: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 5PM. WBUR CitySpace Virtual Event. How is Boston elevating and amplifying new voices and new approaches to the Arts? The fourth in a recurring discussion series featuring transformative Black leaders from across Greater Boston. www.wbur.org/events/550648/ black-boston-transforming-thearts @wbur
Culture House is hiring! Volunteer and internship Dudley Town Commons Farmers’ opportunities also available. Market www.culturehouse.cc/ Thursdays from 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM contact/#join-us at the intersection of Dudley St. and Blue Hill Ave. Spiritual Eye-Our: Mission Hill Health Movement works to ensure a livable environment and a healthy quality of life for Mission Hill residents. Check out their website for different programs and events. www.mhhm.org Codman Square Farmers Market Saturdays from 11AM - 2PM at 360 Talbot Avenue with Herr Farm and Riverdale Farm. Last one of the season is October 3.
Live tarot/advice show on YouTube Wednesdays at 6PM. Spiritual content segments where viewers can send their questions, dilemmas, and concerns and receive answers through the shadow, spiritual, divine side live on Black Woman Vibes. @blackwomanvibes Seal Kayaking on Plum Island: Tours in Newburyport, MA. Register at www. plumislandkayak.com/seal.html
The Greenway Open Market: a vibrant open-air artisan market featuring talented area artists, crafters, and independent designers. Open every Saturday and the first and third Sunday of the month from 11AM - 6PM through October 31, 2020.
The Great Roxbury/South End Scavenger Hunt: Virtual team-based scavenger hunt fundraiser event, participants will complete activities in some of the South End and Roxbury’s amazing outdoor spaces and local businesses. 826 Boston is a nonprofit youth www.charity.gofundme.com/ writing and publishing organization roxburysouthendscavengerhunt dedicated to empowering traditionally underserved Cocoa Beantown is a students ages 6-18 to find their chocolate tour and tasting voices, tell their stories, and gain experiences company that communication skills to succeed provides educational and social in school and in life. Fall 2020 event-based programming to programming will be all digital. the public as well as private www.826boston.org organizations. Currently offering Make Shift Boston: School of Arts and Social Justice is launching a new online school facilitated by Make Shift community members to learn about topics ranging from movement work to collaborative arts. Looking for facilitators who would like to participate! Follow them on Instagram for more details, and check out their website for events. www.makeshiftboston.org/ @makeshiftboston
virtual, picnic, and walking tours. www.cocoabeantown.com/ @cocoabeantown JP Community Fridge at 366 Centre Street: Run by volunteers from the JP effort @bostoncommunityfridge
Boston Chocolate History and Curbside Pickup for Tasting: Online class on Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 2:30 PM 4PM. Register on website https://ccae.org @cambridgecenter Highlights of Boston Historic Walking Tour: Bring your camera or smartphone and learn how to take amazing photos along the picturesque streets of Beacon Hill. Reserve at https://photowalks.com/ day-tours/highlights-of-boston/
Art by
Dan No
tt
While most 2020/2021 seasons have been postponed, there’s plenty of programming and even learning opportunities going on virtually. If anything, this pandemic has enabled local theatres to make their works available to the entire world via Zoom. Gloucester Stage has been able to highlight various voices with their Never Dark Series as their physical theatre remains closed, while New Rep gets creative by redefining the term ‘touring production’ with a live show in Watertown. Creatives are getting creative and it’s a great time to support them! Here’s our list of promising, locally produced theatre happening this month. Tips? Email TheatrescapeBoston@gmail.com —CEEK
Every Tuesday at 5pm thru Nov 24th Speakeasy University For anyone interested in learning the logistics of how to produce a play, SpeakEasy Stage is offering a great education to make your dreams a reality. Tune into Zoom every Tuesday for a series of professional development seminars that are Pay-What-You-Can. This month’s sessions include putting equity/antiracism into action, marketing, and fundraising. WHERE: SpeakEasyStage.com/SpeakeasyUniversity to sign up Every Fri, Sat & Sunday Watertown Historical Moving Plays Head to Watertown and bring your walking shoes for Ken Green’s immersive new play on the life of local, Black historical figure Charles
W. Lenox - a barber who made his way from private to sergeant during the Civil War. Watertown based company New Rep’s show literally takes the audience through historical sites in Watertown, while taking the proper Covid precautions throughout. Tickets are $20 WHERE: Tickets & Info at NewRep.org/Moving-Plays 10/1-10/4 [Staged Reading] Paradise Blue Gloucester Stage’s ‘Never Dark’ series continues with Detroit playwright Dominique Morisseau’s drama about a jazz club owner and a gifted musician as they figure out the future for themselves and many others. This staged reading will be live via Zoom. Tickets are free but limited. WHERE: Sign up GloucesterStage. com/Paradise-Blues
places you can hang:
10/3-11/1 1984 The Actors Shakespeare Project is taking a break from the bard with an adaptation of George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel 1984. A tale of a totalitarian regime manipulating truth and fact to control its people. Sound familiar? This looks promising and more relevant than ever. WHERE: Info at ActorsShakespeareProject.org 10/29-11/23 Ann A witty, one-woman show about Ann Richards, the first female Governor of Texas. A refreshingly funny political comedy written by famed actress Holland Taylor and produced by Central Square Theater. WHERE: Info at CentralSquareTheater.org
1. Cleans the air
5 Ways Your Houseplant 4. It will tell you if something is going horribly is More Responsible wrong than Trump’s Presidency
Plants are great for cleaning the air! They literally purify and take toxins out of the stuff you breathe in everyday. As opposed to removing environmental protections and polluting our waterways.
2. Good for your health
Crispy or yellowing leaves can mean over or under watering. Checking the roots and sniffing for weird smells can show if you have root rot. We can smell rot in the government but DT would never rat on a fellow white supremacist.
Just seeing plants helps your brain chill out. Studies have shown that plants lift your mood, lower blood pressure and reduce stress. Legitimately the opposite of our nonexistent pandemic response team. TBH your plant addiction is totally justified.
3. Uses the resources you give it to fix its problems Water? They love it! A little compost tea made from egg shells, bananas and coffee? Now it can replace some older leaves! Just like we should replace some old policies! (And people!)
by TS Hart
5. Has never lied to Congress
Your houseplant has 100% never lied to Congress or the American people. God bless American houseplants. Vote November 1st so we can stay well enough to take care of them.
CHERYL RAFUSE
@plantmagicshop
@squidfartz
Art Schoolin’ by Laura Meilman
@l_meilman
@jamjarastronaut
submit your chillustrations!! A weekly art challenege for October 2020 monthoffearart.com for complete rules Header design by Jorge Mascarenhas
send to adrian@brain-arts.org
Want to help make this thing? Boston Compass is entirely volunteer-run Email kevin@brain-arts.org to be a part of the team!
tear this poster out and put it on a wall! -
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What cannot be done at all may not only be possible but may be commonly taken completely for granted very soon. What has no conceivable imaginable purpose may be the solution to problems that may not yet need solving. The probability that something which is considered a waste of time now will eventually prove itself to have been time well spent increases with the length of time over which knowledge of it survives. What has become obsolete may have qualities, properties, characteristics, and unfulfilled potential which will later be considered prophetic (e.g. “musique concrete” being virtually reborn with the advent of low cost realtime digital audio samplers). Those who adopt a new technology which they did not themselves create tend to expect it to solve problems inherent in whatever older more established technologies they were accustomed to using. The new is usually seen through the filter of the old, and may be invisible through that filter. People rarely adopt new technology to confront truly fundamental problems, but often do so to solve problems and overcome frustrations resulting from superficial characteristics of existing technologies the value of which remain unquestioned. (Computer-based musical tools are not commonly acquired to model how humans can better express themselves in sound. They are often acquired to facilitate such tasks as making revision of printed instrumental parts or synchronization with film easier.) The furthest evolved design which survives transition to the commercial marketplace will generally encompass
only a lowest common denominator subset of the model’s original functionality. (Prototypes are often the most comprehensive and general instances of new inventions.) Initially, invention and exploration tend to be done privately, out of basic joy and fascination, and for the use of an individual or small group. Only later are the reactions and involvement of others of concern. The desire for public approval can be as inhibiting to technological or scientific creativity as to creative art. Approval-seeking behavior aimed at the general public is considered inappropriate in creative individuals (artists, inventors, scientists) but is seen as positive or even essential in commercial enterprises.
Framers Workshop Lilypad Midway Cafe 1369 Cafe Boomerangs City Feed Garment District Pink Noise Studio
THA
NK
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Excerpt from electronic music composer Laurie Spiegel’s 1995 essay “That was Then <=> This is Now” written at the request of the Editor for the special “20th Anniversary Issue: The State of the Art”, with accompanying CD containing three pieces created at Bell Labs 1974-77. Read the whole essay at www.retiary.org/ls/ writings/cmj_then_vs_now.html This column is curated by James Staub IG: j_a_m_e_s__a__s_t_a_u_b twitter: @mmuddywires
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brain-arts.org
STATING THE STATE OF THE STATE OF THE ART ARTS
^
An
interview with
Lexi hAvLin • LexistreeFort.etsy.com
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“I make bags with different types of colorful materials spliced together to create what I’d like to think are magical yet practical devices to carry stuff. My love of being in nature and going on adventures inspires me to create outdoor-oriented bags for cycling and hiking. This aspect, tied with my obsession with bright neon colors and sparkly glitter, seems to create my style.”
#
“I love using unique one-of-a-kind materials and giving them a new re-purposed life while also reducing the impact on the environment....I also tend to spend extra money on high-quality new outdoor fabrics that are extra durable and last a long time. I like to mix some of the new with some...found/recycled materials (usually my own...or...from thrift stores).”
$
“I learned not to take other people’s like or dislike of my products personally, and that helped to just enjoy being in the moment while making new things or selling them.”
@
“...I was working a full-time office job at Berklee before Covid hit. Now that I spent the summer unemployed...I actually have more time to devote to growing my tiny business.”
The man said, “What are you going to do
P
“I...think...the more you can keep your mind open to different... outlets to present your art, the more will appear.”
`
“...[A]sking for help goes a long way. There are some people who are passionate about the thing you are not, so I am...in the process of finding those types of connections.”
with your mother’s bureau?”
Z O
Viscous Verses THIS PATIO
in a French accent to presumably his wife and I
“...[F]ocus on your passion of the thing you make and be aware that your love of it will always reach the people who appreciate and support you.”
neiL horsky • horskyProjects.com
asked myself, ‘Have you been lugged lately?’ This the essence of childhood and Vick’s Vapor Rub. Consider the stunned mind,
Eleanor Arbor
Beckoning
its new clock
@ellarbor
as I wait for a glass of Rioja. My shoulders tense from the vroom
Brian Huntress
@brianhuntresss
of a passing pick-up as the two couples, also on this patio, go on and on about real estate.
@bostoncompass
—Kevin McLellan
issuu.com/ bostoncccompass
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Kevin McLellan is author of Hemispheres, Ornitheology, [box], Tributary, and Round Trip, lives in Cambridge and you can find out more about him at www.kevmclellan.com