ArtsNews Aug/Sept 2023

5

Vol. 2 Number 5 PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY

August/September 2023

HEAD DESIGNER: KWADWO B ADJEI (@kwadwo.bank)

EDITIOR-IN-CHIEF: DONNELL TAYLOR (@vaze_haze)

PHOTOGRAPHER: MARCUS SISTOZA (@zeuz.m3dia)

PHOTOGRAPHER: KWADWO B ADJEI (@kwadwo.bank)

PHOTOGRAPHER: AARON KIMMEL (@akimmelfilms)

PHOTOGRAPHER: LUCAS DEAN (@deanphotographz)

WRITER: HERB WILLIAMS

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: KOFI KARIKARI (Kofis_art_)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: DINAH CONTEH

WRITER: DEJUANTÉ LUGARDO

WRITER: NIDA NAWAZ (@doseofnida)

WRITER: MORIAH KILGORE

15000 Potomac Town Pl, Woodbridge, VA 22191, Wed- Sat 12-7pm Sun 12–5PM

Cover photo: Lucas Dean

Chris Shorter, County Executive

Photo: Kwadwo B. Adjei (@kwadwo.bank)

Painting With Friends:

Chris Shorter, County Executive by Nida Nawaz

Getting to know local community leaders is the pinnacle of a robust and thriving community. Especially one like PWC, where we wear the badge of ‘Most Diverse County in Virginia’, with pride. On this episode of Painting with Friends, Vaze interviewed our esteemed County Executive, Christopher Shorter. The elected members of the Board of County Supervisors appoint this role in Prince William County Government.

Shorter originated from Detroit, Michigan, with an ambition to change the social sphere from age 14. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Our County CXO then took on the daunting role of Sr. Management Analyst for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as his first step into public service.

Diving into the interview, Vaze and Shorter discuss perspectives on art. While Shorter is not an artist himself, he keenly appreciates Harry Belafonte for the wisdom, history, and knowledge he imparted, as well as Talib Kweli for his down-to-earth attitude and plethora of experiences he shares. His favorite art forms include plays, poetry, and the spoken word.

With his years of experience, Shorter has also implemented the arts into public service. Murals are a great way to distinguish public places. As the Director of

the Public Works Department of Washington D.C., Shorter partnered with Mural D.C. for their 10th anniversary to give local artists a responsible and legal avenue to display their artistic skill in a manner that legitimizes graffiti as an art form, incentivizes community awareness, and provides regard for communal and personal property.

In Prince William County, Shorter has enjoyed the Anniversary Gala for the Hylton Performing Arts Center and a retirement party that was also held there. The Gala’s seating looked out into the audience and grand architecture of the building for a more appreciative experience. Since his arrival, he has been focused on getting to know the sphere of our local government but plans to explore the beauty Prince William County has to offer. Our meeting location at the Open Space Arts Gallery at Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center in Woodbridge, VA, impressed him.

Vaze and Shorter further discussed arts in Prince William County - where there are exuberantly talented artists of all genres. However, the avenues in PWC are limited. It was revealed that the area needs to grow affordable housing, transportation, and a place where artists can legitimately establish themselves and produce their art professionally. One way that could help is to create an arts institution.

Shorter boasted about the comprehensive plans that would help artists in Prince William County thrive - such as - creating a community where folks do not come here to simply sleep, but also to live, with entertainment and a thriving, vibrant society. Artists should be able to live here perpetually by being able to afford their housing and developing their art. For

Photos: Aaron Kimmel (@akimmelfilms) Lucas Dean (@deanphotographz)

Shorter, Austin, TX, comes to mind as a place where artists can affordably live and develop their skills.

Closing the interview, Vaze and Shorter discussed the legacy of Prince William County. Shorter highlights the need for the County to absorb this explosive growth we are experiencing. Furthermore, CXO Shorter believes that the constituents of Prince William County not only want to participate in civic duty but also want to be an active participants in the local government - which will bring the legacy of Prince William County as the best government to fruition.

Link to the interview:

https://youtu.be/bOic1MD9GkU

What is The Buzz Around Town?

By Moriah Kilgore

“It takes 12 bees their entire life to make a teaspoon of honey,” George mentioned. It is such a versatile ingredient that is used in everything from teas to roasted chicken.

Virginia is home to 480 varieties of bees. Though not all of these varieties make honey, they are all a part of our delicate ecosystem. One of the things that George stated that is harming these creatures the most, are chemicals that are used for pest control. Not only are these chemicals causing damage to the creatures we rely on in nature, but also to the foliage they rely on. Weed and pest control is what George says is killing the bees. Taking away plants like dandelions and clover, as well as many more wildflower native plants, does much more than hurt the beehive. Without the pollination of insects like the bumblebee, gardens can deeply suffer and limit the vegetables that are grown from the flowers.

The Prince William County beekeepers association presented its third annual Bee Festival in Manassas on Saturday, June 24th. With over 150 vendors helping to celebrate beautiful and busy creatures that need our help and support. George Theresa has been working hard to create a safe environment for the bees in Manassas. In 2019, his wife, Ellis Thereas-Cotes, worked hard to make the city of Manassas into a “Bee City.” Changing the zoning permits to allow residents to have beehives in their backyard.

This year the community has come together, working hard to create awareness and accessibility for those looking to help sustain our ecosystem with these lovely bees.

Three Queen Bees helped sponsor this year’s festivities.

The first of the Queen Bees is Manassas Garden Club. They use their vendor booth to spread awareness about native flowers that can help wildlife and to learn about their club. Founded in March 1933, Manassas Garden Club is still spreading knowledge and promoting environmental conservation to this day.

For more information, please reach out to: manassasgardenclub@gmail.com

Like and Follow on Instagram and Facebook instagram.com/manassasgardenclub facebook.com/manassasgardenclub

Next of the Queen Bees, is the Women’s Club of Manassas. Club members could be found walking around the festival in their fun bee costumes passing out seeds of wildflowers. The packets were pre-mix with the dirt as well as directions. Making it easy for you to help your local bees by just planting some flowers.

The Women’s Club feels strongly about helping out their community’s environment. They hope to help grow flowers and compassion for these dear creatures.

With over 150 vendors, the Liberia House and grounds were full of beautiful creations of art, food, and drink. As honey is a main ingredient of mead, many meaderies come out to show their support, offering tastings and more of their drinks. Such as Misty Mountain Meadworks with their delicious blackberry and honey mead. Located in Winchester Virginia, Misty Mountain felt it was well worth the trip to the Bee City of Manassas.

Young entrepreneurs Yassi and Lucy (ages 10 and 11), brought their aspiring business, The Earring Sisters, to town. Their handmade earrings featured cute bees and sweet flowers, along with their other favorite creations. Lucy’s little sister Lexi (age 5) joined them for the adventure and to get involved with the community event that helps support even the smallest creatures.

When asked what message the girls would like to spread to their community, these young business ladies did not miss out on the opportunity for great advertisement. “We Have Earrings! Glistening butterflies, bees, and gummy bear earrings. Oh, My!”

Caroline Scott, a veteran artist of 25 years and a new resident of Prince William County, displayed her ‘Infused Moments’ artwork and creations during the festivities. Her 4-D paintings and hand warmers were filled with the sweet smell of flowers that reminded you of a warm spring day on a cold winter night.

For more information about Caroline’s beautiful work you can follow her on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/infused.moments.artistry/

If you have not had a chance to visit this busy and beautiful event over the last three years, definitely put it on your calendar for next year. It will BEE a great time!

What Is Fashion? What Is Art? Can the Two be One?

Is fashion an art form – Some may call it decorative or applied art as opposed to fine art, but what’s the distinction?

One thing that is certain… The same amount of artistic expression goes into clothing, pottery and painting.

There are galleries - such as at the Metropolitan in New York – that are very relevant and is the perfect example of fashion as art.

Fashion tells us what people wore at a certain period, as pottery tell you what their tea parties were like. The fact that these things were designed to be practical distinguishes them from fine art. You could say a painting is designed to go on the wall, but if it were made as a fresco, where it was part of the wall, would you say it was not art because it was practical?

Fashion is adept at fulfilling another traditional function of art by reflecting changes in contemporary culture, but only up to a point.

Fashion is art. Fashion is a form of creative expression carried out by a designer and put on our blank canvassed bodies.

As we gear up for our first annual fashion weekend in Prince William County at Open Space Arts, we tried to think of a way to advertise through the many

creative talents here at OSA to show something fashionable.

The photo session we did could be perceived as many things, maybe even Couture to some. My question to you….

Do you consider this photo fashion or art?

TEMA CHOIR USA

OUR MISSION

Founded in November 2019, Tema Choir USA is a volunteer non-auditioned choir with a mission to create community, foster unity, and build a better world through music. Comprised of singers representing a wide range of age, religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, Tema Choir USA uses choral music as a vehicle for bringing communities together to promote fellowship and community service.

Tema Choir USA, Inc. raises funds through concerts and donations to support service projects benefitting youth, the elderly, homeless, and others with special needs.

Photo: Kwadwo B. Adjei (@kwadwo.bank)

OUR HISTORY

Tema Choir USA takes its roots from famous Ghanaian choral music group, Tema Youth Choir. This community choir based in Tema, Ghana, has grown over the years and is known as one of the most renowned choirs in Ghana. Following the relocation of the founder of Tema Youth Choir, Ebenezer A. Allotey, to the United States of America from Ghana, Tema Choir USA was created to sustain and build upon its sister choir’s praiseworthy legacy. Singers include persons who have come to the United States from Ghana and are located primarily in Northern Virginia.

OUR MUSIC

The choir sings attired in beautiful garments tailored from fabrics made in Ghana. Our performances are known for an eclectic mix of several musical genres including hymns, rhythmic contemporary Highlife songs; songs by African composers, and works by master composers like Handel’s “The Messiah.” Our singing helps bridge the gap between homeland, Ghana, and our present environment in Northern Virginia.

SUMMER CONCERT!

Tema Choir USA uses choral music as a vehicle for bringing communities together to promote fellowship and community service.

This August 12, the choir is organizing a special free summer concert at Woodbridge’s Potomac Town Center with the goal of drawing out Prince William County’s diverse population. Light refreshments will be served for the audience. It is the choir’s hope that this Summer Concert will help promote the awareness of the group and encourage more collaborations with art organizations within the area. But most importantly, it is the choir’s hope that this summer concert, like every one of our events, will help create community here in Prince William County, foster unity among our various diverse groups in this region, and build a better Prince William County, all through music. You can find out more details about the Summer Concert and the choir at www.temachoirusa.org

Ebenezer A. Allotey

Taste of Woodbridge

Photos: Donnell Taylor (@vaze_haze)

Exploring Art at Taste of Woodbridge

By Vaze Haze

Once a year in Stonebridge, the streets become flooded with tents, food trucks, and live music. The whole street fills with a sea of people stretching four blocks. Companies, organizations, and public services present booths and displays to draw the crowd. For Arts News, we focus on finding the artist in this sea - the self-made artist finding their way among the crowd.

Interview with Charmed by Aiyah

A handcrafting jewelry artist who established her own business with her family. Their important marketing message is that they are a safe space for women and the queer community. Here’s the interview:

https://youtu.be/edRKZWkYKVs

Interview with Ataari, author of African Folktales kids books.

A children’s book writer who writes tales from the African diaspora providing folktales and stories with stickers and culture cards. Here is that interview:

https://youtu.be/JwVL5uH_PR4

The Manassas Symphony Orchestra

Announces Its New Season

October welcomes the return of violist, David Pedraza with the brilliant and evocative Viola Concerto in A minor by one of the most important composers of the 20th century, Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist Béla Bartók. Mexican-born Pedraza received his Bachelor of Music at Shenandoah Conservatory, and his professional Performance Certificate and Master of Music from Lynn University Conservatory of Music. He is the principal violist with the Symphony of the Americas in Fort Lauderdale.

December is our family concert titled Nature’s Rhythms.

Bring all the kids (they’re always free!) and join the MSO for an unforgettable family concert experience as they bring the beauty of nature to life through music. Kyle Ryu, a senior cellist from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, is our featured soloist.

Kyle is a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Recipient and recently appeared on the NPR program From the Top, a national radio show that highlights the finest young classically trained musicians in the nation.

The show closes as always with the MSO’s exclusive colorful Music and Light Show Spectacular!

March concerts are always a little different and this one is no exception. Concertmaster and 25-year MSO veteran Emil Cheytanov brings his warm and vibrant solo violin sound to Three Pieces from Schindler’s List by John Williams.

Our two pianists (and percussionists) Mary Garrahan and Sarah Clements join forces on the Hylton Center’s two concert grands for Camille Saint-Säens’ Carnival of the Animals, with the classic verses by Ogden Nash. The concert also includes music of the Beatles in a unique orchestral setting and the Symphonic Dances from “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler! Let the good time roll with the fabulous Clarinet Queen of New Orleans Doreen Ketchens. MSO is excited to accompany her for an exclusive performance of Dixieland favorites. This performance by one of the greatest jazz clarinetists of all time is sure to be a memorable experience.

Doreen played for four U.S. presidents, performed at the Kennedy Center, and featured on CBS Sunday Morning, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Tyler Perry’s Temptation. The first half of the program includes Ferde Grofé’s symphonic homage to New Orleans, Mississippi Suite.

PWC in NYC

By Vaze Haze

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” - Mark Twain.

This month we had the opportunity to escape PWC for the weekend and explore up north the bustling art centers and villages of the biggest apple in the world, New York City.

Traveling from Manhattan through SoHo, Little Italy to the shores of New York’s newest public attraction Little Island near Chelsea Market. We explore Art Centers, Restaurants, Cabarets off-Broadway, and much more. What can we learn from the most multicultural city in America and what ideas could transform Prince William County? Follow us across these Pages on our trip.

Interview With Lenny Watts

During the trip to NYC, I had the chance to view an off-Broadway experience of a cabaret show at Don’t Tell Mama. A notorious hotspot for what would later become Broadway hits to grow from, it houses many actors who take to its stages to hone material. The cabaret show featured students of Lenny Watts. Lenny, a professional showman and teacher of cabaret himself gathered a cast of 5-6 students between the ages of 40 - 80 who had never had the courage

to take the stage themselves beforehand, to lay bare their souls mixed with selections from musical compositions that spanned sometimes 200 years in age. Truly an insightful experience into the world of solo musical theater that captures insecurity in monologue.

Check out my interview with Lenny here. We look forward to the programming he will bring to Prince William County.

Here is that interview exploring the world of intimate cabaret Theater:

https://youtu.be/bkb7vbpRCkw

Interviews continue on page 25

LIME LIGHT VIBES

Come be apart of The best live broadcasted Talent Showcase In all of Lakeridge

All Acts Welcome. Open Mic For All Types

Clearbrook Center of the arts

2230 Tacketts Mill Dr B, Lake Ridge, VA 22192

Every Wednesday 7pm -10pm Broadcast starts at 8pm

Watch here: (Warning this is a uncensored platform)

https://www.youtube.com

Photos: Marcus Sistoza (@zeuz.m3dia)

at Clearbrook Center of the Arts

By Vaze Haze

There are few spaces where musicians can congregate in Prince William County, let alone in Woodbridge. One of the havens of artistic freedom that gleams in the emptiness, is the Clearbrook Center of the Arts. During the month of June, the art center held its first fundraiser of the year which was met with much success. The magic of this fundraiser was the closing event titled Raise the Stage, which invited local artists to take the stage and pack Clearbrook full of eager listeners. To explore what art centers like this mean to the community, Arts News gives you three perspectives - the viewer, the performers, and the organizers, to show you what brings community events like this together.

First Impressions from Ellis King

Ellis King is a recent attendee of Clearbrook and was invited by local showgoers to experience the Clearbrook Art Center and stage and has since gained the desire to see their weekly show on Wednesdays titled: Lime Light Vibes. This Open Mic platform allows all creatives in Woodbridge to take the stage and share.

https://youtu.be/XcVNniUeUAg

Standing on the Stage with Herb “Rapper or performer”

Herb is a byproduct of Clearbrook, his first time performing was on the stage there. He gained a lot of support from the local limelight vibes team and has since started pursuing a career as an artist. He had a fantastic set at Raise the Stage, here are some of his words after.

https://youtu.be/WQRGR9v3sgs

Nelson is a producer of Limelight Vibes and the owner of YCC Entertainment. With the goal of providing entertainment to the community after the end of the fundraiser - he helped to bring together a night with multiple artists who each showcased exceptional talent during Raise the Stage. Nelson is a big part of Limelight Vibes and is responsible for the live capture of the show that can be viewed via Live Stream on Youtube.

https://youtu.be/OioljhlwwZw

The most recent Lime Light Vibes showcasing PWC talent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kR5cz2On-0

Building The Stage with Nelson from YCC Entertainment

Photos: Marcus Sistoza (@zeuz.m3dia)

Pride at OSA

The Art of Love

By Moriah Kilgore

“The world is yours for the taking, you can conquer it with your true self.”

Genocide Adarxas shared their message on July 23 at the Open Space Arts Gallery. They did this during their wonderful performances at the ‘Pride at OSA’ event. Genocide was one of two spectacular Drag performers, that had taken time to engage the crowd around them, bringing in a little girl by the name of Ajani Harper to dance with them.

When speaking with Genocide after the performance, they expressed that as a child they felt hindered growing up, now they found themselves performing and having an “Absolutely Amazing” time.

Usually, Genocide can be found performing at bars, restaurants, weddings, and fundraisers. On this day, however, they were reminding a member of the audience to put their phone down and embrace the life and love around them. Genocide made sure the audience was fully emerged in their performance as they brought a young man into the show area at the gallery on Friday night.

Unlike this young man, Ajani Harper was entranced by Genocide’s performance, walking into the stage area to get a better view of the artist. Watching Genocide dance with a little girl who walked onto their stage and encouraging her to have fun during their show, is a site that brought joy to Victor Harper. Ajani was overwhelmed with joy expressing that

“I met my two favorite Drag Queens!” Also mentioned with excitement “I would invite them to every one of my birthday parties.”

The Imperial Court of Washington DC is something that Genocide cares about deeply, a volunteer organization dedicated to helping those in the LGBTQIA community. They have found a way to use their love for performing to help bring support to her community, encouraging those around them to embrace and cherish who they are.

For more information please go to: www.imperialcourtdc.org

The art within the gallery was filled with a beauty of love. Each colorful piece had its own story behind it, an artist expressing their feelings about PRIDE. Pride in their love for each other, pride in their selves and their talents, as well as pride in their community.

Evelyn Chatters, a retired school counselor from South Carolina and Georgia has enjoyed both losing herself and finding herself in her art. After moving to Virginia to live with her son, she has been able to dedicate time to expressing herself through her art style that is on display at the Open Space Arts Gallery.

She embraced her true self as she worked on her pieces for the PRIDE aesthetic that the gallery had put together. Evelyn found a great deal of enjoyment in creating her artwork Emergence. She spoke of a feeling of understanding for herself as well as acceptance. Embracing this new time in her life where she is able to relax.

“I get to be me,” Evelyn said. Though her area is not traditional, she pours her creations onto her canvases with passion and love for what she is doing. During the event the community embraced those within it, celebrating each artist for their spectacular imagination.

Ilishea Pearson joined with her family, coming out to support her brother’s passion. Ilishea had spoke of her favorite piece of his work “Growth” a beautiful springtime design featured in the gallery the month before. With vines and flowers coming from every side of the canvas constantly twisting and turning and growing into a beautiful creation.

Vaze Haze helped choose the 3-D texture artwork displayed in the gallery for this exposition. One of his favorite pieces is done by Kyran McCann. An artwork that pops out at you with its pyramids forming the colors of the transgender flag. The love behind this unique piece was dedicated to a friend of Kyran’s, Cori.

Cori’s triangle tattoo symbolizes a meaning change, or Delta as they refer to it. It was just the inspiration needed for this moving piece.

The last performance of the night done by Evita Peroxide, was a song close to many of our hearts. ‘Thank You For Being A Friend’ by Andrew Gold, featured in Golden Girls. Evita who describes herself as accessible and a “classic 60s housewife” is an artist with many talents. She embraces her many roles in her community as a school teacher and a Drag performer. “That’s my job as a drag performer, to make everybody feel safe and comfortable.”

Another elegant performance, Evita had a very emotional meaning behind it. ‘She Thinks His Name Was John’ by Reba McEntire was the perfect setting for Evita to share her tribute and message about her dear friend Albert. HIV had taken Albert from his family and friends three years ago. Leaving his loved ones with only memories. Unfortunately, Albert was not made aware of his condition until shortly before his death. Evita has chosen to do a tribute to Albert once a year during HIV Awareness Month, hoping that sharing the story about her friend can help to save others.

For more information please go to: www.evitaperoxide.com/

When you took a moment to look around the art gallery, you could truly feel all of the love that was in each beautiful piece of art. Photos of Niagara Falls lit up at night with rainbow colors shining in the beautiful waterfall, showing the support the world can genuinely give a wonderfully diverse community.

Each artist had their own meaning of what love and pride meant to them. From beautiful Celtic knots to Tom Payne’s piece ‘Indigenous Pride’ spread along the gallery walls, this event gives the people of Prince William County a chance to come together showing love and support for one another no matter who they are. A proper display of the Art of Love.

Photo: Lucas Dean (@deanphotographz)

The Grand “April Showers Bring May Flowers” Exhibit and Reception

By Herb Willaims

Flora and flowers abound as a lavish theme throughout art history. The great American modernist artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who was unabashed in her adoration of flowers once commented: “When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.” What a beautiful thought, and the very reason I knew that a show focused on just Spring was necessary.

The Spring exhibition that opened in May 2023, “April Showers Bring May Flowers” at Open Space Arts in Potomac Town Center was a celebratory homage to Spring awakening, and the over 85 artists included in this show offered their singular “world-giving moment” through floral-themed artworks that both captivated and provoked. With artworks that expressed the various artists’ blossomed energies in some capacity, the exhibit included paintings, drawings, collages, sculptures, ceramics, and so much more.

Flowers being the curatorial focus, there was playful glee to be found at every turn. Lyrical

visions of floral embodiments were represented in charming acrylic paintings, hand-embroidered photos, entrancing painted works, photography, and a mysterious set of colorful jewelry works donated by “Wearable Art By Shelby,” to help support the gallery were all present and accounted for.

This exhibition was indeed a celebration of florals and Spring in varying proportions—smaller sculptural pieces, ceramics, and quirky 3D botanical creations. There were works by Aaron Kimmel to further lighten the mood with Augmented Reality Photography images of Bees pollinating and young birds being fed. These were magical moments for those with their phones to see these photos come to life. An element of divine nature infused this exhibit like a welcomed waft of seductive incense, and one was naturally elated by the diversity of enchanted artworks in this show.

On the flip side of flowers is, of course, their brevity. Could this be the reason why we love them even more, knowing that the brutal brièveté de la vie… the truth of flowers, is the same truth and reality for all. Yet, we admire the freakish nature of flowers as seasonal muses, ever so faithful, providing timeless insight into the cyclical order of everything—they give and give fully, and then they are gone.

Photos: Lucas Dean (@deanphotographz)

Interview With Otis Banks of Purple Tongue

With some advice for artists of color

Otis Banks is an established restaurant owner in NYC that originates in Norfolk VA. He got his start in the arts when he moved to New york city to be a stage performer. The Purple Tongue is an exquisite dining experience, with a very exceptional interior design that is on par with its menu Selection. I regrettably had the best fish I’ve ever had in my life there. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find better. Here is my interview with Otis on how art shifted his view on the arts:

https://youtu.be/HUBxz_CSjhI

Purple tongue: https://www.thepurpletonguenyc.com

The Original Limelight

Here is a picture of the original Limelight in NYC that inspired the Limelight Vibes Wednesday open mic at Clearbrook Center of the Arts. Started in the early 80s as a nightclub for disco and rock music. Later, it spawned other locations in Chicago, Florida, London, and Atlanta. During its time it would house many wellknown celebrities.

Interview with Jane Marx

Jane Marx is a lifelong artist who grew up in NYC. During the 80s she would give tours around the city while performing and doing her own art. In my interview with her, she describes how important the arts are to society and what the inclusivity of spaces allows for flourishing art.

Without personal expression, we are no one. https://youtu.be/7iTsJ9XNCYA Janemarx.com

What Little Island Can Teach Us About Place Making

One of the main stops on this trip to New York was to look at their newest addition to the Chelsea Market pier.

A pier that was no long ago was falling apart and had become a safety concern, but due to the efforts of philanthropy and public planning, the area has shifted into one of New York City’s best new attractions. Little Island finished its construction during the pandemic. It’s a collection of tulip-like structures that houses

3 amphitheaters and over 200 different types of plant species creating a seaside park.

From a distance, the space seems very contained but from the inside the utilized space makes the park seem massive. Built to withstand the test of time, the park is suspended for future-proofing what will one day be the sea level of the area. With a thousand years in mind, Little Island is made to entertain runners, theatergoers, family outings, and teens with its teen night programming.

Around the park, you will find interactive art pieces and unconventional pathways that make way for the intrusive thoughts we all suppress from childhood into adulthood. Little Island is the epitome of the art of architecture and design.

Watch this interview here for more of Little Island:

https://youtu.be/VO0bTZZzRW0

https://littleisland.org/

Continued on page 36

The Growing Anime and Gaming Community in PWC

Conjutsu is seeking a home in PWC to grow with

Last year the PWC-native event Conjutsu held its 2nd anime and gaming convention. Relying on a small team of artists looking to bring pop culture, gaming, and their love for anime culture to life, they hosted a 1-day event that brought over 300 visitors flocking to see their favorite voice actors and cosplayers. The anime pop culture convention started in the mid-1970s and has since exploded into a global phenomenon that only increased with the growth of the internet and social media. Conjutsu, like many other Anime conventions, features stalls with animerelated wares, cosplay competitions, anime viewings, pop culture singers, and panels from world-renowned voice actors. Most notably among the featured artists

were Billy Kametz and Chuck Huber from the cultural sensations Dragon Ball Z and Raise of the Shield Hero, respectively. Through astounding support Conjutsu will be able to hold another event this year and even expand - a 2-day event at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks. Without a doubt, this annual event will continue to grow regardless of location, but Conjutsu would like to do it is growing on its home turf in PWC. Conjutsu is seeking a space in PWC to accommodate its attendance needs and potential growth.

For more information on what Conjutsu is and what it’s becoming see here.

PWC IN JAPAN REVISITED

“ An ongoing inspiration ”

By Korri Darkheart , Dejuanté Lugardo

When I was younger, I wanted to feel represented in the world I saw. I searched for outlets that allowed me to express myself through visual art, poetry, acting, modeling, anything and all that felt right.

With age, this ambition would chip away any fear held in regards to positive or negative criticism received as others became aware of what internal turbulent ruinations, sporadic celebrations, and profound realizations powered my inspiration.

This wish to see alternative people unafraid of being themselves meant giving attention to those with scars like mine, eyes like mine, and voices like mine, by me first making myself heard.

For such a long time I waited for a chance to be acknowledged, all the while not realizing I had begun grasping those opportunities on my own terms with the fantastic support of those around me.

My dedication led to my inclusion in art expo fashion shows in Japan, and opportunities to host and coordinate these events myself. It allowed my poems to be sung on stages overseas the way I started in Prince William County.

It’s gotten me in countless printed and digital magazines internationally, signed to clothing lines that celebrated me, and created a way to meet other like-minded artists. My goal is to become art not just for me, but for the generations that came before and the ones to follow as I continue to be true to myself in my chosen expressions.

I openly encourage others to refuse limitations placed on their own authenticity and to reject any notion that they should hide their scars, physical or not. I want them to know they are not alone. Art introduces shared and new thoughts experienced by those around us as we reinvent what it means to be perceived as the norm. They see me and know that no matter what, their art too can be felt by us all collectively. While living in Japan, I learned the phrase, “ 頑張って” (Ganbatte) which translates to, “Please do your best/ let’s give our best effort”. So I say to all creatives, “頑張って” as we continue to stay true to our authentic selves and “create your own storm”. Their voice matters as much as mine, this harmony we create makes this life all we want and more.

Photo title: “Dame Korri”

MUA: Korri Darkheart

Costume Concept: Korri Darkheart

Photoshoot concept: Brandon

Troublefield, Korri Darkheart, 石川優香里

Photographer: Brandon Troublefield

Photographer IG: Blkilluminati

Location: Chatan town, Okinawa, Japan

Dress name: “Elegant Citrine”

Dress designer ig: _Angelh23_

(Second Generation dress designer)

Dress designer name: Angela Hembrii

Photographer: Chris Carrier

Photographer IG: Uuakkuu.foto

Event: Gala Fashion Show

Location: Club Shangrila Kunigami

District Okinawa, Japan

Open Arts Sundays

by Nida Nawaz

Initially, I came to Open Art Sunday at the Open Space Arts gallery because I had an extremely impactful and positive experience during the Emerging Artists showcase. However, my brain was on chop- chop mode as it was an impulsive decision. I wanted to go to Open Art Sunday knowing a little more about what I was getting myself into, to give it the proper appreciation.

After doing some research, I was intrigued as “Open Studio” is a practice that’s been studied empirically and has been implemented for a while. Initially, ‘Open Studios’ were considered gatherings that intellectuals and artists would host but as time went on, the concept incorporated all forms of art. Now it is a multimodal community experience that flourishes in public engagement.

The idea of painting with others was quite jarring to me. Viewing art releases a rush of dopamine that a lot of us desperately need, and creating it allows the brain to destress consistently and is considered the equivalent of meditation. I found myself worried about my techniques not being advanced enough. Or if my inspiration would be perceived as ‘stupid’. When I create art, I like to open my heart and put my feelings onto the canvas. It takes bravery to come out of one’s comfort zone as making art can be a vulnerable feeling for some.

After saying my “hellos” to familiar faces and settling in I took the place in for what is. There was soft music playing and a couple of artists painting, people collaboratively painting, and a couple of small groups of people mingling. What surprised me most was others pulling out their instruments and laptops to play and make music together. It felt like art cosmopolitans were painting the atmosphere.

I painted an intricate beetle that day composed of contrasting blues, yellows, greens, and oranges to illustrate the contrast of emotion I had felt when I anticipated coming to Open Art Sundays versus what I had actually experienced. The blues represented my anxiety, worried about how I’d be socially perceived. The green represented change. Finally, the oranges and yellows highlighted my bravery to come out of my comfort zone making me feel more secure.

Sharing the experience of making art with others is liberating and indulging in that organic connection and nurturing it is very rewarding. I learned some new techniques from peers that would help me blend in acrylics more seamlessly. The bountiful space at the Open Space Arts gallery also gave me a chance to step away from socialization and return in the event I had become overstimulated. Additionally, I had inspiration all around me to explore. The ‘beetle’ imagery I had painted was derived from the theme of spring from the paintings displayed.

The leap I had taken towards Open Art Sundays was enriching as a person, artist, and member of the Prince William County community. As a person, it stretched my socially anxious perception to become more flexible and experience new things in a setting of vulnerability. As an artist, I was able to learn new techniques and become comfortable with using more opposing colors. Lastly, as a member of this copious community, I was able to experience where the inspiration for local artwork comes from and the bottomless culture surrounding us.

Hosted by Tom Payne SO RX

Do you like to write, play, and sing songs? Come, bring your acoustic guitar (piano on site), and join SONGWERX, a singer/songwriter circle where local creatives jam, and share songs for constructive criticism and discussion with fellow music makers.

What Little Island Can Teach Us About Place Making

Continued from page 26

We also had some time to explore a repurposed railway line that the city has turned into a long strip of forest walkway. Hosting a variety of plant life mixed with artistic murals. The designs are exquisite with benches that extend from the floor and blocks that center to wall pieces as rest areas. At the beginning or end of how you stumble upon it, there is a block of shops that offer

The Playhouse 46

Across the street from Don’t Tell Mama

We included this image because it was the first place Sistas the Musical was shown. A play that would later be adapted by Angela Somers and performed here in PWC. In our previous issue, we reviewed the play and found it an extraordinary experience.

treats and refreshments to enjoy on the walk. Truly an enjoyable experience with Little Island in the far distance. Almost acting as a complimentary piece to how spaces can be rethought and envisioned with a natural aspect inside an urban jungle. If there is one thing this scenery has taught me, is that as a species we will forever be connected to nature and artistic expression. Along with our innovative tech and workaholic efficiency, it’s these two things that make us human.