I recently spoke at a brunch celebrating the Alliance Theater’s 30th anniversary. My remarks centered on the best selling book, A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink. After hearing Pink speak last spring at the national Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, I eagerly read his book.
According to Daniel Pink, “the MFA is the new MBA.” He claims that left brain skills (skills that focus on logic, analysis, mathematics) are necessary, but no longer sufficient in this rapidly changing world. Today, we are moving from an Information Age to a Conceptual Age. Pink argues that in the past century, so-called “knowledge workers” have ruled—lawyers, doctors, accountants and engineers who got paid for putting to work what they learned in school.
But now, US knowledge workers have intense competition in China, India and other countries. Big corporations are outsourcing computer programming, tech support—even accounting services. Hospitals are sending CAT scans to be read by radiologists overseas.
This new Conceptual Age requires more adept right brain functions: understanding the context around the facts, the relationships between ideas. . . the BIG picture. When I was growing up there was great stress on focus and specialization, which created angst for generalists like me. But according to Pink, this in-depth knowledge of a single area no longer guarantees success. In the future we will need those who can see beyond the individual puzzle pieces to envision the whole picture. People must learn to see connections between things that may seem diverse and separate, linking uncommon elements to create something new. And now more than ever, there’s a widespread search for meaning and purpose, something that people discover through the arts.
Not surprisingly, Daniel Pink is being enthusiastically embraced by those of us who value the arts, who know in the deep core of our beings that there is an intrinsic value to the arts which has gone unrecognized by mainstream society. Here is a respected author who not only gets it, but who has appeared on CNN and NPRr, who is going around the country declaring his message of innovation and change.
With our lives overflowing with information and data, knowledge alone is no longer enough. Communication, persuasion, and the ability to turn facts into a compelling story is the key to success.
Cindy
9.29.2008
9.18.2008
A Trip to the CT Children's Museum
Last week I took my daughter, Jocelyn, to the Connecticut Children's Museum located on Wall Street in New Haven. We had a wonderful time. The museum is a great place for imaginative play consisting of eight "thematic and community inspired rooms".
Our favorite was the musical room.
In the spatial room we enjoyed blocks.
In the "Great Green Room" from Goodnight Moon, Jocelyn took a very important phone call.
And of course everyone enjoys the bees in the naturalist room.
For more information about the Connecticut Children's Museum go to http://childrensbuilding.org/index.htm
-Winter Marshall
Our favorite was the musical room.
In the spatial room we enjoyed blocks.
In the "Great Green Room" from Goodnight Moon, Jocelyn took a very important phone call.
And of course everyone enjoys the bees in the naturalist room.
For more information about the Connecticut Children's Museum go to http://childrensbuilding.org/index.htm
-Winter Marshall
9.16.2008
Seeking Nominations for the 2008 Arts Awards
The Arts Council of Greater New Haven is currently seeking nominations for the 2008 Arts Awards. This year, the annual awards luncheon will celebrate "Ground Breakers" in the community-visual, performing and literary artists, arts educators, arts organizations, advocates and administrators-whose creative, colorful thoughts enrich our community in countless ways. This year's Arts Awards will be held on Friday, December 5, at the New Haven Lawn Club.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, September 19. To download a nomination form, click here. Forms can also be picked up at the Arts Council offices at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven. You may also email your nominations to info@newhavenarts.org. For more information, please call the Arts Council at (203) 772-2788.
Deadline for nominations is Friday, September 19. To download a nomination form, click here. Forms can also be picked up at the Arts Council offices at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven. You may also email your nominations to info@newhavenarts.org. For more information, please call the Arts Council at (203) 772-2788.
9.12.2008
How do you take your art?
In an effort to better understand how our community participates in the arts, we're conducting a simple online survey—and we need your input! Tell us about your favorite arts pursuits--concerts, plays, visits to musuems--and where you go to hear live music or catch an exhibit. And let us know what's lacking--what would make for a livelier arts community? To take the short survey, Click Here. Thank you for your help!
9.02.2008
Pilot Pen Happenings
From left to right: Ginny Kozlowski, President and CEO of the Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB); Cindy Clair, Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven; Daisy Abreu, Acting Director of the Town Green Special Services District and Linda Telier-Smith, Board Chair of the Greater New Haven CVB greeted Senate President Don Williams (Brooklyn, CT) at a recent legislative luncheon held at the Pilot Pen Tennis Tournament. The luncheon, co-hosted by the Arts Council, the CVB and Pilot Pen, gave arts advocates an opportunity to thank the legislative leadership for their support. The New Haven region is fortunate to have strong legislative champions who have vigorously supported state arts funding. 
A panel of legislators advised arts supporters about how to best advocate for the arts in the upcoming legislative session. From left to right: Senator Toni Harp, Chair of Appropriations; Senator Donald Williams, President Pro Tempore of the Senate; House Majority Leader Chris Donovan; and Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney. For the second straight
year, the Arts Council teamed up with Pilot Pen to provide a stunning exhibit of local artwork for the pro tennis player's lounge. The display included work from local artists Barbara Hocker, Clint Jukkala, Claudia Cron, Keith Johnson, Hank Paper, Cham Hendon, Willard Lustenader and Rachel Hellerich. A special thank-you to Rashmi Talpade for curating the exhibit. 8.14.2008
Public art for New Haven
Last week, I got a sneak peak at the finalists for a public art project that New Haven's Office of Cultural Affairs plans to present next summer. Artists from throughout the U.S. were invited to submit proposals for a public art installation highlighting the nine squares of the City of New Haven. The four finalists are all well seasoned artists who have created large scale public art projects throughout the country. There are some wonderfully innovative ideas proposed, projects incorporating bells, video, and light. Some are interactive, others involve performances. From now through the end of August, the public is invited to view the final proposals at Artspace. Here's your chance to weigh in on what should be an exciting addition to the cultural scene next summer.
Cindy
Cindy
7.29.2008
Audubon Arts on the Edge Festival Report
The thirteenth annual Audubon Arts on the Edge festival was a huge success this year! Audubon Street was transformed into a music and art venue with a variety of activities including musical and dance performances, hands on activities, children’s performances, and nine coordinated gallery openings. A couple thousand people attended to enjoy the free events. Join us next year for an even more fun-filled day!
--Jen
7.15.2008
Favorite Route
We hope you've already visited the Parachute Factory Gallery, an exciting new collaboration between the Arts Council, the Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH) and the Community Services Network of Greater New Haven. But just in case you haven't, we wanted to share a special part of the show with you. Several members of the PRCH staff wrote pieces in response to the current exhibition Routes, and we hope you'll join in the fun. Add a comment and let us know what you think of the show. What pieces stood out to you-and what pieces really made you think?
For more info on the current exhibit Routes, click here. To learn more about the Parachute Factory, click here.
Choice
The arts, in some fundamental way, are about choice. Looking at the works in Routes, I began to think about the choices these artists have made. "...it is an exploration of possibility and choices, made along the way," writes Jonathan Waters of his wood and pipe sculpture that greets us at the door. I've driven north and south along I-95 many times. What vantage points did Lawrence Morelli choose for his dramatic highway series? In Morelli's paintings, I don't see a single car.
Lucile Bruce
Co-Founder, The Parachute Factory
From Where I Sit
As time moves forward to reveal more of the past, there are pieces in this exhibit that appear to have no beginning and no end. The circuitous route, the pathwork design and the textured layering of color all demonstrate the organic and dynamic nature of living in, recovering from and moving through experiences.
Timothy Schmutte
Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health
Change
A friend once told me that life is all about making connections. The multiple ways and levels on which to do so is brought to life in Routes-networks, connections, each imply change to me. The route itself changes when you change. Taking the same path and not seeing it anymore, until someone else puts fresh eyes on it for you, as Larry Morelli's paintings of 95 transformed my view of the road. Often we don't realize how the route we take can change us, and how the route inself can change.
Becca Miller
Co-Founder, The Parachute Factory
For more info on the current exhibit Routes, click here. To learn more about the Parachute Factory, click here.
Choice
The arts, in some fundamental way, are about choice. Looking at the works in Routes, I began to think about the choices these artists have made. "...it is an exploration of possibility and choices, made along the way," writes Jonathan Waters of his wood and pipe sculpture that greets us at the door. I've driven north and south along I-95 many times. What vantage points did Lawrence Morelli choose for his dramatic highway series? In Morelli's paintings, I don't see a single car.
Lucile Bruce
Co-Founder, The Parachute Factory
From Where I Sit
As time moves forward to reveal more of the past, there are pieces in this exhibit that appear to have no beginning and no end. The circuitous route, the pathwork design and the textured layering of color all demonstrate the organic and dynamic nature of living in, recovering from and moving through experiences.
Timothy Schmutte
Yale Program for Recovery and Community Health
Change
A friend once told me that life is all about making connections. The multiple ways and levels on which to do so is brought to life in Routes-networks, connections, each imply change to me. The route itself changes when you change. Taking the same path and not seeing it anymore, until someone else puts fresh eyes on it for you, as Larry Morelli's paintings of 95 transformed my view of the road. Often we don't realize how the route we take can change us, and how the route inself can change.
Becca Miller
Co-Founder, The Parachute Factory
7.02.2008
Reflections on community arts
I've been reflecting on several of the Ideas talks I heard during the International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Dancer Liz Lerman, who was in residence here during the past year, spoke about Art in a Democratic Society. Liz is an artist I've admired for many years. She has worked in communities throughout the country, engaging citizens of all ages, from all walks of life, in communicating stories of their lives and communities. In her talk, she pondered why a dance she performs on stage at the Kennedy Center in D.C. is more highly regarded than the dance she does with residents of a nursing home. She explained that her Dance Exchange strives to shift this way of thinking, elevating the importance of art created in and with community.
I think Liz is right on. While I love the opportunity to experience accomplished artists performing in a venue with professional lighting and sound, there is something profoundly powerful about art that is of the people-real people expressing themselves through singing or dancing. So why are the so-called community arts relegated to lesser status?
In another Ideas program, I heard Jude Kelly speak about the Creative Economy. Jude's comments echoed those of Liz as she lamented that culture has become "something you go to in the evening." Both Liz and Jude affirm the ability of art to tell real stories, to make meaning and create identity.
We hear alot of talk about the achievement gap between students of affluent school districts and those in poorer inner city districts. As the arts have become more professional, as arts organizations have morphed into institutions, have we perhaps created a cultural divide?
-Cindy
I think Liz is right on. While I love the opportunity to experience accomplished artists performing in a venue with professional lighting and sound, there is something profoundly powerful about art that is of the people-real people expressing themselves through singing or dancing. So why are the so-called community arts relegated to lesser status?
In another Ideas program, I heard Jude Kelly speak about the Creative Economy. Jude's comments echoed those of Liz as she lamented that culture has become "something you go to in the evening." Both Liz and Jude affirm the ability of art to tell real stories, to make meaning and create identity.
We hear alot of talk about the achievement gap between students of affluent school districts and those in poorer inner city districts. As the arts have become more professional, as arts organizations have morphed into institutions, have we perhaps created a cultural divide?
-Cindy
The Creative Capital of CT
Last night, AC Executive Director Cindy Clair and I attended the Town Green Special Services District 10th anniversary bash (a fantastic evening to honor an unbelievable organization). Included in the evening's festivities was a rare presentation by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli. In the Q&A following his talk, Cesar was asked how living and working in New Haven has influenced his art (his office is located right downtown). Cesar said that is his view, New Haven is the perfect place to foster creativity. He can walk to the office, engage in stimulating conversations, find space for real reflection. So I pose a question to our readers: Do you think New Haven is the ideal city for creative thinkers/workers? Why or why not? And what place in New Haven seems to spark your creativity the most? -Kara
1.14.2008
11.27.2007
ARTSPOT!
Celebrate at Artspot!, the only happy hour with an arts twist at Creative Arts Workshop on Thursday, December 13, and get your holiday shopping done too at The Celebration of American Crafts.
If you choose to, you can begin at the Shubert Theater with Unsilent Night, a boombox caroling processional with Phil Kline and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. End the caroling on Audubon Street, and keep the good time rolling at Creative Arts Workshop, filled with special holiday treats. Shop for breathtaking, hand-crafted gifts by over 400 artists from across the country at the Celebration of American Crafts!(runs through December 24), enjoy fantastic food and drinks from local eateries, learn how to make your unique craft, groove to the music, and talk the night away with some wonderful new friends. Doors open at Creative Arts Workshop at 6pm, the fun goes until 9.
Special $10 admission for all!!!!!!
If you choose to, you can begin at the Shubert Theater with Unsilent Night, a boombox caroling processional with Phil Kline and the International Festival of Arts & Ideas. End the caroling on Audubon Street, and keep the good time rolling at Creative Arts Workshop, filled with special holiday treats. Shop for breathtaking, hand-crafted gifts by over 400 artists from across the country at the Celebration of American Crafts!(runs through December 24), enjoy fantastic food and drinks from local eateries, learn how to make your unique craft, groove to the music, and talk the night away with some wonderful new friends. Doors open at Creative Arts Workshop at 6pm, the fun goes until 9.
Special $10 admission for all!!!!!!
11.26.2007
2007 ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS
The Arts Council of Greater New Haven will honor oustanding individuals and organizations from the region at the annual Arts Awards Luncheon on Friday, December 7, at the New Haven Lawn Club. This yera's theme, "Mentors and Shakers," celebrates those whose selfless dedication and behind-the-scenes magic enrich the great community in countless ways. For more information about the Arts Awards, or to purchase tickets, please call (203) 772-2788.
ALL PHOTOS BY HAROLD SHAPIRO
Herbert S. Newman - Recipient of the C. Newton Schenck, III Award for Lifetime Achievement in and Contribution to the Arts – An award-winning architect and inspirational mentor whose breathtaking vision and love of beautiful lines has changed how we look, how we feel and how we interact within the Greater New Haven community.
Louise Endel—A true champion for the arts and humanities, whose boundless energy and steadfast guidance to dozens of organizations and boards have helped foster and connect a thriving cultural community.
Linda Friedlaender—Curator of Education at the Yale Center for British Art whose innovative programming brings the power, beauty and nobility of the arts to all members of the community, from doctors and nurses to students and teachers.
Jesse Hameen II—An accomplished jazz musician and devoted educator at Neighborhood Music School and ACES Educational Center for the Arts whose encouragement, dedication and lively spirit have inspired generations of students, audiences and peers.
New Haven Chorale—A distinguished organization whose commitment to mentorship and community cultural enrichment provides vocalists of all ages the opportunity to study and perform electrifying choral music.
Rafael Ramos—A gifted artist, talented producer and passionate visionary whose groundbreaking company Bregamos Theatre has transformed and revived the spirit of community theatre in the region.
ALL PHOTOS BY HAROLD SHAPIRO
Herbert S. Newman - Recipient of the C. Newton Schenck, III Award for Lifetime Achievement in and Contribution to the Arts – An award-winning architect and inspirational mentor whose breathtaking vision and love of beautiful lines has changed how we look, how we feel and how we interact within the Greater New Haven community.
Louise Endel—A true champion for the arts and humanities, whose boundless energy and steadfast guidance to dozens of organizations and boards have helped foster and connect a thriving cultural community.
Linda Friedlaender—Curator of Education at the Yale Center for British Art whose innovative programming brings the power, beauty and nobility of the arts to all members of the community, from doctors and nurses to students and teachers.
Jesse Hameen II—An accomplished jazz musician and devoted educator at Neighborhood Music School and ACES Educational Center for the Arts whose encouragement, dedication and lively spirit have inspired generations of students, audiences and peers.
New Haven Chorale—A distinguished organization whose commitment to mentorship and community cultural enrichment provides vocalists of all ages the opportunity to study and perform electrifying choral music.
Rafael Ramos—A gifted artist, talented producer and passionate visionary whose groundbreaking company Bregamos Theatre has transformed and revived the spirit of community theatre in the region.
10.29.2007
ARC Workshop
The Arts Resource Center (ARC) at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven offers affordable expert-led workshop for the community throughout the year. The workshop include: marketing, technology, legal issues, health insurance, housing, finance and much more.
How to build a WEB site!
Co-sponsored with the Shoreline Arts Alliance.
Two part series, $25 AC members, $40 nonmembers.
November 14 and November 28, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts.
Learn what it takes to start and run your own website!
This workshop is currently FULL. If you'd like to add your name to the waiting list or wish to be contacted for technical workshops in the future, please contact Kara Arsenault at karsenault.ac@cshore.com or (203) 772 2788
How to build a WEB site!
Co-sponsored with the Shoreline Arts Alliance.
Two part series, $25 AC members, $40 nonmembers.
November 14 and November 28, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts.
Learn what it takes to start and run your own website!
This workshop is currently FULL. If you'd like to add your name to the waiting list or wish to be contacted for technical workshops in the future, please contact Kara Arsenault at karsenault.ac@cshore.com or (203) 772 2788
Small Space Gallery
Spectra 2007, the Photographic Arts Collective Annual Members Show.
70 Audubon Street, 2nd floor
November 5 to December 28. Artist's reception on December 13 from 5 to 7 pm.
70 Audubon Street, 2nd floor
November 5 to December 28. Artist's reception on December 13 from 5 to 7 pm.
HASKINS LABORATORIES GALLERY
Enviromental Visions: Beauty and Fragility
Photo by Sheila Hale
Haskins Laboratories, 300 George Street, 9th floor
Through November 23, 2007
Works by Diane Barcelo, Stephen Grossman, Sheila Hale, Mitche Kunzman, Roger Mudre, Dorothy Powers, Jeremy Saladyga, Eve Stockton and Torrance York. Curated by Gerald Saladyga.
Photo by Sheila HaleHaskins Laboratories, 300 George Street, 9th floor
Through November 23, 2007
Works by Diane Barcelo, Stephen Grossman, Sheila Hale, Mitche Kunzman, Roger Mudre, Dorothy Powers, Jeremy Saladyga, Eve Stockton and Torrance York. Curated by Gerald Saladyga.
Photo ARTS COLLECTIVE
The Photo Arts Collective meets on the firs Thursday of the month at the Kehler Liddell Gallery, 873 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, at 7 pm.
For updated information concerning PAC, please visit web site, www.photoartscollective.org
For updated information concerning PAC, please visit web site, www.photoartscollective.org
9.17.2007
ARC Workshop Series
The Arts Resource Center (ARC) at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven offers affordable experts-led workshops for the community throughout the year. The workshops range in topic and scope to include: marketing, technology, legal issues, health insurance, housing, finance and much more.
Upcoming Fall Workshops
A Healthy Practice:
A Look at Medicare
October 2, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts
Join Coordinated Financial Resources/ Chamber Insurance Trust and Health Net as they explore the latest in Medicare coverage. Learn who's eligible and how to apply for Medicare in this important and free workshop.
A Healthy Practice:
Health Insurance for Artists and Independent Contractors
October 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts
Co-sponsored with Artspace
Join Coordinated Financial Resources/ Chamber Insurance Trust as they discuss the best health insurance options for artists and self-employed individuals. Learn about the types of insurance available, find out how to avoid being denied coverage, and discover how to access insurance whether an artist, self-employed or small business.
Don't miss out on this fall's free series on health. To register for the "Healthy Practice" series, please call the Arts Council of Greater New Haven at (203) 772-2788
Still to come this fall: The Wonders of Websites.
Upcoming Fall Workshops
A Healthy Practice:
A Look at Medicare
October 2, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts
Join Coordinated Financial Resources/ Chamber Insurance Trust and Health Net as they explore the latest in Medicare coverage. Learn who's eligible and how to apply for Medicare in this important and free workshop.
A Healthy Practice:
Health Insurance for Artists and Independent Contractors
October 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm
ACES Educational Center for the Arts
Co-sponsored with Artspace
Join Coordinated Financial Resources/ Chamber Insurance Trust as they discuss the best health insurance options for artists and self-employed individuals. Learn about the types of insurance available, find out how to avoid being denied coverage, and discover how to access insurance whether an artist, self-employed or small business.
Don't miss out on this fall's free series on health. To register for the "Healthy Practice" series, please call the Arts Council of Greater New Haven at (203) 772-2788
Still to come this fall: The Wonders of Websites.
Small Space Gallery
Photography by Ben Melendez
EXTRAordinary: Contemporary Comic Books and Cartoons
Discover the history, beauty and intrigue of cartoons and comic strips.
Exhibit will be available until October 31, 2007
Location: 70 Audubon Street, 2nd floor.
9.07.2007
GALLERY 195
Image by Irene MillerRemenbering
An exhibit featuring works by local artists Irene Miller and Jan Murdock. The exhibit will run from September 10 to December 14. Artists' Reception is Tuesday, September 18, 5 to 7 pm with an Artists' Talk at 5pm. Gallery 195 is located at the New Alliance Bank, 4Th floor.
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