Arts & Cultural Strategies Inaugural Issue (Sept/Oct 2015)

Embracing the Future!
REBRANDING
TEAM GOMEZ
Arts & Cultural Strategies
It’s a personalized touch. . . . It’s a way of life ©
INAUGURAL ISSUE
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015
Renee’s Art Gallery
Accepted to CAM
Dion Strowhorn
Film Producer, Actor
& Founder of a
New Film Festival
FEATURED
ARTIST
CESAR
CONDE
PASSIONATE ACTIVIST &
AWARD WINNING
INTERNATIONAL ARTIST
World Renowned
HOMER HANS BRYANT
A LEGEND IN THE MAKING
DROPPING
IN ON
MARIAN HAYES
AT CAFÉ YEYE

Art & Cultural Strategies Inc. September/October 2015 2
C O N T E N T S
by Abraham
PUBLISHER’S NOTE 3
EMERGING
Sam Haring 4
RENEE’S ART GALLERY
Renee’s Art Gallery Accepted to 6
Chicago Artist Month 2015
Abraham Braham Solo Exhibition ‘CONsealed’ 8
IGNITING CHANGE THROUGH ARTS
Tye Johnson Giving Back 12
HIGHTLIGHTING ART & CULTURE
World Renowned Homer Hans Bryant 16
A Legend in the Making
FEATURED ARTIST
Cesar Conde, Passionate Activist & 20
Award Winning International Artist
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Embracing the Future! Rebranding 28
Team Gomez!
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
Real Talk with International Graffiti Writer 34
Zore - Mario Gonzalez Jr.
NURTUING VIBRANT ART COMMUNITIES
Joe & Kathleen Isacson 42
Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski 46
THE BUSINESS OF ART
Dion Strowhorn, Film Producer, Actor 50
& Founder of a New Film Festival
An Interview with Author 54
Kay James McCrimon
ON THE SCENE
Dropping in on Marian Hayes at Café Yeye 58
EDITORIALS
Seeking Sound Advice from Yanina Gomez 60

PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Throughout my career I’ve continued to reap the benefits
of successful outcomes by consistently providing quali-
ty, reliable personalized service and maintaining a repu-
tation of integrity. With no doubts I decided to launch a
magazine for the general public to share my rich cultural-
ly experiences as I transition from my previous career to
the arts/cultural industry.
In 2008, I began strategically to transition my wealth of
experience in public policy, political strategy,
and government affairs/administration into a thriving art
consulting service. I was met with a bit of skepti-
cism. Combining two industries considered at opposite
ends of the spectrum, seemed foolish to many. However,
with my wealth of knowledge, I did not allow these per-
ceptions to sway my vision, focus, nor determination.
There is no question that these supposedly, diametrically
opposed worlds have more similarities than people would
like to think. Nothing can get people more passionate or
provoke strong emotional reactions than an artist publicly
exhibiting exploring controversial subjects causing the
same visceral reaction as a heated political debate. I see
both disciplines influencing the way people view them-
selves, the culture that surrounds us, and shapes the
world we live in.
I have always been passionate about getting involved
with projects that are committed to serving others and
enriching peoples' quality of life. This magazine project
is no different and embodies that commitment. I am com-
Cheers!
Renée LaVerné Rose
Principal Consultant
Arts & Cultural Strategies, Inc.
renee@artsandculturalstrategies.com
www.artsandculturalstrategies.com

SAMANTHA HARING
Samantha Haring is a Midwest painter from Des Plaines, Illi-
nois. She makes quiet paintings that discuss the nature of loss
and the inherent duality of absence and presence. Haring
earned her MFA from Northern Illinois University (2014) and
her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
(2011). She has also studied in Italy at the International School
of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture; it was there that she fully
developed her commitment to light, color, and observational
painting. Haring received a scholarship from the Union League
Club in Chicago in 2013. Her paintings have been exhibited
across the country, recently in the ‘Art of Painting’ show juried
by William Bailey. Haring’s work is published in the Manifest
International Painting Annual 4; her work is also featured in
issue #119 of New American Paintings. She is one of the 2015
–2016 Manifest Artists in Residence.
Sam has always known that she was an artist. One of her earli-
est memories was at two years ago sitting at the kitchen table
with her mom and a little watercolor set, painting.
Sam comes from a long line of artists, and her family has al-
ways been incredibly supportive. She feels very lucky that she
gets to spend her life doing what she loves.
Studio Time: The amount of time Sam spends in the studio
varies depending on the day, but She would say she spends at
least 40 hours a week in the studio. Of course, that part of her
brain never really shuts off; Sam finds herself scribbling notes
on post-its, sketching on napkins, and mentally reworking
paintings all the time. Sam will be the first to admit that she
struggles with balancing the rest of her life with my studio
practice… but she wouldn’t change a thing.
Body of Works: Sam’s current work is a continuation of a se-
ries she began in grad school. She uses her studio as subject
matter to create oil paintings that blur the line between repre-
sentation and abstraction. Sam said “The artist’s studio is full
of memory; its history is evident in the residue layered on the
walls and floor. These remnants serve as a metaphor for the
invisible yet palpable imprint people leave behind on each
other and on the world.” Sam is interested in the accumulated
detritus of daily life and the complicated narratives that it im-
plies. The duality of absence and presence, a reengagement
with the mundane, and an attempt at capturing fleeting quie-
tude are all part of my current research.
Samantha Haring “2015–2016 Manifest Artists in Residence”
EMERGING

Artist Residency: Sam recently left Chicago to participate in a
year-long residency at Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati. This is
an incredible opportunity for Sam. Manifest offers individual
studio spaces adjacent to their gallery to two artists for an
entire year. With that comes access to their weekly figure
drawing sessions at the Drawing Center, open studio nights
during every gallery reception, and a culminating solo show at
the end of the program. Sam is honored to be part of the Mani-
fest community; their consistent commitment to quality work,
across disciplines, is inspiring and invigorating. Sam is plan-
ning to use my time here to create a new body of work that is
a continuation of my current research.
In time where contemporary art is prevalent, how does it feel
being a representational artist? It feels great! Sam paints from
direct observation because, for her, reality is infinitely more
interesting, surprising, and complex than anything she could
possibly invent. Oil paint is her language. She enjoys its ver-
satility as well as its deep history and tradition.
Sam’s paintings are a quiet respite amidst a very noisy world.
Her search for quietude is a conscious choice: a way to elimi-
nate the distractions of everyday life. Sam believes that there
will always be a place for quality work, regardless of whether
the work is formal, conceptual, or some delicious amalgama-
tion of the two.
Important moments in Sam’s career: There was a pretty spec-
tacular moment earlier this year. Sam’s work was juried into
the Midwest issue of New American Paintings (issue #119).
Sam explains “It’s thrilling and humbling to be included in
such a prestigious publication alongside so many artists she
admires. “
Sam’s future plans: Make the next painting. And then make
another one. By the end of next May, Sam plans to have a new
body of work that she can exhibit in a variety of places. At
that point she will start looking seriously at the possibility of
gallery representation. She has recently had the opportunity to
jury a number of exhibitions and publications in multiple ven-
ues; Sam really enjoys that process and would like to explore
other opportunities in that vein. Sam’s long term plan is to
sustain her studio practice for the rest of her life. Anything
else that comes along with that is icing on the cake.
To view Sam’s portfolio of works and for more information
please visit her web site at www.samharing.com.
Encore 2015
By Samantha Haring
Oil on canvas 24’ x
EMERGING

Renee’s Art Gallery is thrilled to be accepted into Chicago Artists Month (CAM) 2015. Renee’s Art Gallery featured
artist for Chicago Artists Month 2015 will be international Chicago based artist Cesar Conde on 3rd Friday, Octo-
ber 16, 2015, 4th Floor @ Zhou B Art Center/Museum, 1029 W 35th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60609. Cesar will be
exhibiting his award winning series ‘In the Hood - Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing A Hoodie’
(http://cesarcondeart.tumblr.com) In addition In the Hood will be featured for the Bridgeport Art Walk weekend
(October 17, 2015 – October 18, 2015). For more details at Renee’s Art Gallery http://www.reneesartgallery.com
The 20th Annual Chicago Artists Month highlights the work of hundreds of artists throughout Chicago with performanc-
es, exhibitions, open studios, tours and neighborhood art walks. October 1 – November 15, 2015, Chicago Artists Month
will invite residents and visitors to meet artists and see their work at venues across Chicago. As the world comes to Chicago
to discuss the state of architecture, the CAM 2015 theme The City as Studio looks at Chicago as a place for investigation,
experimentation, innovation and production, and encourages a dialogue with the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial
opening in October.
Chicago Artist Month is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in collabo-
ration with the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Public Library. In-kind support from Lettuce Entertain You Enter-
prises®, Inc. Meet artists, see their work and make your own at 300+ events across the city. For more information about
CAM please contact 312. 744.3316 or visit chicagoartistsmonth.org
Renee’s Art Gallery Accepted to
CAM 20th Annual
‘In The Hood - Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie’
Technique Mixte 48" x 48" 2013

featured artist
Abraham
Solo Exhibition
‘CONsealed’

Artist & Curator Abraham
www.brahmabrand.com

Artist & Curator Abraham
Abraham was drawn to visual arts at very early age in his
childhood and was inspired when he brought his first water
color set. . He was extremely influenced by cartoons and the
comics. He was fascinated with Mad magazine, DC & Mar-
vel Comics, Felix the Cat, Popeye, Sluggo, newspaper comic
pages and many more. Abraham was earning commission as a
budding artist by assisting his classmates with art projects and
tutoring them with homework assignments. Throughout the
his life Abraham has been bombarded and inspired by his
daily creative images which drives him to commit to at least
20 to 40 hours per week in his studio.
Armed with a double major and a unique wit, Abraham uses
his alternative point of view to re-imagine ideals, adding his
own brand of social commentary. Abraham stated “I give
huge credit to Hebru Brantley was has been a big influence on
my art career and Pia Johnson, Max Sansing and Meg Frazier
have also been extremely supportive. I in turn give back by
curating shows for other artist and sharing my experience. “
‘CONsealed’ Artist Statement
a. Something or someone that is kept secret or hidden.
b. Preventing the truth from being known.
We are bombarded by it every single day!
Perfect, 0% body fat spokesperson in designer fragrances and
rich clothes peddle dreams of the physical, sexual superiority
that can be achieved simply by possessing the product they
represent.
Charismatic politicians swear that they're for the people, run-
ning campaigns that swear to "make positive change" in our
lives above all else.
Advertisements revealing groups of laughing, ecstatic people
enjoying the absolute most of life by being part of a product
branded community of like individuals.
Religious idealists care for their flocks, cultivating respect and
trust through pious acts within the community.
But what are all these really saying? Are these material things
and high-standing officials really what are necessary to com-
plete our lives? Or is this all an illusion put on by mad hus-
tlers with hopes of making their narcissistic dreams come
true?
These drugs we wear, drive and consume can't make us hap-
py.
These people don't give a shit about us as we go about our
days.
These lies and deceptions mustn't blind and pacify us into
mindless sleep. Only after we clear away the lies and bullshit
can we discover what is hidden from us.
Only by looking past the smoke and mirrors put up by these
confidence men can we honestly understand the truth.
Only then can we see what's been CONsealed!
For more information visit Abraham’s web site at http://
www.brahmabrand.com.
by Abraham

Tye Johnson Giving Back
IGNITING CHANGE THROUGH THE ARTS

Tye Johnson is an educator in the Bright Red Apple Award winning Oak Park Public School district and a visual artist with a
studio in the world renowned Zhou B Art Center. She received a bachelors in studio art/graphic design from Michigan State
University and worked as a graphic designer/marketing specialist at the educational media company United Learning. She was
instrumental in the start-up of their video streaming brand, now owned by Discovery Education. She holds a Masters of Art in
Elementary Education from DePaul University and a Master of Science in Educational Media Design and Technology from
Full Sail University.
As an educator, Tye has served as a teacher leader on various committees and as Vice President of the Oak Park District 97's
Teacher Union, the second largest teacher's union in Illinois. Tye loves her students and is committed to making them awarre
of social justice, getting them involved in fundraising projects to raise awareness and inspiring them to be social change
agents. Tye wears several hats and also currently teaches 5th
graders. She said “she enjoys every moment of the process! The
students inspire her and she learns so much from being around them.”
Tye has also worked on countless start-up companies and has planned events featuring Grammy-award winning artists such
as Beyonce' and Chris Brown. She serves as a mentor for at-risk youth, a certified holistic health coach, and does motivational
speaking to empower women. She was the board vice chair of the Dreamcatcher Foundation, an organization that specializes
in prevention and intervention of human trafficking. Her passion lies in empowering people to be who they were created to be.
To that end she has dedicated her life to finding creative ways to spread love in order to touch and change lives.
Keep Letting Go
24” x 30” Mixed Media
By Tye Johnson

Tye Johnson is the co-founder of a 501(c)3 non-profit called
Tye Johnson Artistry (TYA) that provides art experiences
that heal, inspire, and ignite change. The organization vision
is that direct engagement with the arts can transform the
world. We Offer service-learning fundraising projects for
youth through our afterschool programs and summer camps,
unique artwork & merchandise, experiential fundraising com-
ponent to events and fundraisers for direct care organizations,
empowering workshops for individuals, groups, and corpora-
tions.
TJA was officially formed in 2013, Tye and her high school
friend, Deidra Jackson are co-founders. Being a teacher and
visual artist, Tye approached Deidra (Senior Director and
Strategic Implementation Strategist at Blue Cross Blue
Shield) with the vision of a world being transformed, people
empowered and ignited through art. Moved by a documentary
about girls being trafficked more than a year prior, they real-
ized that the world would not see change unless change
agents were birthed. This led Tye to motivate her 5th grade
class to become more socially conscious and to take action.
That year, my students were instrumental in fundraisers that
combined art and social justice. As a result, we were featured
in the Chicago Tribune and on WCIU’s ‘You and Me This
Morning’ and became instrumental in an awareness campaign
about human trafficking in our city. Tye was also able to
organize a group of world-renowned artists to create artwork
for a gala event raising funds for this cause. The following
year, Tye embarked on another adventure with a new group
of 5th graders, empowered them to dream big by starting a t-
shirt campaign to raise money to help disenfranchised girls
that also received media attention. Somewhere along the way,
I began to realize that the future of our nation lies within the
hearts of our youth and that those hearts must be carefully
molded and shaped if we are to grow morally as a nation... as
a result, TJA was formed.
The motivating factor for launching Tye Johnson Artistry has
been the plight of people. Tye Johnson Artistry mission is for
people to understand and experience different social justice
issues through a variety of art forms. The organization goal
is: to engage in the struggles of our brothers and sisters.; to
ignite a complacent world to stand up for the voiceless; to
foster compassion for the less privileged; and to tell the story
of those who are often overlooked. Tye believes that art has
an amazing ability to connect souls and to touch hearts in a
way that no other outlet can. Through Tye Johnson Artistry,
Tye plan is to change the world through art and to raise mon-
ey for direct care service organizations in the process.
Tye’s non-profit resonates in the art community because art
has a long history of being socially driven. Our organization
uses art as a vehicle for social change. Through our exhibits
that seek to empower and by choosing artists that are socially
conscious, we aspire to use art to create an empathic link
between the viewer and the issue depicted in a particular
piece.
In 2014, Tye was asked artists all over the world to re-
spond the idea that human beings are not paper dolls or action
figures. After getting tremendous feedback from artists and
exhibit-goers, she decided to open up this idea to the masses
and designed workshops for people to recognize and nurture
their inner selves.
Through a partnership with Hubbard Street Dance, she asked
5th grade students to respond to the statement: People think I
am ___, but really I am ____. Their choreographed dance
responses, creative writing, and paintings inspired us to de-
sign a curriculum that allowed students to develop empathy
and sensitivity while expressing them artistically. From this,
Tye designed a camp and afterschool program to give chil-
dren this experience in an in-depth, personalized, and holistic
way. The results were phenomenal as parents and students
‘Vision Boys’ by Tye Johnson 51” x 34.5” Mixed Media

You’re a visual artist how does that blend into the bigger picture?
One day, I’ll paint more! For now, I’ll paint a piece of my heart in the people that I meet and in the world around me. My love
for art and my desire to create began early and led me to pursue a BFA in Studio Art from Michigan State University. After
graduating, I worked as a graphic designer/marketing specialist for an educational media company and decided that I preferred
to be in the trenches of the education system instead. From there, I received my MA in Elementary Education and became a
teacher. I consider my classroom, my ‘life canvas’ as I shape, inspire, and motivate my students to change the world. All of my
experiences combined have led me to create illustrative, abstract, and loosely figurative art that juxtaposes common shapes and
colors in atypical ways. When I create, I feel as if I am walking in the supernatural. Although frightening at times, it is the only
place where I find that I am truly free. It is my hope that my art will be a catalyst to spark social change and individual growth,
while shedding light on concerns that connects human hearts and experiences.
What is one of the important moments in your art career?
When Tye finally moved into my first studio, she realized that her art was bigger than herself. It was probably the most im-
portant moment in her art career.
Tye’s future plans
Tye plans are to continue to develop TJA and to take it worldwide. Tye en-
visions the paper heART program not only surpassing city limits, but being
in different countries. She wants children from all over to understand and
find themselves, what it means to be empathetic, to be sensitive to the plight
of others, and to express their artistic voices. Tye desire is for people of all
ages to recognize their light and to be agents of change.
TJA’s goals are to continue to organize events and exhibits that inspire peo-
ple to make a difference, to develop programs and projects that ignite
change in hearts and minds, and to design merchandise that empowers. TJA
has plenty of things in store and she is excited to lead the way in teaching
people how to care! To learn more about Tye Johnson Artistry projects and
events please visit the web site at http://www.tyejohnsonartistry.org.

World Renowned
Homer Hans Bryant
A Legend in the Making
by Renée LaVerné Rose
Sometimes opportunities come and you have to be ready to step up to the plate. Recently I was elected to Chairman for the
Board of Directors for the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center (CMDC) and I am so honored to have the chance to serve
with the founder & artistic director Homer Hans Bryant Homer definitely embodies my commitment to providing quality arts
and cultural programming. I would like to thank Homer for encouraging me to serve as Chairman. Homer is gifted with having
a talent for reaching down and pulling out the best in people to ensure they tap into the reservoir of their full potential. I am
thankful to Homer for encouraging me to accept this leadership role! I would like to introduce to the world renowned. Homer
Hans Bryant However, Homer needs no introduction because it appears everywhere I go someone knows Homer So if you
have not met his acquaintance he is someone you should know.
For over 25 years, Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center has been under the direction of its renown founder and artistic direc-
tor, Homer Hans Bryant.
Homer Hans Bryant was born in the Virgin Islands
on the Isle of St. Thomas in 1950 and became in-
volved in dance in middle school. His teacher ar-
ranged for him to dance at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance
School where he studied under some of the most
prominent modern dance pioneers. Bryant then came
to the attention of dancer and choreographer Arthur
Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theater of Harlem,
the first African American classical dance company
in the United States. Mitchell extended an invitation
to Bryant to come to New York and study with the
company, which he accepted.
In 1972, Bryant began his professional career
when he won an audition to replace a member of
the company. He continued to dance and tour pro-
fessionally with the Dance Theater of Harlem and
took a hiatus in 1978 to perform in the Broadway
musical Timbuktu! alongside Eartha Kitt. He also
appeared in the film version of the musical The
Wiz along with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
He then worked with Donald McKayle’s dance
company and while on tour came to Chicago and
danced briefly with Maria Tallchief’s Chicago City
Ballet.
In 1981, Bryant returned to New York to oversee the
Dance Theater of Harlem’s pre-professional work-
shop ensemble. Four years later, Bryant moved to
Chicago to start his own dance company and school,
Bryant Ballet. In 1993, Bryant began working with
Cirque de Soleil, a relationship that continued for
three of Cirque de Soleil’s most popular productions,
Mystere, Alegria, and Quidam. Bryant also served as
ballet master for the Joel Hall Dancers and Dance
Chicago.
Homer Hans Bryant,
Founder & Artistic Director of
Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center
HIGHLIGHTING THE ART & CULTURE

Bryant's rigorous In 1997, in recognition of the school’s influence, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley issued a proclamation
officially renaming Bryant’s school the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center. The next year, Bryant served as lead artist
for the city of Chicago’s Gallery 37.
Mr. Bryant has also shared his teaching gift in the role of ballet master for the Joel Hall Dancers. He is the recipient of
the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award and was recognized nationally for significant
achievements in the field of Dance School Services in the Who’s Who in Dance Heritage Registry of Who’s Who. He is
the founder and artistic director of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, located in Chicago’s South Loop in Histor-
ic Dearborn Station.
An important achievement occurred when Homer was presented the inaugural Human Potential Award by the Foundation
for Human Potential. The award celebrated Homer Bryant’s achievements and his contributions to the world of dance, his
commitment to the city of Chicago, and his devotion to the children he has served for the 23 years .
One of Homer’s proud career moments, as a world ballet master, was accompanying Arthur Mitchell to Russia 2012.
Homer was invited to teach his ‘Body By Bryant‘ Floor Barre at the Bolshi Ballet in Moscow and the Efiman Ballet
and Kirov Ballet in St . Petersburg.
Homer’s mission for CMDC has always been to offer the highest quality of dance training in an environment that cele-
brates the diversity of its students and embraces the community. The Homer Bryant method of instruction instills disci-
pline, and creates the right atmosphere for nurturing personal development that is carried throughout their life. For more
than 25 years, CMDC has served students of all abilities, from beginners, to mid-levels to professionals. CMDC’s goal is
to excite audiences with trendsetting choreography that infuses classical ballet with innovative and cultural dance styles.
Homer Bryant is known as a strict disciplinarian and his established slogan is “the fun is in the discipline and the discipline
is in the fun” Homer’s has repeatedly emphasized that “It’s about the daily intervention of the students coming to class,
giving all they have and the teachers giving back. We see the discipline comeback to us; we see better human beings, we
see better citizens; we see great dancers; and we see disciplinarians. So no matter where our students go in life they take
the discipline and our values with them.”

Bryant's rigorous and disciplined training style has launched profes-
sional careers that have broken new ground for African-Americans in
ballet. In addition to careers in dance, CMDC alums have attended
prestigious universities such as Northwestern, Wellesley, Syracuse,
New York University, and the University of Chicago, and have pur-
sued careers as diverse as medicine, law and broadcast communica-
tions. CMDC strives to make its year-round training programs availa-
ble to dancers from all of Chicago's neighborhoods, particularly those
from underserved communities..
Homer’s future aspirations are establishing a professional dance com-
pany and the Bryant Youth Professionals are being propelled in that
direction with their recent exemplary performed with the Illinois Phil-
harmonic Orchestra. One of the many fall performances of the Bryant
Young Professionals will be at the 3rd
Friday, Zhou B Art Center on
October 16, 2015.
Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center at http://cmdcschool.com.
You will find Homer
stating his famous
quote “The fun is in
the discipline and
the discipline is in
the fun.”
HIGHLIGHTING THE ART & CULTURE

Featured Artist
Cesar Conde
Passionate Activist & Award Winning
International Artist
www.cesarcondeart.com

It is not a mystery and one could even say it was fate that
Cesar Conde and formed a bond. Recognizing this quality
human being who fights for justice was exhilarating and
refreshing to the soul! I immediately noticed Cesar’s endless
commitment for shading light on social injustices, inequali-
ties and zest for standing up for humanity is exemplary.
With the increase in violence and blood shed that is too prev-
alent in the streets of Chicago and our nation today, it is
comfortable to introduce you to passionate activist, award
winning artist who using his exquisitely rendered realistic
portrait series to address our societal social ills. Here is the
story of Cesar Conde making a difference!
Cesar Conde, international Chicago-based artist
Conde is a Filipino-American artist whose work is series of
reflections from his own experience. They are photo docu-
ments, timepieces stamped on film, paper, and canvas. These
moments moved him towards the direction of social con-
sciousness and action. He believes that Art can not only be
beautiful but influential. They are his Big Heroes. They are
his Gurus, Teachers, and Saints. Cesar studied at Angel
Academy of Art in Florence, Italy with John Michael Angel,
who was an apprentice for Pietro Annigoni. Also, with Mas-
ter Painter of Technique Mixte, Patrick Betaudier in his atel-
ier in France. Cesar’s old master influences are Carravaggio,
Rehmbrant, and Goya. He has exhibited nationally and inter-
nationally. His favorite residency was in Monastir, Tunisia.
Cesar resides in Chicago and continues to paint in his atelier
in Chicago's West Loop.
Artist Statement
I communicate through the human form. I am a contempo-
rary realist painter who loves the human emotion and drama
expressed in the faces, eyes, hands and bodies of those I
paint. While painting, I get to celebrate them. Mourn with
them. Suffer with them. Contemplate with them. I feel their
presence.
My paintings are celebration of Humanity. They are homage
to the oppressed; to the beggars I call saint to women who
still suffer inequity and most of injustices in this post-
modern, post-colonial, mostly patriarchal world. They are
dedicated to children who are trapped in the cycle of poverty,
to the marginalized, forgotten, neglected; invisible they are
for us, immigrants, people of color who to this day suffer
brutality in the hands of the law and most inequity in our
world. You are all my big heroes, my gurus and my saints.
I paint because I truly believe that art can serve as a platform
for dialogue and debate. They can provide a safe space for
reflection and serve as a jumping point for action towards
social justice. I paint because I have to.
I paint because I truly believe that art can serve as a platform
for dialogue and debate. They can provide a safe space for
reflection and serve as a jumping point for action towards
Cesar Conde, Passionate Activist &
Award Winning International Artist
SEPTEMBER/OCTBER 2015 FEATURED ARTIST

‘In The Hood - Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie’
Technique Mixte 48" x 48" 2013
Conde has two exquisitely rendered realistic portraits series on exhibition tour ('In the Hood - Portraits of African American Pro-
fessionals Wearing a Hoodie' and ‘The Bang Bang Project’ that express his passion for social injustices and inequalities in our
nation
'In the Hood - Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie'
'In the Hood - Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing A Hoodie' is an award winning project were Conde created
riveting large scale (12 oil paintings, h 48” x w 48”) of African American professionals, male and female wearing a hoodie.
Conde was inspired by the tragedy of the African American teenager Trayvon Martin, who was shot while wearing a hoodie in a
Florida neighborhood. This is to continue the dialogue of “Perception” vs. “Reality”, race-relations, stigmas, images, stereotypes,
generalizations. This project was inspired by the tragedy of the African American teenager, Trayvon Martin who was shot and
killed while wearing a hoodie in a Florida neighborhood.
Conde’s paintings are created with technique is called “Technique Mixte”, an old master’s painting technique developed by late
Master Patrick Betaudier. The Renaissance painting technique starts out with a renaissance painting technique which starts out
with a charcoal under drawing. Once an exact likeness is drawn, Conde sprays a fixatant and let it dry for 24 hours. Then Conde
does an imprematura and let that dry for another 24 hours. Afterwards Conde starts layering lead whites on the lightest part and
molding the figure. Once the whites are in place, Conde does the darks and let it dry for another 24 hours. Conde repeats the pro-
cess 3 to 4 times, depending on the piece. It's an unforgiving process but rewarding results.
http://www.artprize.org/cesar-conde/2014/in-the-hood-portraits-of-african-american-professionals-wearing-a-hoodie

‘The Bang Bang Project’ Technique Mixte | 48"h x 60"w | 2015
The Bang Bang Project
web site: https://www.facebook.com/bangbangproject
In 2015 Cesar Conde conceived the Bang Bang Project to
speak out on the untimely death of Michael Brown and others
who have suffered social injustice resulting in their death
from a perceived threat of being Black. The Bang Bang Pro-
ject presents Conde’s captivating large-scale portraits while
featuring the dramatic stories or ‘Dream Shots’ of the artistic
collaborators while incorporating the stories of those we have
tragically lost at the hands of police officers who fail their
community and their fellow officers. These riveting ‘Dream
Shot’ portraits will seduce the audience and draw these ob-
servers into a dialogue reflecting on what we have lost, what
we stand to lose and how we must use our collective voices
to combat this bloody cycle. Conde’s uses the same old mas-
ter’s painting technique, to render exquisitely realistic large-
scaled portraits of each artistic collaborator posing incorpo-
rating the stories of lives tragically lost at the hands of police
officers who fail their community and their fellow officers.
In 2015 Cesar Conde conceived the Bang Bang Project to
speak out on the untimely death of Michael Brown and others
who have suffered social injustice resulting in their death
from a perceived threat of being Black. The exhibition tour
will present Conde’s captivating large-scale portraits while
featuring the dramatic stories or Dream Shots” of the artistic
collaborators while incorporating the stories of those we have
tragically lost at the hands of police officers who fail their
community and their fellow officers. The multimedia pro-
duction will seduce the audience and draw these observers
into a dialogue reflecting on what we have lost, what we
stand to lose and how we must use our collective voices to
combat this bloody cycle. Conde’s uses the same old mas-
ter’s painting technique, to render exquisitely realistic large-
scaled portraits of each artistic collaborator posing incorpo-
rating the stories of lives tragically lost at the hands of police
officers who fail their community and their fellow officers.
The Bang Bang Project mission is to address a culturally
diverse society in which the divides of race, class, ethnicity,
gender, geography, religion, language barriers and historical
conflicts must fade in order to successfully reach the true
collaborative spirit. Cesar believes “the arts can be a catalyst
for change by creating a safe arena where discussion of high-
ly sensitive issues can occur. I am committed to his portrait
series creating the right atmosphere where open discussions
occur on police brutality, racial profiling, race-relations, stig-
mas, and wrongful deaths. This exhibit introduces and nur-
tures a safe haven for public discussion and encourages a call
to action to eliminate “Dream Shots” from being a societal
norm. The Bang Bang Project will challenge ever exhibition
observer to ensure all of our children live free of fear and
grow to fulfill their destinies which serves to enrich every-
one’s lives.”
The Bang Bang Project debut exhibition is on Friday, No-
vember 20, 2015 at the Art NXT Level Projects Gallery, host-
ed by co-founders Sergio and Yanina Gomez, Zhou B Art
Center/Museum.
Cesar states Langston Hughes posed the question, "What
happens to a dream deferred?" Unfortunately, today we are
increasing called upon to ask what happens when a dream is
shot down, taken just as it is being formed.
SEPTEMBER/OCTBER 2015 FEATURED ARTIST

The Project Team request your support. Take a moment to review the video on the Bang Bang Project gofundme
page at http://www.gofundme.com/v3urs38.
Thanks for your support.
Cesar has entered the ArtPrize 2015 in Grand Rapids again with the Bang Bang Project. The Bang Bang Project will on ex-
hibit at ArtPrize 2015 in Grand Rapids, Michigan from September 23rd through October 11, 2015. This is an international
competition and there are over 1500 entries! Please show your support by voting Vote code 61592 at http://www.artprize.org/
cesar-co…/2015/the-bang-bang-project
Recently, Cesar was selected by the Field Museum for the project called Art and Anthropology, Filipinos As Objects. It is
ten (10) Filipino and Filipino Americans exploring the idea of Filipinos as Objects and our identity as we explore over 10,000
Filipino artifacts hidden in the sub-basement of the Field Museum. In October, the Field Museum project exhibition opens in
Chicago. The project murals created in the Museum will be in the permanent collection. and artists’ works will be exhibited
for over a year for public viewing.

SPECIAL PROMOTION
Cesar Conde Solo Exhibition
‘In the Hood’
(Portraits of African American Professionals Wearing a Hoodie)
Opening
3rd
Friday, October 16, 2015
6:30 - 10:00 pm
http://www.reneesartgallery.com
Renee’s Art Gallery, 4th
Floor

The Bang Bang Project Exhibition
Opening
3rd
Friday, November 20, 2015
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Art NXT Level Projects Gallery, 4th
Floor
http://www.theartistnextlevel.com
http://www.gofundme.com/bangbangproject
http://www.artprize.org/cesar-conde/2015/the-bang-bang-project
SPECIAL PROMOTION

Each issue will spotlight innovative arts/cultural projects and people I have encountered as I strategically maneuver into
the arts and cultural arena. Since 2014 I have been fortunate for having the opportunity to collaborate with the dynamic
husband and wife team of Sergio and Yanina Gomez; whose dedication for providing quality art projects and profes-
sional development for artists is extraordinary. After years of success in the art world here is how Team Gomez strate-
gically repositioned themselves to rebrand and launch a new venture. First let’s talk about the innovative new venture
and then meet this brilliant entrepreneurial team!
Embracing the Future!
REBRANDING
TEAM GOMEZ!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Art NXT Level Projects Gallery Photography by Sergio Gomez

The New Innovation Venture: Art NXT Level
Our mission is to assist contemporary artists to manage and advance their art careers to the next level. We are an online-
based platform designed to provide professional development opportunities through courses, coaching and strategic ses-
sions. Our courses and seminars offer in-depth learning about various topics relevant to artists. Our focus is on resources in
the areas of business strategies, marketing, organization, productivity, as well as, practical advice in the business of art and
emotional wellness. We believe that artists who adopt a wholeness approach (mind, body & soul) can enjoy a fulﬁlling bal-
anced-life.
Art NXT Level was designed for artists who are looking for practical advice and tools that will take their art career to the
next level. Our passion is to inspire our students to thrive and succeed in their art career while maintaining a healthy life-
style. In our free weekly podcasts, we share with our listeners tips and insights about topics related to the art career and
wellness. Our guests range from successful artists and professionals in the art world to professionals in the wellness arena.
Today, many artists lack the knowledge and understanding of business practices to succeed in their careers. Artists are hun-
gry for resources and relevant advice to navigate in a complex art world system. This is why we provide our students with
ongoing support rather than a one-time source of information.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SERGIO GOMEZ, MFA
http://www.sergiogomezonline.com
Sergio Gomez is a Chicago based visual artist and creative entrepreneur. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from
Northern Illinois University. Sergio’s work has been subject of solo exhibitions in the United States, Italy and Vienna. He
has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Spain, Sweden, London, Mexico and the US. Sergio’s work is found in
private and public collections such as the National Museum of Mexican Art, Brauer Art Museum, and the MIIT Museo
Internazionale Italia Arte among others.
In addition to being the co-founder of Art NXT Level, Sergio is also the owner and director of 33 Contemporary Gallery,
director of exhibitions at the Zhou B. Art Center, contributor for Italia Arte Magazine, Art/Design faculty at South Suburban
College and creative consultant for Idea Seat Marketing and Advertising. He has also curated special projects for the
Chicago Park District, ArtSpot Miami International Art Fair during Art Basel Week (2013, 2014), National Museum of
Mexican Art, and ExpoChicago (2014) among others. Finally, Sergio has been highly involved in the revival of the New Art
Examiner magazine (2014) and was the curator of the inaugural exhibition at the Evanston Art Center in Illinois titled
‘Hybrid’s Paradise’.
TEAM GOMEZ!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Dr. A. YANINA GOMEZ, Ph.D.
Dr. Yanina Gomez, Ph..D. is the co-founder of Art NXT Level. In 2009, she obtained her Doctorate Degree in Educational
Psychology. Before co-founding Art NXT Level, she practiced as a school psychologist for 12 years and taught courses in
higher-education institutions in the areas of psychology and counseling for undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a
former Gallerist at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Gomez’s insight and understanding of the psycho-emotional issues some artists experience gives her the opportunity to
research and develop practical resources for artists to help them live a fulfilling and balanced career. She also provides support
to artists who desire to maintain an optimal wholeness balance (Mind, Body, Soul). In addition, Dr. Gomez enjoys facilitating
seminars and creating programs that focus on helping artists experience success in their career. She is also a mother of two
amazing children.
TEAM GOMEZ!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT

REBRANDING:
There is a saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. With that in
mind, what went into the Team Gomez decision to rebrand?
Why at this point in your careers?
We have been in the art business for over 10 years. Through-
out the years, we have learned the ins and outs and have had
the pleasure to meet many amazing artists. As gallery owners,
we were able to establish international relationships with art-
related institutions, curate monthly exhibitions, develop a
strong follow, participate in international art fairs, and gave
opportunities to many artists to show their art. However, we
have always wanted to create a business in which we can com-
bine both of our personal and professional knowledge, experi-
ence and skills to make a difference in the lives of others. We
are passionate about education and lifelong personal and pro-
fessional learning. We believe that each artist ought to invest
in her/himself in professional development and wellness to
excel. Growth is a process that leads to success. That is why
we’ve created Art NXT Level, a professional development
platform for artists thriving to succeed in the art world while
maintaining optimal wellness. As an artist, curator, gallerist,
educator and entrepreneur, Sergio teaches effective and practi-
cal strategies to succeed in your art career. Dr. Yanina
Gomez’s understanding of the life of the artist and her insight
on emotional wellness drives her to provide practical advice
and resources to embrace the art career in a healthier fulfilling
manner.
How does your rebranding tell the right story and what story
are you telling?
33 Contemporary Gallery began as an artist-ran space that
evolved into a privately owned fine art gallery. The gallery’s
brand emerged from the idea that art should be accessible to
everyone. It also served as a platform for artists to show their
work.
We have evolved from a commercial gallery into a profession-
al development platform which primary focus is to educate
artists to take their art career to the next level. Hence, the new
brand Art NXT Level. Now, our space is available for selected
local and international artist projects. We believe that we ought
to be lifelong learners and continuously search for opportuni-
ties to grow and give back. If you want to experience success
in your art career, or any career, you need confidence,
knowledge and experience. The more you learn about the ins
and outs of the business of art, the more confident and pre-
pared you will be to maneuver and succeed in this highly com-
petitive world.
What makes the new brand relevant in the artist community?
As a professional development platform, we offer courses and
resources to help the contemporary artist advance their career.
We believe that, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to suc-
ceed. Rather, you learn from others who are where you want to
be. As gallery owners and managing Sergio’s art career, we
have learn many things. From marketing your work efficiently
to selling and showing in national and international solo and
group shows and art fairs, we’ve learn what works and what
doesn’t. And that is what we teach in our courses; what to do
to succeed and what to avoid. We also believe that to manifest
your fullest potential, you ought to take care of yourself from
the inside out. Artists who maintain an optimal wholeness
balance (body, mind and soul) will be ahead of the game. Suc-
cess is a wholeness process. As you take care of your inner
self, it will be manifested through your outer self.
What makes this new product resonate with your loyal audi-
ence?
We have always been advocates for artists as gallery owners
and now as Art NXT Level. Our space continues to be a plat-
form for exhibitions. Yes, we have rebranded and changed our
focus but our values remain intact. Loyalty is a privilege and
you earn it over time. Thus, we value our loyal audience and
are truly grateful for their support.
Has your revitalized approach broadened your audience?
Absolutely! Since our products and services are accessible
online, we have reached local and international artists. Artists
from all over the world, such as Asia, Spain, Germany, South
America, Canada and many others, have attended our webi-
nars, downloaded our podcast episodes and enrolled in our
courses. Having online accessibility to our products and ser-
vices has broadened our audience significantly. And, that’s a
cool thing!
How has your history in the arts and education assisted with
your new venture? (we’ve already addressed this question
above) And what, if anything, has hindered you with your
new direction?
Professional development is a common practice in most pro-
fessions. Clinicians need continuing education credits to renew
their licenses. Business people are always looking for profes-
sional development opportunities to stay abreast of the latest
innovations.
Educators are constantly participating in professional develop-
ment opportunities to keep themselves up-to-date about effec-
tive teaching strategies. But, why many artists believe that,
once they are done with school, there’s no need to take more
courses? Many artists are experiencing hurdles in their art
careers. Yet, for one reason or another, they do not invest in
professional development. Learning does not stop when art
school is over. It is a lifelong process that need to be nurtured
so growth can occur. So, we have been educating artists about
the importance of professional development to advance their
career.

The School of Homer Bryant
2015 - 2016 Fall/Spring Programs
Enroll Now!
for more details contact
contact@cmdcschool.com or 312-461-0030
www.cmdcschool.com
Dearborn Station Building,
47 West Polk, Lower Level
(intersection of Dearborn and Polk)
Chicago, IL 60605

REAL TALK WITH
INTERTIONAL GRAFFITI ARTIST
ZORE—MARIO GONZALEZ JR
Photography by Sergio Gomez

Born 1970 and raised in the city of Chicago. Graffiti Writer ‘ZORE’ Mario Gonzalez Jr. has witnessed the beautiful murals
and the vast dead land of inner city decay while playing as a child under bridges and abandoned buildings from Lincoln Park
to South Chicago steel mills. At the early age of 11, exposed to urban art forms such as the custom low-rider culture, DJs and
breakbeats, he picked up a marker and started scrawling on any surface available to him.
Mario’s father and the neighborhood were instrumental for the learning of the ‘styles’ as he began to comprehend the art of the
letterform which came natural to him. Soon, the new and improved art form of the subways became the only natural venue for
him to express his ‘styles’.
At the age of 17, Mario received a full scholarship to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has utilized various
art forms and genres to create, destruct and push himself not only in the Graffiti and Fine Art but in life itself. Mario has trav-
eled the globe painting subways, murals, performing, teaching and showing works in galleries and museums "searching for the
perfect beat" which he had always carried all along.

INTERNATIONAL SCENE
Understanding the world of graffiti writers and their free artis-
tic style from the perspective of a legendary international
graffiti writer Zore – Mario Gonzalez Jr.
Mario how early did you recognize that you are graffiti writer
and what were the influences early in your life?
I knew had creative soul at a young age; matter fact every
sense of the grammar school to be exact third grade. Even at
that age fascinated with my science classes and sculpting and
building projects for extra credit. By the sixth grade I won
third place in an art contest. I couldn’t help but nurture my
artistic style throughout childhood from being exposed by
family, friends and communities who embraced free urban art
forms. I was raised thinking everybody wrote on walls at
some point in their life. My parents influenced me the most
because they were originals straight up OG.
What is a graffiti writer?
We call ourselves writers because that's what we do we mas-
ter the form of our own calligraphy and share it with the
world. Graffiti is much bigger than art. The fine art is limited
and Graffiti has no limits so I choose to honor my roots my
genre my movement. I AM A GRAFFITI WRITER. All of
those other labels were invented by the media and public offi-
cials as usual.
Is there a difference, if any, between graffiti artists and street
artists?
I've always used the term street art for street performers or
renegade artists that put their work up, straight up, guerrilla
style. Once again the media and society, in order to candy
coat and sell a kindler gentler knock off of graffiti and street
renegades, have coined this term to cater to the masses. Real
writers bomb everything; aerosol artists paint pretty pictures
on walls with spray cans. Even now the Chicago art scene is
saturated with wanna-be knock off ‘street art’and these people
have never put time nor work in the streets let alone the sub-
ways. I mean real work like every day for years. To be honest
real graffiti/street renegades don't even have an email nor ever
show their face in public. They only associate themselves with
their work. every day for years. To be honest real graffiti/
street renegades don't even have an email nor ever show their
face in public. They only associate themselves with their
work.
How does an artist develop the techniques to become a skilled
graffiti artist? What length of time does it take?
Everybody is different and excel on different levels. However,
as a master and having shared techniques throughout my artis-
tic career, the best advice I would tell you is to pick up a can
and just going at it. That hands-one-experience would be the
best teacher. I've seen generations of kids that have mastered
the spray can but have never done graffiti a day in their
life. Painting at night looking over your shoulder not being
concerned about how pretty it is but rather focusing on how
big and bold your style is will teach you everything you need
to know.
Do you have a preference between creating your studio
work and creating graffiti work on the street? If so why?
I truly love it all. In retrospect I'd be worthless in the studio
without thirty years on the streets and twenty of them in and
out of subway yards worldwide In addition, a few years at
the School of the Art Institute (SAIC) working with the
‘Guild Complex and Randolph Street gallery’ in my late teens
early 20s. My wealth of experience layered with a rich cultur-
al history is evident in the body of works produced in my
studio.
Mario your artistic talents expand to curating projects; tell us
how that inspires you.
Yes it's true I've been curating just as long as I've been exhib-
iting and that’s been since the late 80s. First and second gen-
eration graffiti writers were so far ahead of the world that we
had to create our own shows usually in alternative spaces.
Being a persist man of color from hood painting only graffiti
letters which was the source of my creativity, did not blend
well with the main stream art scene in Chicago. Of course I
didn’t let that deter me. I’m simply not the type to sit around
and waiting for things to happen, so I explored curating group
shows. In addition, being art collector with a passion for the
naïf, I feel it's essential for me to take a step back, honor the
lost or forgotten masters, and through curating bring these
diverse art forms to the spotlight. Through my curation pro-
jects the public can witness the work that greatly influenced
me. Cross pollinating!
With the world being your canvas what was your first interna-
tional street graffiti and where?
In the late 90’s it was the subways in Europe, walls in Paris,
and Barcelona; then Amsterdam (2000 – 2003).
You’ve had numerous solo exhibitions, which one(s) pathed
the way for more opportunities? And why?
The solo exhibition at Zhou B Art Center curated by Sergio
Gomez was the game changer. I was expected to show 13
huge pieces in the main gallery. Instead my solo exhibition
expanded throughout the entire first floor inside and out
(including the VIP room with 64 pieces and a world tour and
solo exhibition book. There were people who doubted that
that I could handle this solo exhibition; the best way I quieted
those doubters was successfully pulling it off and now I’m
still creating history.

Zore Exhibiting at Zhou B Art Center

Tell us about your international projects.
It all started four (4) years ago. I decided to focus, return to the art world and locked myself in my studio for weeks even
months. Old colleagues, new dealers and galleries caught wind of my return to the studio and offers were slowly making their
way to my heart and soul. After being invited to Gwangju South Korea then Torino Italia, I decided to simply travel the world
in one direction making important connections along the way and following up on those offers. I've helped a lot of people
throughout my life and travels. I truly believe good karma will take good care of you and guide you in the right direction. You
can't rush a good thing and I'm a patient man that just so happens to paint fast. I do a lot of international reconnaissance and
book dates a few years in advance in order to build long lasting relationships and have kick ass shows.
Which countries fully embrace graffiti, support the graffiti artists’ communities and have the best public displayed graffi-
ti? And why?
I tend to keep my graffiti life and the art world separate. Europe, Asia and Latin America are not only hundreds of years older
than the United States but far more civilized and highly respective of the arts and culture. So you see, these people not only
respect graffiti artist on a human level but their love for graffiti as an urban expression is an obvious choice for young people
living in violence and disparity mixed with borderline poverty. We are hailed in other countries as pioneers that have influ-
enced society on a grand scale. The smarter galleries and museums tend to work harder for the next big thing and know that the
underground has always influenced the masses. Like the American art movement in the past we too have to work twice as hard
for acknowledgment. In the early 70s there was a graffiti boom in museums throughout the United States including Chicago.
The early 80s saw a huge return with New York subway writers in SoHo Paris and London; the 90s explosion on the west
coast; and the new millennium witnessed the biggest graffiti explosion throughout Europe that hit the big auction houses. This
demonstrates that graffiti art is not a trend, is well respected globally and has been exhibited for over forty years.
Does the U. S. fully embrace graffiti art and graffiti artist’s communities? Or is the U.S. lacking behind the latest graffiti art
trends? if so why?
The irony of it all is that ‘Graffiti’ is as American as baseball and apple pie. All of the best graffiti writers were young men of
color from poverty stricken areas. So I the U.S. chose to wait and groom they're own kinder, gentler, hand-picked younger
generation with that street look without the street edge. So, yes even though we've invented this art, the U.S. is twenty years
behind the rest of the world. I would venture to say this goes for the
American art movement as well. We seem to be walking backwards.
Tell us how local graffiti artists start getting on the international graf-
fiti scene.
Everybody is in a hurry to be the next art star!! I started this with zero
intentions of being an artist and I’m humbly taking this path one step
at a time. As a nonconforming underground renegade I can honestly
say that the fine art world is the end of the line for my work. However
I would recommend every single living human should travel the
world, lean where we all come from, study every ones’ roots, past our
ancestors, and the countries they originate from. I family has been in
Chicago for generations. Everyone comes from somewhere; start there
and keep on moving. If you really think your good enough to paint
with the best of the best I'd suggest attending the International Meet-
ing of Styles in over twenty-five countries annually; originating in
Wiesbaden Germany for over fifteen years by one single individual. I
have somehow connected and harvested the best of the best. We all
paint together with no crew, no ego, or competitive attitudes whatso-
ever.
What is one of the most inspiring moments in your career?
Walking home at 3am drenched in paint, at one with my surroundings
and lots of little birds singing.
Your future plans if you would like to share.
Let’s just wait and see!!

Zore Solo Exhibition at Zhou B Art Center curated by Sergio Gomez

Zhou B Art Center opens Exhibitions every 3rd Friday of the month with an
evening reception from 7pm-10pm. These events are free of charge and
provide the community of Bridgeport and the Chicago area a unique oppor-
tunity to explore a blend of international and local art. The artists-in-
residence at the Art Center open their studios to visitors, making this a
unique opportunity for the community to meet working artists and discuss
their work in person. The variety of the work produced by the artists-in-
residence and the four in-house gallery spaces makes the Zhou B Art Cen-
ter 3rd Friday Exhibitions one of the most diverse art experiences in the
city.
For inquiries about current exhibitions or upcoming 3rd Fridays at
www.zhoubartcenter.com
For a rewarding cultural experience visit the Zhou B Art Center.

Joe & Kathleen Isacson
NURTURING VIBRANT ART COMMUNITIES
Joe Isacson
photographed by Heidi Allen
Joe Isacson is a mixed media, conceptual artist that has performed and exhibited in numerous venues in the Chicago area, in-
cluding the celebrated Randolph Street Gallery. Keith has studied at Columbia College, Chicago and Apicius, Florence, Italy.
He has experimented with a wide range of materials, such as found objects, fused glass, sheep's hair, bees' wax and exotic
woods.
There plenty of creative artistic talent happening in McHenry County and where a dynamic husband and wife artistic team are
a nurturing, economically valuable art communities.

Kathleen Sullivan Isacson
photographed by Heidi Allen
Kathleen Sullivan Isacson is a visual artist and art director living NW of Chicago. She has intensively studied and worked in
the creative process for most of her lifetime. Her paintings have won awards and reside in private and public collections.
Previously, Kathleen was editor and creative director for the arts and literary journal, The Miserere Review. She has taught as
literary & arts faculty for the Karitos Arts Conference.
Both Kathleen and Joe have been intimately involved and creative in the arts since their childhood. Together they currently
design large-scale fine art installations and lead a team of visual artists at Willow Creek Crystal Lake, Illinois. They also
curate local and national art exhibitions.
The Isacson team embraces each other’s strengths which increase their enthusiasm and synergy. Working on numerous pro-
jects, may it be design large-scale fine art installations at Creek Valley or brainstorming on one of their group or solo exhibi-
tions, the close collaboration process opens up more creative possibilities. Their successful creative collaboration process
working on smaller exhibitions for over a decade has open up opportunities, in the last five (5) years, for them to curate larger
fine art and artisan art projects.

What was the reason behind launching an art gallery at Willow Crystal Lake?
Kathleen Isacson says “First, Joe and I were asked to curate a show for in-house artists at the church. But when the opportuni-
ty arose for us to organize a large art show in Willow Creek church atrium, we thought, why keep this to ourselves? Let's
invite artists from the community to show their work in our space. Let's do it without fees, no strings attached and celebrate
them. And thus, Creek Gallery was born.”
What has been your biggest motivating factor in curating art exhibitions?
Joe: Educating the general public as to what art can be.
Kathleen: Mostly providing opportunities for the great artists around me to exhibit – there’s so much talent in McHenry Coun-
ty and the Chicago area! Kathleen feels that being an artist has assisted in her creative process. It’s also very true that curat-
ing shows helps her evaluate her own work with a stricter, more critical eye. She can’t think of a particular hindrance in her
professional career, but the most difficult aspect can be the jury process of selecting artists. The jury process is a necessary
part to have a cohesive exhibition and narrowing the artwork down to what is appropriate for show is always regrettable be-
cause we care about the artists personally.
Tell us about the artist community in your area? Galleries? Art Festivals?
“We are a tight-knit community overall. There is always something going on in our county and here are two examples. The
Lakeside Legacy Arts Park has 1st
Friday openings each month. We will have a curated national show there on October 2,
2015. Woodstock’s historic square has the Old Court House Arts Center, which we are curating a show for in early 2016. We
have a call for artists for the Old Court House Arts Center going on now.” The Isacson team is collaborating year around to
ensure valuable exhibition opportunities; networking and support are available for the Northwest artist communities.
Are there any other types of art projects you work on together?
“We often create art installations for Willow Crystal Lake’s large atrium area, ranging from a third-world experience to 25 ft.
hanging structures. Often we are the lead designers as we lead a team to develop and implement large-scale projects to trans-
form a space.”
Creek Gallery crowd scene photographed by Steve Yoon

Tell us about one of the important accomplishments in your
art careers?
Joe: When we encourage a new artist to move forward and
see them develop over time.
Kathleen: Also helping to equip artists with practical art busi-
ness skills so they can thrive. It’s so great to see a need in the
community and find a way to meet it.
What are your future plans?
“Artists have asked for more opportunities to exhibit, learn
and we want to provide them! Right now on the calendar,
we have 2 projects we are very excited about:
Dangerous Lullabies: October 2016 National Exhibi-
tion. Don’t miss the opening night of this show; it’s
going to be delightfully eerie. Artists from across the
country have conspired to fill a historic mansion with
paintings, sculptures and fine art creations, which exam-
ine the beauty found in the ashes of terror and the mag-
netic pull things disturbing, on-edge or dark. Opening
night is the first Friday of October (Oct 2, 5-8pm) in a
historic mansion located in Crystal Lake.
Future So Bright: Jan/Feb 2016 We have an open call
for a national exhibition of traditional & new media
called Future So Bright which will be in the Old Court-
house Arts Park in Woodstock, IL. The call is open
through Oct 5.
For more information regarding art shows, artist lectures
and upcoming exhibitions of Joe and Kathleen Isacson
please visit: http://xculturearts.com
Dan Addington artist lecture (below) photographed by Joe Isacson

Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski

Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski
Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski is a full-time, award winning art-
ist, at BabZ'art Studio, in the historical Starline Gallery &
Studios, in Harvard, Illinois. Her paintings represent Abstract
Impressionism and Expressionism, as well as Contemporary
Realism. She is best known for her vibrant colors and unique
style of aqua media images. A native of Chicago, Barbara
also lived in southern California and Hawai'i. This experience
continues to inspire and influence much of her work.
Barbara studied at Chicago's Ray-Vogue School of Design
(now the Illinois Institute of Art), followed by earning her BA
in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois Chica-
go. Since then, she has studied with John Lovett, Robert Bur-
ridge, Rainey Kellogg and David Becker. She is currently
working on her MFA in painting, at the Academy of Art Uni-
versity, San Francisco. Barbara frequently exhibits her paint-
ings in juried and invitational exhibits, including at the Polish
Museum of America in Chicago and the White Ripple Gallery
& Co. Her work can be seen at Iowa State University's Me-
morial Union, The Chopin Theatre in Chicago, as well as in
private collections in New York and Chicago.
When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?
Barbara: I was an artist before knowing I wanted to be one. I
introduced myself to drawing at a very early age, starting with
blank pages of story books. I still have a few of these "early
abstracts". However, it all came together in High School,
when I found myself applying only to Art Colleges.
Tell us about your art career journey.
Barbara: When I graduated from UIC, I immediately started
working in the graphic design field. My first job involved
preparing slides for business meeting presentations. I then
worked as an Art Director in Retail Advertising, for a number
of years, mixed with freelancing. Because of my husband's
military career, I had the great fortune of living in southern
California and Hawai'i. During that time, I took a break to
raise our family. I returned to painting in 1998. My focus
was divided between painting and pottery. In 2011, I became
primarily focused on abstract painting, while attending work-
shops. In January of 2012, I opened my studio, BabZ'art Stu-
dio, at the historical Starline Gallery & Studios in Harvard,
IL. In January of this year, I started working on my MFA in
painting. I did not expect to ever attend school again, but here
I am!
Barbara’s Studio in the historical Starline Gallery & Studios, in Harvard, Illinois.

How much time do you spend in the studio?
Barbara: I try to spend at least 4 days out the week, in my studio. However, often continue work at home.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
Barbara: There are a few main inspirations behind my work, starting with amazing instructors like the late Rainey Kellogg,
John Lovett, Bob Burridge and David Becker. I've always been drawn to nature, the ultimate unending source of inspira-
tion. In addition, there's my "visual file" from having lived in warmer climates, where the sun is brighter and colors are in-
credibly vivid.
Tell us about one of the important moments in your art career.
Barbara: One of the most important moments was concretely deciding to apply for my MFA in painting. I realized after my
first course, in drawing, that the amount of learning was much more than I anticipated. By that I mean how much I was being
pushed to excellence, and outside my comfort zone. It's been very exciting to see my work change and improve.
Your future plans.
Barbara: My future plans are to continue working toward my MFA, one course at a time. To apply what I learn to my studio
work. I plan to continue entering art exhibits, nationally and internationally, with eventual gallery representation.
‘Fire and Ice w 24” x h 12” Acrylic on canvas
by Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski

‘Big, Big Pear’ w16” x h 20” Acrylic on canvas
by Barbara Skiba-Poniatowski

DION STROWHORN
FILM PRODUCER, ACTOR & FOUNDER
OF A NEW FILM FESTIVAL
THE BUSINESS OF ART

Dion Strowhorn was born in Chicago, Illinois and studied at Chicago Filmmakers (film/video), The Second City (acting/improv)
and Refuge Productions (acting). He received his B.A. from Chicago State University (Liberal Arts) and is currently employed
as a Cook County Juvenile Probation Officer. Dion is a member in good-standings with SAG-AFTRA and he is a recent Diverse
Voices in Docs fellow, a partnership between Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop. Dion is the producer and
director of the upcoming documentary: ‘Divorced... Now what?’ This project is a documentary which addresses the issues and
effects that men of color deal with after divorce.
Dion’s passion to be intricately involved in the film industry begin in 2008, he has no regrets and has never looked back. Dion’s
experience as an actor has had its ups and downs. Dion was honest “There are times when the auditions are abundant and then
there are times when you wonder if people have actually forgotten about you. The roles that I'm generally casted for are police
officers, priest, pastors and dads. Two film projects that come to mind are "Dark Shield" where I played the character of Detec-
tive Aaron Clay and another project was "Island of Man" where I was cast as Reverend Taylor.”
Dion is founder of an innovative film company called Totally Free Productions (TFP) which focuses on the development of
shorts, web series, documentaries and music videos. Totally Free Productions works with artists that think outside the box and
allow their mind to think beyond the norm. TFP has produced four (4) projects and three (3) are currently in development.
And as if Dion’s plate isn’t already full enough, Dion started the Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival (CMFF) in 2014. The
CMFF was launched to create a platform for individuals from all cultural backgrounds to showcase their gifts and talents
through the media of film. CMFF is a festival that was born to be here in Chicago based on Chicago's rich cultural backdrop.
The motivating factor for launching both Totally Free Productions and the Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival was giving
filmmakers, like himself, a voice to express themselves and connect with like-minded individuals in the industry.

Dion’s vision is for CMFF to resonate not only in Chicago but throughout the industry while serving as an instrument that
unites the global community and emphasizes our similarities for the love of film and filmmaking.
For the length of time that Dion has been in business, he has established rapports with individuals and partnerships with com-
panies that have supported, mentored and groomed him where he believes he can accomplish just about anything he conceives.
Dion smiled and then replied “The few hindrances that I have encountered are not being aware of the difference between
whether it is business and whether it is personal."
While on the set of ‘Chicago PD’, Dion had the opportunity to speak with Jon Seda and most recently while attending a Chica-
go film festival he met with ‘Chicago Fire’ Eamonn Walker. When Dion reflects on the body of work of Charles Chaplin
"The Great Dictator", Robert De Niro, ‘A Bronx Tale’, Omari Hardwick, ‘Power’ and Morocco Omari, ‘(Mis)Leading Man' he
is encouraged and motivated to continue achieving the outcome he desires. Dion has had the great opportunity to work and
really speak with Morocco Omari; the insight and advice Morocco shared was priceless.
Reflecting over his career, Dion has had some really great moments, but the one that is most significant is when his film,
"Overcome" was nominated for Best Picture by the African American Arts Alliance in 2010. Not only was the film nominated,
but it was also accepted and screened at The Black Harvest Film Festival where Dion was interviewed by Dick Johnson of
NBC News..
Dion is optimistic about his future aspirations. He’s going to continue to write, direct and produce film projects, as well as, use
the film festival platform to bring attention to groups and individuals who are making a positive difference in our society.
Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival (CMFF) was accepted to the Chicago Artist
Month 2015, visit:
www.chicagoartistsmonth.org/chi-town-multicultural-film-festival
Chi-Town Multicultural Film Festival (CMFF)
http://www.cmfilmfestival.org
Totally Free Production (TFP) http://www.totallyfreeproductions.com
dion.strowhorn@totallyfreeproductions.com
THE BUSINESS OF ART

Dion casted for the film ‘White robe ~ Island of Man’

Kay James McCrimon is a curator and
historian of African-American history.
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, she
grew up in Chicago, Illinois and is a
product of the Chicago Public School
system. She is a graduate of Southern
Illinois University in Carbondale, Illi-
nois (SIUC) where she received a BA in
Radio & Television and a MA in Mass
Communications and Media Arts. In
addition, she has a MS in Integrated
Marketing from Roosevelt University in
Chicago. Her research interests include
19th
century African-American women,
the history of African-Americans in
broadcasting, the blacklisting of African
-Americans in the fine arts, and the
history of Black Chicagoans. Currently,
her social media interests include main-
taining a daily FB blog, “If You Don’t
Know, Now You Know,” that features
the accomplishments of African-
Americans in the arts.
Kay loves all aspects of African-
American history and has a special pas-
sion for 19th
century African-American
history and African-Americans in the
fine arts. Her love of African- American history has led her to a myriad of professional opportunities, including broadcast-
ing, advertising, museums, teaching, and special event planning. Kay is currently the Assistant Director of the African-
American Cultural Center at at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. She comes to the AACC from Chicago’s DuSable
Museum of African American History, where she most recently managed membership, volunteers, and docent training;
over the years she also worked in the education department of the museum where she managed public programming for
adults and curriculum for Chicago Public Schools. Kay worked as an adjunct professor at Chicago State University for
several years where she taught public speaking and sales & marketing in the Department of Communications, Media Arts
and Theatre.
Kay is also the author of a children’s book entitled, Good Night Li’l Darlin,’ that highlights African-American jazz legends.
The book was written in commemoration of her grandmother, whose love of jazz music inspired this creation for children.
An Interview with Author
Kay McCrimon
THE BUSINESS OF ART

How long have you been involved in the Arts/Culture and
your history?
I have been involved in the arts and culture for as long as I can
remember. My passion and compassion for culture, including
music, film, dance, and the visual arts came from home and
grammar school. My mother‘s passion for music, especially
jazz, blues, and R&B, was the first indicator. In the 1960s, she
was a member of the Columbia Records Jazz Club and would
receive jazz albums via regular mail on a weekly basis. Subse-
quently, I became an avid fan of Nancy Wilson, Count Basie,
Ramsey Lewis and Billie Holiday, respectively. Growing up,
Sunday afternoons and evenings at my house were devoted to the
classic Hollywood film series, Family Classics, where host Fra-
zier Thomas featured historical dialogue about the history film,
the stories and actors; he inspired my love for historical research.
What was your inspiration behind writing and self-
publishing your children’s book?
My children’s book, "Goodnight Li'l Darlin" is a book that was
inspired by a culmination of my love of teaching history, the arts,
and family. When my grandmother, “Mama John,” passed away
in 2003, I wanted a remembrance of her to share with my family
so that her legacy would be carried on. I decided to write a book.
And after some soul searching and thinking about my grand-
mother’s contributions to our family, I decided to write a chil-
dren’s book. It only took a few hours for me to determine what
the book would be about, however, it took almost eight years for
me to finally publish it. Once the book was written, I went in
search of an illustrator. After several rejections from children’s
book authors and illustrators, I was about to give up, when I met
my graphic artist, Pam Rice, who convinced me to self-publish.
She gave me excellent directions, which I followed, and voila, I
became a published author. My book is legitimate and currently
THE BUSINESS OF ART

Tell us about the arts & cultural projects you have developed.
I have always loved the arts and have always wanted to express myself artistically. However, I discovered early on that I could
not sing, dance, or draw, so I decided to express the arts of others. In 1990, I started my own event planning company, Expan-
sions Productions. One of the most delightful events that I developed was, “Angel Face”: A Tribute to Film and Stage Legend,
Dorothy Dandridge. It took place at the Drexel-Kenwood Mansion in 1998 and featured an exclusive film screening, live jazz
performances, a late-night supper and big-band ballroom dancing reminiscent of the 1950s late night supper clubs. With Ex-
pansions, I also developed an annual Mother’s Day Tribute to Chicago Women in Jazz that started in 1996. I started this series
with “Come to My Garden,” A Tribute to Minnie Riperton which was also a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness that took
place in the Winter Garden Room at the Harold Washington Library . This series was wonderful and people still ask me when
I’m going to do it again. The series ended when I left in 1999 to go to grad school in Carbondale, IL.
The most exciting project that I have done to date, however, is an exhibition about the African-American presence, or lack
thereof, at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition that took place here in Chicago. The exhibit was done at my current job,
the African-American Cultural Center at UIC. The exhibit, “The Reason Why the Colored American Is Not Included in the
World’s Columbian Exposition.” This fascinating exhibit was based on the book of the same title by Ida B. Wells and Freder-
ick Douglass, which focused on why African-American were not included in the planning of the greatest fair in world up to
that point, one that shaped the face of America in world politics, technology and culture. The Reason Why included those Afri-
can-Americans who did participate as well as the road traveled by those who did not.
Tell us why you decided to post historic content regarding African-Americans on Facebook to having a Facebook page
that has attracted an international audience?
I post historical and current African-American history on my FB page on a daily basis. I didn’t just want to be on FB as a con-
tributor of my life, although I do regularly about events in my life; however, the idea came to me out of the blue one day to
start posting current events on a daily basis. Low and behold, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I have been post-
ing now for over four years. I post about past and current events in the lives of African-Americans, and the response has been
awesome. I started a new FB page, “If You Don’t Know, Now You Know,” because I wanted to share the history of African-
Americans in the arts with my friends and family. But somehow, it has become so much more than that and now I have global
followers. I used to post on a daily basis, but fell behind, and the best part about that is, people are still following me, no matter
how far behind I get. With a full-time job and care-giver for a family member, it’s really hard to post daily, but I do the best I
can. The reward in all of this is when someone posts that they love what I am sharing and I have had teachers tell me that
they use my pages for their classrooms. I am truly thrilled when I get posts like that.
Tell us about one of the most exciting moments you have had being involved in the arts and cultural arena.
I’ve had several exciting moments with my involvement in the arts and culture arena. In the late 1990s I started an event plan-
ning company, “Expansions Productions,” where I created events about African-Americans in the arts. The first event that I
produced was a tribute to Chicago women in jazz. It was held in the Winter Garden Room of the Harold Washington Library
and featured some of Chicago’s top female jazz artists, including had a side business entitled. I will NEVER forget the grati-
tude that I received from these women, including saxophonists, Diane “Lil Sax” Ellis and Roxanne Stevenson; pianist, Earma
Jean Thompson, and jazz vocalists, Joan Collaso and Paula Greer, among others. No one had ever produced an event like this
one. It was an extremely proud moment for me.
Kay’s Future Plans
I have several plans for the future; the top three on my list of contenders are, 1) to create my own documentary film company to
document African-American history, 2) to write a book on the blacklisting of African-Americans in the arts in the 20th
century
America, and 3) to develop programming and platforms for college students interested in African-American history. I know
that these goals may sound adventurous, but in the words of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., I am going to “Keep the Faith Baby!”

DROPPING IN ON MARIAN HAYES AT CAFÉ YEYE
Photography by Tony Smith
ON THE SCENE

About Marian Hayes
I call myself ‘a Brown Baby’ because I was born in 1954, the
year of Brown vs the Board of Education. A life-long Chicago-
an, raised on the south side, I have had the privilege of pursu-
ing, harnessing and relinquishing the proverbial “American
Dream”. A student of ‘permission transfer’ in the late 60s, I
attended Hubbard High and was one of less than twenty-five
Black students in the school. Graduation lead me to the Univer-
sity of Illinois Chicago, thru the efforts of my late mother, Bet-
tye Lou Hayes. She took two of my sister and me to the famous
basement in the Ada B. Wells complex where the Silas Purnell
asked his standard question; “Do you want to go college?” I
really did not, I wanted to be a dancer with the Darlene Black-
burn group, but I knew my mother wanted us all to be college
educated, so I said yes.
College introduced me to portions of the Black Arts Movement
through the classes of the poet Sterling Plumpp. I also met har-
monica playing Blues man Billy Branch and through him I met
a multicity of people - spiritual, Gut-bucket, poetic, theatrical
and musical. Some like the late Oscar Brown Jr., Willie Dixon
and pianist Jimmie Walker and of course Palm Tavern’s Gerri
Tolliver. But, unlike Billy, I did not earn by college degree at
UICC, but decades later, I earned two at Chicago State Univer-
sity.
If I told you, I had a dream, you may think of Dr. King; yet I
did have a dream about a treasure of remnants of fabric, a
sword and the word ‘reconquistadore’. All of these is briefly
shared in a book by photographer Roland Freeman; ‘A Com-
munion of the Spirits’. I started making patchwork quilts which
lead to teaching at Urban Gateways, thanks to Billy Branch and
Susan Eluertrio. Since Billy was involved with a whole range
of arts and cultural people, I just tagged along with him, as well
as explored by passion for dance.
I was one of the many who use to go to Washington Park’s
field house on Sundays and dance to the drums of Alyso’s
troupe. Through that network plus being in Mr. Plumpps clas-
ses, I learned about Val Gray Ward’s Kuumba Theater and
many other cultural venues. Then I heard about Dr. Margaret
Burroughs various Arts and Crafts ventures, started displaying
my quilts and meeting other cultural arts people.
Tell us about your start at the Chicago State University Radio
Station.
In 1999 after being downsized from IBM I limped back to
college to finally complete my B.A. degree in communica-
tions. I enrolled in Chicago State University (CSU) via Project
Success. I only needed 25 credit hours, yet I stayed 5 years, all
of which I had a radio show. Being a former speech and com-
munication major at University of Illinois at Chicago I felt
obligated to continue what I had learned. Yet after graduating
in 2004 and returning to earn a degree in Art, I was inspired to
really stick with radio production/hosting. In 2008, I did a
study-abroad in Nice, France via CSU and came back deter-
mined to reproduce the vibe in music that I heard in France.
Yet it was only this year, after 8 years of producing, that I feel
my show ‘Café Yeye: Just Jazz’ has a serious mission. I truly
have to thank Professor Arthur Reese (formerly of CSU pro-
fessor CMAT) for having faith in my vision for Café Yeye
and also our present station manager Troi Tyler for encourage
me to do just Jazz.
Where did the name Café Yeye come from?
The name Yeye was given to me by my eldest granddaughter
(Ayshia Johnson) when she was only 2 years old. She did not
know it, but it means Mama or Grandmamma in a West Africa
language and in Chinese it means Granddad. I added Café
because I am a foodie and I’d love to have a small Café! My
most exciting moments are when someone who I thought
would never consent to being interviewed, calls in or show up.
Examples: Julie Dash of Daughters of the Dust and composer
Renee Baker.
When I heard Universal Studios calling, my heart almost
stopped! The interview with Michael Swanson of Faith Films
had me so nervous, mainly because he is my cousin and alt-
hough I’m older, I really did not know how to appear totally
professional and not geeked up over the fact that he is an
award winning producer. Another exciting moment was inter-
viewing Dr. Monique Wells of the Black Paris Tours. Alt-
hough she was back in the States, just her willingness to be
interviewed was major for me. Another thing with the Café
was our Well-Read campaign. On two occasions I had ap-
proached Christopher Gardner of ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’
concerning donating a copy of his book to our campaign. Fi-
nally Mr. Gardener was on campus at CSU and I did the un-
thinkable borgarded my way up to him, grabbed his hand and
would not let it go until he agreed to sign a copy of his book
for me. I think Gerard McClendon to giving me a ticket to see
Mr. Gardener that faithful day.
Tell me about your passion for jazz
The music is the most beautiful memory of the best times of my
life as a growing child. I have a poem called ‘Mama Met a Jazz
Man’, that somewhat details the pleasant entry into a composed
state of being. Mama’s Jazz man became our step-dad and
changed our world with his kindness, support, encouragement
and his LPs. He played Miles, Coltrane, Eddie Harris, and Milt
Jackson throughout the years growing up. My Mom met a jazz
man, the late Malachi Thompson, we both attended the same
Bible study classes. I started going to the Thursday night scenes
at the Sutherland on 47th
and Cottage Grove. There I met peo-
ple, a number of Jazz greats and the poet Amira Baraka. Ari
and Kirk Brown were in one of his bands. Then I was intro-
duced to an array of Jazz greats in Chicago, including Dee Al-
exander and Harrison Bankhead. Recently, I was awarded the
opportunity to go to Jazz camp via the Jazz Institute of Chica-
go. Thorough this experience I saw the future of Jazz is ex-
tremely bright and lively!
Since I have been involved with ‘Just Jazz’, my whole world
has opened up. Recently, I was awarded the opportunity to go
to Jazz camp via the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Thorough this
experience I saw the future of Jazz is extremely bright and
lively!
Future Plans
For Café Yeye; Just Jazz, I’d love to work with Charles Heath’s
Ken Chaney Scholarship program and have a monthly Jazz
Session coupled with Dining with a D.J. Hopefully at Tuley
Park Cultural Center and even where Heath has his monthly
Jam; the Caribbean Cove on King Drive. I’d like to continue
Café Yeye at CSU and play all the CDs of Chicago’s Jazz
Greats, past/present/future.
ON THE SCENE

Seeking Sound Advice
sponsored by
Dr. Yanina Gomez, PH.D.
Co-founder of Art NXT Level
Filtering Feedback
One way or another, you’ve likely experienced someone giv-
ing you unsolicited feedback. As you wait for your extra hot,
double expresso latte or just had a baby, people are eager to
give you their feedback. There are times in which the feedback
is encouraging and powerful, yet other times it can be quite
destructive and unwelcome. When it comes to feedback, it’s
you the receiver of the feedback who is in charge. It’s up to
you whether you choose to change and how much of the feed-
back you allow to let in.
There are a few feedback-giver categories. Understanding
people’s intentions is important because it could be the differ-
ence between accepting and internalizing the feedback versus
completely rejecting it. Let me share with you 3 that, in my
experience, are quite prevalent.
1. Authentic-minded individuals. These folks tend to demon-
strate care, compassion, honesty and a legitimate desire to help
and see you succeed. They might be part of your circle or a
complete stranger. They might be where you want to be, have
walked through your shoes or perhaps is someone who truly
has your best interest in mind. Whether or not it was solicited,
their feedback is constructive, powerful and life-changing.
2. Pessimistic/downer-minded individuals - They tend to see
the negative side of everything. Oh, they are so good at it!
Somehow, they believe that they are helping you because, they
claim, they’re telling you things as they are. Those who say
that “you’re nice, but you don’t have what it takes to make it”
or “your art is not good enough to make it in the competitive
world of art.” They willingly transfer their negative vibes to
you without your consent.
3. Opinionated individuals - These are the folks who have
something to say just because. Sometimes their feedback is
constructive others not so much. They feel entitled to give you
their opinion and often believe that they supersede yours be-
cause they know what they’re talking about. They might have
good intentions but rarely come across that way.
Receiving feedback is a skill we can get better at. And identi-
fying the source and its intentions is a must. When it comes to
taking in the opinions of others, let me give you a few sugges-
tions:
1. Choose wisely! By now, you know how to identify the
source. Consider the advice and opinions of authentic-
minded people (e.g., family, friends, successful individu-
als, etc.). Anyone can provide feedback. However, these
folks tend to provide feedback that will lead to growth
and success.
2. To analyze the source, ask yourself these key questions:
a. Has this person demonstrated to have my best interest
in mind?
b. Does this person have the experience and/or
knowledge necessary to understand the big picture?
Remember that a person can have your best inten-
tions in mind but may fail to comprehend your goals.
As a result, they may likely provide you with cau-
tionary rather than productive feedback.
c. Is this person already in the place where I want to
be?
d. Am I noticing a pattern in which people are telling
me the same thing?
As you surround yourself with individuals who have a broader
perspective and are thriving to succeed, you will be motivated
to grow. However, if you surround yourself with negative and
pessimistic individuals, you will likely become influenced or
affected by their feedback in one way or another.
Don’t internalize the words of others without analyzing and
filtering the source first! Discard negative and antagonistic
words that are delivered to you. It’s your choice!
About the Writer:
Dr. Yanina Gomez, Ph.D. is the co-founder of Art NXT Level.
In 2009, she obtained her Doctorate Degree in Educational
Psychology. Before co-founding Art NXT Level, she practiced
as a school psychologist for 12 years and taught courses in
higher-education institutions in the areas of psychology and
counseling for undergraduate and graduate programs. She is a
former Gallerist at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Gomez’s insight and understanding of the psycho-
emotional issues some artists’ experiences give her the oppor-
tunity to research and develop practical resources to help them
live a fulfilling career. She facilitates seminars and creates
programs that focus on helping artists and creative minds ex-
perience success in their career. In addition, Dr. Gomez pro-
vides support to artists who desire to maintain an optimal
wholeness balance (Mind, Body, Soul). She is a mother of two
amazing children.
Follow Dr, Yanina Gomez at Art NXT Level: http://
www.theartistnextlevel.com
EDITORIALS

Arts & Cultural Strategies Inaugural Issue (Sept/Oct 2015)

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