The Latest

ArtsRising facilitated a career awareness session yesterday between youth affiliated with the Junior Garden Club/Frankford Neighborhood Advisory Committee and the co-founders of A Cupcake Wonderland at the Globe Dye Works factory in Frankford.  The group was introduced to Lilly Fischer and Nima Etemadi, of A Cupcake Wonderland, and toured their kitchen, which is located in the newly renovated factory space. The meeting demonstrated the potential for garden-to-table links in the community and showcased how creative expression can be the basis of small business ownership.

Throughout the tour, Lilly and Nima spoke about their experience growing small a business rooted in passion and creativity. The young people asked questions throughout the tour and were particularly curious about what it was like to be a contestant on the Food Network Show “Cupcake Wars.” Lilly highlighted that hard work and risk-taking are cornerstones of small business ownership and explained that the lasting impression of her TV success was the validation the effort she put into her dream of having her own cupcake business. Lilly and Nima also reflected on the ways that education, persistence, creativity and community engagement can come together to create one’s livelihood.

This meeting was the result of collaboration between ArtsRising and the Frankford Community Development Corporation, an organization who sees the importance of creating links between youth and small businesses the Frankford community.

Last night, an enthusiastic crowd of Olney residents were treated to an array of vocal talent through the performances of five local choirs: three public school and two church choirs.  They raised the roof of the auditorium of the Grover Washington Jr. Middle School who hosted the event.  ArtsRising produced the event in collaboration with various stakeholders in the community.

Performances were given by the choirs of Grover Washington, Feltonville School of Arts & Sciences, Lowell Elementary School, The Haitian Catholic Community of North Philadelphia and St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

City Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco of the 9th District spoke at the event and made an impassioned plea for parents to help her fight for their children's education in light of the looming school district budget cuts.  She championed the cause of the community coming together for the event under the banner of arts education.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to learn about a myriad of summer arts and camp opportunities for their children at a Family Resource Fair in the lobby.

ArtsRising would like to thank the following for their indelible contributions to organizing the amazing night:

• Terry Pearsall Hargett, Principal, Grover Washington Jr. Middle School - Event Planning Committee
• Alex Cifelli, Choir Director, Grover Washington Jr. Middle School - Event Planning Committee
• Pastor Rodney Kopp, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Event Planning Committee
• Sheila Booker, Choir Director, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Event Planning Committee
• Pastor Randy Barge, Olney Presbyterian Church - Event Planning Committee
• Philip Greene, North 5th Street Revitalization Project - Event Planning Committee
• Melissa Talley Palmer - Grover parent & Event Producer/Volunteer Coordinator
• Franco Rosado, Deep Sea Entertainment - Event Support and Master of Ceremonies
• Parents / Volunteers including Mrs. Palmer's mom, Mark Palmer and James
• All Participating Vendors

The event was made possible by:  PECO | North 5th Revitalization Project | Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco

The 7th graders from Class C-730 at Harding Middle School culminated their partnership with Walnut Street Theatre by presenting two dramatic works to their younger peers at Sullivan Elementary School on Monday.  The pieces explored the effects of bullying in school in all its forms including cyber-bullying.  They also addressed strategies on how to combat bullying.

This program expanded on work that was initially begun last year at Harding. 

Walnut Street's Teaching Artists Ashley Kerns, Khris Davis and Holly Yokley facilitated the year-long residency along with three Harding teachers - Mr. Pollock, Mr. McGowen and Mr. Tietz.

This program was a pilot for Walnut Street Theatre which they hope to solidify into a replicable national model.

ArtsRising, along with a myriad of community partners, are hosting the Kensington Summer Youth EXPO on Saturday, May 12 from 12 pm - 4 pm in the playground of Stetson Charter School.

The event seeks to connect local youth and families with up to 25 different youth service providers in the neighborhood and city.  Many of the vendors run arts programs during the summer and throughout the year.

The event will also feature live performances by local performance groups featuring youth, food and fun!  The EXPO is free of charge.

ArtsRising partners include: PhillyRising, Kensington EPIC Stakeholders, Graduation Coach Campaign, Goodlands, New Kensington CDC and ASPIRA.

We would also like to acknowledge the following for their vital contributions:

• Stetson teachers George Dennis & John Seman for spinning the music
• Keystone Mercy Health Plan, Graduation Coach Campaign and Richie for donations of food and drinks
• Cheryl Lawrence at Lighthouse Family Community Church for supplying the youth volunteers
• All other event volunteers
• Stetson Charter School for use of their facility