May 22, 2008

teaching the arts

* Faculty in Acting/Directing
University of South Alabama (Alabama) (date posted: 5/19/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000559311-01&pg=e

* Band Director/Instructor of Music
Lane College (Tennessee) (date posted: 5/16/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000560343-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Theatre, Costume Design
Southern Utah University (Utah) (date posted: 5/21/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000560858-01&pg=e

May 19, 2008

party favors hits the blogosphere


More bloggers start their chatter about our book - check out this post at Politico. com

http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0508/Shenanigans_Rich_Galen_wants_you.html

"Party favors”

It’s now time for the semi-regular Q&A series, this time with former NRSC finance director Nicole Sexton, now with the ONE campaign. Why? ’Cause she wrote a book, “Party Favors,” which is being described as “Primary Colors” meets “The Devil Wears Prada.”

Allegedly Hillers have been “bombarding the publisher to get early galleys,” according to Sexton’s publicist. “The publisher is guarding the manuscript with extra security — hoping to keep the launch date without leaks,” we’re told.

Anyway:

Q: The plot, in one line?

A: Party Favors gives a deliciously witty peek into the secretive world of political fundraising in D.C. The novel tracks the meteoric rise and fall of the young Temple Sachet, the Big Money Babe of the Republican Senate.

Q: Which characters will we recognize?

A: The characters are compilations of many people that I have worked with throughout my career in fundraising. While the experiences and Temple’s journey are based on my own experiences, there is no character that is an exact reflection of a real person.

Q:What were your friends’/bosses’ reactions when they learned you were writing your “Devil Wears Prada?”

A: For the most part proud and excited, especially at ONE and my close friends, but I haven’t heard from all my former colleagues.

Q: Favorite part of the book?

A: I really am proud of the whole work … but when she rediscovers her “true North” and follows her heart … that’s the good stuff!

Q: Is there a rock star who wears shades in the book?

A: There is a rock star who is very, very cool!

Q: If you’ve learned one thing from working in politics, what is it?

A: That there is good and bad in us all and it is very easy to forget what the words “public service” actually mean.

Q:Best politician to model a character on?

A: The one who never forgets why they came to Washington.

Q: And worst pol to do so?

A: The one who never really understood why they were inWashington.

Q:What will CapHillers love most about this story?

A: The familiar sights, sounds and experiences. … It really is a D.C. novel. And of course there will be those that enjoy looking for clues to familiar faces.

Q:What’s the dirty little secret about the NRSC finance dept?

A: It is the dirty little secret about political fundraising. … It’s an ugly industry.

Q:Bullfeathers or Tortilla Coast? Lounge 201 or Union Pub? Senate or House?

A: Tortilla Coast — I am from the South … and my next door neighbor owns it! Lounge 201 — lots of great memories. Senate — was then and am now!

let the blogging begin


The bloggers are starting to talk about our book PARTY FAVORS - check out this listing at the Famous DC blog

http://famousdc.com/2008/05/06/nicole-sextons-dirty-little-secret/

Nicole Sexton’s dirty little secret
May 6, 2008

Former NRSC fundraiser and soon to be author, Nicole Sexton, has some hill staffers anxiously nervously awaiting her soon to be released book, “Party Favors,” which gives a “witty peek into the secretive world of political fundraising in D.C.”

So why are hillers so anxious? Because some of them might soon have reluctant starring roles in her book.

According to Sexton: “It really is a D.C. novel. And of course there will be those that enjoy looking for clues to familiar faces.”

When asked about her pervious job, specifically a dirty little secret about the NRSC finance department, Sexton claims, “It is the dirty little secret about political fundraising. … It’s an ugly industry.”

back from mexico

Am finally back from my brief but wonderful vacation and will begin posting again today. Check back often as I empty my email inbox!

May 09, 2008

free membership to omebo.com

THIS WAS SENT TO US BY DAILY CREATOR, LUCIA:

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This is a web-site that a friend of mine (Blake Roberts), who is an inspiring, loving, thoughtful & generous human being & artist started as an open forum for maintaining & documenting individual dreams. Blake has offered me & any of my friends free membership. So come on board & join Omebo.com!!!

Here is a little info about Omebo.com:

Omebo is an online magazine dedicated solely to promoting, inspiring and helping people to live their dreams. Each month we do features on members of Omebo from all around the world who are want to share their story, their dreams and their world with us. We have a collection of some the most amazing and inspiring stories, told by individuals in their own words. Since the beginning of Omebo, we have three of our members who have already had their dreams come true, shortly having others read them and come to their aid. We also just gave out our first $1000.00 Ombeo members scholarship to a member to aid in helping them fulfill an immediate need. In addition to our popular Expressions section we have articles and entertainment and lots more to come!!!! Take a tour at www.omebo.com

Here is how to sign up for free membership:

Go to www.omebo.com click on the Sign UP and go directly to the sign up page. Then click on the drop down where it says type of membership, put in promo, then complete the rest of the information requested...in the bottom box it will ask for promotional code. type in friends1825 and you will have a free membership. Please feel free to give the promo code to anyone and everyone that you think might be interested in Omebo. For the next 90 days we are offering free memberships to anyone who wants to join the site. We don't allow anyone under the age of 14 years old however.

teaching the arts

* Temporary Theatre Faculty Position
American University (D.C.) (date posted: 5/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000559009-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor, TYA/Associate Director of New Play Development
University of Central Florida (Florida) (date posted: 5/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558111-01&pg=e

* Multiple Administrative and Faculty Positions
Vincennes University (Indiana) (date posted: 5/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558268-01&pg=e

* Community Engagement Director
Montclair State University (New Jersey) (date posted: 5/5/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558034-01&pg=e

* Part-time Instructors (Economics; Modern/Jazz Dance; African-American History)
Raritan Valley Community College (New Jersey) (date posted: 5/2/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558877-01&pg=e

May 08, 2008

poetry for character development

Once again, we experiment with brevity in order to cut to the core of our characters and their desires. What happens if your characters have to sum up their entire story in the form of a haiku? What do you learn? What do you miss? What do you wish you could still say? What do you not need?

DAILY CREATIVE EXERCISE:

Poetic Form: Haiku

Using the traditional Japanese haiku, a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, write in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Often haikus focus on images from nature and emphasize simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression.

5
7
5

May 02, 2008

grants

1) National Assembly of State Arts Agencies Invites Award Nominations

Deadline: June 30, 2008

The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies ( http://nasaa-arts.org ) annually presents awards to recognize exemplary leadership and best practices of state and regional arts organizations.

Entries are invited for the following awards:

National Accessibility Leadership Award: The National Endowment for the Arts ( http://www.arts.gov ) and NASAA co-sponsor this award to recognize exceptional and effective initiatives or programs that make the arts accessible and inclusive to individuals
with disabilities and/or older adults. The $30,000 award is jointly supported through this partnership and will be administered as a matching one-year grant from the NEA. The grant must be used to advance the recipient's accessibility work for older adults and/or people with disabilities. All state arts agencies and regional arts organizations are eligible. Nominations may be made by any SAA or RAO staff or council member, or individuals/organizations that work on accessibility issues in partnership with an SAA or RAO.

Distinguished Public Service Award: This award honors an individual whose outstanding service, creative thinking, and leadership significantly impacts public support for the arts in his her
state or region. All current or past SAA or RAO chairs or council members are eligible. Nominations may be made by any NASAA member SAA staff, or council member, or any RAO staff or council member.

Gary Young Award: This award recognizes an individual who makes an extraordinary contribution to public support for the arts in his/her state or region. The ideal candidate will exhibit exemplary leadership, innovative thinking, and dedication to diverse
artistic expression. All current or past SAA or RAO executive directors are eligible. Nominations may be made by any SAA staff or council member, or any RAO staff or council member.

Visit the NASAA Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012789/nasaa

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2) Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Accepting Applications for Annual Fellowship

Deadline: September 15, 2008 (United States and Canada); and December 1, 2008 (Latin America and Caribbean)

The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation ( http://www.gf.org/ )
annually offers fellowships to further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest
possible conditions. The foundation provides fellowships for advanced professionals
in all fields (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, creative arts) except the performing arts. The fellowships are awarded to men and women who have already demonstrated exceptional capacity for productive scholarship or exceptional creative ability in the arts. Fellowships are not available for students. The foundation only supports individuals; it does not make grants to institutions or organizations. Fellowships are awarded through two annual competitions: one open to citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada, and the other open to citizens and permanent residents of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the most recent competitions, the foundation awarded 190 U.S. and Canadian Fellowships for a total of $8.2 million (an average grant of $43,200), and 35 Latin American and Caribbean Fellowships for a total of $1.2 million (an average grant of $34,285). The amounts of the grants will be adjusted to the needs of the fellows, considering their other resources and the purpose and scope of their plans. Appointments are ordinarily made for one year and in no instance for a period shorter than six consecutive months. Complete program information and application forms are available at the foundation's Web site.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012790/guggenheim

---------------------------<<>>----------------------------

3) Texas Filmmakers Accepting Applications for Texas Film & Video Grants

Deadline: May 31, 2008

Texas Filmmakers ( http://texasfilmmakers.org/ ), a 501(c)(3) arts organization, has announced the return of the Texas Film & Video Grants program. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to independent and emerging media makers who live in the State
of Texas. Assistance is provided to artists whose work shows potential, skill, and creativity.

Awards are distributed on a per-project basis, with up to a maximum of $1,000 awarded per project. Visit the Texas Filmmakers Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012791/texasfilm

--------------------------<<>>-----------------------------

4) VSA arts Invites Entries From Young Artists With Disabilities for Green Light Awards

Deadline: July 11, 2008

Sponsored by VSA arts ( http://vsarts.org/ ) with support from Volkswagen of America, Inc. ( http://volkswagengroupamerica.com/ ), the Green Light Awards program is open to young artists between the ages of 16 and 25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life
activity. The program invites entries of both representational and abstract work. Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of what signals the artist's creative motivations such as the physical world or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to feelings or emotions is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the artist's experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping or transforming their work.

Art must be an original work that has been completed in the last three years. Eligible media include paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, or charcoal), fine art prints
(lithographs, etching, intaglio, or woodcuts), photography, computer-generated prints, and two-dimensional mixed media. This year the program also welcomes entries of sculpture and
time-based media (video, film, etc.).

The program will award one Grand Prize of $20,000, one First Award of $10,000, one Second Award of $6,000, and twelve Awards of Excellence of $2,000 each. Visit the VSA arts Web site for complete program information.

RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012792/vsaarts

For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml

May 01, 2008

poetry for character development 7

Your characters have suffered loss at some point in their lives. They've lost a parent, they've lost a love affair, they've lost a job, they've lost a loved pet.

Maybe they are currently in the process of deciding to break up. Maybe they were just dumped. Maybe they have not yet made any decisions and are weighing all the risks.

Whatever the circumstances, have your lead character speak to you in an Elegy to fill you in on the details of that particular loss. If your lead character is untouched by loss, then explore a supporting character to find out how a specific loss has informed their current pattern of behavior.

DAILY CREATIVE EXERCISE:

Poetic Form: Elegy

Elegy mirrors three stages of loss. First, there is a lament, where the speaker expresses grief and sorrow, then praise and admiration, and finally consolation and solace.

Elegy on Toy Piano
by Dean Young


For Kenneth Koch

You don't need a pony
to connect you to the unseeable
or an airplane to connect you to the sky.

Necessary it is to love to live
and there are many manuals
but in all important ways
one is on one's own.

You need not cut off your hand.
No need to eat a bouquet.
Your head becomes a peach pit.
Your tongue a honeycomb.

Necessary it is to live to love,
to charge into the burning tower
then charge back out
and necessary it is to die.
Even for the trees, even for the pony
connecting you to what can't be grasped.

The injured gazelle falls behind the
herd. One last wild enjambment.

Because of the sores in his mouth,
the great poet struggles with a dumpling.
His work has enlarged the world
but the world is about to stop including him.
He is the tower the world runs out of.

When something becomes ash,
there's nothing you can do to turn it back.
About this, even diamonds do not lie.

teaching the arts

* Assistant Professor of Dance
American University (D.C.)
(date posted: 4/29/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558442-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Music Education
Clayton State University (Georgia)
(date posted: 4/25/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558028-01&pg=e

* Assistant Professor of Music Theory
Clayton State University (Georgia)
(date posted: 4/25/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000558031-01&pg=e

* Theater/Dance Teacher
Montclair Kimberley Academy (New Jersey)
(date posted: 4/28/2008)
http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000557451-01&pg=e

Art Book Swap

Regency Arts Press Ltd. and the New Art Dealers Alliance host an art book trade at LACMA; bring your old titles and exchange for those brought in by galleries, museums, publishers, distributors, retail shops, and libraries.

Sat., noon-5 p.m.

North Piazza, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., at Fairfax Ave., Miracle Mile (323-857-6500).