LIVING ARTS BLOG
Reflections on Sofrito of Cultures
For three weeks, students of Living Arts' Youth Dance Ensemble studied under visionary master teachers Madame Penny Godboldo, Chi Amen Ra and Ozzie Rivera to understand the cultural connection between Black American and Afro Latinx communities (The African Diaspora). As the Living Arts Teaching Artist brought in on this project, I was honored to even be in the room with these incredibly decorated artists that I'd heard about for years. The importance of using dance as the catalyst to discuss these connections is a conversation I've had many times with various students, parents and fellow teachers. In Afrocentric and Indigenous culture dance is often used as an archive.
Arts Workshops for Southwest Detroit Caregivers
We’ve partnered with Congress of Communities, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, and Mathematica to present a series of workshops for caregivers who provides care or babysitting to pre-school youth ages 0-5 in Southwest Detroit communities.
Looking Back: Open Arts Fest
Hi my name is Johnathan Williams, I am a visual artist, beatmaker, DJ, and I was on the Open Arts Fest planning team this year. I had a lot of fun this summer planning Open Arts Fest, and I also learned a lot and gained more experience for a career.
Detroit Wolf Trap Goes to National Conference
Last week, members of the Detroit Wolf Trap team traveled to reunite with our fellow Wolf Trap Affiliates at the Wolf Trap Institute Affiliate Conference. The conference was held at the Wolf Trap Foundation in Vienna, Va. from August 13-16.
20th Anniversary Fund Update!
In the years ahead, Living Arts will accelerate and grow our impact by reaching 30,000 children and teens by 2030—with intensive, multi-session experiences in the arts that are delivered by skilled and experienced Teaching Artists.
Living Arts Dancers to Perform Sofrito of Cultures with Penny Godboldo at the Wright Museum
Living Arts’ Youth Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Master Teacher and Dance Artist Penny Godboldo and Living Arts’ Teaching Artist Miryam Johnson, with musical accompaniment by Chinelo "Chi" Amen-Ra and Ozvaldo "Ozzie" Rivera, will present a free community performance graciously hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on August 8, 2019 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Here's Why You Should Come to Open Arts Fest!
Hi! I’m Diamond and I’ve been with Living Arts as a dancer, photographer, and artist for over five years.
And I’m Bailee and I have been dancing at Living Arts for four years. I was originally introduced to Living Arts when me and my mom stumbled upon it, and I have been coming ever since. During my time here I have taken all types of classes like ballet, tap, point, jazz, hip hop, salsa, and Afro-Latin.
Meet Sicily McRaven: Detroit Wolf Trap Program Manager!
Meet Sicily McRaven! Some may know Sicily as a teaching artist, but for the past few months, Sicily has come on board as our Detroit Wolf Trap Program Manager!
Living Arts Launches Sofrito of Cultures with Penny Godboldo
This summer, Living Arts will launch a two-week dance intensive, Sofrito of Cultures. Lead by Master Teacher and Dance Artist Penny Godboldo and Living Arts’ Teaching Artist Miriyam Johnson, 12 participants will engage in five hours of daily training from July 22-August 2 in the Dunham Technique of dance, which blends European ballet, modern, jazz, and classical African movement.
Welcome Bianca to the Programs Team!
We’ve recently added an Out-of-School Arts Intern to our programs team: Bianca Cuevas! Bianca will be on site at the FREC during our Saturday classes this summer and helping with our metrics and statistics compilation.
Closing Out the Season: 20th Annual Student Showcase
On a moderate Sunday afternoon, families, friends, and supporters gathered at Cass Technical High School for the Living Arts 20th Annual Student Showcase. The program opened with Program Manager, Zack Bissell, who welcomed the audience and thanked the event’s supporters.
A culmination of the 2018-2019 season of programming through the Out-of-School Arts (OSA) program, Showcase featured a mix of dance, visual arts, video animation, and music composition. The program featured a special guest performance by Ballet Folkórico de Detroit and an intermission performance by Mariachi Femeníl de Detroit.
Before You Take the Stage: A Chat with Living Arts' Senior Artists
In the 45 minutes window between school and rehearsal, I met with 5 young women at the FREC-Mercado. In preparation for their upcoming 20th Annual Student Showcase, we sat down to talk about their history with Living Arts, and the role the organization has played in their lives.
Living Arts Receives $40,000 Commitment to Arts Access for Detroit Youth
Renewed partnership support comes from Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation
Living Arts is proud to announce a $40,000 grant award from the Vera and Joseph Dresner Foundation. This partnership will provide 100 free enrollments for youth and children in Southwest Detroit to access Living Arts’ Out-of-School Arts program.
Celebrating 20 Years of Living Arts
Last Thursday April 11th, Living Arts celebrated a milestone 20th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Detroit Masonic Temple. Kicking off the evening with a step and repeat welcome, guests were invited to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area and to explore the gallery of 20 years of Living Arts work. VIP guests were treated to swag bags filled with goodies from hand tie-dyed towels to chocolates from Bon Bon Bon, a private lounge area, and a tour of the Masonic Temple.
Art, Philanthropy, and Legacy: Talking with Ronald Cresswell (Cresswell Family Foundation)
We are beyond grateful for the support that we’ve received for our 20th anniversary. As part of our recent series on getting to know our sponsors, we recently did a quick Q&A with Ronald Cresswell, of the Cresswell Family Foundation. Mr. Cresswell and his wife, Sheila, have been long-time lovers of the arts, and have supported the arts through their foundation. Below is a transcript of our interview. Many thanks to the Cresswell Family Foundation for their continued support of Detroit arts and youth development!
Get to Know Before You Go: REVOK
Visual artist Jason “REVOK” Williams is turning his agreement with clothing retailing H&M into a $50,000 twentieth anniversary present for Living Arts. Williams’ gift will be used to launch a $100,000 fundraising initiative and set plans in motion to expand services and reach more than 30,000 Detroit-area children and teens by 2030.
<<<THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED>>> Living Arts Seeks a Nonprofit Financial Strategy Consultant
<<<THIS POSITION IS CLOSED>>>
Living Arts is accepting proposals for a Nonprofit Financial Strategy Consultant to it develop a comprehensive, strategic financial plan to be able to scale and replicate services appropriately to make a greater impact for more Detroit-based children, while also ensuring sustainable programmatic development.
<<<THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED>>> Are you passionate about early learning in Detroit? Living Arts is Hiring a Program Manger!
<<<THIS POSITION IS NOW CLOSED>>> Living Arts is hiring a full-time Program Manager - Early Learning for our Detroit Wolf Trap (DWT) program. The Program Manager will work with the Living Arts Program Team to develop, implement, evaluate, and market relevant and exceptional arts education programs in Detroit early learning centers and community settings.
Our Board Continues to Grow
Living Arts is once again pleased to announce that we’ve added four new members to our Board of Directors: Kayana Sessoms, Veronica Marsich, Monique Harris, and Ulrike Hildebrand. “With the addition of these four highly skilled and accomplished women, Living Arts leadership continues to grow,” said Alissa Novoselick, Executive Director. “I’m excited they’ll bring their unique perspectives to further Living Arts work in Detroit.”
Our Voice, Our Power: An Evening with Las Cafeteras
On the evening of February 20 at the FREC-Mercado, we gathered cozily with our Out of School Arts parents and children, enjoying a meal together in the company of our new friends, the musicians of Las Cafeteras. We assembled in the Art Studio, buzzing about, discussing the details of our days as the sun gently set through the windows of the studio. Ready to begin, Las Cafeteras began strumming guitars, energizing us and inviting us into the experience. This familial and comforting space set the scene for our evening of writing songs together.