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We Are
darian’s day
at the science center
Art Education, Public Schools and the Presidential Race
Straight from the Heart a mother’s plea
spring 2016
We Are
Volume: 04
ISSUE: 03 wearegreensboro.com
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M
Small Talk A Bit About This Issue
ost, if not every one of us, would readily agree that our children are our greatest treasure. Why then does it seem as though we may not be doing all we can to protect them? In this issue we have two articles, each focusing on an aspect of our children’s lives where we, as a society, could and should do better.
“Straight from the Heart”, is a true story of Jan Eger’s life changing event when her son collapsed in high school. From this harrowing experience, Jan discovered her life’s purpose. Her “mission” is to spread the word about the need for Automatic External Defibrillators in all public places (but especially at our schools) and, equally as important, the training and upkeep necessary to ensure they are effective. [Why is it that HS sports trainers, the ones with the most training in AED use, are not required at practices?] Next, in “Art Education and the Presidential Race”, Sunny Gravely makes the case for keeping art (including music and dance), in our public school programs. The costs are minimal compared to the overwhelmingly positive effect these programs have in the development of our kid’s social and academic skills. Speaking of Sunny, it was past time for us to revisit the company where she is a partner/co-owner and director as we look into “The Love of the Artist Bloc” and the fantastic impact TAB is having on the community. It’s been over two years since Darian visited the Greensboro Science Center and in that time much has changed. In “Darian’s Day at the Science Center”, we look into both, the changes in the Science Center and the way they are processed by this four-year-old. One of our favorite bloggers and certainly our most followed writer, Jasmine Nehilla is back with her unique yet poignant perspective in “Baby! Breaking the Fever”. Ride along as she navigates the roller coaster that babies can be. “Endangered”, speaks to the fact that if even one of the precious creature that shares this planet becomes extinct, that one is FAR too many. Please join the artists of C.A.R.E. in their efforts to help save our vanishing species. Held at downtown’s Ambleside Gallery, a portion of the proceeds from their month long exhibition, “Saving Animals From Extinction” will be donated to the Greensboro Science Center to aide in their ongoing conservation efforts. Of course we have more of your pictures from all over town, proving once again the WE ARE GREENSBORO!
As always, thank you all for you continued, welcome and much needed support!!
To n y
invest in greensboro • keep it local 03
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Contents
GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO
4301 Lawndale Dr • (336) 288-3769 greensboroscience.org
Straight From t he Heart
06
The Love of The Artist Bloc
Darian’s Day at the Science Center
12
10
06
09
Art Education, Public Schools
Straight From the Heart
Jan Eger’s life changed forever the day her son went into Sudden Cardiac Arrest while at school. Here, Jan describes her struggle and begins the discussion about what needs to be done to protect our children.
Co-Owner of The Artist Bloc, Sunny Gravely opens the discussion about the importance of keeping “the arts” in our public schools.
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14
Baby! Breaking the Fever 14
10
The Love of the Artist Bloc
We’ve returned once again to one of our favorites to get an update on The Artist Bloc and what we found was LOVE!
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Darian’s Day at the Science Center
Baby! Breaking the Fever
Endangered!
In the 2-1/2 years since Darian last visited the Greensboro Science Center, there have been lost of changes to both the center and the way this four-year-old experiences it.
Armed with her wit, insight and timely perspective, Jasmine Nehilla returns to offer her take on our little treasures and the fun they bring along.
If even one creature becomes extinct, that’s far too many. Join C.A.R.E., the Greensboro Science Center and Ambleside Gallery as they team up to help save our vanishing species.
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Photos
More pics from around town... Further proof (as if anyone needed it) that WE ARE GREENSBORO!
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PROTECTION YOU CAN COUNT ON GREENSBORO, NC • GOLDSBORO, NC
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I
magine for a moment your typical day. One much like any other, your house is abuzz with the normal morning routine; everyone’s running a little late, searching for book bags, car keys and phones. Hugs and kisses are dispensed while the gang takes off in their various directions. It’s business as usual; right up to the point when the phone rings at 11:43am and the person on the other end tells you that your son has been injured at school and that you need to get there as soon
Straight
as possible. Before you can even hang up, she’s frantically asking if you’re on your way yet, her panic escalating your own. Making it to the school in record time, you find the parking lot full of fire trucks, police cars and an ambulance. Proceeding inside, the instant you’re spotted, an eerie hush fills the hallway, replaced by whispers of “there she is”. The principal leads you to the gym where you find your oldest son on a stretcher. Hearing the words “Sudden Cardiac Arrest”, you pass out.
From T he Heart
Jan Eger
Luckily, it’s just your imagination… Only for me, it was not. was. I knew nothing of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (SudNo, this was not some fictional scenario or exercise in story- den Cardiac Arrest or SCA) or what and Automatic External telling. On the contrary, this was my reality the morning of Defibrillator (AED) was and how very important they were. May 19th 2006 and from the moment I got that call, I knew something was horribly wrong. I remember riding in the am- V-fib occurs when the blood can’t get through the bottom of bulance my oldest son and watching helplessly as he arrested the heart. The heart panics and fibrillates (erratic and irreguagain. For the first time in my life I saw someone “shocked” lar contractions). The only way to get the heart back into a with those paddles you only see on T.V. and they were doing it normal rhythm is with a defibrillator (AED’s are the portable to my son. I looked into his beautiful green eyes, watching as, type generally used outside of hospital or emergency medical gripped with fear, he questioned everything; only to face the environments). I’d learned more about the heart in those 30 terrible realization that I knew so little and could offer virtu- minutes than I had in my previous 47 years of life. My son ally nothing in the way of answers. My husband met us at the began to recover extremely fast. They implanted an Internal hospital and together we made the decision to have our son Chest Defibrillator and he was discharged on May 26, 2006. taken to Duke University Hospital where, despite their state-of-the-art I'd learned more about the heart in those 30 minutes facility, they had to paralyze him just than I had from my previous 47 years of life. to keep him from arresting again. I couldn’t even try to explain to him what had happened until I fully understood it myself. Once at Duke, I went from being the most scared any mother could be to becoming my son’s voice, desperate to find answers, resolute in my determination to understand all that was going on. Before his cardiologist Dr. Kanter sat us down and literally drew a diagram that explained Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib), I had no idea what it 06
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After I got home I knew I had to make a difference and spread awareness as quickly as possible. I attended a Parent Heart Watch meeting in Dallas and I saw families that had lost their children initiate huge foundations. I couldn’t believe that other parents had actually lost children yet were still pushing forward to save others. I had to be part of the solution. Yes… I now knew what I had to do.
Speaking before the school board right after we got home from Duke, I’ll never forget the nonchalant way in which I was treated or the level of misunderstanding that was prevalent among the school board members and parents alike. Superintendent Teri Greer came up to me before the meeting and said, “Go ahead and give your little speech, but every high school now has an AED.” While I should have found relief in that, I couldn’t. While it’s true, every high school did receive an AED “after” my son was hospitalized, the AED’s had literally been dropped off, without any action plan or follow-up. Most of them were locked up and the school board also said each school could only have 5 trained responders. Why 5…why not everyone? It is lucky to the point of miraculous that my son collapsed at the ONLY public high school in Guilford County with an AED at the time. His principal Randy Shaver pushed hard to procure this unit and after being turned down by everyone, worked with the PTA who stepped up to purchase the unit that would several months later, save my son’s life.
who have the ability to pay for employee training and an on-site AED quite often don’t. I once asked someone if he had to call an employee’s family and report a death…or write a check for $1500.00, which would he choose? This is the average cost of training and one unit. He told me to just send him the invoice. SCA remains the leading cause of death in America, with an average of about one person succumbing to it very four minutes or 350,000 people each year. So the questions remain… What can we do to help prevent SCA deaths? Why doesn’t every school (and business for that matter) have a properly maintained AED with enough well trained staff to operate it? What is the dollar value of a life? My son survived and that moment changed my life forever. In case there was any doubt, this true story, one that comes straight from my heart and that I hope is never repeated by another family…EVER.
In an effort to ensure no other child is placed in this type of danger and to spread the word so that no other family has to suffer due to lack of equipment and training, in 2008 I founded NC MOM ON A MISSION LLC. More than a company, this is a labor of love. Our company provides excellent CPR/AED training as well as selling the best AED’s available (which are only made available to customers who agree to a maintenance program and implementation designed to meet or exceed the most stringent standards). I find two elements absolutely unbelievable. 99% of the placements I have seen have been done incorrectly. The units that are sold are not reported to the state, 911 isn’t notified and many units are being sold without a prescription. NC has very strict AED guidelines. This isn’t hidden information; quite the contrary, it’s very easy to locate under NC AED Guidelines. The second element is the fact that the people Images: Jan and the Automatic External Defibrillator Courtesy of Carrie Helms Photography www.carriehelmsphotography.com
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Art Education, Public Schools and the Presidential Race Sunny Gravely
A
s we watch the 2016 Presidential campaigns and debates unfold, a few questions come to mind, “What makes an individual a great leader”? Possibly critical and analytical thinking, maybe communication skills, team building, knowing how to collaborate and partner with others to achieve an overall goal? But, where do we go to develop these skills? In public schools all over America children are taught to learn or “memorize” information to make high scores on standardized test. Many students display symptoms of anxiety when studying and taking these exams. They understand their future is based solely on theses scores, which will determine what path their adult lives will take. But, what if the educational emphasis was not based on remembering specific information to obtain a high grade on a test, but rather the process and joy of learning? Elliot Eisner, a champion for art education wrote in his book, The Arts and the Creation of Mind, that the “complex and subtle intellectual demands of the arts have distinctive contributions to make in schools, and in the overall process of learning, contributions that are not situated at the periphery of the educational experience, but squarely at its core.” (p.xii) In other words, the “arts”, which include visual arts, dance, music, creative writing and theater are the lynchpin in education. Through the arts children are able to take ideas, philosophies, complicated concepts and make them their own through the process of creation. They are forced to use and develop their critical and analytical
thinking, as well as problem solving to manipulate materials and equipment Image of Sunny courtesy of to express their form of facebook.com/S.GravelyOriginals art. Within each genre of the arts, students are encouraged to work with other artists as a team to meet a common goal. Communication is a key factor in finding that common goal. Once ideas have been exchanged and each person understands their role and contribution to a project, magic is created. But, how do we instill in our children that “learning IS magic”? We must integrate the arts into every aspect of public and private education, so they’re able to see the connections of the subjects they’ve learned in school in the real world. Developing these cognitive skills early as a part of the curriculum in our school system gives our nation an advantage. It encourages more independent thinkers and adults who are unafraid to decipher the spoon fed information given to them on a daily basis. It also gives us a different perspective of the world, people and the confidence to shape our own destiny. The 2016 candidates for President say a lot about America’s educational system. It shows us that although this country is changing drastically, the thinking of many of our citizens remain the same. In order to gain a competitive edge in this global economy we must think “outside of the box”, and eagerly seek understanding. Teaching our children the joy and magic of learning through the arts has the potential of producing more innovators and well- rounded leaders, and possibly less robotic and unsympathetic thinkers waiting to be told what to do.
Images- Clockwise from top right courtesy of Glen High School unless otherwise noted) -Sunny Gravely - Artist/Co-Owner/Director of The Artist Bloc LLC. -Freshman art students at Glen High School in Kernersville learn various painting techniques. -These African Masks are but one of the first year art student projects at Glen High School. -Art teacher Karen Hensley and a Glen High School student work together on an African Mask project.
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W
hen last we visited The Artist Bloc (TAB), its doors had been open but a few short months, yet it was well on its way to fulfilling a much needed and greatly welcome presence in the community. From the humble beginnings of her original spark, Darlene McClinton and her co-owners/TAB partners Watricia Shuler and LaTasha “Sunny” Gravely have since brought many of their ideas to fruition. Still, if one were to think, even for an instant, that their vision has been realized and TAB partners were now content to rest on their laurels, that person would be greatly mistaken, because quite simply, love won’t let that happen.
the love of
The Artist Bloc Tony Bates
In less than two years, TAB has become a living breathing part of the community and as with all living things it must be nourished and loved. While TAB continuously shows its love for the community through unique and varied programs and events, the ever increasing love the community returns is more than evident as well. It is that love that sustains life at TAB, and there is plenty here to love. Far too often the term “something for everyone” is tossed around with little or no basis in fact, but the sheer variety of programs at TAB speaks to its impact on and devotion to the community. As co-owner and Director at TAB of both Art Education and their Gallery, Sunny Gravely points out, “you never know what you’ll find at TAB”. Regular monthly programs include an Artist Talk every 4th Friday from 7-9pm where upcoming artists and other interested parties can participate in “upclose and personal” conversations with a wide variety of artists representing different genres and media, followed directly afterwards by the more relaxed Creative Infusion Art Social from 9-2am. Then there is the Thinking Out Loud Open Mic Night every 2nd Friday and the always popular Paint n’ Sip every Wednesday. 10
While these “evening” favorites certainly have a loyal and expanding following, they barely scratch the surface of what TAB offers. The partner’s intimate knowledge and experience within the Greensboro art community, coupled with extensive hands-on research has led TAB to delve even further into community based programs. Noticing a need for a non-profit organization that could begin addressing the needs of Alzheimer & Dementia patients, as well as children whose families may not be able to afford private art lessons and/or programs, TAB began offering Art Classes for Alzheimer Patients every 1st and 3rd Monday, Children’s Art classes on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays along with private “Girl Scout” classes and an “All Arts” Summer Camp for Teens. In addition, Sunny explains that “We’ve recently begun advertising Adult Art Tutors, which is really exciting.”
Participants work through art projects at The Artist Bloc’s Alzheimer Patients/Senior Art Class
She continues, “Instead of adults attending an art class during awkward hours, we match them up with experienced artists based around their schedule to teach them any art trade they’d like to know. From Photoshop to figure drawing, we’ve got the perfect answer to our customer’s [and the community’s] artistic needs”. If this already seems like a lot then it’s important to remember that these are but a few of the regular calendar events, and programs. New special events and regular programs are already being tested or in the works such as the new and soon to become recurring Classic Hip Hop and Soul Saturdays, No Shade (official LGBT night) and the Renaissance Entrepreneur Mixer.
It’s not as though TAB hasn’t had its share of setbacks, slight though they may be, but the work goes on, as Watricia explains, “For our currently recurring programs the response has been great, [however], we’ve experimented with other events in the past that we’ve had to phase out because we were not getting an acceptable turn out.” “Still”, as Watricia continues “by adjusting slightly here and there in order to perfect the logistics of each event” and as Sunny adds “catering to the needs and request of our customers”, TAB continues to provide the type of atmosphere, with the interesting programs and events that keep the community involved and their fan base growing. (continued on pg. 19) 11
Science
Nature
Inspiration
darian’s day at the
science center Adventure Exploration
Imagination
Tony Bates
(continued on pg. 18) Tou c
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In t
nd w he wi
w fr ith ne
iends
hing
stin
gray
s an
d sh
arks
Maybe I’m one of them, just a big kid, but I honestly don’t believe it’s only me. After all, I’d felt if before, that build-up of energy entering the building, I’ve seen it on the faces of the children and parents alike. The excitement of reaching for the unknown (even for those returning for the twentieth time), the hunt is on, the exploration about to begin… Something truly amazing
ence Center and in the short time it took to go from toddler to preschooler, we were all in for an entirely new experience. As three generations of our family entered the center, we were immediately beckoned by the inviting sign and dark, mysterious entrance corridor of the Sciquarium (a major attraction still under construction on Darian’s first visit). Once inside, the change in Darian’s perception was immediately evident. Gone was the child solely wrapped up in the action, bounding from exhibit to exhibit looking for the next thrill, replaced by a “little man” more curious about all he was experiencing and being awe-struck by most of it. He wanted to take his time and study the Fishing Cat, Otters, Penguins and Octopus in detail, enthralled by each until he reached the next. I thought he would never leave the petting area for the small Sharks and Stingrays (it probably didn’t help that his mother kept sticking her fingers in the water to pet them as well). With a mere 6” thick glass wall separating him from the much larger and menacing yet beautiful versions of each, Darian had to be convinced that it was alright to move past the giant 90,000 gallon reef tank because there was still so much
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W
hen a name meant to convey the elements of science and the aspects of nature that can be found there, fails to communicate some of the more subtle nuances that will certainly be discovered, perhaps that’s a good thing. Including a zoo, aquarium and museum, the Greensboro Science Center offers opportunities to learn about, and more importantly experience, a wide variety of natural and applied sciences. Still, that name, “Science Center”, offers no hint of the sheer amazement, awe and expressions of pure joy on the faces of the children, nor does it touch on the human behavior and interactions visitors are certain to experience.
...the hunt is on, the exploration about to begin… Something truly amazing is set to happen is set to happen. Yes, I’ve witnessed that wonderment and I was ready to see it again, so when my daughter, Tanea, and youngest grandchild, Darian, recently surprised me with an impromptu visit, I immediately knew one place we’d been where we definitely had to return. When he first visited the Greensboro Science Center Darian was a 16 month old cyclonic whirlwind, fascinated, as many toddlers are, more with the sights, sounds and buzz of activity than the educational opportunities the center provides. Of course he learned about and experienced the animals and various sciences so thoughtfully presented, but in the end the look on his face was one of elation. Darian had fun, a lot of fun, and for a toddler that was enough. Today, at the ripe old age of four, Darian, his mother and his Grandpa Tony revisited the Sci-
to see and do.
As we transitioned into the museum, Darian’s curiosity was again rewarded as information was presented in a manner that was fun, engaging and that he could easily absorb. Even in those rare cases where the nuances may have been missed by a four year old, the fascination remained. Studying rock samples and dinosaur bones, learning about rainfall and its effects or how large a piece of hail can get. His overall experience was undoubtedly enhanced by the new friends he was making along the way. Sharing space inside a cyclone machine, taking turns in front of, behind the counter of, and driving the food truck in SciPlay or playing drums was all part of the experience that is rarely advertised; that human element that enhances the experience. (continued on pg. 16)
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Baby! Breaking the Fever Jasmine Nehilla
O
ne of my favorite games to play as a child was M.A.S.H. M.A.S.H stood for mansion, apartment, shack, or house and was a fortune-telling game I would often play with my friends between dance classes or during lunch. We would grab a sheet of loose-leaf paper, scribble M.A.S.H on the header and my game partner would list four choices in each category. For example, in the husband category, she would list my current heart throb celebrity crush, a boy I adored in real life, someone I wouldn’t mind settling for and then someone absolutely ridiculous. Other categories included cars, number of children, careers, travel destinations, etc. Once all the categories were filled, I would close my eyes and she would draw a swirl until I said stop. She would then count the spaces in the swirl and the sum of spaces would determine my fortuitous future. Starting at mansion, she would count and wherever the number landed, she would cross the name or destination out and continued on until all options in that particular category were eliminated. Once there was only one option in each category the game was over and the paper revealed my destiny. I always saved the fortunes that said I would have four children or more. I think I was born with baby fever. Baby fever is a conflicting battle. The internet is teeming with all kinds of endearing and delightful baby footage of puppies snuggling and curling up with sleeping babies,
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sassy but polite toddlers spewing independence or babes trying lemons for the first time. The allurement of these images would make the most rigid, miserly and grouchiest of grouchy people squeal out girlish AWW’s. And don’t get me started on babies in realtime, they’re everywhere and the cuteness is exemplified! Whether you desire to procreate or not, you can’t deny the feels babies produce. Adding to heat my fever, my Facebook timelines are inundated with glowing baby selfies. I love opening my Facebook to a juicy miniature clone of my friend as much as the next millennial Facebooker. However, the clash in the baby reverie lies in the revolting axioms of parenthood. Oh my, the diaper blowouts, the running out of wipes during said diaper blowouts, the unceasing flow of bodily fluids, the smells, the phantom smells, the eruption of emotions at the worst times, the delusion of sleep, poops during bath time—I can continue this list of horrific sights that can’t be unseen and scents that are forever embedded into my nasal cavities, but I think you get the point. And if you’re a parent, I’m sorry to have reminded or informed you. I truly am.
I thought taking temporary custody of our twin two-year-old nephews and nannying a 6-monthold would break my baby fever. And some days, they are the perfect birth control and decelerate the procreation plan. Yet, our crash course into parenting—while it has been an erratic and smelly journey—has barely impacted my urge for a house full of children. I have, however, developed an apprehension about bearing children outside of the odors and bodily projectiles.
“No parent, regardless of race, can be 100% sure that their child isn’t going to be involved in some craziness.” And this consciousness fills my heart with fear. To know that all the knowledge, all of the goodness, all of the love my hubby and I embed into our children could be destroyed in one swift action by an opinionated hand, is downright scary and I must confess, curbs my baby fever.
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...he or she will be showered with love and introduced to an inclusive, open-minded community, wealthy in diversity It’s a terrifying thought that my child could be the next Trayvon Martin or my daughter could be the next Sandra Bland. At some point his or her cuteness and ability to make hearts gush is no longer a factor. These babies grow up, are judged and pushed off the plank into a sea of stereotypes. My child could be someone’s target. It’s disheartening that my children will face disadvantages and threats because of the color their skin or their gender. It’s an even more disturbing notion that this is 2016 and a very relevant concern. I can draft blueprints for him or her outlining what to do in various scenarios, but ultimately, there’s no guaranteed prevention. A friend told me,
Fortunately, my desire to have a baby is heavily weighed by the positive interactions as opposed to the negative. The amount of work baby fever actualized is unremitting, but amidst the fears, shrills, and aromas—I can’t wait to grow a progressive thinking, open-minded, proud, happy baby who’s mere heart-melting appearance makes Facebookers across the globe squeal. I don’t know how we’ll make it all work, but most days I have faith that the baby will counsel us through the hard parts. Call it irresponsible if you’d like, but I’ve learned in the short period of time Hubby and I have had custody of the twins, children make the impossible possible. When Hubby and I are mutually ready to reproduce extraordinarily precious versions of ourselves, he or she will be showered with love and introduced to an inclusive open-minded community, wealthy in diversity—albeit Greensboro or our own constructed village based off of the people of Greensboro. In the meantime, I’ll be binge watching videos of newborn babies in realistic costumes fantasizing about the future offspring that M.A.S.H predicted I’d have.
Images: Opposite page- Jasmine, and “Hubby” courtesy of Heather Lashun Photography (Facebook.com/pages/Heather-LaShun-Photograhy/257952385411) Bottom - Already a star... Jasmine at age 3 (courtesy of Jasmine Nehilla)
Want more from the mind of Jasmine? Find her online at www.jasminenehilla.com 15
Darian(continued from pg. 13)
Those interactions continued as, with the SciQuarium and museum explored, our small band ventured into the zoo. Fascinated by the regal Peacocks and sharing the up close and personal nature of the Friendly Farm, he was again able to mingle with other kids while gently petting sheep, goats and chickens. Anxious to get to the “wild” animals, we moved on to the Meerkats, Red Pandas and Wallabies which he found curious, until we reached the Gibbons. If there are more animated creatures in the world, I can’t imagine what they would be like, as the show these guys were putting on seemed almost choreographed. Many spent their time on patrol, chasing away perceived threats to a newShar born (cutest thing ever!), racing.. . ing after a menacing Squirrel and Rabbit. Another spent the entire time we were there swinging effortlessly from branch to fence to rope and back again, this little Gibbon in particular seemed born to perform and from a few short feet away, held Darian’s rapt attention for so long that we had to promise to return, just to move on for a bit. ort eff
Darian went on about that Gibbon almost unceasFu ingly, pausing for just a few moments as we checked out the Fossa and Lemurs; that is until we reached the Tigers. It was all over from there. The emotion and expressions caused by these majestic creatures varied from fright to delight to unbridled awe on the faces of children and adults alike. Darian was not immune to their charms, his own expression changing as he discovered something new or moved to different viewing spots to take it all in. A n...
up gro
Having begun our adventure a little behind schedule, it was now getting late and I was exhausted (hey, I’m a grandfather), so after a quick stop at the Discovery House to visit a few reptiles, we were coerced into promising Darian we would return to the Science Center to revisit his favorites and check out the many attractions we had
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yet to see. Satisfied, albeit a bit wounded at still being too young for SKYWILD, we left to the sound of Darian’s recap of the day’s Th at events. It was only cra zy after a few moGib ments of silence, bo n that his mom noticed he was peacefully sleeping in the back seat. Remembering our last visit, we returned to the Science Center for fun and a bit of exploration. Understanding that as kids grow their perceptions and the way they experience life changes, Darian’s mother and I expected perhaps a bit more understanding on his part, but we were neither prepared for the level his understanding would reach nor the inspiration he would derive from it. Kids, especially four-year-olds can have fun watching cartoons, flying a kite or simply being tickled, but the look of awe on Darian’s face and the wonder in his eyes is the stuff of which dreams and ambition are made.
Another new friend
Credit the Greensboro Science Center and their wonderful staff for understanding kids of all ages. Exhibits are presented in ways which provide increasing levels of fascination, right up to the point that teens want to (and through various programs can) volunteer at the center to gain even more insight into the world in which we live. Could they change the name to reflect more of the full experience? Maybe something like “The Totally Awesome and Inspirational Center of Science and Fun”? Perhaps, but then knowing what to expect might ruin the surprise on the faces of parents (and grandparents) as we unexpectedly watch the little ones eyes light up in wonder. In the end, little does it matter; regardless of what it’s called, Darien can’t wait to return.
Still too young for SKYWILD, but one day...
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307 State St •279-1124 www.tylerwhitegallery.com
Eclectic by Nature experience the magic & escape the ordinary
414 State Street • 336. 373.0733 • eclecticbynature.com
500 State Street • 336-274-2003 • pinkribbonchic.com
309 State St. • 336.230.2266 • Find Us On Facebook
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(continued from pg. 11) As if it wasn’t already, after speaking with Watricia Shuler the true purpose of TAB really becomes clear, “We are here to cultivate, preserve and promote the importance of the arts through educational programs, community outreach and by providing a platform for artist to gain exposure to the greater society.” With so much happening at TAB, it was hard to pin down what Sunny would consider her favorite aspect, but in the end, she admitted it is quite simply, “everything!” she says, explaining further that “I love our community outreach programs, art education classes, events and constantly being around artists and creativity.” Watricia expounds a bit telling us that it is the “uniqueness” of TAB” and the fact that while such a place may be considered “normal in northern cities like DC or NY, but to NC, Greensboro in particular, it’s a brand new concept; something most people in [this] city have not seen before” continuing that “once a person experiences TAB it’s something that is unforgettable”. “We are in the middle of an artistic revival in Greensboro” say Sunny, “and we have been fortunate enough to be one of the minority trailblazers in this wave”.
With a common love for art and the community as a whole, it’s easy to see why the partners at TAB work so well together. The Artist Bloc is quickly solidifying its place as an essential part of the Greensboro art community, although above all else, what separates TAB from other businesses is the fact that its broad appeal to such a varied and eclectic group of people is truly appreciated; it all boils down to the love. The mission, it seems, is far from “complete” and with so much diversity and creativity in art and so much left to accomplish, it truly may never be, but then, perhaps that’s the point. Art supply store, gallery, music/poetry venue, coffee house, studio, classroom or perhaps most importantly, the place where creative minds meet, one thing is perfectly clear; whichever classifications are bestowed upon The Artist Bloc, in reality it continues to be so much more, and the community will continue to love them for it.
Images- Courtesy of TAB & Clockwise from top: -TAB Co-Owners Darlene McClinton, Sunny Gravely and Watricia Shuler are enjoying life. -TAB stocks art supplies to suit all area college curriculums. Their artistic knowledge alone should make them every student’s FIRST stop. -(Image by WAG) This versatile space can be arranged to fit the needs of their various events and programs a stage is behind the camera in the front. -Sunny Gravely helps a participant in TAB’s Alzheimer Patients/Senior Art Class
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Downtown greensboro Ambleside Gallery
Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing • Restoration
5 28 S. Elm St • 336.275.9844 amblesidearts.com
607 S Elm St • 336.378.8877
200 S Elm St, • 336.763.0944 • mykoshary.com
Mechelle’s Boutique Everything a girl could want! 227 South Elm St • 336.574.4496
524 S. Elm St • 336.274.1010 triedandtruetattoocompany.com
Welcome to
South End
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Endangered! Saving Vanishing Species
Tony Bates
E
xtinction is a powerful word. Yet as strong a word and as alarming a concept as it is, the reality of extinction is even more horrific. To completely eliminate another living creature from existence is more than a shame; it’s an appalling crime against nature. Still, concerned with the intricacies of our daily lives, many of us fail to realize just how endangered many of our planet’s co-inhabitants are or how much closer to extinction they get each day. Among those of us who are aware or even troubled by this phenomenon, far fewer are actually taking steps to protect these vanishing species; `C.A.R.E. is one group that is. The Coalition of Artists for the Recognition of Endangered species (C.A.R.E.) is an organization of local Piedmont area artist who use their gifts to shed light on the horrors that imperil many of the creatures that share our planet. Through their stunning works in paint and sculpture, artists Karine Thoresen, Andrea Hennings, Alexis Lavine, Judy Meyler, Addren Doss, Sarah Watts, John Gibbs, Cecelia Cox and Patricia Savage are provoking thought, increasing the conversation and raising awareness
C.A.R.E. Artist John Gibbs
about threatened and endangered species. Taking it even further, C.A.R.E. is putting their money (and their artwork) where their mouth is. This May, C.A.R.E. is presenting their works for sale at an exhibition entitled “Saving Animals from Extinction”, with some of the proceeds from each sale being donated to the Greensboro Science Center. Another friend to conservation efforts, Ambleside Gallery will host the event which runs from May 6th to May 30th, with a special reception on May 20th to coincide with National Endangered Species Day. This promises to be an amazing and very informative exhibition. Stop by Ambleside anytime during their normal hours to view these incredible works themed to represent many of the magnificent creatures we have too long taken for granted. For a special treat, bring the whole family to the reception on May 20th to meet the artists and speak with representatives of the Greensboro Science Center who will also be on hand. Visit the gallery, experience the artwork and learn how we can all help save our endangered species.
“Leon” (Javan Gibbon) by Karine Thoresen
C.A.R.E. Artist Karine Thoresen
For more information visit C.A.R.E. www.facebook.com/Coalition-of-Artists-for-the-Recognition-of-Endangered-species-CARE-800494460024589 The Greensboro Science Center Ambleside Gallery 528 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406 4301 Lawndale Dr, (336) 275-9844 - amblesidearts.com Greensboro, NC 27455 Gallery hours: Tues. - Sat. 11am - 6pm (Fri. 11am - 9pm.) (336) 288-3769 www.greensboroscience.org
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We Are Gr
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eensboro
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"Snacktime" by Andrea Hennings
a Special exhibition of the works of c.a.r.e.
(COALITION OF ARTISTS FOR THE RECOGNITION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ) proceeds to support the Greensboro Science Center
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Ambleside Gallery
Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing • Restoration 528 South Elm St. Greensboro, NC 27406 336.275.9844 www.amblesidearts.com