About the Festival of Colors

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in

The 2010 Festival of Colors is a month-long celebration of that which nourishes and sustains our creative bodies and spirits. Through various workshops, performances and communal events, the festival serves to inspire and reveal the vibrant nature of our neighborhood.

Included among this year's events are workshops in dance, fabric dyeing/textile design and Japanese taiko drumming. By collaborating with various local businesses, vendors and community members, we will also provide exciting events throughout the month: a farmers market, movie night, musical performances and neighborhood beautification project and more!

OPEN CALL for Art Vendors & Community Organizations!

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in

The Festival of Colors still has room to accommodate any new artists or vendors who may be interested in participating in July. We are looking to support emerging artists as well as looking for organizations or individuals who may be interested in selling items during our Final Fête, which will be taking place on July 25, 2010 from 1-7pm. Because we are also supportive of community endeavors, we are also open to organizations in the surrounding community that may be interested in tabling at the event.

Also, if you are an educator or artist who may be interested in facilitating an activity (i.e. arts and crafts for kids, poetry workshops, open-mic), please know that we are open to your ideas. We want to fill July with many events that our communities can tap into.

About The Village@Gureje:
The Village@Gureje Renate Albertsen-Marton Gallery is an all round hub for community activities ranging from serving as a meeting place for artist, local art organizations or groups, to product launching and development. We provide various assistance to artists through our cooperative residence program in MUSIC, VISUAL ART and THEATER by offering individual or groups to celebrate both talents and interest that generate a learning experience that is both planned and spontaneous.
These programs have been carefully designed to enhance self awareness, spiritual growth and a warm experience through community importance, peace and love for all. The Village @ Gureje is proudly supported by the proceed from our loyal patrons of Gureje Inc.

If you are interested in tabling at the Final Fete, please download and submit our VENDOR FORM

Thank you very much,
Mari Nakano
2010 Festival of Colors
Event Coordinator

For inquiries, please contact me at mari.nakano@gmail.com
You may also stop by The Village@Gureje, 886 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11238 or call 718-857-2522

July 22nd Youth Art Show

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Community Festival, Micro Events

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Art work by North Queens Community High School students centers around the themes of city living and urban identity. Growing up in the city, feeling its round-the-clock pulse, and seeing new buildings and new people rise up in the neighborhoods creates a constant sense of movement and expectation. A human being has the power to enter a new environment; to change it, to create a new one from scratch. Sometimes, a stranger's glance, an open fire hydrant, or the jagged NYC skyline can shift the mood; sometimes, an inner impulse to take in one’s surroundings comes out in the form of art. The medium is unimportant as long as the artist is in the moment, expressing the self through the rhythm of the city.

Urban Landscapes: through my eyes is an art exhibition and sale of the work of young artists from North Queens High
School. The students were led by instructor, Natalia Margulis. All artwork is for sale, and all proceeds will go to supporting the arts at North Queens High School.
The show will run until AUGUST 25th and will also be shown at The Festival of Colors Fête on Sunday, July 25th.

OPENING RECEPTION
Thursday, July 22, 2010
5:00pm-7:00pm
Renate Albertson Marton Gallery
The Village @ Gureje
886 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, New York
(btwn. Washington & Underhill Ave.)
718-857-2522
thevillage@gureje.com
The show will run through August 25th, 2010.

July 25th Community Fete!

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Community Festival

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The Festival of Colors will be holding its First Annual Fete this Sunday, July 25th from 1-7pm. Events include:
- Performances on the hour by Tamango, Ethel Calhoun, Kaoru Watanabe and more!
- Artistan booths (food, clothing, jewelry and more!)
- A kids arts and crafts booth
- North Queens High School Youth Art Sale
- Workshops in figure drawing and dance

All events are free an open to the public. Workshops are open to all ages/levels of experience.

WHERE?
The Village @ Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington), Brooklyn, NY

WHEN?
Sunday, July 25th

WHAT TIME?
1-7pm

QUESTIONS/INQUIRIES:
E-mail Mari Nakano, Event Coordinator: mari.nakano@gmail.com, or
Call The Village @ Gureje: 718-857-2522

SEE YOU THERE!

JUST ADDED! WORKSHOP: Basics in Dyeing Techniques

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Workshops

REGISTRATION STATUS: THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

DATES:
Saturday, July 17, 2010, 12pm-3pm

INSTRUCTOR: 'jimi Gureje, Textile Artist & Designer, Founder of Gureje, Inc.

BIO: ‘Jimi Gureje is the master artist in front of textile art and design at GUREJE. He is a master of color and the interplay of color in the fabrics. His techniques are as ancient as the world and as modern as today.

‘Jimi hails from Nigeria where he perfected his use of dye pigments and layered composition on fabric. Through color, he explores the wisdoms of nature through all spectrums. Witness some of the most sophisticated dye techniques around.

Educated in Nigeria, ‘Jimi was employed by the renowned Nigerian designer, Jimi King and exhibited his works in various life forms while in Nigeria, locally, including residence exhibitions at the Goethe Institute, Lagos and Hamburg University, Hamburg Germany.

LOCATION:
Renate Albertson-Marten Gallery at Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-857-2522
Directions: C train to Clinton/Washington or subway to Atlantic Ave to B45 or B65 bus

DESCRIPTION:
A two hour interactive workshop with career artist and medium illustrator: ‘Jimi Gureje.

This introductory workshop teaches and discusses basic dyeing techniques and resulting pattern creations.
Participants with or without prior dye work experience in textile art shall watch demonstrations and processes with the resulting print and pattern creations by the artist. Each shall in-turn engage in similar process assisted by the instructor.

A special ‘breathe new life into a garment’ exercise shall allow participant to recreate a garment of their own using similar process.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Fee: $50.00*
Maximum Number of Participants: 20 students
Attendance Requirements: Must be 18 years or over due to the use of dye chemicals.
*Fee includes materials and supplies.

Note: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class for materials setup.

HOW TO REGISTER:
Download Registration Form or,
Contact: info@gureje.com or call 718-857-2522

WORKSHOP: The Work of Dye-A Fabric Relation Workshop

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Workshops

TITLE: The Work of Dye: A Fabric Relation Workshop

REGISTRATION STATUS:
Session 1: THIS EVENT HAS PASSED
Session 2: THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

DATES:
Session 1: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 12pm-3pm
Session 2: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 12pm-3pm

INSTRUCTOR: 'jimi Gureje, Textile Artist & Designer, Founder of Gureje, Inc.

BIO: ‘Jimi Gureje is the master artist in front of textile art and design at GUREJE. He is a master of color and the interplay of color in the fabrics. His techniques are as ancient as the world and as modern as today.

‘Jimi hails from Nigeria where he perfected his use of dye pigments and layered composition on fabric. Through color, he explores the wisdoms of nature through all spectrums. Witness some of the most sophisticated dye techniques around.

Educated in Nigeria, ‘Jimi was employed by the renowned Nigerian designer, Jimi King and exhibited his works in various life forms while in Nigeria, locally, including residence exhibitions at the Goethe Institute, Lagos and Hamburg University, Hamburg Germany.

LOCATION:
Renate Albertson-Marten Gallery at Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-857-2522
Directions: C train to Clinton/Washington or subway to Atlantic Ave to B45 or B65 bus

DESCRIPTION:
A hands-on workshop with career artist and medium illustrator, ‘jimi Gureje. This workshop shall focus on the fundamentals and evolution of the art of textile dyeing. From inception to finish, the workshop focuses on the dye process in relation to fabric and some fibers in a life long study enhanced through prints and designs. The workshop samples cotton, silk and denim in a 3-day study instructed by artist, ‘Jimi Gureje.

The workshop will also discuss and teach basic dye techniques, pattern creations, fabric embellishments, fabric treatments with or without dye, including discussion of African symbols and embroidery patterns.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Fee: $200 per session, 2 classes for $365.
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 students per session
Attendance Requirements: Must be 18 years or over due to the use of dye chemicals. This workshop is meant for those who are serious about fabric dyeing techniques and textile designs.
*Fee includes all supplies (fabric, dye, chemicals, buckets, gloves, stove, etc.) and snacks.

Note: Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class for materials setup.

HOW TO REGISTER:
Download Registration Form or,
Contact: info@gureje.com or call 718-857-2522

WORKSHOP: KWTC Taiko Intensive & Exchange

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Workshops

TITLE: Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Intensive & Exchange

REGISTRATION STATUS: SORRY! THIS SESSION IS FULL.
Please inquire if you are interested in observing the workshops.

DATE:Friday July 23- Sunday July 25, 2010

INSTRUCTOR: Kaoru Watanabe

LOCATION:
Renate Albertson-Marten Gallery at Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-857-2522
Directions: C train to Clinton/Washington or subway to Atlantic Ave to B45 or B65 bus

DESCRIPTION:
For experienced taiko players seeking to improve their technique, develop a deeper understanding of the
mechanics of hitting the taiko, a broadening of their approach to improvisation and composition, refine their
movement and presence on stage, to encourage an exchange of knowledge, philosophies, experience with taiko.

SCHEDULE:*
Friday evening: 7pm to 10pm
HOMEDASHI constructive criticisms: participants will perform an excerpt of any piece of their choosing, something
that represents the best of their taiko playing. Others will be urged to make comments, ask questions - generating
a dialogue on issues of form, rhythm, technique, origin, etc. The goal is to SHARE different techniques, rhythms,
pieces, expressions, etc and to develop a critical eye, and to be more comfortable giving and receiving criticism in a
positive way.

Saturday morning: 9am to 11:30am
UGOKI standing and sitting, posture, form, exploring different ways of moving
UTSU I breakdown concepts of hitting styles- very interactive and hands on with an emphasis on hitting with the
left hand, using body, developing balance

Saturday afternoon: 2pm to 5pm
UTSU II continuation, stretching tips, moving stands and drums followed by work on ji pattern- teretsuku, kinjishi,
shagiri, patterns, drills on developing speed, dynamic control, power
SAHO moving drums and stands

Saturday evening: 7pm to 10pm
SOKKYO improvisation sessions- Kaoru will lead sessions exploring improvising on various ji patterns, odd meters,
free rhythm, discussions on Kabuki, Noh, Bunraku, Gagaku

Sunday morning: 9am to 11:30am
UGOKI
UTSU- an in depth look at the piece Chakuto.

Sunday afternoon: Noon onward
Festival of Colors Final Fete

*Schedule subject to change.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Fee: $250*
Maximum Number of Participants: 12
Attendance Requirements: Relative experience in the study and performance of taiko-please consult with Kaoru Watanabe at kaoru@watanabekaoru.com.
*Fee includes all meals: Friday-dinner, Saturday-all meals, Sunday-breakfast and lunch, snacks included

HOW TO REGISTER:
Contact: kaoru@watanabekaoru.com

OnnaTaiko! - Friday, July 16th@7:30pm

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Micro Events

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OnnaTaiko!
with performances by:
Minegishi Issui, one-string Japanese zither (ichigen kin)
and students of the Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center

Friday, July 16th 2010
7:30pm
$5 suggested donation

Location: The Village @ Gureje
886 Pacific Street (btwn. Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY
718-857-2522

Visit: www.watanabekaoru.com

WORKSHOP: Body Rhythms-Tap Dancing Techniques & Jazz Movement

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Workshops

TITLE: Body Rhythms: Tap Dancing Techniques & Jazz Movement

REGISTRATION STATUS:
SESSION 1: THIS EVENT HAS PASSED
SESSION 2: THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

DATE: July 17, 2010
Session 1: 3:00-5:30pm
Session 2: 6:00-7:30pm
Each session is the same.

INSTRUCTOR: Tamango

BIO: Tamango (artistic director, tap, didjeridoo, drums, spoken word) is a dancer, musician, and painter whose revolutionary approach to tap transforms his dance into music with a sharpened sense of style and awe-inspiring fluidity. Born in Cayenne, French Guyana, Tamango moved to Paris at age eight and began a formal education in art. He started tap dancing in his early twenties at the American Center in Paris and the Beaux Arts de Paris, which he left to join the "university of the streets" before moving to NYC.

Tamango created Urban Tap in 1993, forming a group of like-minded, free-style performers who share a unique vision and deep passion for improvisation and rhythm at the heart of dance and music. Urban Tap has performed in clubs throughout New York City and made its theatrical debut at The Kitchen in 1999. This show captivated critics and the public.

In addition to his work with Urban Tap, Tamango has shared the stage with dance legends Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde and has collaborated with Japanese performance artist Min Tanaka, French choreographer Philippe Decoufle, jazz artists Christian McBride, Barry Harris, Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and many others.
—Courtesy Calabash Music

For more information about Tamango, please visit: www.urbantap.org

LOCATION:
Renate Albertson-Marten Gallery at Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-857-2522
Directions: C train to Clinton/Washington or subway to Atlantic Ave to B45 or B65 bus

DESCRIPTION:
"If you can walk, you can dance."
This 1.5 hour workshop will focus on basic tap techniques and jazz movements. The session will include an overview of swing and bebop, barefoot technique and a presentation of original hoofers. Body Rhythms welcomes students of all levels.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Fee: $40 (please indicate Session 1 or Session 2)
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 (per session)
Attendance Requirements: Please bring tap shoes or leather soled shoes. No sneakers.

HOW TO REGISTER:
Contact: Karen at 718-857-2522 (Gureje) or email: The Village@gureje.com

MOVIE NIGHTS! with Ortine

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Micro Events

As part of the Festival of Colors, enjoy outdoor weekly movie nights at Ortine, just around the corner from Gureje.
Programmed by Kings County Cinema Society, Tobias Arturi and Nick Shimkin.

JULY IS ROALD DAHL MONTH!:
July 8: The Witches (1987, 90 min)
July 15: James and the Giant Peach (1996, 80 min)
July 22: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009, 85 min)
July 29: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, 100 min)

All films will start around 8:15pm and are free!

LOCATION:
622 Washington Ave. (between Pacific St. and Dean St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-622-0026

SPECIALS:
Every Monday: Homemade pasta pre-fixe for $10 with homemade focaccia and salad.
Every Saturday: Free live music starting around 8pm.

Please visit: http://ortine.com/ or visit their facebook page

FIGURE DRAWING with Enid Braun

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Micro Events

TITLE: Figure Drawing with Enid Braun

REGISTRATION STATUS: 7 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE

DATES:
Tuesdays, July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (8-sessions)
1:00pm-4:00pm

INSTRUCTOR: Enid Braun, Instructor

BIO:
Enid Braun teaches adult art classes for the Batter Park City Parks Conservancy and Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, and has also taught for the 92nd Street Y and Cooper Union in the Public Programs. Her work has been included in various group exhibitions, and she had a solo exhibit at Dresdner Bank in Julich, Germany in 1998. Besides various private collections, one of her landscapes is included in the Bond Market Association Permanent Collection, and her photographs for “Gowanus Transformations” is part of the permanent collection at the Brooklyn Historical Society. She was awarded the Dorothy Buley Pastel Artist Residency at the Vermont Studio Center. She received her BFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute and her MFA from Pratt Institute.

LOCATION:
Renate Albertson-Marten Gallery at Gureje
886 Pacific Street (between Underhill and Washington)
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-857-2522
Directions: C train to Clinton/Washington or subway to Atlantic Ave to B45 or B65 bus

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Fee: $240 for 8-sessions (includes model fee)
Maximum Number of Participants: 12 students
Registration Requirements: Open to all levels of experience, including beginners.

HOW TO REGISTER:
Please call 718-522-7552 to register and for material list and other information

KWTC Taiko Classes!

Posted by festivalofcolorsnyc in Micro Events

Throughout the month of July, the Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center will be running their regular taiko (Japanese drumming) classes every Sunday and Wednesday. Classes are available to both beginner and advanced-level players. Please visit the KWTC website for more information.