Colors of New York City

Thank You COLORS...!

2007-03-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

Colors of NYC was a huge hit! Nearly 100 NYC colors gathered to support the beauty and diversity of our city. Many thanks to all who participated for their passion and encouragement. Below are a few pics of the festivities. You can also visit our Online Gallery to view a book of the event.

Ma Allen helps dish out some fine refreshments.

Artists Beverly Britton (behind), Geneva Burch and Lisa Richards
celebrate their success! Ooolala... aren't they gorgeous?!?

Artist Bessie Davis explains her work to colleague June Perino.

Artist Luz Magallanes shows off her stuff to her daughter.

Guest poet Hector Lino surrounded by fans (above).
Guest views work by artists Nora Alcala and Afua Kafi-Akua.

Geneva Burch listens to "The Sound of Color."

Welcome to the COLORS of NYC!

2007-03-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

You have stumbled upon the blog site of a collaborative exhibit/event exploring the representations and meanings of race in urban societies today. Colors of New York City examines COLOR through photographs, audio recordings, Super-8 films, poems and performance. This blog provides information about the event and its collaborators. View eVite.

We invite you to participate in the Colors of New York City on March 28th, 2007. The show is free and open to all! It will take place at Chashama, 217 East 42nd Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), from 5 to 9pm. Please see below for program details.

Directions - From Grand Central Station, walk 1 block east on 42nd Street to 3rd Avenue. Continue another 1/2 block east on 42nd Street to 217 East 42nd Street. Chashama is a ground-level store front on the north side of 42nd Street. Map

Colors of NYC Program

2007-03-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

March 28th, 2007

5 -6.30pm: Meet and greet.
6.30pm: Artist introductions.
7pm: Films by Beverly Britton and Terie Leo.
7.30pm: Poetry performances by Geneva Burch, Hector and Afua Kafi-Akua.
8-9pm: Wine, music and dancing.

For a sneak preview of the event and bios from all artists, visit our gallery at VioVio.

About the Exhibit

2007-03-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Colors of New York City is an investigation into the difficulties and methodologies of documenting race and race relations in contemporary, urban societies. Determined to focus on HARMONY rather than critique, the event explores how races meld and mingle, escaping finite or unchanging representation.

The performance forces artists (and audiences!) to explore their homes, their communities, their neigborhoods and to document the COLORS found there. The inquiry includes the following New York City hoods: Bensonhurst, Flushing, Fort Green, Harlem, South Bronx, Staten Island and Washington Heights. It also delves into racist conceptions of "beauty" through an examination of "ethnic hair" in New York City.

Thank you. We hope you enjoy the phenomenal colors that make up our beautiful city!

Exhibit Concept

2007-01-20T10:56:00.002-08:00

Colors of New York City is an investigation of the difficulties and methodologies of documenting race and race relations in contemporary, urban societies. Determined to focus on HARMONY rather than critique, the event will explore how races meld and mingle, escaping finite or unchanging representation.

The performance forces artists to explore their homes, their communities, their neigborhoods and to document the COLORS found there. Their inquiry will include the following New York City hoods: Bensonhurst, Flushing, Fort Green, Harlem, South Bronx, Staten Island and Washington Heights. It will also delve into racist conceptions of "beauty" through an examination of "ethnic hair" and a portrait documentation of hair in New York City.

The following material elements will make up the COLORS OF NEW YORK CITY show: 1) photographs; 2) audio recordings; 3) films; 4) new media (blogs); 5) text; 6) guest speeches; 7) performances; and 8) props (photo albums and keepsakes). The exhibit will be divided into three phases: first, an opening night performance/exhibition - this will include audio recordings, guest speakers, performers, films and props - and, second, a long-term exhibition of photographs and text. The third, and last, phase involves you! We want to involve our communities in this project in the hope of promoting the harmony and understanding we seek to document. You can help us by checking out the blog links found in the sidebar. Locate your neighborhood to post comments and to view photographs and stories of the changing COLORS of New York City.

Thank you. We hope you enjoy the phenomenal colors that make up our beautiful city!

The seed for this exhibit began as an independent study course taught by Jen Heuson. The course, "Representation in the Media," was offered Fall 2006 at the College of New Rochelle's DC-37 Campus.

Exhibit Design

2007-01-20T10:56:00.001-08:00

Below you will find a .jpg version of the current exhibit design. It includes a tentative schedule; however, a date and location has not been set. Ideally, the opening performance will take place sometime in February to coincide with Black History month celebrations. Keep checking for updates!

If you would like to participate in the exhibit (as a guest or performer) or are able to donate space, materials, advertising or refreshments, please contact Professor Jen Heuson at jenheuson@yahoo.com or leave a comment below. In exchange for your support, we will gladly include photos and information of you and your home, family, business or organization (both at the exhibit and online). Thank you.

This is a not-for-profit exhibit.
The show will be free and open to everyone!!!

Exhibit Budget

2007-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

COLORS OF NEW YORK CITY
EXHIBIT SUPPLIES & BUDGET
Total expense is $550.

SPACE $240/6 hours - Chashama

Tables (2+) *Included with space
Chairs (50+) *Included with space
Sound System *Included with space

PHOTOGRAPHY $100

Printed Photos $25 (20 5x7 and 5 8x10) - Adorama
Mounting Frames $25 (20 5x7 and 5 8x10) - Adorama
Foam Board $30 (x9) - Staples
Colored Push Pins $2 - Staples
Double-sided Tape $5 - Staples
Paper (for Printed Text) $8 - Staples
Wire (for Hanging foam board) - $5 - Staples

SOUND RECORDINGS
CD – digitized recordings FREE - Jen
CD player *Included with space

FILMS
Super-8 Projector FREE - Jen
Screen FREE - Jen

GUEST PERFORMANCES $10
Microphone *Included with space
Speakers *Included with space
Piano $10/day - Chashama

PRESS - Donated
Public Relations
Fundraising
Event Coverage

FOOD/DRINK $85

Wine $40 - Trader Joe’s
Soda $20 - Trader Joe’s
Food DONATED
Dessert DONATED
Eatingware $20 - Party City
Tablecloth $5 - Party City

MISC STUFF $115

Flyers DONATED
Posters $20 (11x14) - Adorama
NYC Map $10 - T. Museum
Guestbook $10 - Staples
Donation Box $5 - Staples
Program Postcards $30/100 cards
Exhibit Book (and Order Form) $40/each - Apple.com