Lisa Beane Exhibit Opening at African American Heritage Center
The African American Heritage Center will be hosting an opening reception and artist talk with Lisa Beane, a visual artist originally from Richmond, Virginia, about her exhibit “Chapters,” which will be on display from January 10–March 30, 2014. Beane’s work focuses on contemporary culture and art history, often referencing pop culture and children’s toys and games. Beane is known for weaving multiple themes into her highly textured work.
Beane’s last exhibit in Charlottesville was five years ago. Since that time, Beane has continued her introspective journey, addressing life’s hard subjects. In the seven works that comprise “Chapters” she moves away from the ethereal concerns of her last outing, to a more emphatic commentary on human interaction. The opening reception will be on January 10, 2014 from 5:30-7:00pm.
Additionally, the Heritage Center will host the Jefferson School Foundation Gala, celebrating the Jefferson School City Center’s first year. The event, featuring food, music, and a silent auction that can also be accessed online, will also honor Teresa Jackson Walker-Price, the winner of the first annual Reflector Award, recognizing her service to the Jefferson School City Center and the community.
The award is named after the Reflector, Charlottesville’s African American newspaper published by T.J. Sellers to “reflect the progress of our community and race.” The Reflector award is given to a community member whose service embodies the core values that drive the work of the nine tenants at the City Center: activism, entrepreneurship, and social and cultural equity.
The Gala will take place from 5:30-9:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Literacy Volunteers Hosts First Training of 2014
There’s only a week left to register for Literacy Volunteers New Tutor Training, scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 9:30am to 4:00pm–and spots are filling up fast! Literacy tutors work one-on-one with adult students seeking to improve their basic literacy skills or hoping to learn English as a second language. While tutoring offers clear benefits to students–from better job opportunities to being able to communicate with their children’s teachers–it also enriches the lives of tutors.
“Many tutors feel they learn as much from their students as their students learn from them,” said Amie Whittemore, Tutor Recruitment and Communications Coordinator. Most tutors are drawn to volunteer by their desire to help others, and many continue because of the strong friendships they form with their students.
Those interested in volunteering can call Literacy Volunteers to register for next week’s training; if registration fills, potential volunteers can also sign up to find out about future trainings.
Common Ground Healing Arts Hosts Laughter Yoga Workshop Saturday January 18
Common Ground’s Laughter Yoga Workshop will be led by Leigh Meredith, a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, and centers around research suggesting we can laugh as exercise – and still get all of the social and health benefits. There are no poses or asanas in laughter yoga, but relaxation is guaranteed. Participants will fill their bodies with fresh oxygen through intentional laughter, which helps lower stress hormones and raise endorphin levels.
Meredith has been leading laughter yoga for over seven years. She began her laughter adventure as adjunct therapy for depression, so she is no stranger to anxiety and sadness. Her journey of laughter for no reason has led her to a much lighter perspective and many positive relationships founded on joy. Meredith studied in Yogaville and with the founder of laughter yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria. She has led hundreds of diverse groups, including a 6-year-old laughter club that meets at Gordon Avenue Library.
The workshop is scheduled for 2:00-4:00pm at Common Ground. The cost is $20.00.
Jefferson School City Center is a voice of the nine nonprofits located at Charlottesville’s intergenerational community center, the restored Jefferson School. We are a legacy preserved . . . a soul reborn . . . in the heart of Cville!
