Finding Our Way...through the arts, a wish and some glitter

Last week, the MDAA hosted a fabulous camp called Creative Summer Soul Camp. Instructors Robin O'Neal Kissel and Glenda Miles shared their talents with a modest group of six young, beautiful girls.

Starting out a little shy and reserved, the girls found their place along the long table that was filled with a magical array of all things that go sparkle. By the end of their four day camp week, these girls had not only found new friends, but they also found themselves.

Who knew that some glitter, ribbons and hot glue could create a world of magic, wishes and friendship...but it did just that.

Each day they would enter the MDAA Arts Bungalow and once they stepped over the threshold, they found themselves in "WandWish-Ville". The universal theme was apparent...a little glitter makes that wish a little stronger.

The entire week they centered on their most precious commodity...themselves. Starting with a canvas board that expressed an introduction to who they are and then to creating a journal that told their story. Each day they looked forward to a little quiet reflection with their instructors.

The room was filled with boxes of ideas, thoughts, words, charms and all those things that make a person feel reflective and hopeful.

By day four, wishing wands were in full production. Quietly asking themselves, "what is my wish for myself, my future, my family and my world",  the glued, stamped and created the most magical hopes and dreams for themselves.

They also took a moment to write themselves a letter. It contains a message to themselves that expresses their hopes and desires. Their instructors will mail these letters many years from now. What a gift to see yourself at 12 years old, through your own eyes.

Robin and Glenda ended their session with a walk outside to the group's favorite tree and hung wishes written on muslin...to flow in the wind and be energized by the strength of a maple. This writer caught one of the girls tap her wishing wand to her wish...just for extra measure.

In a world filled with overachievers, competition, movers and shakers and pressure, this beautiful camp was successful because, quite simply, there were no right or wrong answers. These bright and lovely young girls blossomed through the creative process. They shined in finding the words that defined a piece of them. They shared in a unique experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wUb4XDDJXg&feature=share  Enjoy this video put together by intructor Glenda Miles.

Let There Be Light...and a Curve Ball

Let there be light...and a Curve Ball

by Mason-Deerfield Arts Alliance on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 12:53pm

Last night, we had high hopes of presenting the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in Deerfield Township. Nature had another plan. She decided to put on her own show. She was flashy and showed off her brightest lights. She nudged us with her not so gentle hint that she was calling all the shots.

She might have thought she held all the cards, but as we watched her and waited, something pretty magical was happening right here on the grassy side.

This event was a collage of collaborators. It was this mix of a municipality, an arts anchor with an impressive history and a small arts organization with a lofty dream.

As the lightening worsened, we encouraged our hundreds of guests to take some cover. Without one disgruntled word, they picked up their picnics and headed to our waiting shuttle buses, tents, cars and the Snider House. The Pops musicians sat in wait in their bus with hopes of performing. A Fire chief kept a keen eye on his radar.

A kind of cool vibe started to emerge. Those waiting in their respective places began having their own little community gathering. This storm found strangers talking and finding common ground. Volunteers rallied. Trustees helped. Parks and Recreation workers went over and above.

As the sky flashed and huge cracks of lightening landed on awaiting targets, these troopers waited it out. They laughed, they talked, they came together. There was something kind of gratifying about the community closeness that was surrounding us.

In the world of arts event planning, we hope for magical results. Fingers crossed for a perfect day and a happy community. In the end, that’s exactly what we got.

Not a note was played. But through that disappointment, we came to find the true meaning of partnership. It’s a puzzle of many pieces that in the end come together through, compromise, understanding, agreement and best of all, new found friendships.

Be open to the unexpected. Never expect things to go as planned. You never know what gifts are waiting for you in a lightning storm.