5.18.08 // Reception for "Storm Cycle" Exhibit

Thomas Mann, feeling an emotional urgency to understand and respond to the devastation in his hometown, began creating a body of work in his signature collage-assemblage style using materials gathered from the streets of New Orleans post-Katrina. Each of the 20 panels of STORM CYCLE include a removable, wearable jewelry-object within an assemblage of found objects and photos depicting the aftermath of the hurricane- each panel telling a different story.

Please join us this Sunday afternoon for a reception!

May 18, 2008 @ CreateHere // 3 - 5 PM
with guest speaker Thomas Mann
live music featuring the Ben Friberg Trio
catering by Blue Orleans & Easy Seafood Bistro & Bar

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Pangea Day - Saturday 5.10.08

By the World, For the World, Breaking Down Borders

Pangea Day is a global event bringing the world together through the power of film. Over the course of four hours, a live broadcast around the globe will feature 24 short films, visionary speakers, and inspiring music. This free, public showing will take place at the Benwood Auditorium on UTC's campus. In honor of World Fair Trade Day, CreateHere is inviting fair trade vendors and representatives from local organizations that support the global community. Explore international flavors, merchandise, live music, and global art, while learning how Chattanoogans are impacting the world. Please pass the word along to anyone who may be interested!

www.PangeaDay.org
www.PangeaDayChattanooga.com

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CreateHere Hosts International Film Event

CreateHere Hosts International Film Event, Pangea Day.
Community is invited to attend and celebrate World Fair Trade Day on May 10.

Who: CreateHere, a local collective of artists and creative entrepreneurs supporting economic and cultural development in Chattanooga
What: Pangea Day, a four hour film event featuring 24 short films, inspiring music, international cuisine, and visionary speakers
Where: Benwood Auditorium at UTC
When: Saturday, May 10, 2 – 6 pm, World Fair Trade Day
Cost: FREE

CreateHere, a local collective of artists and creative entrepreneurs working towards economic and cultural development in Chattanooga, is hosting an International Film Event, Pangea Day, on May 10. This four hour global film event, held at Benwood Auditorium at UTC, will feature 24 short films which will be viewed simultaneously all around the globe. Celebrating the power of film to affect positive social change, Pangea Day is an event designed to break down social and cultural borders by sharing stories that shape our world and shape our minds. In honor of World Fair Trade Day, local organizations supporting fair trade and global community will be in attendance. The World Next Door, a local fair trade shop, will host a booth with unique items from all around the world. Others attending the event include: The Bridge, a local refugee placement ministry, Kids of Kibera, a work of Northshore Fellowship church and local artist, Angel Reed, and recently relocated refugees that are now living in the Chattanooga area. Enjoy international cuisine, browse international merchandise and art while learning ways Chattanooga community members are impacting the globe.

www.pangeaday.org
By the world, For the World, Breaking Down Borders.
Pangea Day is an empowering community event for anyone interested in film, culture or social progress.

Contact: Paul Norman or Sarah Lester
Telephone: 423.648.2195

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CreateHere Celebrates First Graduating Class

CreateHere, along with its entrepreneurial resource project called SpringBoard, is pleased to announce the graduation of its first business planning course for artists, artisans and creative entrepreneurs. Committed to the power of creative economic development, SpringBoard targets sustainability and durability in small business by offering courses that follow a nationally recognized curriculum developed by Mountain BizWorks, a non-profit organization based in Asheville, North Carolina. Graduates of the BizWorks program have developed more than 1,000 businesses that are currently active in North Carolina, resulting in more than $50 million in economic impact.

These entrepreneurs’ graduation marks what could be a pivotal moment in creative entrepreneurialism in Chattanooga. "Entrepreneurship is one of our community's strongest internal engines for economic and cultural growth," said Josh McManus, CreateHere Creative Strategist. "However, many small businesses begin with a strong vision, but with little idea of how to sell their concept to investors or customers. SpringBoard teaches the practical application of business best practices, helping position start-ups for success." “SpringBoard has equipped me with the knowledge and resources to step out into the world with my idea for a small business, providing insight and inspiration, which put my dreams within reach,” remarked Alec Waller, a rising sculptor.

Participants in the inaugural class represent a wide array of creative enterprises, including photography, sculpture, floral design, fine pastry, and pet portraits. Aaron Cabeen, owner of custom carpentry firm, Cabeen Originals, commented, “SpringBoard gave my dream direction and a sense of realization. I now know where to go for further guidance and I have a solid business plan to guide me through my business. When times seem hard, I can always go back to what I learned and be grounded and focused.”

McManus continued, “Watching our artists, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs build their knowledge of business best practices and share their collective wisdom has been incredible. The first class represents so much passion for creativity and small business in Chattanooga and we can’t wait to see these dreams of business ownership become reality.”

The third round of SpringBoard’s Business Planning Courses begins in May and will run consecutive Mondays from 6-9 pm for eight weeks. Sessions will be held at the CreateHere studio on East Main Street. Course fees are determined by a sliding scale based on income.

To pre-register or request more information, contact Sheldon Grizzle at 423-648-2195 or email him at sheldon@createhere.org.

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Pangea Day is coming... 5.10.08

Pangea Day is a global event bringing the world together through film. On May 10, people will gather to watch films made by the world for the world, broadcast live around the globe.

Why? In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it's easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that – to help people see themselves in others – through the power of film.

On May 10, 2008, locations in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro will be linked for a live program of powerful films, live music, and visionary speakers. The entire program will be broadcast – in seven languages – to millions of people worldwide through the internet, television, and mobile phones.

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Over 878K Requested in MakeWork Arts Grants

Chattanooga’s arts community is buzzing with anticipation following the March 31st deadline for submitting MakeWork grant applications. MakeWork’s deadline brought in 96 applications requesting a total of over $878,000 in funding, roughly six times the amount of award money available. Competition for MakeWork’s $150,000 is extremely tight.

MakeWork supports the entire value chain of creativity, helping emerging to well-established artists and artisans develop economic sustainability. MakeWork applicants represent a broad range of creative endeavors, including traditional fine arts and crafts, film, fiber art, wood-turning, contemporary dance, cheese making, glass blowing, and puppeteering.

Recipients of the MakeWork grants will be announced by May 5th, following a two-tiered jury panel process calling on reputable local and out-of-town experts in the fields of arts and culture. On April 21st three jury panels composed of five local experts will meet, with each panel reviewing a separate grant category. Each panel will recommend finalists who will have the chance to appear before a final jury panel the following week. On April 28th the final jury panel consisting of three local and four out-of-town experts will award the MakeWork grants.

Chattanooga will benefit richly from the fresh ideas and renewed artistic energy flowing through the community as a result of the grant application process. By stimulating our city’s creative economy, MakeWork grants will empower artists and artisans with the tools necessary to succeed and grow.

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