Thursday, December 27, 2012
About The Day My Brain Exploded
After a full-throttle brain bleed at the age of twenty-five, Ashok Rajamani, a first-generation Indian American, had to relearn everything: how to eat, how to walk and to speak. With humor and insight, he describes the events of that day (his brain exploded just before his brother’s wedding!), as well as the long, difficult recovery period. In the process, he introduces readers to his family—his principal support group, as well as a constant source of frustration and amazement. Irreverent, coruscating, angry, at times shocking, but always revelatory, his memoir takes the reader into unfamiliar territory, much like the experience Alice had when she fell down the rabbit hole. That he lived to tell the story is miraculous; that he tells it with such aplomb is simply remarkable.
More than a decade later he has finally reestablished a productive artistic life for himself, still dealing with the effects of his injury—life-long half-blindness and epilepsy— but forging ahead as a survivor dedicated to helping others who have suffered a similar catastrophe.
More than a decade later he has finally reestablished a productive artistic life for himself, still dealing with the effects of his injury—life-long half-blindness and epilepsy— but forging ahead as a survivor dedicated to helping others who have suffered a similar catastrophe.
About Ashok Rajamani
Ashok Rajamani lives in New York City. His work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Scholars & Rogues, South Asian Review, Danse Macabre, and 3:AM Magazine. This is his first book.
www.ashokrajamani.com
www.ashokrajamani.com
Art Direction / Video Production
Ashok RajamaniTimothy D. Bellavia
Editing
HK Cut
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Contact: Gwendolyn Black, 212/665-5313
Michael Martinez, P.R. 845/201-8820
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1ST ANNUAL VISUAL ART AND JAZZ OUTDOOR ART FAIR RESCHEDULED
GUGGENHEIM FELLOW AND 2011 NEA JAZZ MASTER RANDY WESTON TO PERFORM
VISUAL ARTS AND JAZZFEST 2012—10TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Harlem, New York, August 22, 2012 –On Saturday, September 8th, 11 am – 7 pm, Artist and Curator Gwendolyn Black continues her annual Visual Arts and Jazzfest 2012 with the 1st Annual Visual Arts and Jazz Outdoor Art Fair headlined by Guggenheim Fellow and NEA Jazz Master Pianist Randy Weston.
The fair is rescheduled to take place at the Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell in Harlem at 147th Street and Bradhurst. The event will include art and photography for sale, food tastings, performances, live art, arts and crafts, along with health and wellness information.
The fair will feature some of today’s outstanding visual artists who are dedicated to supporting and preserving jazz music through their work. The fair will also include performances by many popular local jazz artists and poets.
After contributing six decades of musical direction and genius, Randy Weston remains one of the world's foremost pianists and composers today, and is a true innovator and visionary. Encompassing the vast rhythmic heritage of Africa, his global creations musically continue to inform and inspire. "Weston has the biggest sound of any jazz pianist since Ellington and Monk, as well as the richest most inventive beat," states jazz critic Stanley Crouch, "but his art is more than projection and time; it's the result of a studious and inspired intelligence...an intelligence that is creating a fresh synthesis of African elements with jazz technique".
Visual artists include Sir Shadow whose “one line-one flow” jazz drawings continue to captivate audiences everywhere and artist and author Timothy D. Bellavia whose book “We Are All the Same Inside” is making an international buzz along with acclaimed artists Tafa, Sadikisha Collier, Carol Weaver, Joan Chiverton, Daren Chambers, Alfred Weeks, Frank James, James Gethers, John Van Means, Jackie Hicks, Grace Derrick, photographer Hubert Williams, jeweler Ali, wearable arts by Debra Lynn White, producer/art consultant Loris Crawford of “Off The Main” and others.
Performers included are The Bill Saxon Quartet and Atiba Kwabena's BeFo Quotet both whose musical artistry and legacy has been an important part of the New York and Harlem landscape; blues guitarist Myer Rossabi has performed at BB Kings and his debut CD “Blues is the Color” has been played on FM Radio across the US; native Pittsburgher’s Rochelle Thompson and Anthony Thompson. Ms. Thompson, who is a familiar face on the arts and culture scene here in New York, has performed internationally and throughout the NYC area and has opened for such artists as Joe Williams, David Sanborn, Ahmad Jamal, Danny Mixon and others. Anthony Thompson, who is an award winning actor, is best known for his Langston Huges’ Jesse B. Semple Blues and Jazz Alive in Harlem series which debuted here in New York at Jazz @ Lincoln Center along with Brooklyn based singing sensation Mekka Timberlake; Poets included are Layding Kaliba (who assisted with pulling the fair together) and Tony Mitchelson of the Linyak Project with guest poets David Mills, Lora Renee Tucker, Tanya Tyler, Tom Mitchelson, E.J. Antonio, and Gary Johnston along with poet/artist Nikki Williams who is currently touring her exhibition, “Beautiful, Also, are the Souls of My People.”
On hand will be Harlem Hospital’s Stop Smoking Program and MetroPlus Healthcare who will provide health and wellness information along with Countee Cullen Library who will be sharing books on jazz for young people. Families can join us in the arts and crafts tent where they can explore their own creativity and create their very own project dedicated to jazz.
Artist and curator Gwendolyn Black was inspired to create Visual Arts and Jazzfest, now in its 10th year, to further bring to the public’s eye the importance of so many visual artists who are dedicated to preserving jazz through their work. “Displaying the artists’ work through public venues such as this increases the economic base for the artists as well as enables the public to connect one on one with them states Black. Looking back it is amazing how far we have come and how important it is for this event to continue in our community and internationally.”
Sponsors include WABC-TV, who has been a supporter for the past 11 years, along with MetroPlus Healthcare. Community support has also been provided by the Citibank Financial Group at 144th Street along with K&R Realty who has been a sponsor of the jazz exhibition series since 2004.
Additional events will continue until November include an exhibition of works on jazz, in conjunction with AHRC NY, featuring a 20ft long mural dedicated to the hit tune “A Night in Tunisia” created by adults with disabilities from the AHRC day program along with community residents and professional artists; a Taste of Art and Jazz™ Gallery and Restaurant Crawl and other planned events.
For more updates you can visit www.artsandjazzfestnyc.com or www.facebook/artsandjazzfestnyc.com or contact Gwendolyn Black, Curator/Producer at 212/665-5313 or via e-mail at blackgwendolyn@hotmail.com or gwenblackarts@yahoo.com.
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Contact: Gwendolyn Black
212/665-5313
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARLEM BASED ARTS EDUCATOR AND JAZZ ENTHUSIAST TO HOST
THE 1ST ANNUAL VISUAL ART AND JAZZ DAY!
VISUAL ARTS AND JAZZFEST 2012—10TH ANNUAL
Harlem, New York, June 6, 2012 –Artist and curator Gwendolyn Black will once again present her highly anticipated cultural event: Visual Arts and Jazzfest 2012. This year marks the 10th Anniversary and the celebrations will kick off with a pre-festival event on Friday, June 15th 2012 for the 1st ANNUAL VISUAL ART AND JAZZ DAY at the Harlem Branch Library, 9 West 124h Street, between and 5th Avenue and Lenox Avenue, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. The event will present and celebrate the visual arts through Jazz and give the public an opportunity to connect with the visual artists, gain further insight about jazz, its history and its important legacy.
Gwendolyn Black, who carved out a decades-long career as a painter, arts mentor and jazz enthusiast has teamed up with the New York City Public Library in Harlem, NY for what will be an annual Visual Art and Jazz Day for all ages. The event will feature, We Are All The Same Inside®, the book and accompanying Sage doll, created by the award winning author / illustrator Timothy D. Bellavia. The special arts workshop will celebrate a message of peace and harmony among all peoples while also embracing each other’s differences. Bellavia himself has toured over a hundred schools for well over a decade, and will be using his props to share with participants of the rich and diverse Jazz singers of our times.
The Visual Arts and Jazz Day, was developed to give audiences of all ages, particularly those who have not been exposed to the music, an opportunity to gain appreciation of jazz music and learn about the connection between the two art forms. “Fusing the arts through music is my favorite way to encourage children to do research outside of what they are exposed to … workshop after workshop I see participants become so eager to learn and I am so proud of them for that” said Black. “I am thrilled to be working with Gwendolyn again and I am excited that the participants will get a chance to honor a Jazz legend of the past or even of our own time through the We Are all the Same Inside – Sage doll-making workshop” added Bellavia.
The Visual Arts and Jazz Festival, now celebrating its 10th Anniversary, will run during the months of June - August 2012. The festival was developed to further bring to the public’s eye visual artists and their works dedicated to jazz and “bring together diversified audiences in diversified spaces.”™ The festival is highlighted with special events in Manhattan and Brooklyn and will include an outdoor fair on Saturday, July 14th at the Jackie Robinson Park at Bradhurst Avenue and 145th Street.
For further information contact Gwendolyn Black, Curator/Producer at 212/665-5313 or via e-mail at blackgwendolyn@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook/artsandjazzfestnyc.com.
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Monday, May 7, 2012
Tea for Three: My Mom, My Doll and Me Benefit for the Historical Society
Cos Cob, May 12th
Admission: $75/$65
What could make an afternoon with your favorite girls even better? A multi-generational family event to benefit the Historical Society! On Saturday, May 12, the Historical Society will be serving up tea and treats by the renowned Royal Tea Company, who has catered to "royalty" from the Duchess of York to "queen" of domestic arts Martha Stewart. Guests are encouraged to dress in teatime finery--including fancy hats--and to bring their favorite dolls appropriately attired. There will be a trunk show offering American Girl-doll-sized fashions including dresses, casual outfits, shoes and accessories designed especially for the event. Award-winning children's author, illustrator and educator Timothy Bellavia will lead a 30-minute doll-making workshop that will feature exclusive numbered and stonewashed cloth dolls created especially for the event and honoring notable Greenwich women.
Participants will individualize their dolls using yarn, lace, trim, notions, beads, rhinestones and more, and share them over tea. There will also be prizes and a raffle for fabulous items every girl will love. Saturday, May 12, 2012 Two seatings: 1:00 to 2:30 pm and 3:30 to 5:00 pm Vanderbilt Education Center, Greenwich Historical Society 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT 06807 Adults $75; Children $65 (kindergarten and older please) To reserve, visit www.greenwichhistory.org
For More Information:
Sponsor: Greenwich Historical Society
Address: 39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT
Phone: 203-869-6899
Website: http://www.hstg.org
Saturday, April 14, 2012
A Family Benefit
What could make an afternoon with your favorite girls even better? A multi-generational family event to benefit the Historical Society! On Saturday, May 12, we'll be serving up tea and treats by the renowned Royal Tea Company, who has catered to "royalty" from the Duchess of York to Martha Stewart, queen of domestic arts.
Guests are encouraged to dress in teatime finery–including fancy hats–and to bring their favorite dolls appropriately attired. There will be a trunk show offering American Girl-doll-sized fashions including dresses, casual outfits, shoes and accessories designed especially for the event.
Award-winning children's author, illustrator and educator Timothy D. Bellavia will lead a 30-minute doll-making workshop that will feature exclusive numbered and stonewashed dolls honoring notable Greenwich women and created specially for the event. Participants will individualize their dolls using "hair," yarn, lace, trim, notions, beads, rhinestones and more, and share them over tea. There will also be prizes and a raffle for fabulous items every girl will love.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Two Seatings 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Vanderbilt Education Center
39 Strickland Road, Cos Cob CT
Adults: $75; Children $65 - limited to kindergarten and older, please.
Click here to reserve or call 203-869-6899, Ext. 10.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Part of the Niagara Frontier and located in the western area of New York
State, Orleans County covers a total area of 817 square miles, of which 426
square miles are water. The high proportion of water is due to the extension
of Orleans County north into Lake Ontario to the Canadian border (a line
of latitude running through the middle of the lake). For this reason, the
legend of the Milan, the sunken schooner, is included in these pages, along
with Orleans County's notable citizens. George Pullman of railroad car
fame, Santa Claus School founder Charlie Howard, and children's author Timothy D. Bellavia.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
With recent events and sadness over the young teen Trayvon Martin. I began to think of the lyrics of the Jimmy Webb classic song: Let Brown Begin. They are posted below. Ponder. Tweet. Share. Love. Peace. xx
Jimmy Webb"s "When Can BROWN Begin"
To my mind it always seems a little strange
That people won't do the things
You know they ought to
Some folks say the world, it never gonna change
But in my heart I do believe
Those are the folks who guide to
Can't or for not to
The day turns bright and night turns wonderful
Twilight never really brings into an end
If white is right and black is beautiful,
Lord, tell me when can brown begin
Tell me, people, when can brown begin
Fire and water won't be mixed in, so they say
But I've seen the steamclouds
Floating high and free
Salt and pepper don't get in each other's way
No, they just cooked together
And when they don't agree, they just let each other be
The day turns bright and night turns wonderful
Twilight never really brings into an end
If white is right and black is beautiful,
Lord, tell me when can brown begin
Tell me, people, when can brown begin
(repeat til fade)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Here a former graduate student from Touro College in the School of Education has her class show off their "Simple No-Sew Books with a Spine". This book-making activity and other project based learning crafts are in the "Paper, Scissors & Magic: How to Get Your Kids to LOVE Books". Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Contact: Wayland Timme
Telephone: 212-685-8632
Email: dollworkshops@weareallthesameinside.com
“DASHA, PRISCILLA AND THE TALENT SHOW” DEBUTS AT #6 ON AMAZON’S CHILDREN’S BOOK CHART
New book from Elaine Nikolakakos, Ed.D., and from award-winning author Timothy D. Bellavia, on the Sage Book imprint
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Combining America’s infatuation with singing contests and the recent disturbing trend in school bullying, “Dasha, Priscilla and the Talent Show” is a picture book for children aged 4-8 that stresses the importance of self-confidence in helping to overcome discouragement and teasing.
The book, with text by Elaine Nikolakakos and Timothy D. Bellavia and illustrations by Bellavia, is published by the T.I.M.M.-E. Company, Inc. in New York. An acronym for “Tolerance In Multi-Media Education,” the company was created by Bellavia as a way to promote peace, tolerance and acceptance for our common humanity.
The company’s publishing history began with the first book, “We Are All the Same Inside” (2000), which featured the character Sage. The book was cross-promoted with a doll-making curriculum. Bellavia has continued to offer the workshops worldwide ever since, including an appearance with the Anti-Defamation League and the We Are Family Foundation at the United Nations in 2003. A tenth anniversary commemorative edition (also in Spanish and French) came out in 2010. Dasha and Priscilla are characters from the first book.
Since 2000, Bellavia has published ten more books. Only one, “Pieces of Ice: An Autobiographical, Tell-All, Picture Book” (2009), was aimed at adults—the story of his own overcoming being “different” and being bullied. Bellavia says, “… As an educator, I am relieved that there is the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in the state of New York, which is basically protecting any student from persistent teasing, harassment or bullying.”
Nikolakakos, a former New York City Assistant Principal with a doctoral degree in education leadership, heads a graduate literacy program and has spent over thirty years promoting literacy education, from kindergarten to college. “All children have the right to attend school in a safe, welcoming, and caring environment,” she says. “It is my hope that this book will gently promote tolerance and acceptance in our society.
“Dasha, Priscilla and the Talent Show” is available at all major online retailers. For more information, go to www.weareallthesameinside.com or www.timothydbellavia.com. Call 212-685-8632 above to make an appointment to speak with one of the authors or to arrange to have a workshop come to your educational facility.
###
Telephone: 212-685-8632
Email: dollworkshops@weareallthesameinside.com
“DASHA, PRISCILLA AND THE TALENT SHOW” DEBUTS AT #6 ON AMAZON’S CHILDREN’S BOOK CHART
New book from Elaine Nikolakakos, Ed.D., and from award-winning author Timothy D. Bellavia, on the Sage Book imprint
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Combining America’s infatuation with singing contests and the recent disturbing trend in school bullying, “Dasha, Priscilla and the Talent Show” is a picture book for children aged 4-8 that stresses the importance of self-confidence in helping to overcome discouragement and teasing.
The book, with text by Elaine Nikolakakos and Timothy D. Bellavia and illustrations by Bellavia, is published by the T.I.M.M.-E. Company, Inc. in New York. An acronym for “Tolerance In Multi-Media Education,” the company was created by Bellavia as a way to promote peace, tolerance and acceptance for our common humanity.
The company’s publishing history began with the first book, “We Are All the Same Inside” (2000), which featured the character Sage. The book was cross-promoted with a doll-making curriculum. Bellavia has continued to offer the workshops worldwide ever since, including an appearance with the Anti-Defamation League and the We Are Family Foundation at the United Nations in 2003. A tenth anniversary commemorative edition (also in Spanish and French) came out in 2010. Dasha and Priscilla are characters from the first book.
Since 2000, Bellavia has published ten more books. Only one, “Pieces of Ice: An Autobiographical, Tell-All, Picture Book” (2009), was aimed at adults—the story of his own overcoming being “different” and being bullied. Bellavia says, “… As an educator, I am relieved that there is the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) in the state of New York, which is basically protecting any student from persistent teasing, harassment or bullying.”
Nikolakakos, a former New York City Assistant Principal with a doctoral degree in education leadership, heads a graduate literacy program and has spent over thirty years promoting literacy education, from kindergarten to college. “All children have the right to attend school in a safe, welcoming, and caring environment,” she says. “It is my hope that this book will gently promote tolerance and acceptance in our society.
“Dasha, Priscilla and the Talent Show” is available at all major online retailers. For more information, go to www.weareallthesameinside.com or www.timothydbellavia.com. Call 212-685-8632 above to make an appointment to speak with one of the authors or to arrange to have a workshop come to your educational facility.
###
Thursday, March 15, 2012
We are pleased to share that Sherlie Matthews's new book -- "Half as Much" is NOW available. Sherlie Matthews, carved out a decades-long career as a singer, record producer and songwriter working with the likes of GOLD and PLATINUM recording artists and dozens more household names from the pop music pantheon, from Motown Records and beyond. The versatile vocalist has also been heard on the theme songs for the film “Mahogany” and the classic television shows “Wonder Woman” and “The Wonder Years.” At Motown, she was known as the go-to gal for pitch!
Matthews teamed up with the T.I.M.M.-E. (Tolerance in Multi Media Education) Company for “We Are All The Same Inside: 10th Anniversary Commemorative Single” and DVD, “The Inside Story” a few years back.
Now, you can purchase Sherlie's ebook from Amazon or Kobo:
http://www.amazon.com/Half-As-Much-ebook/dp/B007INO0M6/ref=sr_1_1?
s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1331341875&sr=1-1
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Half-As-Much/book-
w6dIaPA4cE2MaMMkOLt3lQ/page1.html!
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About Me
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- Sage
- Since the year 2000, a friendly plush doll named Sage was invented to spread their message of peace and solidarity through books, digital stories and doll-making workshops.