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Celebrating Black Arts and History!

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Happy New Year, MLK Day, and Black History Month!!

The new year is underway and moving right along. Odd weather patterns confuse the senses as winter seems to come and go, and here we are, thinking of the not-too-distant spring. At least, some of us.

But before we go too far, we're still in Black History Month. Busy season for remembrance of the great history of our people the world-over. We give thanks for our 'he'roes and 'she'roes, known and unknown, standing on their shoulders so that we can receive the inheritance that we pass along to our children.

Saturday Institute in the City

All hands in for project making with teaching/master artist Saihou Njie as he instructs the youth in the use of craft materials to make one-of-a-kind wearable art. He is one of four artists instructing the youth at the Saturday Institute.

It's nothing new, the idea of the Saturday Institute. Give the youth a place to go, something to do, stir in our magic, then voila, we have transformed the lives of the youth (not to mention, the future of our communities)! Overly simplified, but that is the gist of the Legacy Arts Project's newly implemented Saturday Institute. With support from the Heinz Endowments, Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School (UAGPCS), and the parents of the enrolled students, we have begun a process of using the arts to directly impact the lives of our children.

Five weeks under our belt and the children are beginning to coalesce beautifully into a bundle of energized creativity. From 10am to 2pm, the youth, ranging in age from 5-11, participate in music, movement, visual and theater arts, each class utilizing a framework that encourages the strengthening of self identity, mutual respect for others, and a sense of belonging and connectedness within the program. And through the TAP (Transformative Arts Process) Program of the Heinz Endowments, we have been able to incorporate the presence of renowned artist/administrator Toni Stowers for a two-year artist residency. Additionally, four other teaching artists ensure that the youth are receiving an experience intended to educe the greatness that resides within.

For more information about registering youth (space still available for youth ages 8-11 ONLY), contact: 412-407-3727.

Community Classes

Hot Wednesday

Ready for the 'Heat'? Join us for the Hot Wednesday class from 6-7:15pm at Sankofa Village for the Arts. Get yo' move on to music from yesterday-to-today and leave feeling invigorated. All ages and skill levels welcome.
$8/class, $5 for members

Aging Gracefully

Do you want to keep yourself fit while moving at a pace that suits you? Join us for the Aging Gracefully class which incorporates light stretching and movement with conversations and mature Black women on Saturdays from 4-5:30pm at Sankofa Village for the Arts.
$8/class, $5 for members

In December, Legacy had the humbling opportunity to travel to Haiti as a part of an international artist residency. Earlier in 2016, we were awarded an artist residency grant through the Advancing Black Arts Grant in order to host a residency with Haitian choreographer and artistic director, Dieufel Lamisere. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to host Dieufel in Pittsburgh. Instead, we were able to send artists to be in residence with him on Haitian land, to spend the new year and return with lessons.

Revolutionary at heart, this trip sparked creativity and inspired works, some of which you will see at Saihou's Exhibit.

Public Art in Homewood
Since summer 2016, the LAP, in conjunction with the East End Art Team, Neighborhood Allies, and Office of Public Art has been a part of the development of a public art project in Homewood. Designed as a way to utilize the power of art in the community, the project includes the voice of youth and adults from Homewood as they speak to their concerns and expectations for the neighborhood. Stay posted for project updates!

Hot Wednesday

Aging Gracefully

Erin Perry