The Cowry Collective

The cowry collective plans to make "change" through the practice of time shares! This small group, lead by Chinyere Oteh plans their first meeting at GYA @ 2700 Locust May 8th. If you are interested im attending please join us! Contact chinyereoteh@gmail.com for more information.

THE COWRY COLLECTIVE Creating a positive network among people of African descent in the greater St. Louis area who practice the Nguzo Saba through time banking (exchanging your skills and services with others for skills and services you want or need)

I am excited about my new membership to the group.-Dail

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This 1st orientation will give you the opportunity to learn more about time banking and how it will positively impact St. Louis and all members involved. Come and meet other members, fill out a new member form and join our Yahoo group so you can officially start making free exchanges for services you need. Bring interested friends and family.

More info about timebanks on Goodmorning America: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR8ArHGgA7A&feature=player_embedded

Eugene Redmond @ Schlafly Library!

The St. Louis Public Library Diversity Writers Series PresentsEast St. Louis Poet LaureateDr. Eugene B. RedmondWednesday, April 7Writer's Workshop on the "kwansaba" (a poetic form he created) 6-7 p.m.
Poetry Presentation: 7-7:40 p.m.

Book signing follows the poetry presentation.Books and CDs available for purchase.********************
Professor Emeritus of English at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and the editor of Drumvoices Revue, Redmond is active in the local, national, and international writing community. In 1976, he became the first poet laureate named by a municipality. He was the 1991 winner of the American Book Award. The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club was founded in 1986 in East St. Louis with writers Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka serving on the board of directors. Under Dr. Redmond's leadership, the club continues to serve novice and experienced writers across the globe.

Wall Ball Saturday!

Jen Everett

Meet St. Louis based emerging artist Jen Everett and suppport those of us who are paving our way in the artist community in STL and nationally...

From Jen:

My art making process is driven by a background in architectural design and an appreciation for hip-hop culture. I am a photographer and mixed media artist, and I enjoy experimenting with a variety of techniques and materials.
I am motivated by an inherent need to create and to give voice to my experience as an woman of color. I am moved by all forms of creative self expression from dance to music.

My work is constantly evolving. I have always found urban imagery very honest and beautiful. I love to tell a story with photographs. When painting, it is usually in response to something I am passionate or curious about. Despite the medium, or whether it is literal or abstract, I always hope that my art evokes something in the viewer.

I love honest, thought provoking imagery. I enjoy documenting the ordinary things that we sometimes overlook, as well as the issues that people wish would go away. My goal is to tell a story and to question what we have been taught by society. When I am shooting or painting it feels as though I am working towards something larger than a well composed image or a true likeness. I hope that my work inspires others to look closer.

I will be participating in Wall Ball this month to benefit SCOSAG.

• • • • • APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!! • • • •SWG REWIND Just A Few Doors From Where It All Started in The Delmar Loop East. Come Unwind and Enjoy the VIBE and VOICES You Remember as We REWIND the POETRY REAL and Screen The Movie that your Ear Remembers.

Hosted by: DEREK 'D BROWN'Music Spun by: DJ WILLPOWER

Accompaniment by: THE BAND WITH NØ NAME (TBWØN)featuring- DAVID A. N. JACKSON - Percussion Ambience Etc. Voice, Poetry, SPW FLOYD BOYKIN JR. - Bass, Flute, Poetry, Spoken WordTRACY MITCHELL - Guitar, VocalsMARCUS LEONARD - Piano, KeysRODNEY THOMAS - Drums

Food Provided by:JUHARI'S CATERING -Mariquita DanielsDebut Poetry Chap Book Release by new author and SWG FAM - Ms JAZMIN WEBSTER "STUPID STUFF AND OTHER POEMS" -'Reading Enjoyment for Those who Appreciate Life.' OTHER BEAUTIFUL FACES and Familiar SPIRITS anticipated in the house - The Memphis (Florida) Crew -"Q", NAJA EMBRE • West Memphis, Arkansas' - Mikki Hooper a.k.a GRAN GRAN - Come bathe in the words, voices, warmth, hugs, smiles, and sounds of missed voices of family, friends, and community. Poetry • Music • Good Times • Memorabilia • Food • Fun • and Family. CD's • Books • Art • Jewelry • Oils • Vendors • & Artisan Wares will also be available for purchase. CELEBRATE POETRY!!!This National Poetry Month event sponsored and brought to you by: David A. N. Jackson - The HOTBOX Virtualclub.STL L.L.C. with support from The SWG FAM • FRIENDS • & FANS.In cooperation and collaboration with:• UHURU SALON • UJAMAA MAKTABA • AFROWORLD • THE GRIOT MUSEUM• EBC INVESTMENTS• DAIL CHAMBERS• LEGACY LIVIN IN THE STL• FIRST CIVILIZATIONS & othersADMISSION

$10ADVANCE ADMISSION per person may be purchased online via ishallwearacrown@gmail.com - Subject Line: SWG REWIND TICKETS See You there.And as always, - Be Peaceful Be Poetry

Convening at the Crossroads!

St. Louis just had an inspirational wave over this past weekend. We had our first arts convening. To learn more about the event check it out at www.crossroadsconvening.com/blog ! We had a national conversation that needed to be discussed: creative process, the need for more community based inititiaves , relationships and plan of actions.

put on by RAC- Regional Arts Commission St. Louis
www.art-stl.com

Heal Haiti

Memphis College of Art has organized a fundraiser to support Haiti relief efforts. Below is the information to contribute. If you are in the St. Louis area and would like to contribute together please send me an email.

The Memphis College of Art Student Alliance members are currently in the process of collecting funds in order to help bring aid and awareness for those affected by devastation in Haiti. Support can be provided in the following ways:
1. Bring baby formula and/or clothing to the Memphis College of Art front desk located at 1930 Poplar Ave Memphis TN 381042. Purchase a "Heal Haiti" bumper sticker or pin for $2. Please see the Student Services office or send an email to sylve_siphne@mcastudent.org. Purchase a Student Alliance Hoodie for $15, also available in the Student Service office.
All collected materials and funds will be donated to the "Sonlight Children's Home" in Port au Prince.
For further information please contact me or visit http://mcastudentalliance.blogspot.com/search/label/Haiti%20Fundraiser

(un)Seasoned Craft Show

Please join us for our Craft and Conversation
Saturday, March 6th from noon 'til 6pm
1627 NORTH 19TH STREET (upstairs)
SAINT LOUIS, MO 63106

we are excited about our: Art and Craft Show
honoring Women Artists during Women's History Month...
"As Spring approaches our individual creative spirits come together as a group for renewed energy and creative growth."

Fiber Art by Jean Brantley

Fine Art & Handmade Jewelry by Dail Chambers
Candles & Hand Treatments by Alison Henderson
Handmade Jewelry and Accessories by Simiya Sudduth of The Speckled Owl Collective
Vegan Desserts and Artwork by Fannta Drummer
Craft & Art by Musician & Crafter Sallie DuMaine
with poetry by Andrea Richardson
We will have info on local arts initiatives and showing artwork of various artists in the community.
This is a FREE for ALL grassroots initiative hosted by Dail Chambers' Visual Art Studio and the participating artists.
Be involved in the St. Louis Arts Community. Come support, meet, and network with us! We are a diverse group of local black women creatives!

Although not required, please RSVP to Dail Chambers dailchambers@gmail.com or reply to our facebook events page: (Un)seasoned http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294537243289&ref=ts ...and please bring a friend! PLEASE forward to all of your affiliated groups, listserves, calendars and friends!

featured artist: Jon Calvert

Learn more about St. Louis artist Jon Calvert

As an artist Jon suggest that black art is expressive in conversation, and has a position in creativity that is personally educational and observative. It's color and content is a presentation of awareness of life and topics of knowledge. His paintings represent the facets of black american lives. A native St. Louisian, Jon has illustrated a veiw of lifestyles through works that express ways of seeing cultures in creative ways. His theme,"Every Day Lifestyles," is an on going look at a generation admirably. Calvert tends not to the tedious detail, but to the illusion that we are a part of what is going on in the painting , making you ask, "Was I There?" Each painting is merely random images of everyday life in St. Louis, but each 'snapshot' makes us question what is the importance of preserving the common place moment verses documenting the spectaculor.

upcoming opening

WE ON HURON is an exhibition of Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Art and Design Faculty and Graduate Students.
Reception: February 12, at 5:30 p.m.
233 W. Huron, Chicago, Illionis, River North Gallery District.
Chicago stop on Brown Line "El". 15-20 minute walk from CAA Conference Hotel.