Around Town: 11/6-11/12

Posted on November 6, 2015 by Spur Local

Looking to kick off the giving season with a Catalogue nonprofit? Check out what’s on the agenda over the next week! aroundtown

Thursday, November 5th

Patricia M. Sitar Juried Art Exhibit with Sitar Arts Center You’re invited to join us for the opening reception and award ceremony for the Sixth Annual Patricia Sitar Arts Juried Exhibition on Thursday, November 5th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Sitar’s Cafritz Gallery. This year’s theme is Works With Paper. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Free and open to the public.

When: Thu Nov 5 2015 (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Where: Sitar Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Road NW Suite 101, DC 20009 Fee? no Contact:Juan Garcia, (202) 797-2145 ext 113 For more information:click here

Saturday, November 7th

The Big Picture Party with Art Works Now Enjoy an evening of art, food, and fun to benefit Art Works @ School programs! Sip and Sketch: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, live music, and a drawing lesson with Art Works Now teaching artists Hor d’oeuvres by RIS Live and silent auctions with exciting items Seated, three course dinner with beer pairing by Pizzeria Paradiso.

When: Sat Nov 7 2015 (06:30 AM – 10:30 AM) Where: Art Works Now, 4800 Rhode Island Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Volunteer Info: Help us prepare for the event by setting up, decoration or helping us clean up after our wonderful party! Contact: Kendall Ladd, (301) 454-0808 For more information: click here

Adoption Event at TD Bank with City Dogs Rescue

Join City Dogs Rescue for an adoption event at TD Bank to meet some of our adoptable dogs!

When: Sat Nov 7 2015 (12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM) Where: TD Bank, 1489 P St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Volunteer Info: We need drivers to bring dogs from foster homes or our daycare facility (1832 18th ST NW) and back from the event. We also need dog handlers. Dog handling preference will be given to those who can drive a foster to/from the event and stay for the duration. Contact: Asrah Mohammed, (202) 425-2668

The Oh Hellos at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue The Oh Hellos influences range from Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens to The Middle East and the Muppets, bending and blending styles and genres into a unique mixture of eclectic folk rock.

When: Sat Nov 7 2015 (8:00 PM) Where: Sixth & I 600 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Fee? yes $17 Contact: Libi Baehr, (202) 266-4872 For more information: click here

Sunday, November 8th

Adoption Event at PetMAC DC with City Dogs Rescue Join City Dogs Rescue at an adoption event at PetMAC DC to meet some of our adoptable dogs!

When: Sun Nov 8 2015 (12:00 NOON – 2:00 PM) Where: PetMAC DC, 4914 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20016 Volunteer Info: We need drivers to bring dogs from foster homes or our daycare facility (1832 18th ST NW) and back from the event. We also need dog handlers. Dog handling preference will be given to those who can drive a foster to/from the event and stay for the duration. Contact: Asrah Mohammed, (202) 425-2668

Tuesday, November 10

Snapshot of Insight Memory Care Center at Insight Memory Care CenterYou are invited to IMCC’s Snapshot, an overview and tour, to see firsthand the work we are doing. Coffee and pastries are provided. You will meet the Executive Director, Joel, and hear about our unique approaches and the innovative practices that IMCC provides to individuals with memory impairment and their caregivers.

When: Tue Nov 10 2015 (09:00 AM – 10:00 AM) Where: Linda and Lou Mazawey Education and Support Center, 3955 Pender Drive, Suite 100, Fairfax, VA 22030 Fee? no Contact: Robin McGlothin, (703) 204-4664 For more information:click here

Cafe Series at Sitar Arts Center Informal concert by Sitar students in the lobby.

When: Tue Nov 10 2015 (5:30 PM – 6:15 PM) Where:Sitar Arts Center, 1700 Kalorama Road NW Suite 101, Washington, DC 20009 Fee? no Contact: Juan Garcia, (202) 797-2145 ext 113 For more information:click here

Wednesday, November 11

Beyond the Classroom Tour with For Love of Children Please join us ‘Beyond the Classroom’ to take a tour of our mission and to learn how you can get involved. At this event, you will hear from FLOC’s staff, board members, students, parents, and volunteers. We look forward to seeing you there!

When: Wed Nov 11 2015 (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM) Where: 1763 Columbia Road, NW, Washington, DC 20009 Fee? no Contact: Kate Brown, (202) 462-8686 ext 3

Ethan Hawke at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue From the four-time Academy Award nominee and star of Dead Poets Society, Reality Bites, Training Day as well as the Before Sunrise trilogy and Boyhood comes Rules for a Knight, a fable about a Knight’s journey and a short guide to what gives life beauty and meaning.

When: Wed Nov 11 2015 (7:00 PM) Where: Sixth & I 600 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 Fee? yes $18 Contact: Libi Baehr, (202) 266-4872 For more information: click here

7 Questions: Matt Gerson, Founder and Chairman

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Spur Local

We welcome Matt Gerson, Founder and Chairman of Tracy’s Kids to our 7 Questions Blog. Tracy’s Kids helps young cancer patients and their families cope with the emotional stress and trauma of cancer and its treatment and is brand new to the Catalogue as part of the 2015-16 class. Under Matt Gerson’s leadership, Tracy’s Kids has grown from one therapist at Georgetown University Hospital’s Lombardi Cancer Center to the much larger organization it is today.

What motivated you to begin working with your organization?

I was diagnosed with cancer when I was ten years old– 47 years ago. I remember that battling the disease was lonely and scary and emotionally grueling. Tracy’s Kids uses Art Therapy to enable the children we serve to engage with Masters-trained professionals who help them express their fears and better understand this impossibly difficult chapter of their lives.

Who inspires you (in the philanthropy world or otherwise)? Do you have a hero?

My heroes are our eight dedicated Art Therapists (“ATs”) who bring compassion and professionalism to their work every day. They see a lot of sadness but generate smiles, comfort and confidence. For years parents have told me that their kids look forward to going to the clinic which I find inconceivable. But it’s because our ATs enable them to feel like themselves: not like sick kids, just kids.

What was your most interesting recent project/partnership?

Our program director, Tracy Councill, is always encouraging our team of Art Therapists to try new ways to make the clinic more fun and inviting. The past couple of years they’ve made music videos including one to Pharrell’s song, Happy, that had the whole clinic — nurses, docs, kids and parents — lip syncing and dancing. But my favorite was to Andy Grammers, Keep Your Head Up. The lyrics could not be more appropriate and became something of an anthem — You got to keep your head up. This is just a journey, drop your worries, you are gonna turn out fine.

What exciting change or innovation is on your mind?

We make a special effort to work with the siblings of the children that we serve. A cancer diagnosis traumatizes the entire family, and we appreciate that the healthy sibling is scared for her brother, confused by the treatment regime and wrestles with emotions that should be shared with a trained professional. We even established a focused summer program at Children’s Hospital called Scribbling Siblings.

What is the single greatest challenge that your organization faces (besides finances) and how are you dealing with this challenge?

Sadness. Today, over 70% of the children diagnosed with cancer will beat the disease. But parents still lose children, and brothers lose sisters. This Fall a remarkable 16 year old lost her battle with osteosarcoma. Abby used Art Therapy to cope with her prognosis and create a legacy of artwork for her family and friends. Her mother told me that Tracy’s Kids was invaluable to her daughter and that the family wants to work with us so they can positively impact the lives of others. This kind of feedback enables us to deal with the heartache because it validates our efforts to help children and their families cope with the psychological toll imposed by the disease and its treatment.

What advice do you have for other people in your position?

Just Do It. There are innumerable good causes. Find one that excites you and give it your best shot. Don’t be afraid to ask for financial support, and don’t talk it personally when you get turned down or someone doesn’t deliver.

What’s next/coming up for you?

Tracy’s Kids is in three clinics in the DC area and one in San Antonio, Texas. We joined New York Presbyterian Hospital in October and are exploring a partnership with a hospital in Baltimore. Other clinics have asked us to bring our program to their facility and if we have the resources we can go anywhere to make a real difference in the lives of children in a harrowing position.

Around Town 10/16-10/22

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Spur Local

Catalogue nonprofits have a packed schedule of volunteer and event opportunities for Washingtonians this week, if you’re interested in family festivals, dance and theater performances we’ve got events for you!

Saturday, October 17, 2015

2015 World of Wheels for CASA Touch-A-Truck Family Festival!

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County
The 4th Annual World of Wheels for CASA, presented by Pepco, will be held on October 17th from 10am-2pm at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville. The World of Wheels is a Touch-A-Truck and family festival. This family-friendly community event will feature cars, trucks of all sizes, cycles and more! Come out to see these many forms of transportation in person. Enjoy an assortment of activities for kids of all ages moonbounces, games, food and more! Game Truck will also join us from 10:00 am to 12:30, so come early! Meet your children’s favorite movie characters at 11am. Proceeds go to Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Prince George’s County to provide a voice to abused and neglected children in foster care.

When: Sat Oct 17 2015 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Where: DeMatha Catholic High School 4313 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Fee? yes General Admission: $5.00
Contact: Emma Ravdin, (301) 209-0491

Dissonance Dance: Dance Noir @ JOMDC

Joy of Motion Dance Center
Dance Noir is an evening of dance works built around dark, dramatic classical scores. These works tell narrative stories through a blend of contemporary and modern dance styles.

When: Sat Oct 17 2015 (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Jack Guidone Theatre – JOMDC Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
Fee? yes $15-25
Contact: Rachel Pearl, (202) 813-9505
For more information:click here

Sunday, October 18, 2015

JCADA 5K Event: A Run, A Walk, AWARE

Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse
Run or walk with JCADA to promote healthy relationships and help end domestic and dating abuse. Proceeds from the JCADA 5K Event support the critical, life-saving services JCADA provides for the Greater Washington community. JCADA delivers comprehensive services to victims of domestic and dating abuse while simultaneously working to break the cycle of abuse in future generations through community education and prevention initiatives. All of our clinical services are free to ensure fewer barriers to victims seeking help. JCADA is committed to empowering victims of domestic and dating abuse to obtain safe environments for themselves and their children. We invite community members of any age to join us! The JCADA 5K Event will feature a morning of family friendly activities that promote healthy relationships and discussions about empowerment and confidence inspired by AWARE, JCADA’s dating abuse prevention initiative.

When: Sun Oct 18 2015 (08:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
Where: Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, 13300 Arctic Avenue, Rockville, MD 20853
Fee? yes $36 adults; FREE for kids 10 & under
Contact: Kira Doar, (301) 315-8040
For more information: click here

Dissonance Dance: Dance Noir @ JOMDC

When: Sun Oct 18 2015 (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Jack Guidone Theatre – JOMDC Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
Fee? yes $15-25
Contact: Rachel Pearl, (202) 813-9505
For more information: click here

Monday, October 19, 2015

Girls Write Out! – Presented as part of the Women’s Voices Theatre Festival

Young Playwrights’ Theater
Join Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT) for a one-night-only staged reading of four fun, fanciful plays written by female playwrights ages 8-15. Professional actors bring to life tales of magic bracelets, superhero sisters, evil queens and more! Featuring: Diamond of Destiny by Nevaeh Edwards Stuck in a Fairy Tale by Nora Foster The Magic Bracelet by Carmela Pascale Wish For Light by Anderson Waltz …and a selection of monologues by other young female playwrights! 6:30pm Reception 7pm Performance FREE and open to the public Girls Write Out! is presented by YPT as part of the Women’s Voices Theater Festival.

When: Mon Oct 19 2015 (6:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: The Forum at Sidney Harman Hall, 610 F Street Northwest Washington, DC 20004
Fee? no
Volunteer Info: Volunteers will help set up and run the reception, check in guests and clean up following the event. All volunteers are welcome to watch the performance.
Contact: Laura Wood, (202) 387-9173

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

BalderDASH!

District Alliance for Safe Housing
The District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) presents its annual BalderDASH Reception to Celebrate Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. BalderDASH! is a lively annual cocktail reception with music and refreshments. Enjoy a tour of the mansion, our very own BalderDASH trivia game, and lots of purple!

When: Tue Oct 20 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Mansion on O Street, 2020 O Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Fee? yes $30/Ticket
Contact: Jasmine Owens, (202) 462-3274 ext 227
For more information: click here

Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully

Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
In NOPI: The Cookbook, head chef Ramael Scully’s Asian roots meet Yotam Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern influences and together bring the restaurant’s favorite dishes within reach of the home cook. In conversation with Atlantic national correspondent Jeffrey Goldberg.

When: Tue Oct 20 2015 (7:00 PM)
Where: Sixth & I 600 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee? yes $18
Contact: Libi Baehr, (202) 266-4872
For more information: click here

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

LUNAFEST, preented by Girls on the Run – DC

Girls on the Run – DC
LUNAFEST connects women, their stories and their causes through film. This traveling film festival spotlights the work of a diverse array of talented women filmmakers with intelligent, funny and thought-provoking themes. Join us for a fun evening including sips and snacks followed by the showing of the winning films!

When: Wed Oct 21 2015 (6:30 PM – 8:00 PM)
Where: Pepco Edison Place Gallery, 702 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20068
Fee? yes $45 general admission; $50 at the door (if available)
Contact: Kelly Makimaa, (832) 443-8909
For more information: click here

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Paintings & Pairings

Insight Memory Care Center
Join us in celebrating the care, support, and education IMCC provides to thousands of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments in our Northern Virginia community. This year’s Paintings & Pairings event will feature: Paired hors d’oeuvres with seasonal wines Delicious three-course seated dinner Beautiful local paintings and art work for sale And, of course wonderful silent and live auction items A fantastic live and silent auction will be the highlight of this year’s event. You will not want to miss out on the fun; items include everything from a wine tasting dinner for 6, sports memorabilia, local dance lessons or golf outings, or a weekend getaway at a B&B. There will be something for everyone! The Art show will feature the works of several local artists connected with our center and day center participants. These works are also a part of the auction this year.

When: Thu Oct 22 2015 (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Where: Stacy C. Sherwood Center, 3740 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030
Fee? yes $100 early bird tickets before Oct. 2nd; $125 tickets Oct. 3 until the event.
Volunteer Info: Volunteers can help with set-up, auction check-out, and clean up!
Contact: Robin McGlothin, (703) 204-4664
For more information: click here

Around Town 9/25-10/1

Posted on September 25, 2015 by Spur Local

What a weird week DC! Between the Pope and lots of people telecommuting, it looks like a great weekend to get out and meet some great local nonprofits!

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Joy of Motion @ Barracks Row Festival

Joy of Motion Dance Center
Enjoy the fall day at Barrack’s Row Festival on 8th Street SE. Free performances, arts workshops, demonstrations, and more! JOMDC will share a tent with neighborhood arts organizations, including Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). Come say hello!

When: Sat Sep 26 2015 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Where: 8th St SE & F St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Fee? no
Contact: Rachel Pearl, (202) 813-9505

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Bring More Balance with Feldenkrais Method

Joy of Motion Dance Center
Enjoy some gentle movement experiments that will provide you with key tools to reestablish and maintain your balance whenever life tries to trip you up!

When: Sun Sep 27 2015 (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Where: JOMDC Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
Fee? yes $25-30
Contact: Rachel Pearl, (202) 813-9505
For more information: click here

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

APAH Affordable Housing Month Open House

Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing
The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) welcomes the community to learn more about affordable housing during open houses held in celebration of Affordable Housing Month in September. Learn about and discuss topics such as: what is affordable housing? Who lives in affordable housing? Why is it important? How is it financed?

When: Wed Sep 30 2015 (08:00 AM – 08:45 AM)
Where: Buchanan Gardens Community Room, 926 S Buchanan Street, Arlington, VA 22204
Fee? no
Contact: Emily Simmonds, (703) 276-7444 ext 109
For more information: click here

Open Arms Housing 4th Annual Fundraiser “Transforming Buildings, Transforming Lives”?

Open Arms Housing
Open Arms Housing will be hosting its 4th Annual Fundraiser “Transforming Buildings, Transforming Lives” on Wednesday, September 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the National Associations of Realtors. Guided by the Open Arms Housing mission to provide permanent supportive housing for the most vulnerable of DC’s homeless women, this year’s event promises to be memorable. Enjoy spectacular views of Washington, DC, fabulous music by DC’s own SynchroniCity and tasty fare provided by Noodles & Co. We are excited to host keynote speaker, Dr. Sam Tsemberis, CEO of Pathways to Housing. Don’t forget to get your tickets now as space is limited and this experience is one you don’t want to miss. Tickets are $100 person/$150 for two. Follow this link to purchase tickets http://bit.ly/W5naqQ.?

When: Wed Sep 30 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
Where: National Association of Realtors, 500 New Jersey Ave NW Washington, DC 20001
Fee? yes $100 for 1 ticket / 2 for $150,
Contact: Erica, (202) 470-3634
For more information: click here

#WhatsUpWednesday 09.16.15

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Spur Local

Happy Wednesday! The Catalogue kicked off our week by welcoming our brand new class of 2015-2016 “best of the best” small nonprofits across Greater Washington. We shared with them the best ways to leverage their Catalogue partnership, and introduced them to some of our friends, such as Meridian Hill Pictures, and fellow Catalogue nonprofits, such as DC SCORES (last year’s Giving Tuesday winner). Check out the video below to see what else our network was up to this week:

Operation Second Chance (New ’15-’16 Catalogue partner!)
Today was a recovery day for atOperation Second Chance after sending out 32 care packages to our Heroes overseas yesterday!

2Seeds Network
The Magoma Project students collected 54 eggs today from their school chicken coop! These eggs will be sold locally to finance the primary school’s meals program.

LearnServe
We kicked off both our LearnServe Fellows and Incubator programs this week! The LearnServe Fellows Program brings together high school students from across the Washington, DC, area to learn how to bring sustainable social change to their communities. To learn more about these programs, visit this page.

Our Daily Bread
“It really helps you know how much you are spending,” said an attendee of our Free Financial Counseling Clinic at UCM of Alexandria last Wednesday. The volunteer Financial Planners and intake assistants from ODB are gearing up for the next clinic with Western Fairfax Christian Ministries in Chantilly on 9/28. Visit ODB’s Financial Literacy page to get a handle on your finances, or get involved in helping others!https://www.odbfairfax.org/finlit

Byte Back
ByteBack has just launched a new website at www.byteback.org! They’re proud to introduce this user-friendly site for students, community members, alumni, volunteers, supporters, and partners. Find information easily, check out newly added resources, and see how ByteBack programs are transforming students’ lives. ByteBack is putting tech within reach for underserved DC residents with new features, including: Student success stories, resources in English and Spanish for students and community to learn and gain career opportunities, and easier ways for supporters to get involved and help change lives. Click around the new site to learn, volunteer, give, or hire!

ThanksUSA (New ’15-’16 Catalogue partner!)
This week, when you buy a ticket to see the Washington Nationals, ThanksUSA receives $5 from every discounted ticket sold when you enter the code “ThanksUSA”! This Friday, they’ll receive the Spirit award on the field. It will be at 6:40, before the game start time of 7pm — and they’ll also show their new PSA!

Around Town 9/11-9/17

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Spur Local

With all kids back in school and people returning from final summer vacations, it feels like the Washington region is back in full swing! Let Catalogue charities help ease the transition with some great events this next week and learn about their amazing impact.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

LAMB’s RiverSmart Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School We will celebrate the completion of the RiverSmart project at the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB). The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 10:00 am, and will be followed by various opportunities to plant flowers and vegetables, paint picnic tables, and pick-up trash from the NPS field next door.

When: Sat Sep 12 2015 (10:00 AM) Where: LAMB PCS, 1375 Missouri Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011 Fee? no Contact: Anna Marie Yombo, (202) 726-6200

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Carnival of Chocolates

The Dwelling Place Come one, come all and enjoy chocolate tastings, games, live music and story time with The Dwelling Place!

When: Sun Sep 13 2015 (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Where: Rockville Town Center, 30 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850 Fee? no Contact: The Dwelling Place, (240) 813-1603 For more information: click here

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Arlington Thrive’s Bingo Happy Hour for Young Professionals

Arlington Thrive (formerly AMEN: Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs) Join Arlington Thrive’s Young Professionals Group for its Bingo Happy Hour at Arlington Rooftop Bar and Grill. Attendance is free and so is the first bingo card! All are welcome to come and enjoy food and drink specials, test their bingo skill (and hopefully win some great prizes), network with other area young professionals, and learn about an organization working to prevent homelessness in Arlington County.

When: Tue Sep 15 2015 (5:30 PM – 8:30 PM) Where: Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill, 2424 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 Fee? no Contact: Arlington THRIVE, (703) 558-0035 For more information: click here

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Outside the Line

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts Creative expression is often used in the healing process and it is at the core of Smith Center’s philosophy. Join us for Outside the Lines where a facilitator will help you reclaim art-making as a healing tool through guided creative projects. Or, if you wish to work on a seperate creative endeavor you are free to do so. Out extensive collection of supplies is available for all.

When: Wed Sep 16 2015 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM) Where: 1632 U St. NW, Washington, District Of Columbia 20009 Fee? no Contact: Kiersten Gallagher,

7 Questions: Jan Goldstein, Founder and Executive Director of Arts on the Block

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Spur Local

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In honor of Arts Appreciation Month in August, we welcome Jan Goldstein to 7 Questions. Since its founding in 2003, Arts on the Block‘s mission has been to empower creative youth to imagine and shape fulfilling futures and contribute to the quality of life in their communities.Jan has been an arts administrator since 1995, serving as the founding director of Arts on the Block since 2002. In this role, she is responsible for development of the overall artistic vision as well as day-to-day leadership and program management.

What motivated you to begin working with your organization?

It was on a trip to Chicago in 1998 — as a scout of sorts for the Arlington County Cultural Affairs Division, charged with checking out that city’s award-winning Gallery 37 job-training-through-the-arts program — that I felt the breadcrumbs of my past coalesce and the path to the career I had longed for begin to lay itself out. That sunny midwesternly-steamy day in July when I first stepped onto the Gallery 37 main site is forever seared in my memory. A square block in the heart of downtown had been set up with billowing white tents swarming with teens intensely engaged in dozens of forms of art making. Young people of every shape, size and color were painting busses and park benches; throwing pots, playing concerti, and dancing the tango. It was lunchtime, and Chicagoans were strolling through this new park, often engaging with the young artists or stopping at the Gallery 37 store. The site hummed, the young people looked intensely connected to the work and to each other, and happy (despite the heat)! Further, the work they were producing was delightful and impressive. Five years later, with the support of a larger nonprofit that helped lift off Arts on the Block, my dream came true.

What exciting change or innovation is on your mind?

About five years ago, Arts on the Block embarked on a project that dared to attempt to work with residents of a low-income apartment community in Silver Spring to change the quality of their lives – through art and design. The young people in our program invited community members ages 5 to 85 to spend a day sharing with us likes and dislikes about their environment; their ideas about what makes a place beautiful and livable, and their interest in working together to bring about positive change.

Today, the risers of two major stairways connecting the upper and lower levels of the community are covered with sumptuous designs, implemented in mosaics and created by community members. Previously invisible house numbers have morphed into internally lit mosaic address light boxes. The community center now boasts stained glass-like windows designed by the youth in a summer program which Arts on the Block helped start and in which, four years later, it still participates.

I’m thrilled to say that while there is work yet to be done, thanks to project successes, we are now on the lookout for a second community into which we can expand. In the next few months, we should have the field narrowed to one community, and work with our new partners will begin. We have an energetic and dedicated young Americorps Vista member helping to make this happen, and we are excited!

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Who inspires you (in the philanthropy world or otherwise)?

This may sound like a cliche, but truly, the youth in our programs inspire me to do what I do; to put in the hours and the effort. They come to us excited and perhaps a bit nervous about the commitment they are making. They often also come with stories, and issues, and more weight to bear than any teenager should have to contend with. But they typically jump in and, like sponges, absorb everything we have to offer. AND then there are our alumni. The more I learn about what they are doing, the more inspired I become. Architects, graphic designers, photographers, teachers; inspiring young people embarking on the great adventures of their lives. Or just finding their way the best they can. They are an inspirational lot, all of them.

What was your most interesting recent project/partnership?

This is such a difficult question, as our apprentice artists have completed well over 100 commissioned art projects mostly mosaics over the last 12 years. That said, I typically love the projects we do for other nonprofits the most. Earlier this year, with the help of a grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, we partnered with Manna Food Center (a Catalog for Philanthropy awardee) in creating a mural for the reception area where clients wait to collect their groceries. Our apprentices met with Manna Food staff and a pair of clients who very much endeared themselves to the apprentices. The experience was an eye-opener for our apprentices; they responded beautifully to the challenge of empathizing with their client and created a mixed-media painting/mosaic that earned itself a permanent place at Manna. In fact, Manna built a brand new wall on which to hang it!

Dedication of the Manna Food Center mural, A Bountiful Community

What is the single greatest challenge that your organization faces (besides finances) and how are you dealing with this challenge?

As noted in #7 below, I will be leaving the organization in 16 months. The departure of a founder is often a challenging time for a nonprofit. Our board of directors has formed a succession planning committee and is laying the groundwork for a transition that is as smooth as possible. As a member of that committee, I understand how strategic we need to be in this endeavor and greatly appreciate the care and concern of our board in rising to the occasion.

What advice do you have for?other people in your position?

No Executive Director can do it all. The skill set required to do the job well is enormous, especially for a small start-up nonprofit. Look into your heart for the parts of the job you enjoy the most, and work at developing expertise there. Never stop learning! AND at the same time, find others who love the things you do not; hire them on, encourage their growth, and let them soar. I am still learning how to do this, but it feels hugely important!

What’s next/coming up for you?

In January of 2017, I plan to leave AOB for other adventures. My long-standing love of playing in the mud (otherwise called ceramics) has been rekindled and I want to have real time to devote to this passion, and to hanging with the people I hold near and dear, and making new friends. The list of world-wide destinations calling my name is long. And I would still love to work part-time, especially if I can be on the other side of the table – giving money away for a change! It will be hard, I predict, to let go of the perks that come with living ones dream job, but I look forward to turning the reins over to someone with a lot to offer the organization, and from a distance, watch it grow and thrive. And in the mean time, there is plenty to do to leave Arts on the Block in the best condition possible, in helping to insure its good work well into the 21^st century.

Around Town 8/21-8/28

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Spur Local

As Washingtonians begin to return from vacation and the city begins to gear up for fall, Catalogue nonprofits are back with amazing events across our region. This week features some amazing performances, sure to inspire and connect you to local nonprofits! We hope to see you there!

Friday, August 21, 2015

B-Fly Entertainment: Liner Notes!

Atlas Performing Arts Center
A live musical journey through hip hop’s many intersections! There’s no better audience than a LINER NOTES audience! In August we’ll be sharing our greatest hits more than two hours of your favorite jams from our two-year season. If you’ve never seen a LINER NOTES show then this is the one to catch! B-Fly Entertainment specializes in productions of all art mediums that speak to a multi-faceted hip hop generation. Inspired by artistic collaborations and created in the spirit of B-girls, B-FLY seeks to elevate hip hop within the art community.

When: Fri Aug 21 2015 (8:00 PM)
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Fee? yes $22 each
Contact: Box Office, (202) 399-7993
For more information: click here

Saturday, August 22, 2015

A Dialogue: Abuse In Our Lives

Reach Incorporated
This summer, some of our teens learned about Theatre of the Oppressed, a technique that uses theatre as means of promoting social and political change. Through this project, they chose a topic and wrote their own dramatic pieces. Join us on Saturday, August 22nd, as we see these pieces performed, in their entirety, for the first time. The topic is serious; the teens’ effort, sincere. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Total running time, 90 minutes.

When: Sat Aug 22 2015 (1:30 PM)
Where: MLK Library Friends, 901 G St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Fee? no
Contact: Reach Incorporated, (215) 205-9902
For more information: click here

Summer Stock & Studio to Stage

Joy of Motion Dance Center
The Studio to Stage Performance Class Series is a unique opportunity for students in our Adult Dance Program to participate in the creative process, learn choreography, and experience the thrill of performing. Each performance class culminates in a performance at select professional venues throughout the community.

When: Sat Aug 22 2015 (8:30 PM – 10:00 PM)
Where: Jack Guidone Theatre @ JOMDC Friendship Heights, 5207 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015
Fee? yes $13-15
Contact: Chelsea Cranshaw, (202) 813-9505

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