"Kids Dream in Color" an intensive workshop series with Visual Artist and Youth Mentor Lichiban.
"Kids Dream in Color," or KDIC for short, is a part of VONY's Creative Expression Workshop series which is designed to expose students ages 8-14 to the arts and to develop their imagination skills and use it as a tool to develop communication skills and confidence in expressing ideas and feelings. Classes are intended to be fun and to encourage positive attitudes, team building and self-expression.
A view of a workshop is shown below:
"The Empire State Building of the Future"
This short documentary of a KDIC workshop chronicles a group of young students participating in a program that gave them the task of re-imagining the iconic Empire State building. The film follows the young artists as they visit the structure for inspiration, are guided in a visualization process, and mentored by professional artists to finally bring their creation to life. In creating their own versions of the building, they incorporated information they learned about environmental design, but most importantly, they included elements of themselves in a revealing way. The kids finally present their work on the final day, closing the chapter- but not the book, on a very fun and unique artistic experience. Interviews with the children, mentors, and parents provide the unique perspectives of each of those involved and affected by the program. It enabled the exploration of the capabilities of the kids' imagination and showed how they applied it to the task while staying interactive and having fun.
This workshop, keeping up with KDIC's goal of creative expression, offers but a glimpse of the kinds of project, kids will undertake in this program and the effects it can bring to their thinking and work.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
VONY still moving, Thanks to ALL
Peace and greetings to all VONY members and supporters,
I am happy to say that VONY is going strong and growing everyday. We are happy to have the network of parents, artists, educators and activists involved in the VONY mission, to empower youth and ignite community involvement to help communities socially progress. We have come a long way as a collective pushing this movement, and now, as a non-profit we hope to offer regular services and programs to communities. Hoping to enhance our level of awareness as a whole and unite people to "help each other, help the growing minds of today". ~VONY
Below you will find an updated version of our current and future projects coming soon. We are thankful for the consistent support from each and everyone of you, and a big thanks to the VONYteam that keeps the wheels turning. We look forward to seeing more of your kids in our programs/workshops and intermingling in near future events. All inquiries, please feel free contact us at the provided info below.
VOICES OF NEW YORK: "help us help the growing minds of today"
About Voices of New York
Voices of New York's mission is to provide mentors and youth media/arts programs that promote positive critical thinking skills and confidence through creative expression to youth in underserved communities, as well as to offer services and educational resources to parents and educators who seek to improve communication and interaction with their youth. In addition to these programs and services, the organization will produce events promoting community engagement and raising social awareness.
About VONYworks (Youth Programming Department: "help us help the growing minds of today")
Voices of New York provides unique progressive programs and services that heighten creativity and social awareness among our youth. The department's goal is to use 21st century learning models to develop a dynamic curriculum designed to create new content for youth, by youth. Using project based learning activities, participants will enhance their critical thinking skills and become more empowered to affect social change among their communities.
About "Kids Dream in Color"
"Kids Dream in Color" an intensive workshop series with Visual Artist, Arts advocate and Youth Mentor Lichiban.
"Kids Dream in Color" is a part of VONY's Creative Expression Workshop series which is designed to expose young people to the arts and use it as a tool to develop communication skills and confidence in expressing ideas and feelings. Classes are intended to encourage positive attitude and empower their minds to think critically, while allowing their creative talents to shine.
About Dare to Dream Project
Dare to Dream Project is a dynamic annual media arts initiative for New York City youth. Starting in January and going through June, young adults will receive hands-on professional and artistic training, culminating in a special screening of their films and multimedia projects. Program participants will be asked to make a commitment to an intensive curriculum that vigorously improves their media literacy skills and engages them with their community
About WAF (Woman's Awakening Forum)
A quarterly gathering of sisters who are entrepreneurs, artists, parents, and educators to discuss issues related to their community, especially youth. Attendees empower and motivate each other to accomplish shared goals and live up to their role model status. We believe "it takes a village to raise a child," so we use these gatherings to help our communities rise and use our natural talents to offer inspiration to each other.
About VONYspeak Youth Media/Arts Conference
An annual youth media/arts conference designed to offer an opportunity for parents, artists, and educators to receive professional development through workshops and panel discussions, in addition to viewing professional and youth made film screenings, art exhibits, and a keynote speaker presentation. The conference is focused on the exploration of new learning models, time management, arts in education, and the sharing of valuable resources specifically for those engaged in the empowerment of youth. Together learning how we can improve programs and techniques that will keep our youth engaged and stimulate their creative needs.
Company Overview
Voices of New York was founded by Suzanna Ali-O the Creative Director of the organization. She is a youth and community activist and hopes to use the creative arts and multimedia outlets to empower youth and enhance positive critical thinking for positive lifestyles and a future of healthier communities. Servicing parents, teaching artists and educators as well, with an Annual VONYspeaks Youth Media/Arts Conference, workshops, products, and listings of educational resources for their use in order to improve communication and interaction with youth.
Workshops coming soon:
* Writing development and Spoken Word Performance Workshop: Program Mentor, Suzen Baraka
* Focusing on The Future: YWAF: Young Woman's Awakening Forum: Program Mentor, Nikki Ntu
Contact info: (917) 405-5542 voicesofnewyork@gmail.com
PLEASE VISIT
www.vonyspeaks.blogspot.com
www.vonyspeak-conference.org
www.voicesofnewyork.org
I am happy to say that VONY is going strong and growing everyday. We are happy to have the network of parents, artists, educators and activists involved in the VONY mission, to empower youth and ignite community involvement to help communities socially progress. We have come a long way as a collective pushing this movement, and now, as a non-profit we hope to offer regular services and programs to communities. Hoping to enhance our level of awareness as a whole and unite people to "help each other, help the growing minds of today". ~VONY
Below you will find an updated version of our current and future projects coming soon. We are thankful for the consistent support from each and everyone of you, and a big thanks to the VONYteam that keeps the wheels turning. We look forward to seeing more of your kids in our programs/workshops and intermingling in near future events. All inquiries, please feel free contact us at the provided info below.
VOICES OF NEW YORK: "help us help the growing minds of today"
About Voices of New York
Voices of New York's mission is to provide mentors and youth media/arts programs that promote positive critical thinking skills and confidence through creative expression to youth in underserved communities, as well as to offer services and educational resources to parents and educators who seek to improve communication and interaction with their youth. In addition to these programs and services, the organization will produce events promoting community engagement and raising social awareness.
About VONYworks (Youth Programming Department: "help us help the growing minds of today")
Voices of New York provides unique progressive programs and services that heighten creativity and social awareness among our youth. The department's goal is to use 21st century learning models to develop a dynamic curriculum designed to create new content for youth, by youth. Using project based learning activities, participants will enhance their critical thinking skills and become more empowered to affect social change among their communities.
About "Kids Dream in Color"
"Kids Dream in Color" an intensive workshop series with Visual Artist, Arts advocate and Youth Mentor Lichiban.
"Kids Dream in Color" is a part of VONY's Creative Expression Workshop series which is designed to expose young people to the arts and use it as a tool to develop communication skills and confidence in expressing ideas and feelings. Classes are intended to encourage positive attitude and empower their minds to think critically, while allowing their creative talents to shine.
About Dare to Dream Project
Dare to Dream Project is a dynamic annual media arts initiative for New York City youth. Starting in January and going through June, young adults will receive hands-on professional and artistic training, culminating in a special screening of their films and multimedia projects. Program participants will be asked to make a commitment to an intensive curriculum that vigorously improves their media literacy skills and engages them with their community
About WAF (Woman's Awakening Forum)
A quarterly gathering of sisters who are entrepreneurs, artists, parents, and educators to discuss issues related to their community, especially youth. Attendees empower and motivate each other to accomplish shared goals and live up to their role model status. We believe "it takes a village to raise a child," so we use these gatherings to help our communities rise and use our natural talents to offer inspiration to each other.
About VONYspeak Youth Media/Arts Conference
An annual youth media/arts conference designed to offer an opportunity for parents, artists, and educators to receive professional development through workshops and panel discussions, in addition to viewing professional and youth made film screenings, art exhibits, and a keynote speaker presentation. The conference is focused on the exploration of new learning models, time management, arts in education, and the sharing of valuable resources specifically for those engaged in the empowerment of youth. Together learning how we can improve programs and techniques that will keep our youth engaged and stimulate their creative needs.
Company Overview
Voices of New York was founded by Suzanna Ali-O the Creative Director of the organization. She is a youth and community activist and hopes to use the creative arts and multimedia outlets to empower youth and enhance positive critical thinking for positive lifestyles and a future of healthier communities. Servicing parents, teaching artists and educators as well, with an Annual VONYspeaks Youth Media/Arts Conference, workshops, products, and listings of educational resources for their use in order to improve communication and interaction with youth.
Workshops coming soon:
* Writing development and Spoken Word Performance Workshop: Program Mentor, Suzen Baraka
* Focusing on The Future: YWAF: Young Woman's Awakening Forum: Program Mentor, Nikki Ntu
Contact info: (917) 405-5542 voicesofnewyork@gmail.com
PLEASE VISIT
www.vonyspeaks.blogspot.com
www.vonyspeak-conference.org
www.voicesofnewyork.org
Friday, October 16, 2009
Post Conference: UPDATE
Though late in updating the blog, a lot has been shared via facebook and twitter which are on the left hand side of this page, free for those of you to join and stay updated on VONY progress, current news, events and info. Here is a list of events and news that have happened since our VONYspeak Youth Media/Arts Conference and Benefit!
We got to participate in ROCK THE BLOCK on Aug 15th 2009. An all day Artist Emergence Day long festival. Full of street vendors, fashion shows, performances, art exhibits, ect. VONY got to host the Word Sound Soul Lounge at Rebar. Hosted by Laura DEE VONY's favorite personality and activist and Spoken Word Artist Suzen Baraka(emerging VONY Teacing Artist. Artists like Oveous Maximus, Jeff Dess, Rainmaker, Tresure the Empress, Ihsan and many more were performing their spoken word, songs and sharing their love and wisdom with all. Also VONY'S very own Joel Mejia got to screen his film MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE PASSAGE exclusively at the Word Sound Soul Lounge!
Also in other parts of the festival VONY program director and teaching artist LICHIBAN was spreading her talents as a visual artist and painted in the Canvas & Chaos BK Runway show! Nikki NTU shared her voice and performed her music during the event. A full day of art exchange and NYC Artist spotlight!
here are some pics from the event and trailer of the film!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS:
Middle School/Middle Passage (The Journey)
Brownsville, New York is a tough neighborhood for young people. Plagued by its history of gang violence, drug dealing, low graduation rates and low self-esteem, the neighborhood schools represent the struggle to survive with as little bit of resources possible.
Middle School/Middle Passage (The Journey) is a raw and revealing documentary about an innovative arts program and the inspiring stories of teachers and students growing as they learn more about their African and Native American history.
ALSO: We had the pleasure of hitting up RISE UP RADIO on WBAI 99.5 FM with host TASTYKEISH, who showed love and support and gave VONY an opportunity to come on and broadcast live as her guests. Founder and Creative Director Suzanna-O and Visual Artist/Youth Mentor LICHIBAN, discussed the KIDS DREAM IN COLOR workshops, DARE TO DREAM PROJECT and The Movement that VONY is! Definitely shout out to everyone at the WBAI RISE UP RADIO crew and especially Keisha for inviting VONY to the show! Peace n lite Sue!
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE BROADCAST OF RISE UP RADIO SEPT 4TH RECORDING!
We got to participate in ROCK THE BLOCK on Aug 15th 2009. An all day Artist Emergence Day long festival. Full of street vendors, fashion shows, performances, art exhibits, ect. VONY got to host the Word Sound Soul Lounge at Rebar. Hosted by Laura DEE VONY's favorite personality and activist and Spoken Word Artist Suzen Baraka(emerging VONY Teacing Artist. Artists like Oveous Maximus, Jeff Dess, Rainmaker, Tresure the Empress, Ihsan and many more were performing their spoken word, songs and sharing their love and wisdom with all. Also VONY'S very own Joel Mejia got to screen his film MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE PASSAGE exclusively at the Word Sound Soul Lounge!
Also in other parts of the festival VONY program director and teaching artist LICHIBAN was spreading her talents as a visual artist and painted in the Canvas & Chaos BK Runway show! Nikki NTU shared her voice and performed her music during the event. A full day of art exchange and NYC Artist spotlight!
here are some pics from the event and trailer of the film!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICS:
Middle School/Middle Passage (The Journey)
Brownsville, New York is a tough neighborhood for young people. Plagued by its history of gang violence, drug dealing, low graduation rates and low self-esteem, the neighborhood schools represent the struggle to survive with as little bit of resources possible.
Middle School/Middle Passage (The Journey) is a raw and revealing documentary about an innovative arts program and the inspiring stories of teachers and students growing as they learn more about their African and Native American history.
ALSO: We had the pleasure of hitting up RISE UP RADIO on WBAI 99.5 FM with host TASTYKEISH, who showed love and support and gave VONY an opportunity to come on and broadcast live as her guests. Founder and Creative Director Suzanna-O and Visual Artist/Youth Mentor LICHIBAN, discussed the KIDS DREAM IN COLOR workshops, DARE TO DREAM PROJECT and The Movement that VONY is! Definitely shout out to everyone at the WBAI RISE UP RADIO crew and especially Keisha for inviting VONY to the show! Peace n lite Sue!
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE BROADCAST OF RISE UP RADIO SEPT 4TH RECORDING!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Meet the V.O.N.Y speaks PANELISTS!
I can't wait for all of these artists, educators and progressive minds, to share in discussion the wonderful possibilities to allow our children to experiment with their own voices and show us what they are thinking and seeing. We can help aide the direction of their expression into a positive light by, if it's reflecting pain we can help them heal through it or if it's showing advancement we can praise it. Babies show u how to be, that's why raising children is a way of life. We learn about our selves through the eyes of a child. We need to pay more attention to what our kids are doing, because common folks don't know that, they are preparing for the future and the way they perceive the world now will dictate the aftermath of their actions. We need to raise active participants of communities, that way everyone has a use they can share to help keep society involved and resourceful for the common need for growth of progression. Everyone of these panelist's have been chosen because they are actively contributing to the youth and working with communities to raise awareness about the importance of youth developments and it's benefits for the future of mankind. Thanks again for stepping into the movement part of things..and taking part in the movement for youth empowerment!
Here is a list of the topics and panelist speaking at the 1st Annual Youth Media/Arts conference . Get to know them and their influence to communities, society and mankind as a whole.
"In An Ideal World: Brainstorming Educational Policies for the 21st Century"
Shomwa Shamapande: Communications Advisor, Writer, and Activist! Check him out below at links to articles and networks he is members of: He along with other school administrators, educators, parents and youth advocates will be speaking in the 1st Annual Voices of New York Speak Youth Media/Arts Conference panel discussions.
http://www.un.org.za/?p=78
http://www.undp.org/legalempowerment/press/
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/shom-shamapande/6/6a8/a38#h150-792 http://www.facebook.com/shomwa
Stacey Shells: Principal, educator, youth advocate.
Stacey Shells is the Founding Principal of True North Rochester Preparatory Charter School, which is a part of Uncommon Schools. She is currently set to open her second school in the fall of 2010.
Kanene Holder: Educator, Award winning actress, youth activist.
Kanene is a New York Life Graduate Fellow for the Colin Powel Center for Public Policy at City College researching the psycho-social impacts of living in urban areas and currently teaches 5th grade social studies at Harlem Children’s Zone. Her revolutionary social justice/multimedia curriculum is responsible for her students being published in the Creative Communities poetry anthology and their protest posters being exhibited at NYU, Steinhart.
Lee Turley: Special needs advocate
Lee Turley a Berklee College of Music graduate ran the only co-ed special olympics gymnastics program in metro Boston from 2003-2008. During this time he also became a consultant for the City of Cambridge public school system as a special needs advisor for their personal aides. Helped train one of his special needs athletes to become an official competing team member for the CRLS gymnastics team a first in the school's history along with training her to become a gymnastics coach as her lifelong vocation post high school implemented through the State of Massachusetts.
Kareem Hertzog: F1 in Schools Consultant USA. http://f1inschools.pitsco.com/
And last but not least is Laurie, she epitomizes the type of woman you become when you open your heart and embrace your new found role and fulfill the highest position society has and that is motherhood. Raising a son under the spectrum of Autism, Laurie has given her life to educate people on the epidemic and shares her story to of struggles with the Education/Medical system and the positive advancements made with her son Jack's learning disability.
Laurie Markiewicz: Parent, Youth advocate/Special needs educator; Ladies Love NYC Collective.
Deeply rooted in the Tri-State Area, Laurie Markiewicz (Miss Laurie/LadiesLoveNyc) has been involved in the underground hardcore/hip-hop/skate circuits for more than half of her life. Laurie packs an impressive list of credentials with extensive and nuanced work in youth development, ranging from her experience with newborns, to youth in the juvenile detention centers in New York. Laurie’s main vision and driving passion is towards bringing women to the forefront of media through the performing and visual arts, as well as fundraising for different community initiatives. Her two most recently produced and very successful events, Ladies Love Dilla & Ladies Love The Breaks, were a fundraisers for Lupus & Autism Awareness.
Other Panel themes covered.
"Rise of Teaching Artists" (Modern Day Mentors)
Stacey Alicia: Adapting CHAMP+ for South Africa: Supporting HIV+ Youth and Families,Project Director, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University.
Suzen Baraka: Spoken Word Artist and youth activist. An award-winning performer, Suzen has competed nationally in both speech forensics and in spoken word with the Newark, New Jersey Slam Team in Austin, Texas (2006), affirming her exceptional skill as an artist.
Nikki Ntu: Artist Mcee, Voices of New York's Youth Advocate and Mentor. Check out the recent release of her her Debut Album "History of Dreams". Her undeniable style fervor
infused with political and a spiritual self -expression heard from very few artists today.
http://www.myspace.com/nikkintu
Kim Alderman: Parent and Teaching Artist. Specializes in teaching youth sculptural ceramics, mixed media painting and the art of sand-painting [Rangoli] from India.
http://www.kim-alderman.com/
RIP: Founder of Writer Block, a Cultural Arts movement based in New york City. Spoken Word artist, Community Organizer and Activist.
::WEAREWRITERSBLOCK.COM::
The "Media and Identity" Panelists are Youth Media Activists addressing how media can shape the identities and culture of our children.
Here is a list of the topics and panelist speaking at the 1st Annual Youth Media/Arts conference . Get to know them and their influence to communities, society and mankind as a whole.
"In An Ideal World: Brainstorming Educational Policies for the 21st Century"
Shomwa Shamapande: Communications Advisor, Writer, and Activist! Check him out below at links to articles and networks he is members of: He along with other school administrators, educators, parents and youth advocates will be speaking in the 1st Annual Voices of New York Speak Youth Media/Arts Conference panel discussions.
http://www.un.org.za/?p=78
http://www.undp.org/legalempowerment/press/
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/shom-shamapande/6/6a8/a38#h150-792 http://www.facebook.com/shomwa
Stacey Shells: Principal, educator, youth advocate.
Stacey Shells is the Founding Principal of True North Rochester Preparatory Charter School, which is a part of Uncommon Schools. She is currently set to open her second school in the fall of 2010.
Kanene Holder: Educator, Award winning actress, youth activist.
Kanene is a New York Life Graduate Fellow for the Colin Powel Center for Public Policy at City College researching the psycho-social impacts of living in urban areas and currently teaches 5th grade social studies at Harlem Children’s Zone. Her revolutionary social justice/multimedia curriculum is responsible for her students being published in the Creative Communities poetry anthology and their protest posters being exhibited at NYU, Steinhart.
Lee Turley: Special needs advocate
Lee Turley a Berklee College of Music graduate ran the only co-ed special olympics gymnastics program in metro Boston from 2003-2008. During this time he also became a consultant for the City of Cambridge public school system as a special needs advisor for their personal aides. Helped train one of his special needs athletes to become an official competing team member for the CRLS gymnastics team a first in the school's history along with training her to become a gymnastics coach as her lifelong vocation post high school implemented through the State of Massachusetts.
Kareem Hertzog: F1 in Schools Consultant USA. http://f1inschools.pitsco.com/
And last but not least is Laurie, she epitomizes the type of woman you become when you open your heart and embrace your new found role and fulfill the highest position society has and that is motherhood. Raising a son under the spectrum of Autism, Laurie has given her life to educate people on the epidemic and shares her story to of struggles with the Education/Medical system and the positive advancements made with her son Jack's learning disability.
Laurie Markiewicz: Parent, Youth advocate/Special needs educator; Ladies Love NYC Collective.
Deeply rooted in the Tri-State Area, Laurie Markiewicz (Miss Laurie/LadiesLoveNyc) has been involved in the underground hardcore/hip-hop/skate circuits for more than half of her life. Laurie packs an impressive list of credentials with extensive and nuanced work in youth development, ranging from her experience with newborns, to youth in the juvenile detention centers in New York. Laurie’s main vision and driving passion is towards bringing women to the forefront of media through the performing and visual arts, as well as fundraising for different community initiatives. Her two most recently produced and very successful events, Ladies Love Dilla & Ladies Love The Breaks, were a fundraisers for Lupus & Autism Awareness.
Other Panel themes covered.
"Rise of Teaching Artists" (Modern Day Mentors)
Stacey Alicia: Adapting CHAMP+ for South Africa: Supporting HIV+ Youth and Families,Project Director, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University.
Suzen Baraka: Spoken Word Artist and youth activist. An award-winning performer, Suzen has competed nationally in both speech forensics and in spoken word with the Newark, New Jersey Slam Team in Austin, Texas (2006), affirming her exceptional skill as an artist.
Nikki Ntu: Artist Mcee, Voices of New York's Youth Advocate and Mentor. Check out the recent release of her her Debut Album "History of Dreams". Her undeniable style fervor
infused with political and a spiritual self -expression heard from very few artists today.
http://www.myspace.com/nikkintu
Kim Alderman: Parent and Teaching Artist. Specializes in teaching youth sculptural ceramics, mixed media painting and the art of sand-painting [Rangoli] from India.
http://www.kim-alderman.com/
RIP: Founder of Writer Block, a Cultural Arts movement based in New york City. Spoken Word artist, Community Organizer and Activist.
::WEAREWRITERSBLOCK.COM::
The "Media and Identity" Panelists are Youth Media Activists addressing how media can shape the identities and culture of our children.
Melo X: Music Producer, Artist, Youth Advocate http://melo-x.blogspot.com/
Allyson Cole: Founder of Start-up Non-profit, Create a Path, for adolescent girls on probation
that will enable them to fulfill their self-declared artistic, vocational, and educational goals.
Tiffany Richards: Film Director, Youth Media Activist. http://www.myspace.com/artistniche
Lisa Russell: Filmmaker and Activist is an Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker whose background in humanitarian and international development work has inspired her to produce films about the health and well-being of our global society. http://www.governessfilms.com/
FOR SCHEDULES ON THE PANEL TOPICS AND/OR WORKSHOPS, FILM SCREENINGS ETC, GOING ON DURING THE VONY SPEAK YOUTH MEDIA/ARTS CONFERENCE GO TO : http://vonyspeak-conference.org/
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Benefit Concert Flyer by Lichiban
Lichiban is VONY'S very own teaching artist and mentor, other then giving back to the youth she is also a talented visual artist with an extraordinary gift. I was blessed to have her design a Flyer highlighting The Voices of New York Speak Benefit concert. The Benefit Concert doors will open at 7pm and show will start at 8pm. *Also sharing the stage with BILAL, 88-Keys, and Jesse Boykins III now is Honey Larochelle check her out @ http://www.myspace.com/honeybsmusic.For a peak in to Lichiban's world go to http://lichiban.blogspot.com/.
The Youth Media/Arts Conference is happening right before the concert with in the same venue 92yTribeca a Multimedia center located in the heart of Tribeca. It will start from 2-7pm offering workshops, panels, film screenings, and activites/workshops at the Kidz Corner, a free daycare opportunity for parents that want to attend.
The benefit concert will offer guests a chance to network, mingle and celebrate our youth, while raising money for Voices of New York a non-profit organization, to provide youth media/arts programs that offer creative expression outlets to build positive critical thinking and confidence within underserved communities. To learn more please go to http://www.vonyspeak-conference.org/.
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