BUSINESS MEMBERS

Allen Stahl + Kilbourne

Irma & Arthur Miller Family Foundation

Dr. Bronner’s ALL-ONE Magic Foam Experience

Triple D Creations, LLC

Fox Cove Photography

Faith Bishop-Rogers

Homespun Realty & Bogardus Realty LLC

Harmony AVL + Media

Asheville Adventure Company

Charles Gwinn

Sarah Hairell - Carolina One Real Estate

HunterKemper Consulting

Girlology

JSJ Contracting

Health Designs, LLC

The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub

The Kiely Group

Rachel Koch

Ethereal Leaf

Antifragile Physical Therapy

Drs. Linda & George Millsaps

Perkins and Sons, LLC

Asheville Pizza South

Advantage Civil Engineering

Falcon Construction and Development

Illustrated Map of Asheville

Westmoreland & Scully: Corner Kitchen & Chestnut

Eden-Out

Stumphouse

Red House Architecture

Tosco Music

Luster Clean

Industrial Tape & Supply

Advantage Direct Ritter, Zaretsky, Lieber & Jaime, LLP

Mah Jong

Enter the Earth

Burial Beer Co

Laurel & Senter Equipment Co

Membership is LEAF's path of connection and fueling Cultural Arts Education. For just $50+ a year, YOU can be a LEAF Member creating collective impact through Culture, Arts & Education! 100% of Membership supports LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International Programs. Membership is the KEY to LEAF keeping our essential mission-driven programs thriving, and the way we enrich our connections with you. There are some sweet benefits to enjoy, as well. Membership is the #1 factor that says to our Culture Keepers and Teaching Artists “YOU are supported. Your culture, youths, and you are important. LEAF is here for YOU! ” THANK YOU LEAF MEMBERS! It is a joy and gift to have you as part of LEAF.

-Jennifer Pickering, LEAF Executive Director

LEAF Global is a creative immersive experience that weaves together elements of an interactive museum and an arts center. LEAF Global invites you to explore the world and our community through music & art experiences & cultural connections, fostering global citizenship and opening pathways of understanding for everyone from kids to elders. This engaging experience is designed for “Cultivating Cultural Curiosity” while honoring rich history. Locals and visitors enjoy educational experiences, field trips, classes, and workshops rooted in music, art, community, and culture.

In the heart of Downtown at the historic Club Del Cardo on The Block, we reflect back to the ribbon cutting by Board Chair "Mama" Deborah Bryant. "This was my parents' place to come to dance and gather. Now we are back." -Mama Deborah. The pandemic shifted plans, yet that extraordinary moment and LEAF leap inspire us forward as we continue to build this experience.

Joining the Historic Block Community has been the biggest gift here at LEAF Global Arts. It has given us the opportunity to educate ourselves, members, and visitors about the rich history of the Historic Block.

LEAF is committed to planting seeds of culture, art, learning, and connection

Highlights 2022 included HACA and AVL High School SILSA Field Trips. Open Doors of AVL, Hola Carolina, Jawbreaking, and East End Valley Neighborhood Assoc. rented space in Global Offices. Global had its first LEAF Schools & Street Artists in Residence: Adama Dembele, Garfield Bogan and Otto Vazquez at Global.

Black History Month Celebrated Local Legend Matthew Bacoate's Manufacturing Trailblazing Work Exhibit

The premier "A Woman in Full Color" Art Exhibit by Marsha Almodovar

Tourists Tours w/ AVL Detours & AVL Walking Tours

Artists & Company in Residence: Adama Dembele & Tailor

Shop, Otto Vazquez & NU Paradigm

Hola Carolina's Día de los Muertos Exhibit, Ceremony, Salsa Show & Community Appreciation

Members & VIP Events

Women's SLAM Poetry Night with Monica McDaniel

LEAF Global 2nd Anniversary Celebration

Odyssey School Prom & Coffee House Night

A Wedding! and a Wedding Rehearsal Night

Live music on Parklet

Juneteenth Highlights

Summer Camp Showcases

LEAF Laugh Comedy Night

Sip & Paint Evenings

Concerts featuring: Funkin’ Around With Garfield, Kevin Spears & Biko, Melissa McKinney & more

Hip Hop+Latin Dance w/ Otto Vazquez & NU Paradigm

Halloween Crafts

Holidays w/ Global Kwanza

Filming with Agent 23 Skidoo

Field Trips & more

T H E V I S I O N - T H E N E E D

LEAF International envisions a world where communities actively engage their youths in learning their cultural traditions while empowering them with the life skills necessary to be active agents of change in their communities. We believe in the power of music, art, and culture to empower individuals and transform lives. LEAF recognizes that these benefits are both tangible and intangible and that at times, quantifying and qualifying the impact of arts education can be elusive.

LEAF International utilizes the UN Culture for Development Indicators as a guiding framework for the development, evaluation, and monitoring of programs. Believing that cultural expressions provide a wealth of intangible benefits that are crucial for a healthy and vibrant world, LEAF aligns with the UN System Task Team for the UN Development Agenda, which asserts that "cultural expression provides communities with greater social inclusiveness and rootedness, resilience, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship for individuals and communities, and the use of local resources, skills, and knowledge.”

LEAF International is dedicated to cultural preservation, the fostering of global citizenship, and cultural exchange. LEAF International empowers communities by supporting cultural keepers and connecting youths to their traditional art forms.

·Costa Rica: Luis Salazar, Alexis Rodriguez, Luis Porras

·Guatemala: Sara Morales, Stephanie Munoz, Sara Ramirez, Edwin Cujcuy

· Rwanda: Paulin Nsengiyumva, Patrick Ngari · Haiti: Bwa Gris

· Ivory Coast: Krimbo Delagrange

· Mexico: Marco Belan

· New Orleans: Chief Shaka Zulu

· Panama: Jose Hayans

· Saint Vincent & The Grenadines:

Kesslon Wilson, Akeem Hannaway

· Tanzania: Fredy N'ganga, Edward Ndoleli

In the Cabecar First Nation of Costa Rica, youths learn how valuable plant medicine is. "The goal is to heal a gap between generations and create safe spaces for the transmission of knowledge, experimentation, and expression."

- Proyecto Jirondai

Casa De La Musica is a traditional and contemporary music workshop: A place where kids learn traditional chants and dances and how to build their instruments. They also have access to contemporary instruments and recording equipment.

A N N U A L P R O G R A M H I G H L I G H T S :

LEAF Panama crew celebrates Guna Yala culture with 3 island performances dedicated to their independence.

LEAF Guatemala has been invited to participate in the Resolution Song, which has been sung by thousands of people in more than 100 countries and is a demonstration of global unity and the will to act now to protect our planet This invitation was extended by the Resolution Project – a global music and climate-action project. The group also launched its first ONEmic Studio in El Tejar.

LEAF NOLA: Burial Beer Co. did it again! The 6th annual beer dedicated to New Orleans culture — Downtown Rulers Indian Pale Ale — is in stores NOW! Go get one! The proceeds from this beer help to sustain one of the world’s greatest cultures. Shout-out to Jess for stewarding such an important partnership.

Shaka received an NEA Fellow grant & highlighted at NEA!

LEAF Rwanda teaching artists Patrick and Paulin stepped up as program leaders and fill big shoes as new culture keepers. instruments! Youths are learning to play the Zeze and Kalimba as part of their instrument immersion.

In Arusha, LEAF International Tanzania received new

The ONEmic program created its first recorded cypher and continues to build strong international collaborations drumming in multiple cultural groups, and now he is a member of INGANZO NGARI, the current leading cultural troupe in Rwanda. He has performed throughout many East African countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and D.R C. His goal is to teach Rwandan culture to people all over the world.

Paulin NSENGIYUMVA currently leads LEAF Rwanda Jr Troupe and ONEMic Recording Studio in Rwanda. He composes and creates traditional and modern songs. Paulin grew up in an orphanage that had a cultural group called NOEL Orphanage at Nyundo; this is where he started to understand the drum. He recently graduated from Institute Catholique de Kabgayi with a degree in Public Relations. Paulin has been organizing LEAF Rwanda Jr Troupe’s community performances and ONEmic studio sessions since 2021. His main goal is to rebuild the program and show why it is important.

The security situation in Haiti is highly unpredictable, and following the assassination of President Moise on July 7, 2021, it could worsen further. Culture Keeper and Boukman Eksperyans drummer and member Bwa Gris remains committed to teaching youths traditional drum, dance, and ceremonial practices. This is essential for culture, community, and spirit.

"We still celebrate our annual traditions like Carnival and Rara. It's so important for us to continue to celebrate the beauty of what we have to offer to the world. Even though times are harder than ever, we know there are people standing with Haiti all across the globe. We do not take that for granted. We need support from everywhere. Our culture is how we reach the world and tell the stories of this country." -Bwa

Gris

LEAF Schools & Streets creates CULTURAL ARTS EDUCATION programs that use the arts to bridge cultures and create life-affirming, community-building experiences - empowering LOCAL youths to become GLOBAL CITIZENS, young artistic LEADERS & agents of POSITIVE CHANGE.

Lesson plans, curriculum, and evaluation align with the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Profile to strengthen youths' healthy development and success in schools, youth programs, and communities. LEAF programs focus on these assets:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Community Values Youth

Adult Role Models

Cultural Competence

Creative Activities

Personal Power

Self-Esteem

We believe it's always National Arts in Educatio LEAF Global Arts would like Resident Teaching Artists w year-round, bringing the ar our surrounding communiti LEAF Schools & Streets program. Since inception in 2004, LEAF Schools & Streets has operated to provide exceptional and authentic cultural arts education in Western North Carolina through the dedication of local and international teaching artists. Over the years, the roster of teaching artists has grown and diversified in an effort to continuously support the changing needs of cultural arts programming in the most highneed communities. LEAF is proud to continue supporting these artists and our community's quest for satisfying cultural curiosity by making programs available year-round for residency, workshop, and performance opportunities to anybody and everybody. These artists have been carefully selected for their high level of expertise, passion for teaching, and authentic connection to the cultural art form they represent. They ignite creativity and inspire self-expression in people of all ages. LEAF would like to thank our teaching artists both past and present for their dedication to global arts education.

Melissa McKinney - Advocacy through Music

Kinney McKinney - Songwriting & Strings

Agustin Frederic-Ramos - World Percussion

Derian Blaine - Vocals, Strings & Songwriting

Garfield Bogan - NOLA Save Our Brass Culture

Irvegg Romero-Gallegos - Mexican Hip Hop

Ary'an Graham - Drums, Guitar, & Ukulele

Lisa Smith - Stop Motion Animation, Live Action Movie Making, Global Creative Writing

Joe Carroll - Theatre, Improv, Comedy

Monika Guerra - Latin & World Dance

Elsea Brown - Hip-Hop & Jazz Dance

Tarah Singh - Visual Art

Kelsey Long - Visual Art

Benzi Allen- Visual Art

“LEAF Schools & Streets is an organization that is part of the lifeblood of the Asheville community. The work we do with these programs, these centers, is as essential in our city. As teaching artists, we just don’t teach the arts, music or percussion etc. We become role models in a world lacking heavily of role models. We are big brothers and sisters, to little souls in need of someone to look up to. In my work, I have seen the seeds of my teachings stay with my students until adulthood. I always said art, music and dance can heal a community. But more importantly, it’s the heart of the teacher and mentor that truly saves lives and I am fortunate enough to work with a group of good hearts and we all work together to heal and inspire this community. So, to me, LEAF can be summed up in a word: vital!” ey e ey e e y g e c e y c e street at PennyCup Coffee, worried her child may have a meltdown, causing stress for the teacher, and would either not want to return or be asked not to, as is a common experience for them Not only did Ari have an amazing time rocking out on the bass guitar, but really connected with McKinney. Ari was eager to tell their mom they wanted to come back the next week and has been coming back ever since! With tears running down her face, Ari’s mom told Education Director Erinn Hartley “Ari loves it and can’t wait to come back! How do I sign up for that? Please express to McKinney how amazing it is that Ari had a good experience.” In October 2022, Ari's parents watched their child grace the stage in Brookside Dance Hall alongside McKinney and other LEAF Artists in front of audience of over 200 people, playing bass guitar to their funky and fun original song about dogs. We are grateful that LEAF fosters an environment of inclusivity that celebrates all children, and provides a safe space for kids to be themselves and thrive through global arts education.

**Resident Teaching Artists teach our local youth year-round, weekly, in our schools & community!

"I am honored to be with an organization that steps up and stands out to be present for the youth in our community. I go to work each day knowing that I am surrounded by a core staff who above all else unite passionately to put the kids at the forefront of all we do. It is the very heart of LEAF Global Arts" - LEAF Education Director Erinn Hartley.

Students in schools and community centers across Buncombe County worked and performed with with legends such as Rocky Duwani, Chief Shaka Zulu, Atiba Rorie of Africa Unplugged, American Patchwork Quartet, Chinobay of Uganda, Darrell Rose, Masankho Banda, LEAF International Rwanda, Giving Tree Music, and Ethno USA

Participating schools and centers included WW Estes Elementary School, Community High School, Pisgah Elementary School, Fern Leaf Charter School, Charles D. Owen Middle School, ArtSpace Charter School, Erwin Middle School, Fox Flower Montessori School, and LEAF Global Arts

P A R T N E R S I N E D U C A T I O N ( P I E )

The Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program facilitates educational partnerships between arts organizations and local school systems around the nation. Representatives from these organizations work together to establish or expand professional learning in the arts for teachers. Since 2018, LEAF has been part of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program with Buncombe County Schools. We began with a cohort of 17 teachers, and in the 2021-2022 school year we had a growing cohort of 23. The reach into the classrooms is exponential!

We are grateful to have the opportunity to bring global arts into the schools through this arts integration initiative. In 2022, the PIE teachers took a deeper dive into learning the North Carolina arts standards. An 8th grade English Language Arts teacher shared by saying "the PIE workshops that provided resources and examples on how to access and integrate the core content standards with the art standards have provided the most positive impact on student learning in my classroom. By continuing to learn how to create lessons that are engaging for students, the PIE initiative reaches all my students on some level." We know that the arts can reach students in ways that nothing else can!

W H A T D O E S

P R O F E S S I O N A L

D E V E L O P M E N T I N

A R T S

I N T E G R A T I O N

L O O K L I K E ?

By studying with LEAF Global Resident Teaching Artists and other arts educators in Buncombe County, BCS teachers gain more confidence and practice in various art forms, therefore giving them more successful experiences in arts integration.

2022 Professional Development opportunities included:

Writing a collaborative global citizen song and creating a music video with Melissa McKinney

Learning Hip Hop dance moves with Otto Vazquez

Having conversations about arts appropriation in arts education A theatre lesson with Ashleigh Goff

Visiting LEAF Global Arts at 19 Eagle Street and engaging with interactive global arts experiences

Hearing directly from LEAF students learning music performance with a global arts perspective

Attending Cultural Exchange performances and discussions at Burton St. Community Center with LEAF Visiting and Resident Teaching Artists

Attending LEAF retreat and festival to see LEAF Schools & Streets performances

Leaders: Laura Mitchell BCS Arts Education Specialist + Erinn Hartley, LEAF Global Arts Education Director

Seeing LEAF Global come alive with summer camp kids and artists is one of our favorite things at LEAF Global Kids spend full days immersed in global arts, filled with happiness, learning new skills & making cultural connections We doubled our offerings from 3 weeks in 2021 to 6 in 2022.

Summer: 100 kids, 114 classes, 14 Teaching Artists over the 6 Weeks Classes included visual art, hip-hop dance, global music, instrument petting zoo, songwriting, music production, NOLA brass and culture, West African drumming, and more Teaching Artists: Adama Dembele, Tarah Singh, Benzi Allen, Otto Vazquez, Kelsey Long, Garfield Bogan, Irvegg Romero-Gallegos, Kinney, Melissa McKinney, Monika Guerra, Katarina McConnell, Derian Blaine, Casey Tabor, & Paul Gladstone Camp Counselors: Kelsey Long, Jevon Bogan, Derian Blaine, Casey Tabor, Benzi Allen, Ary'an Graham, and Ande-Rose Barnhart Summer Developmental Assets: (avg 89%)

92% of students reported that they learned about other cultures, experienced an increased in personal power, and felt more valued by their community 84% of students reported they gained new self-esteem & a new adult role model

"My kids have made so many memories this week and I am forever grateful My son believes in himself more after helping his peers on trombone and my daughter picked up an instrument for the very first time. They are so sad that this week has come to an end, but are excited to return in the near future."