Tulips for My Twitter bud; Tweeting & Blogging is Homework for one Purchase College course. | by Ebony Brown

My Twitter bud, "THreedmb" said she loved tulips in response to my "tweet" yesterday. I have pretty pink ones on my desk that were passed on to me because they were too prissy for flight; they complained about their petals potentially breaking, their stems drying and their color fading, I mean who wants to sit next to bunch of nagging tulips on a flight to Canada?

As soon as they were put back into their vase, I could almost hear Julie Andrews singing "The Hills are Alive with the sound of music..." They began to lift their heads one by one with poise and pride, like ballerinas. I couldn't help but to smile.
Considering the coming of the weekend, I intended to bring them to my Viral Marketing course as tweeted prior to class, but a last minute incoming call at work totally wiped the thought from my mind. Are people testing me when they call at five 'O three (PM) with an issue thicker than the Bible? Is it just me? Just kidding, actually, the call came much later and closer to a couple of minutes before class.

I had forgotten the flowers. Where would I have put them anyway? It seemed wrong to have them suffer through class without a water break. Their vase, destined to be shattered, my mind couldn't stop conjuring different 'Final Destination' (falling)scenarios. Now its Friday, I don't want the tulips to grow limp alone; their slender, green backs will inevitably hunch but at least they'll be in the good company of my house plants. I'll be out celebrating my NON-birthday (February 29th) hoping that the tulips are still happy to see me when I return home.

(Tulip Photos: ©Ebony Brown)

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Who the EFF is Chris Vesper?! I Know he attends Purchase College, SUNY | by Ebony Brown

Click to enlarge.

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Last Minute Marvel; A Black History Month Celebration at Purchase College, SUNY | by Ebony Brown

With two days notice to rehearse for a Black History Month Celebration, the Purchase Soul Voices Ensemble stepped up the plate to observe and honor the trials and tribulations of the African American experience through poetry & song. I applaud my fellow Choir members for doing an outstanding job, especially Dana who performed an unrehearsed solo as requested on the spot for "Lord Help Me To Hold Out!"

"Lift every Voice & Sing" brought the campus community (in attendance) to their feet; everyone joined hands and swayed to the mellow, falsetto vocals of Miss Adrian whose delivery was nothing short of conviction and emotion. Even she had to gather herself midway through the song.

This afternoon's celebration included some old favorites such as Bob Marley's "Three little Birds", Sam Cooke's "This Little Light of Mine" and a stunning solo performance by Theater Art and Film's Brittany West who sang, "Keep Your Eyes On the Prize." Yes, it's my hunch that you, me or we will 'keep our eyes on the prize' and 'hold on' even in the face of impossibility.

I'm honored to hone and share my alto vocals as well as be witness to such unity and excitement on Purchase College Campus; a performance well received. The passionate piano execution of "His Eye is on the Sparrow" played by a student of the Conservatory of Music certainly had a few fanning themselves and sighing in awe.

I'm so proud of everyone and appreciate those who showed up and supported our performance. I hope to see you at the next show.

Thank You!
Save the Date: Soul Voices performs on April 9 (Purchase NY) & April 30 (New York, NY)

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Art at the Edge of Campus Part II (Purchase College, SUNY) | By Ebony Brown

(Poster Design by Rachel Fuller, Art+Design BFA)

Guess who walked into my office today? The emerging young printmaker whose work I've given two thumbs up in the previous "Art at the Edge of Campus" blog (as if I'm Siskel or Ebert). If you haven't read it already, don't hesitate to do so. No. Wait. Actually, nevermind, refrain from reading it, don't read it!

Might reading it, prior to seeing it, take away take away the poignancy of the piece? Would it be better to allow your mind to be free of commentary and my written visual hoopla? John Berger author of "Ways of Seeing" would probably agree that having read my response to the piece would in some way impact your experience and even take away from it, but the decision is yours.

If you read it already, not to worry, at least you had a peek into the mildly demented, but wondrously creative work of a Purchase College artist, who in fact has a name. I shall introduce her in an upcoming interview to be posted here soon!

In the meanwhile, her piece will be up for auction on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 and therefore on view during the Auction's preview 12-4PM and during the Auction 4-7PM.

Hope to see you at the Silent Auction on March 4th!

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Meet Pete Malinverni | Choir Director & Faculty of the Conservatory of Music of Purchase College, SUNY | By Ebony Brown

(Pictured: Pete Malinverni with the Purchase Soul Voices at Purchase's Performing Arts Center | Photo: ©Jay Estiva)

Meet my Choir Director, Pete Malinverni (in the clip after the coverage on Wynton Marsalis. Pete is interviewed by NY1 while rehearsing with his Brooklyn based choir). Founder of the Purchase College Soul Voices Ensemble, Pete has created an opportunity that extends beyond the conservatory of music, where students of any major could audition and join in on the hymms of old negro spirituals and music inspired by the African American experience. I think everyone in the choir would agree that he is a pleasure to work with, and its an honor to share the stage with him.

Meet Pete, a Steinway Artist:
NY1 Video Clip: Pete Malinverni
www.petemalinverni.com

Listen to Pete's interpretation of "Standin' in the Need" from his 2006 Reservoir Music release, "Theme and Variations"(Song link Source: www.petemalinverni.com, check out more music!)


Upcomming Soul Voices Ensemble Show dates:
April 9, 2009 (ON CAMPUS)
April 30, 2009 (DOWNTOWN CABARET in NYC)

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Art at the Edge of Campus - Purchase College, SUNY | by Ebony Brown

(Pictured: The the W-1 parking lot side of the Visual Arts Building, the Red Running Man (1 of 4) are the Sculptural work of A+D Alumnus, Andy Fennell | Photo: ©Ebony Brown)

Why would anyone in their right mind, want to walk to the edge of campus, beyond the esteemed Neuberger Museum of Art and enter the brown, brick depths of "Where the hell am I" notoriously known as the Visual Arts building?

Well there is the obvious reason, students, staff and faculty made a conscious choice to patron the Visual Arts (VA) building when they gave blood to become pupils, professors or administrators of art. Who said 'getting-in' was easy? Then, there are the friends of those who frequent the VA building who accidentally stumble upon its pockets of hidden bling in the form of artwork hanging proud or left in some undisclosed corner of the building. You never know what insanely, creative piece of work you'll find.

Usually, my city girl quick steps only render collages of colorful swooshes in my periphery when passing through the halls of the VA building. Today was different. I had to post a "Course Update Notice" on one of the classroom doors and I was stopped dead in my tracks. How could I fit the overflowing mound of thought and artful execution of one particular piece of work into my breakfast deprived mind and “TGIF” eyes; lusting for Saturday’s rest didn't last long. The work of an emerging, young Printmaker commanded my attention, I did nothing but stand there to admire the work.

The last piece of art that captured my attention in such a manner was the work of Sue Coe. Represented by Galerie St. Etienne, Coe was a 'must see' Visting Artist whose talk was sponsored by School of Art+Design, last semester. Every Wednesday Visiting Artist's Talks take place at 6:30PM, in room 1016 of the VA building, free and open to the public, like viewing artwork in the halls or in the Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery.

So there I was standing in the hall unable to pull myself away from the print, the babies held me at gun point, literally. On the right, their "Frankenstein-ish" mother appeared to be a mere mechanical portal for their production. On her back with legs jacked open, her pelvic canal is far from lady-like; expelling one baby after the next, 'litters' of infants are dreadfully gliding away from their maker along a conveyor belt, initially much like an undisturbed blood path. This labor isn't fit for human nor animal. Factory farmed, infinite, teeny tots with varying facial expressions and bodily gestures seem to know of their fate before the production line equips them with ammunition and gear as they progress through phases of the conveyor belt.

Nipples clamped, like cows hooked to a milking machine, mama is merely their maker but is the vessel by which their “ba-ba’s” are filled. Solo Eyeballs and Televisions (CRT) with wings and emanating screens at the top of the page are like puppeteers, clearly running the show. What's the message?

If you have not seen this piece, it’s certainly worth sucking up the momentary wind-chill to come and see it while it’s still on display here on the first floor of the Visual Arts building (adjacent to the Neuberger Museum,near W-1 parking) While you’re here, feel free to stop by the Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery (M-F, 10-5PM) The work of Art+Design Alumni, Gregory Crewdson is currently on display. Artwork in the hall can be seen seven days a week through Midnight!

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Pete, Purchase & Brooklyn 'Raised the Roof' at Carnegie Hall! (Purchase College, SUNY)

(Caliaf St. Aubyn, a face you'll come to know, is one of the few Soloists who helped bring the audience to their feet! Tap-dancing also amongst his talents. | Photo: ©Ebony Brown)

Sold out seats, a standing ovation and an audience whose support kept Pete Malinverni, The Devoe Street Baptist Choir and Purchase Soul Voices lively and full of song. It was monumental, expecially for folks like me who never 'sang' on stage at Carnegie Hall until now.

Thomas Schwarz, Purchase College President, Bob Thompson, Dean of the conservatory of Music, Geraldine Sanderson, Publicity/External Affairs Guru along with other Purchase College Staff and students or music lovers at best seemed to enjoy the show. Some danced in their seats while others stood and clapped along. Music selections encluded piano numbers from Pete Malinverni's latest CD, "Joyful" as well as Gospel songs with a funky, jazz bent daring you to sit still.

The Purchase College Soul Voices Ensemble to which I lend my alto voice will perform again on April 9th (on campus) and April 30th (in NYC). If you missed last night's performance in NYC and want to know what all the buzz is about, save the dates noted above! Show times and information will be posted soon. In effort to honor Carnegie Hall's strict rules regarding photographs, photos shot on stage or during the show cannot be posted online; I'm hoping that backstage photos will be an exception. I shall keep you posted!

SAVE THE DATES:
April 9th
April 30th

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Art+Design Silent Auction: March 4th at Purchase College, SUNY

Hey, this is a quick note to let you know that the School of Art+Design at Purchase College (Purchase, NY) is having an Silent Auction on March 4th.

Student, Faculty and Alumni artwork will be auctioned! Cash/Carry preferred but checks are accepted. Preview is 12PM-4PM and Actual Auction is 4PM-7PM

If you are a purchase college student, faculty or alumni interested in participating, let me know!

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Trenton Doyle Hancock gives Artist's Talk Wed.Feb 11th@6:30PM at Purchase College, SUNY

(Flyer Design by Chi Huang, BFA '08 Graphic Design)

Click here for full Visiting Artist Schedule

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What is Fairey Telling the A.P.? by Ebony Brown

(Image: Mannie Garcia/Associated Press - nytimes.com, feb 8, 2009)

Speak of the devil, my previous blog entry nearly kissed Shepard Fairey's feet, placing him on the bricky pedestal of the School of Art+Design's Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery. Although copyright infringement threatens to dissolve Obama poster boy's cloud nine as per this NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE , I refuse to discredit Fairey's contribution to the college.

Fairey, and other artist who regularly 'appropriate' existing art into their own artwork are probably well acquainted with the statutes of copyright infringement.

David Schwarz Project 6: Infobbable, the graffiti/street art inspired group show held at the Richard and Dolly Maass Gallery in which Shepard Fairey participated, exposed students and visitors to a contemporary body of graphic art that was both engaging and legal; no arrests were made (this time). While DSP6: Infobbable may have unnerved some, the exhibition seemed to be well received by both the on and off campus community.

Any thoughts on reappropriation and copyright infringment as it relates to Fairey's case or similar cases?

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Shepard Fairey, Obama's poster boy exhibited work @A+D's Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery on Purchase College Campus | by Ebony Brown

In the Spring 2007, Shepard Fairey (Designer of the Official Barack Obama Election and Inargural posters) exhibited work at Purchase College SUNY in the Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery as part of the group show, David Schwarz Project 6: Infobabble. Stephen Powers, Brian Donnelly, Cynthia Connolly and Mike Mills also exhibited work in the exhibtion.

"David Schwarz Project 6:Infobabble, featured creators from the worlds of fine art, graffiti, photography, film and advertising, exploring how contemporary artists find a voice in the melee; be it through subversion, parody, polical action or direct intervention" said Denise Mullen, former Dean of the School of Art+Design. The exhibition was curated by Aaron Rose, Director of Alleged Gallery in NYC and co-curator of the seminal exhibition "Beautiful Losers".

Featuring the work of respected, emerging artist, the Richard & Dolly Maass Gallery is located in the Visual Arts Building, adjacent to the Neuberger Museum of Art. Richard & Dolly Maass Schedule.

Did you see DSP6:Infobbable featuring Shepard Fairey's artwork? Check out this recent article on Shepard Fairey.


(Image Top: DSP6: Infobabble postcard design by Dave Caputo, Graphic Design BFA Alumnus, School of Art+Design.)

(Image Bottom: School of the Arts, Art+Design Event Brochure, Design by Doug Clouse)

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Purchase Prom OFFICIAL Photos!

Purchase Prom '08 OFFICIAL Photos Coming Soon! Were you there?

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Pancake Madness Photos Dec '08!

As you may know, last semester's Pancake Madness with the Pillsbury Dough Boy and live DJ was a lot of fun. Faculty served pancakes with fruity toppings, eggs, sausages, waffles, bacon, potatoes, french toast, fresh fruits, muffins, ice cream, and more. Between 10PM and 12midnight all the delectable breakfast-goodness that the dining hall could possibly serve-up gave students a savory intermission from studying for finals last semester.



See The OFFICIAL Pancake Madness Photos! In my facebook Album.

Were you there?

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Purchase Viral Marketing Homework#2: Create Blog.

Testing, Testing, One Two Three! Homework#2 is... Well, I'm still tweaking it! I invite you all to post or send up to three purchase event related photos and info to ebonybrown.nyc@gmail.com If you have fun Art+Design, event related photos or album links please send ASAP; I'll post them. For more info about me and this blog check out my profile via the link on the right. Also, catch up on the latest news headlines on Art while you're here. Thanks for stopping by. [PHOTO: Students at Pancake Madness, Dec '08 - A link to the album is coming soon.]

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