Application Deadline:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 7:00 PM
Elders Learning Through the Arts
The Elders Learning Through the Arts (ELTA) Program offers funds to individuals and organizations serving District residents, ages 60 and older, in arts programs. The Commission recognizes that senior art programs are a growing field and one that has shown great benefit to older adults.
Grants will fund projects in the following areas: crafts, dance, literature, media, music, interdisciplinary/performance art, theater and visual arts. Funded projects will support innovative arts programming that provides access and positive enrichment alternatives for seniors.
District residents and District based organizations may apply. Grant amounts range from $500 to $5000.
Assistance in preparing applications is available through workshops held on:
Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
THEARC
1901 Mississippi Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020
- AND-
Thursday, September 18, 2008, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
1371 Harvard St., NW, Washington, DC 20009
For more information contact Charles Barzon at charles.barzon@dc.gov or call 202-724-5613. Visit dcarts.dc.gov to download an application.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
A Farewell to Building "L"
The George Washington University Art Therapy Program held a fond 'Farewell' to Building "L" party Saturday Agust 16th, as the program is moving to spacious new digs in Alexandria, VA. Many of us shared memories, moments, photos, and artwork, as togther we toasted GW's history and future. Thanks to all for letting me snap photos of the event.
Gioia
A group picture of all of us waving "goodbye" to dear 2129 G Street!
Friday, August 15, 2008
"Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wilson "
The District of Columbia Public Library
Adaptive Services Division
Presents
"Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wilson "
with
Co-Authors
Susan Burch, Historian
and
Hannah Joyner, Independent Scholar
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Room A-5
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington , DC
DESCRIPTION
Junius Wilson (1908-2001) spent seventy-six years at a state mental hospital in Goldsboro , North Carolina , including six in the criminal ward. He had never been declared insane by a medical professional or found guilty of any criminal charge. But he was deaf and black in the Jim Crow South. Unspeakable is the story of his life.
Using legal records, institutional files, and extensive oral history interviews--some conducted in sign language--Susan Burch and Hannah Joyner piece together the story of a deaf man accused in 1925 of attempted rape, found insane at a lunacy hearing, committed to the criminal ward of the State Hospital for the Colored Insane, castrated, forced to labor for the institution, and held at the hospital for more than seven decades.
Junius Wilson's life was shaped by some of the major developments of twentieth-century America : Jim Crow segregation, the civil rights movement, deinstitutionalization, the rise of professional social work, and the emergence of the deaf and disability rights movements. In addition to offering a bottom-up history of life in a segregated mental institution, Burch and Joyner's work also enriches the traditional interpretation of Jim Crow by highlighting the complicated intersections of race and disability as well as of community and language.
This moving study expands the boundaries of what biography can and should be. There is much to learn and remember about Junius Wilson--and the countless others who have lived unspeakable histories.
For more information, contact
Library Services to the Deaf Community:
Voice (via Video Relay Service) 866-570-7364 and ask for Janice Rosen;
Voice (direct) or VideoPhone (202) 727-2145
TTY (202) 727-2255
E-mail library_deaf_dc@yahoo.com.
Adaptive Services Division
Presents
"Unspeakable: The Story of Junius Wilson "
with
Co-Authors
Susan Burch, Historian
and
Hannah Joyner, Independent Scholar
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Room A-5
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW
Washington , DC
DESCRIPTION
Junius Wilson (1908-2001) spent seventy-six years at a state mental hospital in Goldsboro , North Carolina , including six in the criminal ward. He had never been declared insane by a medical professional or found guilty of any criminal charge. But he was deaf and black in the Jim Crow South. Unspeakable is the story of his life.
Using legal records, institutional files, and extensive oral history interviews--some conducted in sign language--Susan Burch and Hannah Joyner piece together the story of a deaf man accused in 1925 of attempted rape, found insane at a lunacy hearing, committed to the criminal ward of the State Hospital for the Colored Insane, castrated, forced to labor for the institution, and held at the hospital for more than seven decades.
Junius Wilson's life was shaped by some of the major developments of twentieth-century America : Jim Crow segregation, the civil rights movement, deinstitutionalization, the rise of professional social work, and the emergence of the deaf and disability rights movements. In addition to offering a bottom-up history of life in a segregated mental institution, Burch and Joyner's work also enriches the traditional interpretation of Jim Crow by highlighting the complicated intersections of race and disability as well as of community and language.
This moving study expands the boundaries of what biography can and should be. There is much to learn and remember about Junius Wilson--and the countless others who have lived unspeakable histories.
For more information, contact
Library Services to the Deaf Community:
Voice (via Video Relay Service) 866-570-7364 and ask for Janice Rosen;
Voice (direct) or VideoPhone (202) 727-2145
TTY (202) 727-2255
E-mail library_deaf_dc@yahoo.com.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
“GOWNS WITH AN ATTITUDE”
New Horizons
the arts education and cultural enrichment program invites you to the opening of
“GOWNS WITH AN ATTITUDE”
Gowns designed by patients at Children’s National
The teens on hemodialysis at Children’s National in
Washington, DC recently gave their drab hospital gowns a makeover. Seventeen one-of-a-kind “Gowns with an Attitude” were personally modeled by their designers in a high-energy fashion show for a packed audience in early September, 2007.
The Gallery @ Children's National
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
Exhibition on display from
July 7, 2008 – September 19, 2008
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information, call 202.476.3225
the arts education and cultural enrichment program invites you to the opening of
“GOWNS WITH AN ATTITUDE”
Gowns designed by patients at Children’s National
The teens on hemodialysis at Children’s National in
Washington, DC recently gave their drab hospital gowns a makeover. Seventeen one-of-a-kind “Gowns with an Attitude” were personally modeled by their designers in a high-energy fashion show for a packed audience in early September, 2007.
The Gallery @ Children's National
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20010
Exhibition on display from
July 7, 2008 – September 19, 2008
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information, call 202.476.3225
Great tips on gathering art supplies by art therapist Frances Smokowski-Good Luck on your Journey, Frances!
Chrysalis Studio's Art Supply Give Away is Complete & helpful notes
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
I am deeply moved by what a wonderful experience it has been connecting with
so many people in the process of letting go of art supplies and materials I
am unable to take with me on my move to NY. Thank you to every one who came
and assisted me. You all have been "angels" in different ways, easing my
transition tremendously. I am delighted to know that my treasures and studio
basics will be put to such excellent use in your hands.... and with so many
clients across the DC metro area and even quite far out into Virginia!
Though my supplies are gone now, I continue to receive an increasing number
of inquiries each day. Sadly, I can no longer respond to each inquiry
personally. Please know I would loved to have contributed to every person
and program who inquired. The valuable work being done is inspiring. I
realize that with summer vacations and altered schedules that many are just
now receiving my announcements. However, not knowing that there would be so
many responses (& so much need)...and also having an urgent deadline to
clear out immediately, it was not possible to do anything beyond "first
come, first served". I appreciate that this is understood.
At this juncture I must thank everyone for their earnestness and good will.
I am leaving Washington grateful for being "adopted" by such a fantastic
community of colleagues. I thank each of you for being a part of the support
I have received here.
I also feel compelled to comment on the incredible dedication and personal
generosity of so many of our colleagues who are working in settings without
materials budgets, paying for supplies themselves. As a field we need to
look carefully at this and the impact it can have on rates of "burn out".
What a blessing it would be if through PATA there could be access to
resources and materials or at least support for finding it! Of course, in
seeking donations, personal connections are best. There are organizations
that manage surplus and a list of those could be generated. There are things
we can do to look out for those who are trying to work having little with
which to do so. Art has material realities other activities do not and this
is often not understood by agencies strapped for resources. In closing I
offer the following notes on things that have been very successful for me in
collecting materials and receiving donations. I hope these informal comments
are helpful to those who did not get word of my "give away" until materials
were gone...and to those who have seen how abundance can be created to
support ones work...something I think everyone who came to my studio
experienced.
1. personal connections...Aunt Tilly has 3 rooms of quilt fabrics & needs
space, Uncle Joe a pile of scrap wood from...you know who I mean. After
relations, explore locally first...that tailor down the street or the Drug
Store on the corner that carries Children's stuff. Always ask at the end of a
season at stores...there are tons of things on deep clearance that are
dumpstered after each holiday if not sold...face paints at Halloween, tinsel
at Christmas, plastic eggs, you know. Businesses that use materials tend to
have a surplus of trimmings or remnants...decorators have sample books that
expire & are thrown out, tailors have scraps, etc.. Look at your
neighborhood as a gold mine & see what the businesses around you may have
that they routinely throw away!!! Who would not want a tax deduction for
things they typically discard at a loss? Be sure to make it easy...you pick
up at their convenience. Don't be surprised, though if soon you'll find
deliveries coming to you. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE DOING & WHAT YOU CAN USE.
2. Note the customer service information on items you use or need. Call the
800 numbers on the box or package and inquire about how you could ask this
MANUFACTURER for surplus, "overstock", discontinued, remaindered or damaged
merchandise...broken crayons still work! Those are the buzz words. Sometimes
you will get brand new things in flawless condition asking just for damaged
merchandise. Pentel sent me mountains of gel pens years ago & nearly all of
them worked just perfectly...just discontinued colors or crooked labels
deemed "unmarketable". Specifically ask for a contact person...then build a
relationship with them sharing compelling stories of the work you are doing
& who benefits. I was actually sent products under development one
time...those that needed fine tuning before market. They were delighted
someone could use things. On occasion I have been a "test" site...receiving
things & reporting back how the kids liked it and if there were any
issues/problems or hidden benefits/marketability for the products. Become a
resource for the company! Do you know that single serving model magic in
assorted colors was caused by my calling to make suggestions of what I
needed seeing 63 kids a week. I shared my ideas about how to market the
product to facilities where hygiene is an issue & noted how many AT's work
in hospitals where a pound of clay can;t be divided between patients? We
have specialized knowledge, skills & applications and we have budgets we can
leverage in speaking with suppliers...they want our purchases...they want to
sell more...tell them what you see is needed and just watch the willingness
to enter reciprocity open up. Catalogs with their own brand name merchandise
are great for this & easier to get donations from..
3. At local art stores there is always a clearance section. Often stores
will donate these items as often the are dumpstered after awhile and a tax
letter is far better for the business than the dumpster, as mentioned
previously. If you are in a non-profit, offer a tax letter! ALWAYS follow up
with a thank you and when possible a sample or a photo of what was made with
the donation (handle releases and confidentiality as per ethical standards).
You can get around confidentiality issues if you make a demo project
yourself & give them that. I gave a thank you mural to an employee of a very
large, upscale department store after an initial donation. It hung in the
employee cafeteria for years and a flood of donations ensued including high
end trims & fabrics from the display department that used to dumpster such
things by the ton not knowing they could be used or where. The corporation
didn't care but the employees did & they brought me gobs (with corporate
permission)...much of which was what I let go of this week. THANK WITH ART
THAT SHOWS WHAT IS DONE & POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPLIES. You'll be surprised &
inundated.
4. With businesses and even individuals it can be highly motivating for them
if there is any way you can make their contribution known. A posted list in
your office, notation on brochures or promotional printed matter for shows,
etc.. This goes a very long way in getting repeat and ongoing donations.
BUSINESSES WANT PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES and you are that.
5. Link your request to a specific event...create an event if need
be...Events bring in people and access to groups of people is what
advertising is all about. Note the Materials Sponsors prominently on all
printed matter, email & web postings of the event. Soon you'll have sponsors
you can approach any time you need something.
5. Make very specific wish lists including item numbers and amounts when
approaching big companies. You may not get it all at once or at all, but
half of "the sky's the limit" can be a lot and things can be thrown in you
did not even ask for. Be specific and flexible. I asked once for pints of
acrylics for children's programs at a big DC art event. I was given quarts,
over 100 excellent brushes and mural size canvas I did not even ask for and
MORE!!!!!! I had so much left over I used the acrylics at ECC for over 8
years and 2 of the gallons still had some usable paint in them when I left
ECC in July!!! While being specific is important it is also important to
ask what they have available, what they would like to donate. Often there
are products that don't sell well & they want the shelf space. Creative
folks can make use of things that seem unsellable to others.
6. With big catalogs, always request the generic brand they produce
themselves. A catalog, for example, can give you Catalog brand stuff easier
than they can give "Crayola" because of contractual arrangements.
Distributors cannot afford to give away things from other manufacturers & in
many instances they do not have the right to so so under their agreements.
Go right to the manufacturer when possible. When they don't handle things
directly ask the representative to recommend a distributor that would be
open to being a materials sponsor. Be sure to get a specific name of a
person whenever possible & be sure to use the name of the referring person
when you follow up on a recommendation or referral...ask permission first.
Those are great words.... MATERIALS SPONSOR of your program...build and
publicize a list of those. Be sure to thank people for referrals even if
they do not pan out.
7.Tell people who are part of organized groups what you need or could use.
Women's' organizations and church groups are collectors & ready givers. I had
an infinite supply of clean tag board perfect for collaging from a women's
group who saved the inserts from their dry cleaning! They dropped them off
to me quarterly all neatly sorted and packed...like brand new. Saved me a
fortune doing high volume work with 63 kids a week.
8. Surf for surplus organizations. Every city has some kind. Look beyond the
art supply ideas. I found great things at a place that had surplus
scientific equipment...and endless supply of tiny jar lids that made game
pieces in hand made games....etc.
9.Show up at the end of rummage sales, offer to help clean up and generally
you can walk away with tons of things for free or for very little. Clothes
can be cut into fabrics, broken appliances dismantled for "found objects"
and as my kids called it "interesting things".
I must go continue packing now....
The keys are,
Look through the eyes of abundance and you will find it.
DON'T say depreciating or disparaging things about your circumstances in
writing or in conversations (like my salary is a pittance...if that is true
why would you work there & why should anyone focused on success what to
support something so dysfunctional? Do the work & clear yourself...double
check your writing before sending it out, get a proof reader for
positivity.). Make needs known clearly as needs without commentary & make
clear the BENEFIT to clients, society & the sponsor. People want to
participate in things that are beneficial & uplifting not to be party to
someone's exploitation. I am wish to do X. To do X I need Y. Please can you
give me X stated specifically in return for Z (promotions, tax letter etc)
and the result will be the joy of participating in X realized which
impacts......
In some instances be very discrete about your populations. Few will give to
"adolescent sex offenders" while many will give to "teens", for example.
Avoid stigma language & advocate for people in broad, understandable
categories.
Ask & be specific. The worst thing that can happen is nothing & you already
have that. Pretty much anything you get can be used & moves you forward.
Once people know you collect you will become a clearing house for overflow.
Thank profusely, creatively and appropriately. Thank even if you are
declined. Ask again later, if appropriate as sometimes it is timing.
Ask for referrals, recommendations and ideas. Those who may not have or be
able to give can easily know those who have & will!
Remember, people want to make a difference & use of supplies in AT makes a
big difference in very compelling places...educate as you share & build
community in the process.
Follow up & keep in touch. Thank in each communication even long after the
donation, reference it in gratitude. Little announcements of what your are
doing keeps the relationship open so when time to request or make a need
known comes you are asking inside relatedness. However, do not be afraid to
ask in new places or accept one time offers! Sometimes you get just one
donation...it can be a mother load like my gallons!
Remember boundaries. If a tax letter goes out for the supplies...they belong
to the agency. If you pay for things out of your pocket...they are
yours...to keep or to formally DONATE to your agency. Keep receipts & good
records in case there is a question. Know in some instances you can get
donations independently and you can make them a donation to the agency. Some
businesses do not want a donations letter I have found. They are big & don't
track such "minutia". You can do so for your own benefit, however, as
appropriate...those of you who must provide your own supplies as
contractors. You should at least get a write off for the supplies one way
(as a business expense) or another (as a donation). Having a statement of
the value of the donation is important, how you acquired it. You can look
items up in catalogs so you have a legitimate record. Check with your tax
person & with agency policy.
In general greater success in receiving is had for specific projects vs.
non-specific programs. So create projects and ask in units. There will be
materials left from the "project" & you will build a larder slowly but
surely. Make different project proposals that have different materials
needed to diversify what you collect so you have all you want/ need.
Comment on how materials are consumable and need to be replaced,
renewed...then those who do not know can understand when another request
comes.
If you are working independently, have an attractive letterhead so you can
still approach places formally and professionally. Be sure in your letter
you state your circumstances honestly, particularly the need (as in proving
supplies to underprivileged children, agency without a supply budget)
Don't forget you can get monetary sponsors and BUY art materials! Aunt Tilly
may wish to keep her 3 rooms of fabric but she will give you $50 for markers
for the kids!
Best wishes to you all for a profound experience of fulfillment in your work
and abundant provision in doing it.
Here's to everyone having what they need to do the best Art Therapy
possible!
So, my art larder is empty in Washington...and now you have a glimpse into
how I keep it full wherever I am working.
F
Disclaimer: these are my personal thoughts and are in no way authoritative,
comprehensive or guaranteed. Use professional tax help, agency guidelines
and sound ethics for certainty on your donations situations.
(PS: please note my updated contact information below)
Frances Smokowski, Painting, Drawing and Collage
c/o Chrysalis Studio
frances@chrysalissudio.com
Website:
http://www.chrysalisstudio.com
Webstore:
http://www.theimaginalsell.com
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
I am deeply moved by what a wonderful experience it has been connecting with
so many people in the process of letting go of art supplies and materials I
am unable to take with me on my move to NY. Thank you to every one who came
and assisted me. You all have been "angels" in different ways, easing my
transition tremendously. I am delighted to know that my treasures and studio
basics will be put to such excellent use in your hands.... and with so many
clients across the DC metro area and even quite far out into Virginia!
Though my supplies are gone now, I continue to receive an increasing number
of inquiries each day. Sadly, I can no longer respond to each inquiry
personally. Please know I would loved to have contributed to every person
and program who inquired. The valuable work being done is inspiring. I
realize that with summer vacations and altered schedules that many are just
now receiving my announcements. However, not knowing that there would be so
many responses (& so much need)...and also having an urgent deadline to
clear out immediately, it was not possible to do anything beyond "first
come, first served". I appreciate that this is understood.
At this juncture I must thank everyone for their earnestness and good will.
I am leaving Washington grateful for being "adopted" by such a fantastic
community of colleagues. I thank each of you for being a part of the support
I have received here.
I also feel compelled to comment on the incredible dedication and personal
generosity of so many of our colleagues who are working in settings without
materials budgets, paying for supplies themselves. As a field we need to
look carefully at this and the impact it can have on rates of "burn out".
What a blessing it would be if through PATA there could be access to
resources and materials or at least support for finding it! Of course, in
seeking donations, personal connections are best. There are organizations
that manage surplus and a list of those could be generated. There are things
we can do to look out for those who are trying to work having little with
which to do so. Art has material realities other activities do not and this
is often not understood by agencies strapped for resources. In closing I
offer the following notes on things that have been very successful for me in
collecting materials and receiving donations. I hope these informal comments
are helpful to those who did not get word of my "give away" until materials
were gone...and to those who have seen how abundance can be created to
support ones work...something I think everyone who came to my studio
experienced.
1. personal connections...Aunt Tilly has 3 rooms of quilt fabrics & needs
space, Uncle Joe a pile of scrap wood from...you know who I mean. After
relations, explore locally first...that tailor down the street or the Drug
Store on the corner that carries Children's stuff. Always ask at the end of a
season at stores...there are tons of things on deep clearance that are
dumpstered after each holiday if not sold...face paints at Halloween, tinsel
at Christmas, plastic eggs, you know. Businesses that use materials tend to
have a surplus of trimmings or remnants...decorators have sample books that
expire & are thrown out, tailors have scraps, etc.. Look at your
neighborhood as a gold mine & see what the businesses around you may have
that they routinely throw away!!! Who would not want a tax deduction for
things they typically discard at a loss? Be sure to make it easy...you pick
up at their convenience. Don't be surprised, though if soon you'll find
deliveries coming to you. TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU ARE DOING & WHAT YOU CAN USE.
2. Note the customer service information on items you use or need. Call the
800 numbers on the box or package and inquire about how you could ask this
MANUFACTURER for surplus, "overstock", discontinued, remaindered or damaged
merchandise...broken crayons still work! Those are the buzz words. Sometimes
you will get brand new things in flawless condition asking just for damaged
merchandise. Pentel sent me mountains of gel pens years ago & nearly all of
them worked just perfectly...just discontinued colors or crooked labels
deemed "unmarketable". Specifically ask for a contact person...then build a
relationship with them sharing compelling stories of the work you are doing
& who benefits. I was actually sent products under development one
time...those that needed fine tuning before market. They were delighted
someone could use things. On occasion I have been a "test" site...receiving
things & reporting back how the kids liked it and if there were any
issues/problems or hidden benefits/marketability for the products. Become a
resource for the company! Do you know that single serving model magic in
assorted colors was caused by my calling to make suggestions of what I
needed seeing 63 kids a week. I shared my ideas about how to market the
product to facilities where hygiene is an issue & noted how many AT's work
in hospitals where a pound of clay can;t be divided between patients? We
have specialized knowledge, skills & applications and we have budgets we can
leverage in speaking with suppliers...they want our purchases...they want to
sell more...tell them what you see is needed and just watch the willingness
to enter reciprocity open up. Catalogs with their own brand name merchandise
are great for this & easier to get donations from..
3. At local art stores there is always a clearance section. Often stores
will donate these items as often the are dumpstered after awhile and a tax
letter is far better for the business than the dumpster, as mentioned
previously. If you are in a non-profit, offer a tax letter! ALWAYS follow up
with a thank you and when possible a sample or a photo of what was made with
the donation (handle releases and confidentiality as per ethical standards).
You can get around confidentiality issues if you make a demo project
yourself & give them that. I gave a thank you mural to an employee of a very
large, upscale department store after an initial donation. It hung in the
employee cafeteria for years and a flood of donations ensued including high
end trims & fabrics from the display department that used to dumpster such
things by the ton not knowing they could be used or where. The corporation
didn't care but the employees did & they brought me gobs (with corporate
permission)...much of which was what I let go of this week. THANK WITH ART
THAT SHOWS WHAT IS DONE & POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPLIES. You'll be surprised &
inundated.
4. With businesses and even individuals it can be highly motivating for them
if there is any way you can make their contribution known. A posted list in
your office, notation on brochures or promotional printed matter for shows,
etc.. This goes a very long way in getting repeat and ongoing donations.
BUSINESSES WANT PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES and you are that.
5. Link your request to a specific event...create an event if need
be...Events bring in people and access to groups of people is what
advertising is all about. Note the Materials Sponsors prominently on all
printed matter, email & web postings of the event. Soon you'll have sponsors
you can approach any time you need something.
5. Make very specific wish lists including item numbers and amounts when
approaching big companies. You may not get it all at once or at all, but
half of "the sky's the limit" can be a lot and things can be thrown in you
did not even ask for. Be specific and flexible. I asked once for pints of
acrylics for children's programs at a big DC art event. I was given quarts,
over 100 excellent brushes and mural size canvas I did not even ask for and
MORE!!!!!! I had so much left over I used the acrylics at ECC for over 8
years and 2 of the gallons still had some usable paint in them when I left
ECC in July!!! While being specific is important it is also important to
ask what they have available, what they would like to donate. Often there
are products that don't sell well & they want the shelf space. Creative
folks can make use of things that seem unsellable to others.
6. With big catalogs, always request the generic brand they produce
themselves. A catalog, for example, can give you Catalog brand stuff easier
than they can give "Crayola" because of contractual arrangements.
Distributors cannot afford to give away things from other manufacturers & in
many instances they do not have the right to so so under their agreements.
Go right to the manufacturer when possible. When they don't handle things
directly ask the representative to recommend a distributor that would be
open to being a materials sponsor. Be sure to get a specific name of a
person whenever possible & be sure to use the name of the referring person
when you follow up on a recommendation or referral...ask permission first.
Those are great words.... MATERIALS SPONSOR of your program...build and
publicize a list of those. Be sure to thank people for referrals even if
they do not pan out.
7.Tell people who are part of organized groups what you need or could use.
Women's' organizations and church groups are collectors & ready givers. I had
an infinite supply of clean tag board perfect for collaging from a women's
group who saved the inserts from their dry cleaning! They dropped them off
to me quarterly all neatly sorted and packed...like brand new. Saved me a
fortune doing high volume work with 63 kids a week.
8. Surf for surplus organizations. Every city has some kind. Look beyond the
art supply ideas. I found great things at a place that had surplus
scientific equipment...and endless supply of tiny jar lids that made game
pieces in hand made games....etc.
9.Show up at the end of rummage sales, offer to help clean up and generally
you can walk away with tons of things for free or for very little. Clothes
can be cut into fabrics, broken appliances dismantled for "found objects"
and as my kids called it "interesting things".
I must go continue packing now....
The keys are,
Look through the eyes of abundance and you will find it.
DON'T say depreciating or disparaging things about your circumstances in
writing or in conversations (like my salary is a pittance...if that is true
why would you work there & why should anyone focused on success what to
support something so dysfunctional? Do the work & clear yourself...double
check your writing before sending it out, get a proof reader for
positivity.). Make needs known clearly as needs without commentary & make
clear the BENEFIT to clients, society & the sponsor. People want to
participate in things that are beneficial & uplifting not to be party to
someone's exploitation. I am wish to do X. To do X I need Y. Please can you
give me X stated specifically in return for Z (promotions, tax letter etc)
and the result will be the joy of participating in X realized which
impacts......
In some instances be very discrete about your populations. Few will give to
"adolescent sex offenders" while many will give to "teens", for example.
Avoid stigma language & advocate for people in broad, understandable
categories.
Ask & be specific. The worst thing that can happen is nothing & you already
have that. Pretty much anything you get can be used & moves you forward.
Once people know you collect you will become a clearing house for overflow.
Thank profusely, creatively and appropriately. Thank even if you are
declined. Ask again later, if appropriate as sometimes it is timing.
Ask for referrals, recommendations and ideas. Those who may not have or be
able to give can easily know those who have & will!
Remember, people want to make a difference & use of supplies in AT makes a
big difference in very compelling places...educate as you share & build
community in the process.
Follow up & keep in touch. Thank in each communication even long after the
donation, reference it in gratitude. Little announcements of what your are
doing keeps the relationship open so when time to request or make a need
known comes you are asking inside relatedness. However, do not be afraid to
ask in new places or accept one time offers! Sometimes you get just one
donation...it can be a mother load like my gallons!
Remember boundaries. If a tax letter goes out for the supplies...they belong
to the agency. If you pay for things out of your pocket...they are
yours...to keep or to formally DONATE to your agency. Keep receipts & good
records in case there is a question. Know in some instances you can get
donations independently and you can make them a donation to the agency. Some
businesses do not want a donations letter I have found. They are big & don't
track such "minutia". You can do so for your own benefit, however, as
appropriate...those of you who must provide your own supplies as
contractors. You should at least get a write off for the supplies one way
(as a business expense) or another (as a donation). Having a statement of
the value of the donation is important, how you acquired it. You can look
items up in catalogs so you have a legitimate record. Check with your tax
person & with agency policy.
In general greater success in receiving is had for specific projects vs.
non-specific programs. So create projects and ask in units. There will be
materials left from the "project" & you will build a larder slowly but
surely. Make different project proposals that have different materials
needed to diversify what you collect so you have all you want/ need.
Comment on how materials are consumable and need to be replaced,
renewed...then those who do not know can understand when another request
comes.
If you are working independently, have an attractive letterhead so you can
still approach places formally and professionally. Be sure in your letter
you state your circumstances honestly, particularly the need (as in proving
supplies to underprivileged children, agency without a supply budget)
Don't forget you can get monetary sponsors and BUY art materials! Aunt Tilly
may wish to keep her 3 rooms of fabric but she will give you $50 for markers
for the kids!
Best wishes to you all for a profound experience of fulfillment in your work
and abundant provision in doing it.
Here's to everyone having what they need to do the best Art Therapy
possible!
So, my art larder is empty in Washington...and now you have a glimpse into
how I keep it full wherever I am working.
F
Disclaimer: these are my personal thoughts and are in no way authoritative,
comprehensive or guaranteed. Use professional tax help, agency guidelines
and sound ethics for certainty on your donations situations.
(PS: please note my updated contact information below)
Frances Smokowski, Painting, Drawing and Collage
c/o Chrysalis Studio
frances@chrysalissudio.com
Website:
http://www.chrysalisstudio.com
Webstore:
http://www.theimaginalsell.com
AATA News
AATA Members: Registration for the 2008 AATA Conference is up and running. So don't delay, sign up now for the early bird rate and get first choice of the excellent workshops, master classes and many other educational sessions. We want to take this opportunity to highlight our dedicated art therapy colleagues who are bringing this year's Conference to you. Mercedes ter Maat, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC is serving as AATA Conference Chair. Her committee includes Raquel Farrell-Kirk, ATR, Special Session Chair; Jane De Souza, ATR-BC, LCAT, Program Chair; and Ohio art therapist Jennifer Schwartz Wright, ATR-BC, Local Arrangements Chair. Visit the Conference registration page http://www.aataconference.org to register now.
Attention AATA Professional Members: It's time to vote in the annual AATA Elections. The AATA Election Ballots are in the mail, so be sure to take this opportunity to vote for your choice of Treasurer, Directors [3], and Nominating Committee [2]. If you have not received your ballot, please contact the AATA National Office at 888-290-0878 [toll free] or email at info@arttherapy.org.
New National Office Contract Information: The AATA office is fully operational with the completion of operation services from the American Counseling Association. We are delighted to have Diane Brown on board as the new AATA national office manager providing membership services to you. Please direct your correspondence to Diane at the new national office address: 11160-C1 South Lakes Drive, Suite 813, Reston, VA 20191. You can also reach Diane and the national office by calling 1-888-290-0878 or by e-mail at info@arttherapy.org. While the national office address mailing address has changed, our e-mail and telephone numbers have remained the same. The AATA National Office looks forward to serving you and as an AATA member you can look forward to a host of new services and enhancements! If you have any questions, please give Diane a call.
Art Therapy and Neuroscience. Download a press release on the work on a study by art therapist Christopher Belkofer published in the most issue of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association at http://arttherapy.org/news.html.
Post Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Program. The IRTA program http://www.training.nih.gov/student/pre-irta/previewpostbac.asp provides a one or two year "internship" under leading clinicians on campus at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is not a clinical internship, but actual work in data collection for research protocols at NIH. Acceptance is competitive and options for work in pain and palliative care, National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute for Mental Health. Visit the website for more information.
Domestic Violence Interview: Gretchen Miller, ATR-BC, was recently interviewed by NY art therapist Melissa Solorzano, ATR-BC, LCAT about art therapy, domestic violence and Gretchen's work at The Domestic Violence Center in Cleveland, OH. The broadcast is about 30 minutes and the download can be found at: http://creativetherapysessions.com/creative_therapy_podcast.html.
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008. The annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth, presenting up-to-date federal statistics in one convenient reference. The National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences is one of the 22 federal agencies that participate in the Forum and contribute to the report. The report includes indicators on child poverty, health care, housing, and at-risk behavior. You can view, download, and print the report at http://www.childstats.gov/.
Military and Family Life Consultant (MFLC) Program. As a behavioral health subcontractor for the DoD, MHN Government Services is currently offering practitioners a unique opportunity to support Service members and their families. The MFLC program was piloted under the name Military Family Life Consultant in 2004 to meet the specific need of providing supplemental services to families of extended 1st Armored Division Soldiers. The success of the program in United States Army/ Europe has resulted in expansion of MFLC services for all Military Services within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and the Pacific Rim.
MFLCs work at military installations both stateside and overseas, assisting Service members and their families with a variety of issues, through the cycles of deployment and reintegration back to their families and communities. The services of MFLCs are intended to augment existing military counseling services. To apply, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DfPdPjaK5_2bzPnM2wt8ctvQ_3d_3d. If you have worked as an MFLC, please contact Cathy Malchiodi, AATA Professional Relations, so that AATA can learn more about the program from your experiences.
Ladder to Leadership: Ladder to Leadership is a collaborative initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). Ladder to Leadership focuses on developing critical leadership competencies for 270 early- to mid-career professionals through an innovative, 16-month leadership development curriculum. Up to 30 fellows will be selected to participate in the program in each of nine targeted communities across the United States: Central New York (Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Thompkins counties); Cleveland, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Eastern North Carolina (specific site/region to be determined); Portland, Oregon, Mid-South Region (Western TN, Eastern AR, and Northern MS); New Jersey (specific site/region to be determined); and Starr County Texas. To learn if you qualify and to find out more about applying, go to: http://www.laddertoleadership.org/.
Attention AATA Professional Members: It's time to vote in the annual AATA Elections. The AATA Election Ballots are in the mail, so be sure to take this opportunity to vote for your choice of Treasurer, Directors [3], and Nominating Committee [2]. If you have not received your ballot, please contact the AATA National Office at 888-290-0878 [toll free] or email at info@arttherapy.org.
New National Office Contract Information: The AATA office is fully operational with the completion of operation services from the American Counseling Association. We are delighted to have Diane Brown on board as the new AATA national office manager providing membership services to you. Please direct your correspondence to Diane at the new national office address: 11160-C1 South Lakes Drive, Suite 813, Reston, VA 20191. You can also reach Diane and the national office by calling 1-888-290-0878 or by e-mail at info@arttherapy.org. While the national office address mailing address has changed, our e-mail and telephone numbers have remained the same. The AATA National Office looks forward to serving you and as an AATA member you can look forward to a host of new services and enhancements! If you have any questions, please give Diane a call.
Art Therapy and Neuroscience. Download a press release on the work on a study by art therapist Christopher Belkofer published in the most issue of Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association at http://arttherapy.org/news.html.
Post Baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Program. The IRTA program http://www.training.nih.gov/student/pre-irta/previewpostbac.asp provides a one or two year "internship" under leading clinicians on campus at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is not a clinical internship, but actual work in data collection for research protocols at NIH. Acceptance is competitive and options for work in pain and palliative care, National Cancer Institute, and the National Institute for Mental Health. Visit the website for more information.
Domestic Violence Interview: Gretchen Miller, ATR-BC, was recently interviewed by NY art therapist Melissa Solorzano, ATR-BC, LCAT about art therapy, domestic violence and Gretchen's work at The Domestic Violence Center in Cleveland, OH. The broadcast is about 30 minutes and the download can be found at: http://creativetherapysessions.com/creative_therapy_podcast.html.
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2008. The annual report profiles the status of the nation's children and youth, presenting up-to-date federal statistics in one convenient reference. The National Center for Education Statistics in the Institute of Education Sciences is one of the 22 federal agencies that participate in the Forum and contribute to the report. The report includes indicators on child poverty, health care, housing, and at-risk behavior. You can view, download, and print the report at http://www.childstats.gov/.
Military and Family Life Consultant (MFLC) Program. As a behavioral health subcontractor for the DoD, MHN Government Services is currently offering practitioners a unique opportunity to support Service members and their families. The MFLC program was piloted under the name Military Family Life Consultant in 2004 to meet the specific need of providing supplemental services to families of extended 1st Armored Division Soldiers. The success of the program in United States Army/ Europe has resulted in expansion of MFLC services for all Military Services within the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and the Pacific Rim.
MFLCs work at military installations both stateside and overseas, assisting Service members and their families with a variety of issues, through the cycles of deployment and reintegration back to their families and communities. The services of MFLCs are intended to augment existing military counseling services. To apply, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=DfPdPjaK5_2bzPnM2wt8ctvQ_3d_3d. If you have worked as an MFLC, please contact Cathy Malchiodi, AATA Professional Relations, so that AATA can learn more about the program from your experiences.
Ladder to Leadership: Ladder to Leadership is a collaborative initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). Ladder to Leadership focuses on developing critical leadership competencies for 270 early- to mid-career professionals through an innovative, 16-month leadership development curriculum. Up to 30 fellows will be selected to participate in the program in each of nine targeted communities across the United States: Central New York (Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Jefferson, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Thompkins counties); Cleveland, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Eastern North Carolina (specific site/region to be determined); Portland, Oregon, Mid-South Region (Western TN, Eastern AR, and Northern MS); New Jersey (specific site/region to be determined); and Starr County Texas. To learn if you qualify and to find out more about applying, go to: http://www.laddertoleadership.org/.
Films Showing Tomorrow
Behind the Mask: The Story of People Who Risk Everything to Save Animals
Film Screening and Discussion with the Director AND Vegan Ice Cream
Sundaes
Date: Friday, August 15
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $5 for Movie
$10 for Movie and Ice Cream
Benefits the Brian MacKenzie Infoshop
Join us for vegan ice cream sundaes and a screening of Behind the Mask
followed by a discussion and Q&A with Director Shannon Keith.
Behind the Mask:
"The Animal Liberation Front, comprised of clandestine animal rights
activists, is now labeled the number one domestic terrorist threat by
the
FBI. Director Shannon Keith goes Behind the Mask and captures the hearts
and souls of men and women who unveil their individual struggles for
Animal Liberation.
Who are these "animal liberationists" and why do they believe that
breaking the law is the best way to help animals? What inspires them to
challenge the status quo, fight against all odds, and endure public
reproach?
Behind the Mask exposes never-before-seen footage that reveals the
extent
to which these individuals will go to save the lives of animals.
People of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the globe, tell their
tales of liberation, incarceration, sacrifice and determination, while
exclusive underground footage reveals heart-thumping action sure to
leave
you wondering, who are these people...?
Featuring: Keith Mann, John Feldman, Rod Coronado, Kevin Jonas, Steven
Best, Chris DeRose,
Melanie Arnold, Ingrid Newkirk, Rich Mclellan, Ronnie Lee, Paul Watson
and
Jerry Vlasak."
All events at the BMC Infoshop are wheelchair accessible through the
main
1st floor entrance of the building. Please email us if you have any
questions or concerns about this, events@dcinfoshop.org.
Brian MacKenzie Center Infoshop
Events Working Group
1426 9th St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
************************************************************************
****
This Friday August 15th at 7pm: Film: Apocalypse Africa - Made in
America with Discussion by filmmaker Del Walters
Emergence Community Arts Collective on 733 Euclid Ave. NW
Apocalypse Africa - Made in America is the most controversial
documentary ever produced about Africa. It is about blood diamonds, and
uranium, and oil. It explores the role racism in US foreign policy
played in the destabilization of an entire continent. It contains never
before heard audio tapes, never before seen films, and interviews from
the people who watched it all unfold. There were the top secret studies
ordered by US Presidents before the official policy of the United States
is changed. Most remain classified. Two are considered the most
controversial ever written. National Security Study Memorandum 200
declared global overpopulation a threat to the national security of the
US, and tied US foreign aid to population control which included
sterilization. NSSM 201, ordered one day later, increased arms sales to
Africa. Filmmaker Del Walters is also author of the book "The Race", a
novel about a man poised to become the first Black president struggling
to stay alive. He will have copies of the book and the movie for sale
at ECAC.
Cost: $10 suggested donation
Film Screening and Discussion with the Director AND Vegan Ice Cream
Sundaes
Date: Friday, August 15
Time: 7:30 PM
Cost: $5 for Movie
$10 for Movie and Ice Cream
Benefits the Brian MacKenzie Infoshop
Join us for vegan ice cream sundaes and a screening of Behind the Mask
followed by a discussion and Q&A with Director Shannon Keith.
Behind the Mask:
"The Animal Liberation Front, comprised of clandestine animal rights
activists, is now labeled the number one domestic terrorist threat by
the
FBI. Director Shannon Keith goes Behind the Mask and captures the hearts
and souls of men and women who unveil their individual struggles for
Animal Liberation.
Who are these "animal liberationists" and why do they believe that
breaking the law is the best way to help animals? What inspires them to
challenge the status quo, fight against all odds, and endure public
reproach?
Behind the Mask exposes never-before-seen footage that reveals the
extent
to which these individuals will go to save the lives of animals.
People of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the globe, tell their
tales of liberation, incarceration, sacrifice and determination, while
exclusive underground footage reveals heart-thumping action sure to
leave
you wondering, who are these people...?
Featuring: Keith Mann, John Feldman, Rod Coronado, Kevin Jonas, Steven
Best, Chris DeRose,
Melanie Arnold, Ingrid Newkirk, Rich Mclellan, Ronnie Lee, Paul Watson
and
Jerry Vlasak."
All events at the BMC Infoshop are wheelchair accessible through the
main
1st floor entrance of the building. Please email us if you have any
questions or concerns about this, events@dcinfoshop.org.
Brian MacKenzie Center Infoshop
Events Working Group
1426 9th St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
************************************************************************
****
This Friday August 15th at 7pm: Film: Apocalypse Africa - Made in
America with Discussion by filmmaker Del Walters
Emergence Community Arts Collective on 733 Euclid Ave. NW
Apocalypse Africa - Made in America is the most controversial
documentary ever produced about Africa. It is about blood diamonds, and
uranium, and oil. It explores the role racism in US foreign policy
played in the destabilization of an entire continent. It contains never
before heard audio tapes, never before seen films, and interviews from
the people who watched it all unfold. There were the top secret studies
ordered by US Presidents before the official policy of the United States
is changed. Most remain classified. Two are considered the most
controversial ever written. National Security Study Memorandum 200
declared global overpopulation a threat to the national security of the
US, and tied US foreign aid to population control which included
sterilization. NSSM 201, ordered one day later, increased arms sales to
Africa. Filmmaker Del Walters is also author of the book "The Race", a
novel about a man poised to become the first Black president struggling
to stay alive. He will have copies of the book and the movie for sale
at ECAC.
Cost: $10 suggested donation
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