ArtServe Hosts Virtual Series Through May 2020
Artists to engage with the community during online events
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 13, 2020) — ArtServe, recently named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, is hosting a series of virtual events during April and May to reach South Florida’s arts community and its supporters sheltered at home due to COVID-19.
The virtual events include series such as “Meditation Mondays,” “Paint and Chat” discussions featuring interviews with artists on their techniques, and Virtual Reality Art Workshops.
“The bright light in this crisis is being able to share our artists’ message of diversity, equality and inclusion through these virtual channels, here and abroad,” ArtServe Executive Director Craig Johnson explained. “The beauty of art is that it frees your mind to soar beyond conventional boundaries like the four walls surrounding us as we shelter in place. That can become a very frustrating experience and we are here to help with that.”
During the temporary closure, ArtServe is utilizing its Facebook page, Facebook Live, Zoom and Instagram @artservefla to host these visual art experiences, provide updates and share event news. The public can join in the following (all times EST):
Meditation Mondays: With stress levels soaring, ArtServe has launched “Meditation Mondays” to help virtual viewers relax and restore themselves every Monday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. through May 18. Artist Alissa Christine will take viewers on a guided meditation and journey within her virtual reality artwork each week to focus on the energy centers of the corresponding chakra and a different portion of the virtual reality painting will be explored. To participate, click here on ArtServe’s Facebook page.
#Trending Tuesdays: ArtServe’s monthly #TrendingTuesdays event will continue online on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. with 20- to 30-minute performances and artist-led discussions of emerging, experimental or repertory work. The goal is to introduce audiences to artists who are working at the intersection of art and social impact. ArtServe is providing a platform for guests to dialogue with artists about the creative process and their sources of inspiration.
Performer Spotlight: ArtServe will interview artists from performing and visual arts including music and poetry.
Art & Chat/Paint & Chat: Each chat session features an interview and/or demonstration with an artist who will demonstrate and discuss his or her unique techniques with the audience. To participate, go to ArtServe’s Facebook Events page here. Schedule is as follows:
6-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 17: Artist Melissa Vlahos
3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18: Artist Jill Lefkowitz
6-7 p.m. Friday, April 24: Artist Lizzy Taber
3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29: Artist Erin Bassett
1-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6: Performing Artist Michelle Rose Domb
3-4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14: Filmmaker Dudley Alexis
3-4 p.m. Sunday, May 17: Performing Artist Darius Daughtry
Panel Discussions/Forums: Thursday, April 23 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arts Publishers Panel Discussion with Sugarcane Magazine, ArtHive, and CultureOwl on the state of the arts with publishers of cultural content
Virtual Reality Arts Workshops: Hang out with Global Tilt Brush Paint-Off Winner Alissa Christine and special guests as she paints live in virtual reality and shares how she blends the boundaries of art, wellness and technology with her pioneering 3D light sculpture paintings at 8 pm. on Wednesday, April 15 and Wednesday, April 22.
ArtServe’s virtual programming has been so successful that Johnson indicated it will become part of the organization’s regular post-crisis long-term business plan.
“The pandemic is challenging us all to adapt to entirely new circumstances. Motivated to act in these very sad times, artists and arts leaders are flexing their creativity to keep art flowing into our community. This is the time humanity most needs the language, beauty and healing power of art, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” Johnson added. “Bolstering our virtual programming was scheduled as part of our 2021 strategic plan, but we must act now. ArtServe is fortunate to have the organizational nimbleness and incredible pool of talent to guarantee the arts reach the people, employ our artists and contribute to the world’s recovery.”
ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good. ArtServe is accepting donations here or at artserve.org to help the non-profit continue to support arts activism initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Each year its programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, help 2,000 artists sell their work and build businesses, and engage countless citizens who walk through the doors. To do this, they need the community’s help through donations, sponsorships and memberships.
Requests and questions about the ArtServe facility or programs can be emailed to [email protected].
About ArtServe
Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe – one of the country’s first arts incubators – has a 30-year history of building Broward County communities through the arts. Each year its programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, help 2,000 artists sell their work and build businesses, and engage countless citizens who walk through the doors. ArtServe in 2020 will continue its transformation into a creative laboratory, a hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts. It is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Florida’s Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. www.artserve.org