Resound, Roots, RevitalizeOur Words
Featuringreadingsand original worksby themembersof
HENINGER VILLAGE ART STUDIO
Our Mission Community Engagement isanon-profit 501(c)(3) organization that wasfounded in July of 2015 in OrangeCounty,California.
Community Engagement’s mission is to stimulate positive social interaction in diverse communities through innovative and socially motivated art practice. We bring people and communities together to creatively explore their shared spaces by developing socially engaging projects that are collaborative, self-reflective, and meaningful.
Program Introduction Trinh Mai “TheNegro Mother” Written by Langston Hughes Performed by Sharonda Caldwell, La Verne Culpepper, and Trinh Mai, with Joe Buffardi on guitar “Imagine” Written by John Lennon Performed by Joe Buffardi “Seashells” Written and performed by Teresa Rohmer, accompanied by Trinh Mai “Artery” Written and performed by Joe Buffardi Closing Trinh Mai
The Villagers JoeBuffardi (a.k.a.“Joey B”) Joe is a Philadelphia native and self-taught guitarist and vocalist. Inspired by art in all forms, his expressions span music, poetry, and visual art. Joe’s infectious enthusiasm and uplifts the community with his joyous nature.
SharondaCaldwell Sharonda is an educator, and with her heart of gold, we can rest assured that our future generations thrive under her care. She inhabits a zeal for life, art, new things, and the important work that she does with her first grade students.
LaVerneCulpepper With Texan roots and California love, La Verne serves as property manager of Heninger Village Apartments. She fuels those who surround her with warm energy and optimism— this same radiant energy can be felt in her paintings.
Artwork by Pedro Herrera
Artwork by Sharonda Caldwell
The Villagers Pedro Herrera Pedro was born and raised in Santa Ana. He brings to the studio his delightful personality. Pedro regularly organizes loterĂĂa (Mexican bingo) evenings during the week to bring members of the Heninger community together.
MariaCupa Maria is an educator and a prolific painter. Inspired by arts, culture, and all things Frida, her paintings are as colorful as her personality. With a steady hand, confident paint strokes, and a whimsical style, she inspires the village with her vibrant works of art.
Parker Cupa When Parker Cupa is not working on his expressive paintings, he plays both bass and drums for his band, the Space Noodles. He is a fearless artist and enjoys experimenting with different mediums and techniques, and uplifts the residents with his childlike curiosity and cheer.
The Villagers Ron Segura Ron is a Santa Ana native who loves his community. Quick to lend a helping hand and an open ear, Ron exudes loving kindness and compassion. With a natural talent for art and a big heart, Ron brings joy to the villagers and those who surround him.
Artwork by Maria Cupa
The Villagers TeresaRohmer Terri is a gifted wordsmith whose thoughtful words inspire those who know her work. Her extensive collection of poetry speaks on themes of family, nature, hardship, and the Faith that carries her through.
ClaudiaRohmer Claudia is a colorful individual. When inspired, she feels an urgent need to materialize very specific ideas, such as painting her dream. She brings the sunshine in with her when she walks into the studio.
Trinh Mai Trinh is an interdisciplinary artist who currently lives and works at Grand Central Art Center. For her artist-in-residency with Community Engagement, she helps members of Heninger Village Art Studio share their stories through art.
Artwork by Joe Buffardi
Artwork by Parker Cupa
Heninger Village Beginning in February 2016, Artist Trinh Mai was brought on board as one of Community Engagement’s creatives-in-residence. She currently works to develop the visual arts program within Heninger Village Senior Apartments, located in vibrant Downtown Santa Ana. Since then, the residents gather every Friday evening to share in crafts, creativity, and things that make their hearts stir with inspiration. They convene in celebration of life and its simple pleasures, their growing love for art and for each other, and the invaluable feeling of togetherness. Heninger Village is a place where expression can take on whichever form it pleases: from impromptu sing-alongs to storytelling, from painting to loteríía, from poetry readings to guitar recitals. Together, we’ve created a warm, loving, calming space to connect and share this time that we’ve been given as members of a vibrant community.
I’mfindingthat art isa wayfor metosharemythoughts… andI want toexperienceall of it. – Ron Segura
Cover art by La Verne Culpepper
Contact Us CommunityEngagement 3920 Birch Street, Suite 103 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: 714.460.0826 Email: jessica@communityengagement.org
Learn moreabout Us
www.communityengagement.org
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Artwork by Ron Segura
This program was brought to you by the generous support of our sponsors:
HENINGER VILLAGE ART STUDIO
Heninger Poetry & Art Showcase Saturday, March 18, 2017 2:00pm - 4:00pm Grand Central Art Center Theater 125 North Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701
Artwork by Claudia Rohmer