THE ULTIMATE ARTIST: Lady Tee Transitioned at 54

Since I was 12 years old I was captivated by this Caucasian soul singer protege of the late Funkster Rick James. Teena Marie died in her sleep on December 26th at her home in Pasadena at the age of 54. She was found by her beloved daughter Alia Rose.

In case you did not know, the first several songs you hear on my blog is none other than Lady Teena Marie. I have saved my favorites. They are pick me ups for me whenever I enter this Sankofa Doll Journal Blog.

You know in 1989 I owned every recording she had ever done? I am not sure what it is about her music that I loved so much. She was an avid reader and a lover of words. I feel like I just lost one of my best friends...

Several reports say that she had a massive seizure about a month ago. I did not know. One report says she may have died of a heart attack in her sleep. However, Alia and her family are keeping the cause tight and I don't them. My heart and soul goes out to her daughter and her family and friends.

It was always my dream to meet her in person and talk to her and though that never happened I still feel very close to her. In my mind, I never thought she would leave so soon!

My favorite of her recordings, of course was the monumental LP "It Must Be Magic." Her lyrics to songs dug so deep within me and I was honored to attend several of her concerts in later years.

One of my favorite liner notes appeared on one of her earlier LPs:

"I have always known there was a purpose in pain as well as joy... for the fine lines of my face remind me of the people who put them there."

I have come to embrace the friendship of so many of her friends on Facebook and I am honored that they have embraced me as their colleague as well.

There is a movement to get her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I hope NOW that she will be recognized for the contributions to art and music that she so surely deserves. I hope now this happens.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: A Creative Collaboration

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for The Shape of Things to Come: A Creative Collaboration, an art exhibition featuring artists Sharon Keyser- Jackson, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Desiree Sterbini, Sherry Burton Ways, Lezetta Moyer, Betty Farrell opening January 5, 2011 at the Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, MD. Please join us for the Opening Reception on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2PM to 4PM.

Inducted on PeaceXPeace Board of Directors!

Hello All! I know it has been a while since I blogged. However, I just wanted you to know that I have been recently inducted as the newest member into the Board of Peace x Peace. The mission of Peace x Peace, a Washington, DC based, non –profit organization, is to advocate for effective ,sustained policies and programs that support the advancement of women. The organization “Acts as the connection point, which facilitates dialogue and exchange between women in the Arab and Muslim countries and the Western world. It helps reduce misunderstandings and stereotypes”. Created in 2002 by Patricia Smith Melton and six other woman rights advocates, Peace x Peace was established to help bring harmony to women internationally through social networking and other forms of media.

As the newest board member, I will contribute my leadership expertise, help generate new fundraising activities, and use her marketing acumen to bring increased awareness and donations to the organization. My interest in international affairs was generated through my experience working under President Bill Clinton’s women and girls focused Africa education initiative.

Through this organization, I plan to contribute my artwork and build my dollmaking around peace for women all over the world. I hope you join me in this endeavor!


For more information about Peace x Peace, go to www.peacexpeace.org.

SAVE THE DATE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME EXHIBITION JANUARY 5 -MARCH 27 2011

Hello world! Just wanted to let you know I will be in another exhibition at the start of the new year at the Sandy Spring Museum in Sandy Spring, Maryland! It is entitled The Shape of Things to Come. I am honored to be the doll artist among some extremely talented women artists of the Washington, DC area.

A Creative Collaboration

It all started when Cynthia Farrell Johnson, a painter, met Sharon Keyser Jackson, a fiber artist. Each admired the work of the other. They mused about the possibility of doing a joint project some day. A little over a year after that initial conversation, they hit upon an idea. Johnson would create four designs and Sharon would interpret them as tapestries. Johnson invited longtime friend and an extraordinary quilter, Lezetta Moyer, Johnson to join the group. The next artist drawn into the project was Johnson’s sister, Betty Farrell, an accomplished knitter who has collaborated with her sister in the past. When Desiree Sterbini, who does exquisite oil pastels, heard about the project, she wanted to join. Wanting to find a way to bring a three-dimensional artist into the mix, and remembering a doll exhibition they had seen at Sandy Spring Museum, the group invited Sherry Burton Ways to join. Altogether their work celebrates the many ways that artists express themselves. The titles from each of Johnson’s original paintings form the common thread.

They are:

--Out of Kilter

--Balm in Gilead

--In Full Bloom

--Hearts and Minds.

These titles hold a different meaning for each person. The goal was not to copy Johnson's initial design, but rather to express the meaning each one held for the artists. The titles, colors, and moods inspired these artists’ derivative works in unique ways.

This is the shape of things to come. If we are to create something new, we form creative collaborations. It is the best way forward.

Here are the particulars:

Exhibition Dates: January 5- March 27, 2011
Opening Reception: January 9, 2011

Location:
Sandy Spring Museum
17901 Bentley Road
Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860

More to come!

Join Me on Friday, November 5th for Art, Wine & Conversation at the Tubman Mahan Art Gallery!

Moi chatting with patrons during the grand opening of the Recreate Exhibit.


My mixed media artwork piece using recycled materials. Yang Mama!

Join me and the other artists of ReCREATE for a glass of wine and conversation at the Tubman Mahan Art Gallery at the Center for Green Urbanism on Friday, November 5, 2010 from 6 pm to 8 pm. The Center for Green Urbanism is located at 3938 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC.

Hear from me and the artists about how we created our artwork using eco-friendly and recyclable materials and tour the Center and learn more about the gallery space and the business incubator program.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Friday, November 5 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

The Center for Green Urbanism
3938 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC

My HOT FLASH Interview in Pamela Hastings New Book!

I am honored to be included in Pamela Hasting's new book entitled, Hot Flash! A Celebration. Pamela is a wonderful nationally renowned doll maker. Through some informal conversations late last year, she invited me to join some of the most talented and creative doll artists across the country to interpret the meaning through a doll of Hotflash.

Now just so you know, I am not in my menopausal years yet, but know enough about it through watching my mother go through it as I was going through my puberty to teen years!

This book is a seven-year project undertaken by Pam. It is an inspiring collection of stories and images of dolls and paintings, on the wide-ranging theme of HOT FLASH--inspiring stories from women from all walks of life. Once you read this you will want to share this with your friends, and add your own experiences to the mix.

I was asked to fill out a short questionnaire about Hot Flash and what it means to me. Check me out on Page 98-99. Here are a few of my answers:

Question: What does the term HOT FLASH mean to you?
Me: It means the most important time in a woman’s life when she transitions to a mature, accomplished, and meaningful life.

Question: What did you always dream of doing? Have you done it, and if so, would you tell us about how you were able to fulfill your dream? Have you done/accomplished anything since you turned 25/40/60 that has surprised you, surprised your family or other people? If so, how has that achievement changed how you see yourself? Has it changed your remaining aspirations?

Me: I always dreamed of being a musician. A singer, songwriter and producer. I have not done it yet. But some day I will. Bought a guitar some years ago and need to get my lessons. I have started two creative businesses one an interior design firm and the other a mixed media art studio. Both of which have studios outside the home which I am proud of, surprised by me and my family members. This accomplishment has changed my thinking and I have truly been inspired by what one person said to me several years ago “I believe you can be successful at anything you set your mind to.”

Question: What advice at your age now....would you give to yourself at age....? Would the younger you have listened to the older you? How would that have changed the way your life is now?

Me: The best advice I can give someone at my age is not to take yourself too seriously and always follow your dreams. Find what it is you are meant to do on this earth and do it! Knowing how I was when I was younger I probably would not have listened to me. If I had of followed the advice I am giving now, I probably would have had a much happier and meaningful life in my 20’s and 30’s.

To get more of the interview, I invite you to purchase this book. Go to Pam's website and order it here

Enjoy!

My Next Exhibition "RECREATE: The Art of the Recycled!"

Join 20 of the area’s top visual artists for the opening reception of ReCREATE “The Art of the Recycled” from 6 to 8 p.m. October 15 at the grand opening of the Center for Green Urbanism, DC’s new art-infused green business incubator. The Center provides office and event space to small businesses and start-up companies. During the grand opening reception, the in-house Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery, will debut original works created from recyclable and “eco-friendly” material. The center is located at 3938 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC.

Invited guests include Mayor Adrian Fenty; DC Council Chair Vince Gray; Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander; Gloria A. Nauden, Executive Director, DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, and Marvin Bowser, Commissioner (Ward 7), DC Commission on Arts and Humanities.


“ReCREATE is an opportunity to view how 20 local and national artists use everyday items we take for granted or discard to create stunning works of art! Keeping in line with the Center’s “green” theme, the Tubman-Mahan Art Gallery will focus on work created with an environmental eye,” said Curator Sharon Burton, president of Authentic Contemporary Art. “Join us for what will be an evening of art, music and a true fusion of eco-creativity. Live music by Jazz Flutist Arch Thompson, will provide the ideal entertainment to accompany the amazing work on display.”

*ReCREATE will be on display through November 13. Artists, include:*

Chuck Baxter

Sandra Davis

Jim Duckworth

Chava Evans

Erica Fallin

Magaly Gaza

Christopher Golden

Gints Grinbergs

Rania Hassan

Sean Hennessey

Roxanne Jarrett

Guru Sangat Khalsa

Gloria Kirk

Marla Mclean

Rose Mosner

Jordan Quintero

Wendy Rabinowitz

Kathy Turner

Ja'Ski Watkins

Sherry Ways


The ReCREATE opening reception will culminate a day-long grand opening celebration for the new Center for Green Urbanism, which begins at 2 pm with a ribbon cutting and press conference and continues with center tours, and eco-interior design discussions.

RSVP to Natasha Brown of Think Brown INK, Natasha@thinkbrownink.com or
240-304-6354.

*About the Center for Green Urbanism *

The mission of the Center for Green Urbanism is to create a business-friendly environment that provides startups with affordable office space and business services in a sustainable and energy-efficient green demonstration facility. We are located in downtown Ward 7, Washington, DC. Meeting spaces are available and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the facility. The Center is a design model for a “living green business” in an urban setting, by decreasing carbon footprint – promoting home gardening, using energy efficient lighting and appliances, solar shade window treatments, a purified drinking water system, water saving devices and the recycling of trash and waste. *Learn more at
**http://www.centerforgreenurbanism.org*

*About Authentic Contemporary Art (ACA)*

ReCREATE Curator Sharon Burton of Authentic Contemporary Art will provide curatorial services and management of contemporary art exhibitions in the Center’s Tubman-Mahan Gallery; ACA was founded in 2005 and now serves as an alternative source for emerging and contemporary art. Based in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area, ACA creates opportunities for art collectors and emerging contemporary artists to connect through exhibitions and other events. *Learn more at www.authenticartonline.com

Sankofa Studio Open During Passageways Open Studio- September 19th

Sankofa Doll Artistry CEO Sherry Ways will open her studio for shopping and socializing as part of the Passageways Artist Studios Open Studios event. Ways is one of 10 artists who will have their studios open for browsing and discussion.

Stop by see the latest doll creations and other artwork, have some refreshments.

Date: September 19, 2010 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Passageways Artist Studios
East Pines Shopping Center
6001 66th Avenue
Riverdale, Maryland

Feminine Identity is HERE! Featuring the Artwork of Sharon Burton and Sherry Ways!

This exhibit expresses the art of twin sisters Sharon Burton and moi as we explore the myths and misperceptions of womanhood, the politics of womanhood, and the celebration of womanhood through this exhibit that begins September 1, 2010 and ends October 31, 2010. These explorations ...will feature mixed media, assemblage and mixed media art dolls!

On Thursday, September 16th from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm the opening art reception will feature the smooth sounds of jazz artist Melvin Rogers

Artist Talk featuring Sharon and Sherry

Light Refreshments and fare.

Come join us on Thursday, September 16th at 7:00 pm to listen to the smooth sounds of Melvin Rogers and experience the art of twin sisters Sharon J. Burton and Sherry Burton Ways.

Location:

Huntington Community Art Gallery
13022 8th Street
Bowie, MD 20720

For more information contact 301-464-3725.

Art and Beauty of Cozumel Mexico: Inspiration!

Yummy Mexican fabrics I brought home from Cozumel


Mexican Market Place in Cozumel


The beauty of the people in Cozumel was colorful!


I thought the colors and inspiration of these Corona Bottles at a Tequila tasting facility in Cozumel was interestingly amazing!



Beautiful Native Mexican Artwork inside the Discover Mexico Theme park and Museum



Beautiful Native Mexican Artwork inside the Discover Mexico Theme park and Museum



Beautiful Native Mexican Artwork inside the Discover Mexico Theme park and Museum



A Fiber Art piece inside the Discover Mexico Theme Park and Museum




A Fiber Art piece inside the Discover Mexico Theme Park and Museum



Native Mexican Masks inside the Discover Mexico Theme Park and Museum


Outside the Discover Mexico Theme Park and Museum in Cozumel, Mexico

I was off traveling again! This time I took a cruise with my husband in July to the West Caribbean and went to Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel is about 50 miles off the coast of Mexico near Cancun!

Upon disembarking from our cruise ship we traveled on an organized tour of many of the sights of the island. Some of the artistic highlights I am sharing here above. I truly enjoyed the beautiful colors and interpretations of art shown at the Discover Mexico Theme park and Museum. In addition, some of the colors and artful inspirations found throughout the island.

As always I plan to incorporate this into my doll making and mixed media work. Enjoy!

Mixed Media Doll Making While Celebrating the Gullah Tradition

On Saturday, August 7, 2010 I had the privilege of hosting 21 participants in my Mixed Media Gullah Doll Workshop at the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in Southeast Washington, DC. I was invited to give this workshop by the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative in Washington, DC.

The theme of the workshop was Mixed Media Doll making in the Gullah tradition. Participants were challenged to hone into their own creativity and create dolls made out of Popsicle sticks, cardboard, and pipe-cleaners.

The workshop started out with a discussion of the Gullah culture, history and folk traditional doll making.

Supplies were given to all participants that included fabric, yarn, ribbons, shells and other found objects. Each class member created something unique and different from each other.

Children, their parents and grandparents participated. It was such a magical event -lot's of positivity and sharing. Two noted doll makers- Joann Banks and Imani Russell also participated.

A joyful time was had by all.

Many thanks to the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative and the Anacostia Museum for providing me the opportunity to host and instruct this powerfully positive workshop!

August 7, 2010: Celebrating the Gullah Tradition in Mixed Media Doll Making

Through the art of doll making, I will embark on a spiritual journey, leading me back to a heritage that is a wonderful fusion of African traditions and Southern American history.

As an artist, speaker, and through workshops, I will celebrate the folklore, language, and art of Gullah people. I invite you to be inspired by this unique culture and the beautiful stories it has to tell... ...I will combine the history of doll making from the Gullah perspective with a demonstration of mixed media doll making techniques. Participants will learn the art of doll making and create their own doll.

Where?: Smithsonian Anacostia Museum
1901 Fort Place, SE
Washington, DC

When?: Saturday, August 7, 2010

What time?: 11:00am - 3:00pm

For more information and to sign up contact the Anacostia Museum

Musings from the Art Studio

Here is one of my latest art dolls on canvas.

A large doll which I am naming Diana- after Diana Ross of course!

Hi as promised, I am showing some of my latest art doll work that I have been putting together as part of a series. These are part of the Natural Woman Art Doll Series I am creating. They are made from sticks that I have found outside my doll studio in Riverdale Park, Maryland. I was inspired to create these from the Transformational Doll Making class I took earlier this year. These will be on exhibit with more dolls shortly.

Decorating with Dolls

What if you just can’t find the perfect place to display your dolls? Create one yourself! There are dozens of spaces available in your home:

your foyer
your stairway
your window seat
your bed
your living room

just find the one that works for you!

Coordinate dolls and accents with your room's architectural features, color and furniture for a more permanent display of dolls.

One of my collectors had their home redecorated by my design firm, Design Scheme Interiors, LLC. For their foyer, they decided to have dolls created to add to their vast collection of artwork. Well see above. We also created clothes to change with the seasons.

Dolls can provide a wonderful burst of color to any room. Consider your dolls, the location and opportunity to display them as an accent.

One of my Doll Collectors: Cassandra Rush!

Cassandra and her new doll "Pinky"


Decisions, decisions, Moi and Cassandra trying to decide which doll goes back to South Carolina with her!

I just had the beautiful opportunity to meet one of my esteemed doll collectors Cassandra Rush of the African American Doll Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. She and I have been corresponding for nearly a year to get one of my dolls into her collection. After much e-mail traffic and some hits and misses, we finally caught up in Washington, DC yesterday evening and had a lovely time.

I showed her four of my dolls and she loved them all! Finally after much debate, she settled on "Pinky" one of my healer dolls. Turns out Cassandra is not only a doll collector, but she is curator and author. In addition, outside of collecting dolls, she is an avid African American art collector. We talked about our love our art and what motivates her to collect dolls. Cassandra states "I pick dolls based upon how they make me feel."

She is a wonderful lady who has a vision and a passion for collecting. I feel very honored to know her.

An Evening of Haitian Art

My art piece entitled "Wild and Peaceful" which was auctioned during the event.


Several pieces on display from "The Art of Haiti" Exhibit


Guest mingle during the silent auction and opening reception.


Moi and gallery owner, Florcy Morisset of Vivant Collection enjoy one of the exhibit pieces in the gallery.

On Saturday, June 5th, I was honored to have been one of the artists represented by Vivant Collection to have my mixed media work auctioned as part of the Links, Incorporated fundraiser for several Haitian organizations including:

Art Creation Foundation for Children
Les P'tits Tresors School
Partners in Health

Delaware Links, Inc. member, Valerie J. Gilliam, Chair of the fundraiser event, was the winner of one of my art pieces "Queen Series: Wild and Peaceful."

Over 100 prominent guests of the Wilmington, Delaware community feasted on Hors D'oeuvres and cocktails while listening to the wonderful music was provided by child prodigy Emma Gould who played a special violin selection: Haydn Violin Concerto No.2 in G Major, First Movement.

The event was held at the beautiful Delaware Art Museum in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

As part of the event, the highlighted "Haiti: A Tribute to Art" Exhibition provided an excellent backdrop to the event.

My thanks to Links Incorporated of Delaware and Vivant Collection for being a part of a wonderful event!

Garden Inspirations!

You know sometimes we take our immediate environments for granted. One morning I woke up to water my backyard plantings and really took time to notice the vibrancy of the colors. So beautiful, warm, inviting, spring colors. It made me consider how beautiful they are and how I can perhaps replicate them in my artwork.

Take a look around in your environment and see how it inspires you.