Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Tribute To A True Artist- Michael Jackson- May He Rest In Peace

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I grew up watching Mr. Jackson and I am saddened as everyone is by his early departure from this earth on last Thursday. No matter what his personal life entails, he opened the door for many in the entertainment business, knocked down racial barriers for ALL artists and for that I am grateful. I choose to celebrate his life and accomplishments, knowing he is always there! Peace!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

LIBERATED MUSE VOL.1: How I Freed My Soul!





I want yall to know that my beloved twin sister, Sharon J. Burton's artwork is on the cover of Liberated Muse Productions first art inspired book entitled Liberated Muse Vol 1: How I Freed My Soul. I just purchased the book from Amazon and cannot wait for it to come in so I can get signatures from the artists as well as the editor and founding CEO of Liberated Muse, Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman.

Liberated Muse Productions (LMP) is an arts-based events planning group based in the Washington DC metropolitan area. LMP was created in 2007 by writers and community activists Maceo Thomas and Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman. The intent was to create events promoting artistry and awareness of issues pivotal to urban communities. LMP has become a network of dedicated artists and patrons of the arts. The Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest is an LMP landmark event.

In addition, LMP promotes artistry and has taken the lead as being the Nation's Capital's leader in supporting social causes that focus on introducing urban audiences to diverse and uplifting programming. Liberated Muse Productions have sponsored cultural events held by leading groups such as: DC for Obama, Young & Powerful for Obama, ACLU, Mentoring Today, Humanities Council of DC.

This new anthology focuses on the subject of "artistic freedom". The anthology actually focuses on the concept of freedom and freeing one's soul. The writings and visual art express that concept in various ways. Some of the writers discuss the act of freeing oneself from everything from a hopeless love affair to a pre-occupation with what other people think. Some of the writers even address the concept of spiritual freedom and forgiveness. I chose the topic because of my own struggle with freeing my artistic voice while finding a fulfilling balance between my art and my responsibilities. My own exploration of this led to me wanting to read what other people's ideas on the subject were.

Readers should expect to read personal sharings and fiction in the form of visual art, poetry, essay, and short story. The writings will make an impression that will stay with the reader for a long while after reading. Whether the reader wants to laugh, cry, be dazzled or just validated, they will connect with this anthology. The biggest thing the reader can expect is to be engaged.

The book will be the featured book on July 25 at the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest which is an annual event held in Washington DC and coordinated by Liberated Muse Productions. (I will be attending the event and will have for sale a few mixed media art pieces and art dolls!)

The book promotion was launched this past Friday, June 19th with readings from the book at the Potter's House in Adams Morgan in DC. Proceeds from the event funded a book & housing deposit fund for students from east of the river in Washington, DC who are attending college in the Fall.

Yesterday evening Saturday, June 20th I attended a show sponsored by Liberated Muse at the annual Artomatic Exhibition in Washington, DC which is a month-long art festival that takes place in DC as well. The Liberated Muse Artomatic shows are June 20 and July 3 on the Artomatic Solo Stage (see announcement above). The production features readings from the book with music performances from prominent DC-based singers and musicians.

The most exciting thing is that I am a member of Liberated Muse Family and have found the organization, top notch, professional and a clear advocate for artists!

Congrads to Khadijah, Maceo, all the artists that participated, including my sister Sharon for a wonderful book and demonstration of art at its' finest in Washington, DC. PEACE!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Highlights from ARTPARK in Columbia, MD!









I had a lovely time in Columbia, Maryland at this years' ARTPARK. We had a lovely booth and met very nice people. I may do it again! I am totally exhausted...

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sankofa Studio Artist Ways Interviews with Authentic Art ArtCast on the Role of Art Dolls and Healing



Check out my interview with Authentic Contemporary Art's ArtCast: The Role of Art in Healing. Check out the interview here This interview is part of the Art and Change series produced by Authentic Contemporary Art. Also, if you haven't guessed already, the interviewer and owner of Authentic Contemporary Art is my twin sister, Sharon J. Burton.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Counting Down the Days to Columbia's ARTPARK



Just counting down the days to Columbia, Maryland's ARTPARK 2009, the Invitational Fine Arts and Crafts Show & Sale at LakeFest is less than a few days away! THIS Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, 2009. You don't want to miss this folks! I will be showing some new work and if you are a member of the Facebook Sankofa Studio Fan Club, a follower or consistent reader of this blog, or have signed up for our e-mail list, you get 15% off of all selected artwork!

For more information about the festival click here

ArtPark – Fine Art & Crafts Show & Sale Indoor ArtPark - located within the covered garage at 10200 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Maryland. Look for me in Booth 35!

Saturday, June 13, Noon - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14, Noon - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, June 1, 2009

A Weekend With The Queen: elinor peace bailey









It was a beautiful Sunday in one of the most quaint main line towns outside of Wayne, Pennsylvania. Wayne is one of those places where you come to and want to stay forever!

I was one of six lucky doll makers to participate in an exciting workshop led by none other than the queen as I call her elinor peace bailey! The Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA hosted Ms. peace bailey for a workshop in conjunction with their exhibit "Art Dolls: The Diversity of Figure & Form" .

I was truly amazed at elinor's wit as well as her knowledge of all diverse art doll forms including her background in African American folk doll art forms. She started out the workshop with a brief history of the traditional doll making form in the U.S. dating back to the early part of the last century. She spoke of the history of NIADA and other doll groups and movements.

Then we moved into a free flowing art class for those interested in learning more about the structure of a doll and those wishing to learn more about making doll faces (I was in this category). I learned so much about making 3 dimensional faces and drawing, embellishing and painting. It was more than worth the trip.

elinor is truly an amazing gal and I felt honored to be among 6 lucky aspiring and established doll makers to sit at her feet and learn the ways of quality doll making.

Special thanks to Susan Osborne for making this possible!