Category archives: Events
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12 years ago
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Day 3
As some families started to arrive early Sunday afternoon, they were greeted with the sounds of John Coltrane and Joao Gilberto, but it wasn't long before Sindy Butz was ready for our first performance of the day. Sindy's piece titled "Moral Decay" was an interpretation of how society's morals have deteriorated over time. Sindy's strong use of symbolism and association resulted in a gripping performance that left our guests with much to ponder. Our first musical performance of the day was from Jon Samson of CoCreative Music. Many of the kids joined Jon on stage as he sang his playful, yet educational songs for everyone to enjoy. The kids were truly excited by Jon's performance, but as soon as they saw the organic mini-cupcakes from Francesca Cake they darted for the table filled with treats. A few kids did stop on their way as they saw Allyson Jacobs interactive balloon dress, and they just had to add their own balloon to the growing skirt. Jewelry designer Paula Collins was also working on a very creative piece utilizing chains. Paula often works with metals in her line of beautiful accessories.
Back on stage, blues singer/songwriter Inky Glass delivered the perfect Sunday afternoon of blues with a touch of soul. As Inky Glass finished her set, AFP's DJ Gatto dropped a classic house set to keep the energy flowing. The next performance art piece on Sunday featured White House entertainer and master of escape, Thomas Solomon. Mr. Solomon challenged our guests wi[...]
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12 years ago
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Day 2
As we arrived on Saturday, we found our friend Gilf in the early stages of her impressive Wall(Russ) mural in the art garden. We're so thankful for her hard work, as she completed the mural in about 6 hours! Saturday's musical festivities began with a set from DJ Jago. Jago is a young man who we've had the pleasure of seeing develop over the last few years after he won AFP's Clash of the Artists competitions at age 13. Jake has developed a forward, high energy sound that appeals to anyone who likes to shake it on the dance floor. Taking the stage around 7:30pm, Minnie and Aya delivered our first live music performance of the day, and they did not disappoint. Their smooth, soulful sounds were the perfect start to a great night of music. Next up, was long-time friend of AFP and talented DJ Sal Leone. Sal treated our guests to a mix of deep and classic grooves as we got ready for Lachi and Meridian Gold to perform. In the art garden, Caridad Sola was preparing for her performance piece, "Deliver us from Eve-Il" which morphs the urban legend of razor blades in apples with the story of the forbidden fruit and original sin. Caridad has a way of enticing people into her world, and then completely turning the tables on what's expected. Sherri Aliberti's "Green Cocoon" performance piece was also a crowd pleaser, while Iliana Quander's interactive "Trash Couture" installation involved some unexpected additions. We'll just say that the takers likely puffed away as they st[...]
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12 years ago
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After some much-needed rest, we're back at work here at AFP, and we're more than ecstatic about this past weekend's Brooklyn Beat Festival! I'm not sure where to start, but the overall theme and feedback from the weekend was quality. Personally, and this is something that is always a focus for us is diversity. Diversity is always a big part of what we do. One of the goals of AFP has always been to be inclusive and open to all art and artists. Art for Progress is not only about providing opportunities and exposure for artists. AFP is also about providing access to the arts and turning people on to new art forms. In other words, expanding and growing the arts in the community. I think we achieved all of this over three days/nights at The Paper Box.
Day One
Friday's festivities began with an exceptional performance from El Pueblo. I had the pleasure of talking to some of the members of the band, and they are also educators and involved in charitable projects. I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again. Our next performance was from Redheadphone. We really enjoyed their international collaboration of sounds and world styles. Speaking of which, the youthful and prophetic School ov Thought contributed to the increased energy in the room, as Brett from Boundless reminded us of Chuck Brown, go-go music and his eclectic style. But, Push Method took the stage with a level of energy that was unmatched and their message came through strong, particularly when they perf[...]
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12 years ago
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As we approach AFP's big festival this coming weekend at the Paper Box, here is more info and site links for the live music you will be hearing. Sponsor eMusic will be there with up-to-the-minute tweets and social media reporting from their Editor in Chief, Joe Edward Keyes. You can see their Youtube channel for the fest HERE. The Paper Box will also be streaming the event live through their site. As we will be hosting some of the best emerging musical talent to be found in NYC, we will also have the honor of hosting some esteemed, well-established bands that you do not want to miss!
Kicking off the 3-day festival on Friday, NYC's El Pueblo will perform their reggae, soul-infused music. Redheadphone will follow, with their funky, positive vibe. As the evening gets into full swing, School ov Thought will perform their blend of hip hop/reggae/acoustic, thought provoking sounds. Later in the evening, Push Method will take to the stage with their high energy level. Just after midnight, the last live music performance on Friday is by Brooklyn-based Argotec, with a heavy hitting blend of rap, techno, and rock. The evening will continue to the wee hours, when the DJs take to the decks.
Saturday's live music will begin with the chilled-out sounds of Minnie and Aya, with Lachi taking to the stage at 9pm with her cathartic, not-to-be-missed performance. Electro-funk duo Comandante Zero and artist Oh10m1ke will also play a set that is sure to get the crowd moving! Just after 11:30, th[...]
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12 years ago
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Starting off the New Year, AFP is pleased to be part of the New York Fountain Art Fair after recently participating in the Miami Art Basel's edition of Fountain Art Fair. With this said, AFP is now accepting applications to be part of this massive exhibit, as noted by the Miami New Times saying, "[the] fountain draws the type of unruly installations and unsettling performances that make it an unpredictable must-see…." This event will be held from March 8-11, during New York Art Week.
The deadline to apply is quickly approaching--Monday, February 6, 2012--for members and non-members of AFP to display your artwork in the show. Click here to get the details for the application.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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As promised, here are some pictures from AFP Fountain Art Fair and Closing Party from Miami Art Basel.
To view all of the pictures, click here.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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Possessed of a scrappy, youthful verve lacking in its more prestigious neighbors… Fountain was distinguished by a vintage street/self-taught aesthetic… —ArtForum
Mark your calendars! In less than a month, Art For Progress is going to be part of the highly anticipated Art Basel Miami participating in the Fountain Art Fair, "the installation-based exhibition of avant-garde galleries and art collectives," from December 1st-4th. Last year, the Fountain Art Fair celebrated it's 5th year anniversary featuring musicians No Age, G. Love, Ninjasonik, and many more amazing artists alongside.
In closing to the art-packed weekend, AFP is hosting a party on December 4th at The Vagabond in Miami. The party will be a mash-up of art and music. With films curated by Daniel Maldonado, a fashion show featuring Lila Nikole's swimwear collection, and funky beats dropped by Gatto, this party is one not to miss!
Keep up with AFP, as we will share more details about Miami Art Basel.
-Heather Liggins
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