Thursday with LHPAI: More of the PAI
I used to think the obvious place for a public performing arts institution would be, you know...
... within a city's arts administration. Apparently it wasn't that obvious in the late 1960s, though.
Forty years ago, the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center was created as part of an urban renewal initiative in Seattle's Central District (a mostly black neighborhood at the time). It was considered a performing arts and community center -- emphasis on the second use.
So the LHPAC joined other community centers under the Parks and Recreation Department umbrella.
Gradually, the arts aspect of the institute's mission expanded: more emphasis on professional-level performances and training. With that came a need to renovate the building itself -- a major seismic and electrical renewal that closed it to the public for two years. The doors reopened in April 2012.
In the fall, the city moved the newly-renamed Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAI) to a new niche: the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
The wonderful -- and often free -- programming focus on African Americans and the diaspora remains the same. But it's kind of cool to know more about its evolution. Settle in for a walk through the institute's history, courtesy of the Seattle Channel.
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAI on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAI," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
 |
| Original photo credit: Joe Mabel |
 |
| "Before They Die" film discussion. Credit: Purple Reels Productions |
The wonderful -- and often free -- programming focus on African Americans and the diaspora remains the same. But it's kind of cool to know more about its evolution. Settle in for a walk through the institute's history, courtesy of the Seattle Channel.
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAI on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAI," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
Introducing... the new Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute
This is not the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center. Not anymore.
It's the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute!
The new Institute -- LHPAI for short -- is now part of Seattle's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, and closely aligned to the office's mission "to keep artists living, working and growing in Seattle."
I think the Institute is a lot like other major attractions: the locals know it's there, but until someone from outside the neighborhood looks at it with new eyes, the attraction is sometimes overlooked.
And for a while it may have been easy to overlook -- a two-year seismic and electrical renovation closed its landmark building to the public completely.
Performances and programs continued at other locations, but it's always more fun to see a performance inside the institute that created it.
Now the institute houses a contemporary ballet company-in-residence -- Inception Dance...
... it hosts inclusive programs like the Out There Poetry Camp for gay teens...
... and most of all, African and diaspora-related performances year-round. Guess what you can sign up for this winter:
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAI on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAI," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
 |
| Building photo credits: Joe Mabel |
 |
| Credit: Andrew Ness Photography |
Now the institute houses a contemporary ballet company-in-residence -- Inception Dance...
 |
| Credit: Andrew Ness Photography |
- Winter Academy classes for teens and younger kids that teach acting, voice and other performing skills
- classes for adults in dance, African drumming, writing and other areas of interest
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAI on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAI," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
Artist Motherboard on Pinterest: 212 in 2012
How about that: at the end of 2012... 212 people are following the Artist Motherboard!
You remember the Artist Motherboard: a spot on Pinterest specifically for artists who are also mothers, to encourage each other by sharing their inspirations and creations.
In November 2012 it was just a wee thing known to only six people besides me: Aimee Dolich, Nancy O, Emily Cline, Catherine Witherell and Jill K. Berry. Now 26 artists contribute art, ideas and encouragement!
Here's what some of the contributors are up to:
And I'm planning my first solo art exhibit for May 2013! Next week, I'll give you a peek at a new artwork that will be in my show. Hint hint: it's one that was a work-in-progress pin on the Motherboard.
If you're an artist and a mother, join us -- leave a comment on one of the Artist Motherboard pins so we know how to find you!
- Leah Piken Kolidas' art brings some light to survivors of the Sandy Hook school shootings
- Rachel Awes' inspiring book is out -- endorsed by SARK and Kelly Rae Roberts (!)
- Liv Lane shines a limelight on creative people starting January 7, and on January 21st she helps you build social media buzz
- Aimee helped Jill launch Jill's awesome line of stencils to
hoarduse in your art - Susie Lubell offers comfort to those
crazybrave enough to take their kids on an international flight - Catherine takes a look back on a year and a half of Texture Tuesdays
And I'm planning my first solo art exhibit for May 2013! Next week, I'll give you a peek at a new artwork that will be in my show. Hint hint: it's one that was a work-in-progress pin on the Motherboard.
If you're an artist and a mother, join us -- leave a comment on one of the Artist Motherboard pins so we know how to find you!