Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Sisters' Worth Celebrating - July 2008 - The Black Women's Art Festival

The Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) was founded and produced in March 2003 by Founder and Former Director Cassendre Xavier. Xavier produced a 3-day event, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film. Now in its fifth year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival which showcases: Music/Live Performance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Film/Video, Workshops, and Dance/Theater and hosts over 60 artists from across the globe. BWAF is committed to being a platform that values black women and their work; emphasizing unique, under-represented art forms, showcasing new and emerging artists while promoting the necessity of health and well-being. Led by Creative Director Monica McIntyre, BWAF is poised to become a world-renowned arts festival. Sisters' Sanctuary was able to have a brief Q & A with BWAF Creative Director, Monica McIntyre.

  • What is BWAF?
BWAF is the Black Women's Arts Festival, an annual festival and non-profit organization. It's a Philadelphia based community event which focuses on the visibility and viability of black women artists of all genres and media without regard for: age, gender expression, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation or size. BWAF is a 501(c)3 organization.

  • When was BWAF started? Who are the founders of BWAF?
The Black Women's Arts Festival was founded in March 2003 by Cassendre Xavier and began as a 3-day one-time event.

  • Where is BWAF located?
Our festival, as of BWAF 2007, takes place in multiple locations. Our venues for this year are: First Unitarian Church, The Rotunda, Kaffa Crossing, Vivant Art Collection, The Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe, Sanctuary, and World Cafe Live.

  • Why was BWAF started?
Cassendre Xavier created the Black Women's Arts Festival in response to a lack of visible and viable black female artists; she knew they existed and made an opportunity to feature their talent.

  • Why are you apart of BWAF?
I first became involved with the Black Women's Arts Festival in 2003 as a performer and recognized the beauty and inspiration that this event gave me. I just knew this event had to keep happening and was given the opportunity to curate it in 2004 and have since been heavily involved in its organizing and production. This is such an important and necessary event for our community and the world at large and I am compelled to stay involved.

  • What is the membership of BWAF made up of? (For example, type of people, their location, etc.)
At present the Black Women's Arts Festival doesn't have membership.

  • Do BWAF have any upcoming events? Tell us about this event? (for example, purpose, location, date, time, price, etc.)
We are preparing for our 5th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival happening July 31st-August 3rd, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, complete schedule, pricing, and discounted tickets go to: www.bwafphilly.org or call 215.951.0330 ext 2108.

  • Tell us about the past participates?
We have been blessed to have some amazing performers grace the Black Women's Arts Festival. Our past years have featured: Sparlha Swa, RhapsodE, Davina Stewart, Walidha Imarisha, Olu Butterfly, Ryva Parker, and Voice of Africa, to name a few.

  • How does this event encourage teen girls? How does BWAF look to affect the lives of teen girls?
By honoring black women artists we send a positive message to young women about their importance as people, females, and artists. Seeing the wide range of talent that is presented by our festival: dance, theater, visual arts, literary arts, films, and workshops; helps to expand their perceptions of what women can and are able to do.






Photos In Order of Appearances: Creative Director, Monica McIntrye; Founder, Cassendre Xavier; 2007 Featured Artist, Keisha Hutchins; 2007 Featured Artist, Nedra Johnson; 2004,2005 & 2007 Featured Artist, Marcia McIntyre; 2003 & 2005 Featured Artist, GHETTOSONGBIRD; 2007 Featured Artist, Sparlha Swa.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Video Pick of the Month



This video is dedicated to all the sisters who are in pain. Unresolved hurt in girlhood evolves into more unresolved pain in womanhood. Please know that healing, peace and beauty is possible.
I love you.

Lacey!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Happy SELF-LOVE DAY BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

Greeting Beautiful PEOPLE!
Happy JULY Sisters' Sanctuary SELF-LOVE DAY!

I wanted to share some inspirational nuggets that will carry you through the month. Please share with as many people as you can!


"Lack of self-worth is the fundamental source of all emotional pain. A feeling of insecurity, unworthiness and lack of value is the core experience of powerlessness."~ Gary Zukav & Linda Francis - from "The Heart Of The Soul" ~





Self-love is priceless!
Be inspired to create healthy models for our youth.
Model self-love!

Happy Self-love Day Beautiful People!
Lacey !
Personal Empowerment Coach and Founder
Sisters' Sanctuary

Sel-Love Day ACTIVITY!

Refer 5-10 people to this blog to watch the posted video and discuss the relevance of the posted quote.

Lacey Loooves:

  • The design and the summer events at the Ford Ampitheater in Los Angeles.

    The grounds, gardens and view of the hill and mountains from the Getty Museum.

    Mya aka “My-My” the medium burnt orange colored dog because she is so sweet.

    A freshly laundered, big, fluffy and white comforter because it makes me feel like I am wrapped in a soft cloud.




Trader Joes! Because they have inexpensive, high quality, and gourmet health food.

Creating and being part of community because it reminds me that people need each other for support, understanding and love. Isolation is a dream killer.

The Spa Soiree presented by VIBE HOLISTIC. Free high quality spa services… (I got the Rain Drop Therapy and reflexology )and a free buffet of health food with coconut water and cashew juice. YUM! It was delectable! Loved every second of it! Another one is coming up in Sept in LA and in 09 in NY.





What do you looooove?

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Word From Our Youth

  1. Does abuse equal love? If it doesn’t comments like “I’m beating you because I love you” imply that. Personally I’m not a supporter of beatings.

Anjanae DeCoursey

Imhotep Charter High School

01/09/07