ADRIENNE ANNETTE MC DONALD 1962-2008: THE AMAZING MAGICAL FIBER ARTIST, STORY TELLER, MYSTICAL URBAN STYLIST & FRIEND

THIS IS THE STAGE AT ST. TIMOTHY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN WASHINGTON DC,... WHERE ADRIENNE MCDONALD'S DOLL'S (FROM HER MANY COLLECTORS) & PHOTO MEMORIES WERE DISPLAYED AFTER HER BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL CELEBRATION.... I THOUGHT THE QUOTE FROM DR. MAYA ANGELOU'S POEM "STILL I RISE",...WAS SO APROPRIATE FOR THE EVER QUESTING SPIRIT OF ADRIENNE MCDONALD.... IT'S ALSO FITTING, BECAUSE ADRIENNE HAD DESIGNED GARMENTS FOR DR. MAYA ANGELOU.

EARLY MONDAY MORNING MAY 5, 2008,... I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM CASANDRA BROMFIELD THAT OUR BELOVED FRIEND ADRIENNE MCDONALD HAD JUST PASSED AWAY.... THIS WAS A VERY HARD BLOW TO COMPREHEND,... SO CASANDRA AND I STARTED HAVING A VERY INTENSE, DEEP AND REFLECTING CONVERSATION ABOUT ADRIENNE,... WE WERE TALK AS IF WE WERE TRYING TO CALL HER BACK,... SO THAT WE COULD TURN THINGS AROUND,... FIX THINGS UP AND MAKE IT ALL BETTER... NEEDLESS TO SAY,... OUR EVOKING DID'NT WORK.


I BELIEVE A SPIRIT AS MAGICAL & FULL LIFE AS BELOVED ADRIENNE MCDONALD DOES NOT DIE,... THEY TRANSCEND GRACEFULLY INTO THEIR NEXT PHASE OF BEING,... WHERE EVER, OR, WHAT EVER THAT MAY BE..... ONE OF THE COMMON THREADS ALL OF ADRIENNE'S ARTIST FRIENDS & FAMILY HOLD FOR HER, IS HER MAGICAL AESTHETIC THAT WAS NOT ONLY THE HEART OF HER DESIGNS & ART WORK, BUT IN THE WAY SHE LIVED, LOVED AND ENTERTAINED HER GUEST (WHEN SHE WAS HOLDING COURT) WITH HER CONVERSATIONS OF BELIEF,... SPIRITURALITY,... FAMILY,... TALL TALE'S,... STORIES,... GOSSIP,... DESIRE'S,... PASSION,... ART,... SENSUALITY,... THE AESTHETIC BRILLIANCE SHE ADMIRED OF OTHER ARTIST,... AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST,... HER FAVORITE PASS-TIME SPORT, OF KEEPING UP WITH THE BEHIND THE SCENE LIVE'S OF CELEBRITIES SHE WORKED WITH,.. OR ADMIRED DURING HER LIFE.

THIS IS A FAMILY PHOTO OF ADRIENNE'S MOTHER, FATHER, BROTHERS NIECES AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AND PASTOR AFTER HER BEAUTIFULLY EMOTIONALLY MOVING MEMORIAL CELEBRATION IN THE CHAPEL OF ST. TIMOTHY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, IN WASHINGTON DC.

MY VERY FIRST INCOUNTER WITH ADRIENNE MCDONALD WAS SEEING HER ART WORK ON EXHIBIT... I COULD NO BELIEVE WHAT I WAS SEEING, WHEN I FIRST SAW THIS WOMANS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL TEXTILE MASTERPIECE (A HANDMADE FAIRY DRESS) ON EXHIBIT AT A BOUTIQUE IN BROOKLYN CALLED "BLACKBERRY'S".... BLACKBERRY'S WAS ONE OF THE FORE RUNNER URBAN DESIGN BUSINESSES ON FULTION STREET, BACK-IN-THE-DAY, IN OUR OLE "HOOD" OF FORT GREENE BROOKLYN.

ADRIENNE HAD CREATED THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND, VERY MAGICAL LITTLE "FAIRY DRESS", FOR THIS GROUP ART EXHIBIT THAT WAS HELD IN THE BOUTIQUE.... THE CRAFTMENSHIP, AND THE IMAGINATION THAT WENT INTO THIS CREATION ALONE WAS FAR BEYOND WHAT WAS BEING CREATED BY ANY ARTIST OF THE DAY.... I HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS SKILLED HAND NEEDLE WORK & IMAGINATION,... I HAD NOT SEEN IT IN A ART EXHIBIT,... OR IN A ART BOOK....

THE DYNAMIC'S THIS WORK OF TEXTILE ART POSSESSED, WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD....

THE DRESS WAS THIS TINY INDIGO DYED DRESS ABOUT 7 INCHES SQUARED,... MADE BY DECORATIVELY HAND DYING SHEAR SILK FABRIC,... SHE HAD ADORNED THIS DRESS WITH BURNED LITTLE HOLES, THAT MADE YOU VIEW "HER" HOLES IN A GARMENT, AS IF IT WAS AN EMBEDDED JEWEL....SHE ALSO SEWED LITTLE SHEAR PATCHES ON THE GARMENT, THAT SHE INCASED SMALL RUSTY ORNATE OLD VICTORIAN KEYS... SHE ADORN THE GARMENT WITH OTHER SILK PATCH'S, THAT INCASED CRYSTALS BEADS, STONES, BONES, SHELLS OR WHAT EVER SHE DECIDED TO INCLOSE IN THESE PATCHES.... SHE WOULD HAVE RUSTY SAFTY PENS IN A CLUSTER PERFECTLY PLACED WITH A RUSTY OLD SINGER SEWING MACHINE BOBBIN.....

THIS TRULY MAGICAL WORK OF TEXTILE WONDER WAS ANCIENT...NEW... ORGANIC,... ALIVE.... AND A "CLASSIC"...

"NOT OVER WORKED.... NOT UNDER WORKED....JUST, MASTERFUL".... I NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE OR SINCE.... A SMALL WORK OF WONDER. THAT SPRANG FROM A VERY POWERFUL,... FERTILE AND SPIRITUALLY PASSIONATE MAGICAL MIND.

I DEFINATELY HAS TO MEET THIS PERSON THAT COULD CREAT THESE DIVINE MINITURE GARMENTS,.... SO DELICATE, YET SO POWERFUL....

IT TOOK A WHILE FOR US TO MEET... AND WHEN WE DID,... WE KNEW EACH OTHER BEFORE WE SPOKE....

PHOTO'S MONTAGE OF ADRIENNE MCDONALD THAT WAS ON DISPLAY AT HER MEMORIAL CELEBRATION WITH THE COLLECTION OF DOLLS THAT WERE BROUGHT TO THE CELEBRATION BY HER MANY COLLECTORS.

AT THE MCDONALD HOME AFTER THE MEMORIAL CELEBRATION AT THE CHURCH.... ADRIENNE'S AMAZINGLY LOVING AND WONDERFUL FATHER PREPARING A DISPLAY THAT SOMEONE SENT FROM "INCREDIBLE EDIBLE'S",.... THAT DID NOT LAST 15 MINUTE ON THE TABLE.... I DID A LOT OF THE DAMAGE ON THIS PIECE WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.

ADRIENNE'S AMAZINGLY LOVING AND WONDERFUL MOTHER,... BUSTING OPEN THE BOTTLE OF WINE.

ADRIENNE'S MOTHER FINALLY SITTING DOWN FOR A FEW SECOND'S,... TALKING,... SHARING THOUGHTS & MEMORIES WITH ADRIENNE'S PROTEGE, DOLL MAKER TIFFANY & OTHER'S, IN ADRIENNE'S PARENTS LIVING ROOM.

ADRIENNE'S FAMILY & FRIENDS SHARING COMFORTING MOMENTS WITH EACH OTHER IN THE MCDONALD'S KITCHEN,... WITH THE TV ON IN THE BACKGROUND.

ADRIENNE BEAUTIFUL COUSIN MICHELLE AND HER NEW ADORABLE INFANT SON.

ONE OF THE MANY CONVERSATIONS THAT I ENJOYED WITH ADRIENNE IS HEARING HER TALK ABOUT THE FAMILY GARDEN, AND HOW HER PARENTS CULTIVATED IT.... I COULD SEE THE SAME LOVE & CULTIVATION THAT THEY PUT INTO ADRIENNE, THE SAME LABOR OF LOVE THAT ENHANCED AND SUPPORTED HER, TO DEVELOP THE MAGICAL VISION OF HER ART.... I SAW THE SAME SPIRIT IN THE FAMILY GARDEN..... THIS IS A PHOTO OF THE FAMILY'S OUTDOOR COOKOUT AREA.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY GARDEN PATCHES WITH IT'S LANTERN AND BIG YELLOW ARTIFICIAL BUTTERFLY....(I LOVE THAT BUTTERFLY TOUCH... SUCH CHARACTER!!!)

...AND THE LITTLE POND,... WITH THE SPITTING BLUE FISH.... THE TURTLE.... FROG AND THE BIRD WAY OFF IN THE MID RIGHT HAND CORNER.... AIN'T THIS THE CUTEST LITTLE SETTING..... ADRIENNE WOULD TELL ME TO SHUT-UP RIGHT ABOUT NOW....

...AND THE POTTED PLANTS WITH THE BIG RED ARTIFICIAL FLYING LADY BUGS ON THE WIRES.....(DO'NT IT MAKE YOU WANT TO TALK "BABY-TALK"?)

...AND "WOOK" A WHAT'S AT THE BASE OF THE "WIDDLE TWEE"....OOOOWW.... AIN'T THIS THE "TWEETEST WIDDLE TING".

....OK....NOW I SEE WHERE ON THEM FAIRY'S CAME FROM.... ALL THIS HOME-SPUN LOVE & HOME-GROWN-MAGICAL-GARDEN STUFF & THINGS.

....AND THE RUSTIC WOODEN DOOR WITH THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT....TRULY GRACIOUS HOMEMAKERS.... JOB WELL DONE MR & MRS MCDONALD,... THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH, FOR YOUR LOVE, PATIENCE AND EFFORT THAT WENT INTO THE RAISING & GROOMING OF YOUR FAMILY,... YOUR LOVING WORK HAS MULTIPLIED AND TOUCHED SO MANY OTHER ARTIST & PEOPLE THROUGH THE GIFTS THAT ADRIENNE BESTOWED UPTON US, THAT BLOSSOMED FROM THE BOTH OF YOU AND YOUR LOVING FAMILY.... YOU WILL FOREVERY BE IN OUR HEARTS & PAYERS AND A ADDED PART OF OUR LIVES.

...I HAD TRAVELED DOWN TO WASHINGTON DC THAT MORNING ON THE (DISCOUNT) CHINA TOWN BUS FROM NEW YORK WITH ANOTHER OF ADRIENNE'S ARTIST FRIENDS,... JEWELRY DESIGNER SHIMODA,... WE WERE PICKED-UP FROM THE BUS STOP IN DC BY ANN MARIE,... ONE OF SHIMODA'S & ADRIENNE'S ARTIST FRIENDS.... "I HAD TO SAY THAT,... TO SAY THIS"... BEFORE SHIMODA AND I KNEW IT,... IT WAS TIME FOR US TO RUN OUT OF THE MCDONALDS HOUSE....AND GET DOWN TO CATCH ONE OF THE LAST CHINATOWN BUSES LEAVING DC FOR NEW YORK.... SO I RAN OUT THE MCDONALD'S HOUSE SO QUICK... I FORGOT TO SAY GOOD-BY TO ADRIENNE'S PARENTS.... PLEASE FORGIVE ME MR & MRS MCDONALD.....I WAS RAISED BETTER THEN THAT.

BUT BEFORE WE LEFT DC FOR NEW YORK,.... A FRIEND OF OURS, ARTIST/DESIGNER AKIBA KIIESMIRA WAS HAVING A MOTHERS DAY ART SELL & OPEN HOUSE, AT THE BEAUTIFUL HOME OF BRENDA WINSTEAD.

EVERYONE LOOKED BEAUTIFUL AND EVERYTHING WAS DISPLAYED SO BEAUTIFULLY.

EVERYONE HAD SUCH INSPIRING PRODUCTS.... HERE IS GUEST VISIONARY/DESIGNER (SITTING IN THE PINK DRESS), AMSHATAR MONROE AND HER "GREETINGS OF LOVE, JOY AND ABUNDANCE" FINE ARTS STATIONERY AND GIFTS.

AMSHATAR MONROE'S (DETAILED VIEW) "GREETINGS OF LOVE, JOY AND ABUNDANCE" FINE ARTS STATIONERY AND GIFTS,... LOVELY PACKAGING.

THIS IS THE AMAZING HEALING ARTIST IVY HYLTON WITH HER CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS, CD's AND OTHER ITEMS..... YOU SHOULD GOOGLE HER NAME TO CHECK OUT MORE OF HER WONDERFUL WORK.

THE GATHERING OF SHOPPERS AND VENDORS AMONG THE MERCHANDISE.

EVENT PRODUCER AKIBA KIIESMIRA IN THE BLACK DRESS AND CUSTOMER ANN MARIE.

AKIBA WITH A ULTRA STYLISH, SUPERNATURAL CUSTOMER.


AKIBA WITH HER WEARABLE ART CREATIONS.

WE LEFT THE MOTHER'S DAY SELL... ANN MARIE DROPPED SHIMODA AND I OFF AT THE CHINATOWN BUS JUST IN TIME FOR THE LAST BUS LEAVING FOR NEW YORK....BITTER SWEET MEMORIES... ADRIENNE MCDONALD.... THIS IS NOT THE END.... THIS IS A NEW BEGINNING OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF ADRIENNE ANNETTE MCDONALD JAN. 5, 1962-MAY 2, 2008.... SEE YOU IN THE NEXT LIGHT!!!!... BLESSINGS & JOY.

"RUSH KIDS/TEENS" FINE ART SUMMER PROGRAM, LANDSCAPE PAINTING SESSIONS IN BROOKLYN NY

RUSH KIDS/TEENS: ART STUDENT STUDIES A MINITURE LANDSCAPE PAINTING BY ARTIST NICHOLAS EVENS-CATO.,,, HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES WITH ORIGINAL ART WORK IS A RARE & VALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO ANY ART PROGRAM,... ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE DISCOVERING ART.








MY HARD WORKING ARTIST & ARTS ADMINISTRATOR FRIEND MERIDITH McNEAL, THE PASSIONATE EDUCATION DIRECTOR OF RUSH EAST NEW YORK, SENT ME A E-MAIL YESTERDAY ABOUT THEIR WONDERFUL LANDSCAPE PAINT CLASSES THAT THEY DEVELOPED FOR RUSH KIDS/TEENS THIS SUMMER. THIS REALLY LOOKS GREAT.

I HAVE ATTENDED SEVERAL OF THE RUSH KIDS/TEENS ART EXHIBITS, AND I AGREE WITH THE FINE ARTIST SONYA CLARK, WHO HAD A FIBER ARTS EXHIBIT AT RUSH ART'S CORRIDOR GALLERY LAST YEAR.

THE STUDENT OF RUSH KIDS/TEENS, CREATED A FINE ART PROJECT THAT WAS INSPIRED BY SONYA'S MADAME C.J. WALKER INSTALLATION ART PIECE.... SONYA MADE THE STATEMENT AT HER ARTIST TALK AT THE CORRIDOR GALLERY, THAT THE ART THE YOUNG PEOPLE CREATED, INSPIRED HER IN HER ART WORK.... I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HER,... I FEEL THAT THE FINE ART OF THE YOUTH CAN BE AS INSPIRING TO VIEW AS SOME OF THE "FINE ART MASTERS".

I PLAN TO GET OVER TO BROOKLYN AND VIEW THIS NEW BODY OF WORK, UP CLOSE & PERSONAL. I LOVE LANDSCAPE DRAWINGS & PAINTING,... IT FEELS WONDERFUL TO CREATE AND YOU GET THE BONUS OF CREATING A WORK OF ART....

THIS ART IS ESPECIALLY EMPORTANT WORKS IN THIS EVER CHANGING URBAN ENVIRONMENT.... THESE WORKS ART WONDERFUL HISTORICAL DOCUMENTATION OF BROOKLYN FROM THE HANDS OF THE URBAN YOUTH.... AS USUAL... WONDERFUL JOB RUSH KIDS/TEENS.... I WILL DEFINITELY BE IN BROOKLYN TO CHECK YOUR WORK OUT.

http://rushphilanthropic.org/Content/Main.aspx?pageId=1

BAM's 31st ANNUAL DANCE AFRICA FESTIVAL, (ARTIST MARKET PLACE), MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, AT BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC, MAY 23-26 2008

MY ARTIST FRIEND OLUFUNKEY ( I HOPE I SPELLED HER NAME CORRECTLY ) ON THE RIGHT IN BLUE, THIS IS HER BOOTH WITH HER WONDERFUL INSPIRATIONAL TEXTILES AND WOOD WORK, ON THE LEFT IN ORANGE, A VERY DELIGHTFUL SUPERNATURAL SISTAH




HARRIETS ALTER EGO ARTIST/DESIGNER/BUSINESS WOMAN. THEIR FUNKY CHIC PATCH WORK & DYED DESIGNS ARE OUTSTANDING.

HARRIETS ALTER EGO ARTIST/DESIGNER IN FUNKY CHIC PATCH WORK DRESS, I'M LOVIN THE HAIR, MAKE-UP AND EARRINGS,... WORK YOUR SHOW HARRIETS ALTER EGO!!!

I WANTED ALL THIS FABRIC...

AND... I'M CLAIMING A PAIR OF THESE BEADED CHAIRS.

I DID'NT GET A CHANCE TO MAKE IT OVER TO THE 37TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN ARTS FESTIVAL IN BROOKLYN OVER THE JULY 4TH WEEKEND BECAUSE I STAYED UPTOWN THAT WEEKEND.... BUT I DID GET TO BROOKLYN OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND A FEW MONTHS AGO, TO CHECK OUT SOME OF THE ARTIST THAT HAD SET UP THEIR BOOTHS IN THE 31ST ANNUAL DANCE AFRICA ARTS & CRAFT BAZAAR.

ME AND A FEW OF MY ARTIST FRIENDS HAD VENDED AT THIS FESTIVAL IN SOME OF THE VERY FIRST FESTIVALS.... IT'S ALWAY NICE TO COME THROUGH AND SEE HOW IT IS EVOLVING....MY ARTIST FRIEND OLUFUNKEY HAD HER BEAUTIFUL HAND PAINTED TEXTILES AND WOOD WORK ON DISPLAY,... I THINK HER BOOTH WAS THE MOST UPLIFTING BOOTH THERE,... WHEN I ENTERED HER BOOTH, I DID'NT WANT TO LEAVE..... I LIKE TO BUY MY SCENTED BODY OIL'S FROM OLUFUNKEY BECAUSE SHE HAS REALLY NICE OILS.... IN FACT, HER SCENTED BODY OIL IS THE ONLY SCENTED OIL I BUY.

ANOTHER OF MY FAVORITE BOOTHS AND MY FAVORITE CLOTHING BOUTIQUE IN THE WHOLE-WIDE-WORLD, IS HARRIETS ALTER EGO IN PARK SLOPE BROOKLYN http://harrietsalteregoonline.com/ EVERY TIME I VISIT THEIR BOUTIQUE, THEY HAVE OUT DONE THEMSELVES WITH THEIR FUNKY CHIC DESIGNS. THEY REALLY HAVE A SPECIAL TOUCH.

THE AFRICAN FABRICS ARE ALWAY WONDERFUL TO LOOK THROUGH, I NEED TO GET ME A SEWING MACHINE.

I SAW THESE BEADED CHAIR THAT KEEPS PLAYING OVER AND OVER IN MY MIND... I GOT TO HAVE A PAIR OF THESE BEADED CHAIRS.

WHILE I WAS AT THE FAIR, I RAN INTO ARIANNA THE BELLY DANCER EXTRAORDINAIRE AND HER GOOD FRIEND INYOTA. WE ALL WALKED AROUND THE FAIR AS IT WAS CLOSING UP, THEN WE WENT TO MANHATTAN AND HAD A BITE TO EAT AS WE CAUGHT UP ON EVENTS IN OUR LIVES.

LEGENDARY MINTON'S PLAYHOUSE IN HARLEM, JULY 4, 2008, 48 HR. JAZZ MARATHON, FUND RAISER FOR MINTON'S MENTOR FOUNDATION

I had a once in a life time Harlem Experience this 4th of July weekend. It will probably be one of the COOLEST July 4th I'll ever experience.

At the last minute, I heard through the grape vine about the 48 hour jazz marathon that was going on at Minton's Play House at 118th St. between 7th & 8th Ave. It was a fundraiser for a good cause, for Minton's Mentor Foundation for the youth.

I was totally in my cultural element,... wonderful folks,... great vibe,... real, real nice music, from sun-up to sun-down for 48 hrs. I was hanging with the Hippest of the Hip, The Coolest of the Cool, it was a real enriching experience.

I had packed my little black bag on wheels full of my yarn, crochet hooks and needles... I had planned on listening to the sounds while I crochet... But,... When I got in the loung and the heard sounds, I was "STRUCK"!!!.... While I was there there, I did'nt take one piece of yarn or crochet hook out of my bag,.. I was so into the music,... and taking photographs,.. I was so into the scene, I totally forgot about my crochet.

I never heard so much masterful music like that before, REAL SKILLS.... at around 2:00-7:00 am Sunday morning is when I spent the most time there.... I'm going to be making it back to Minton's to hear some more real, pure, serious music in the future.

I think they broke the Guinness Book of World Records for playing non-stop Jazz... for more info about the event, and to make donations to the educational project check out the info below.

Uptown Lounge at Minton's Playhouse, in support of its education-focused Minton's Mentors Foundation, hosts a world record-breaking jazz event by programming 48 consecutive hours of jazz performances from Friday, July 4 at 12 noon until Sunday, July 6 at 12 midnight.

http://www.mintonsmentors.org/mmf/spevent_calendar.php

The Guinness Book of World Records will be on-hand to monitor the event.

Proceeds from the event benefit Minton's Mentors Foundation's educational activities, which include jazz camps, master classes, family concerts, podcasts, artistic residencies, and a partnership with South Africa's Fort Hare University.

to inquire about donating to Minton's Mentors Foundation, please email Cedric Rose at rosepetalnyc@yahoo.com. Minton's Mentors Foundation is dedicated to educating and supporting our youth and the Harlem community by building awareness of the history and significance of jazz. Minton's Mentors' outreach initiatives include jazz camps, family-oriented jazz programming, lectures by jazz educators and journalists, an international partnership with pianist Hotep Idris Galeta at South Africa's Fort Hare University, and Artistic Residency posts held by Onaje Allan Gumbs and by Buster Williams.

GUERNSEY'S AUCTION HOUSE IN N.Y.C. TO AUCTION ROSA PARKS ESTATE OF PERSONAL & CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT POSSESSIONS

WHEN IT COMES TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, "ROSA PARKS WAS IT'S HEART AND SOUL" ARLAN ETTINGER.


A HAT BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN WORN BY ROSA PARKS THE DAY IN DECEMBER 1955, SHE REFUSED TO GIVE UP HER SEAT TO A WHITE MAN ON A ALABAMA BUS.


the dress worn by Rosa Parks when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom


ROSA PARK'S PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM


ROSA PARK'S KEEPSAKE FOLIO AND A POSTCARD FROM MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

never forget the response he got when he took one of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks' hats to a meeting at the Apollo Theater in New York.

"It was a fairly plain-looking black hat. And then I said it was Rosa Parks'. And their mouths just opened up without saying a word and tears" flowed, Ettinger said. "It was a very, very powerful moment. You could see the impact this woman has had on everyone."

A Wayne County probate court judge in Detroit has asked Ettinger's auction house, Guernsey's, to find a buyer — preferably a museum, university or other institution — for thousands of Parks' personal items.

Among them are her presidential and congressional medals, a post card from Martin Luther King Jr. and the hat Parks is believed to have been wearing on Dec. 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white man, cementing her spot in civil rights history.

Ettinger, whose New York-based company has auctioned off items ranging from the possessions of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt to Jerry Garcia's guitars, estimates the Parks collection could be worth $10 million.

When it comes to the civil rights movement, "Rosa Parks was its heart and soul," he said.

Parks, the diminutive woman whose actions sparked the yearlong Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott and threats that eventually led her and her husband to Detroit, died in 2005 at age 92 with many of her most treasured possessions still with her.

There's the Presidential Medal of Freedom she was awarded by President Bill Clinton, along with the rose-colored chiffon dress she wore for the ceremony and the photo of her with the president. There's a tattered schoolbook, "How to Speak and Write Correctly," that she kept from her student days.

There's also a letter she wrote telling of King's house being bombed on a night she was with him at a meeting just a month after the bus boycott began.

"We do not know what else is to follow these previous events, but we are trusting in God and praying for courage and determination to withstand all attempts of intimidation," Parks wrote in her clear, flowing script.

Parks left nearly all of her estate to the Detroit-based Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, which was created to teach young people leadership and character development. But her 13 nieces and nephews, which feuded for years with the people she appointed to handle her affairs, filed a legal challenge to Parks' will six months after she died.

A settlement was eventually reached, although terms of the deal were sealed. Guernsey's, which had inventoried Parks' possessions, was asked by the court to sell them.

Ettinger said the proceeds from the sale will be split between the institute and Parks' relatives. There's no deadline for the sale.

Calls requesting comment left Wednesday with the institute's co-founder, Elaine Steele, and with Lawrence Pepper, an attorney for Parks' relatives, were not returned.

Ettinger said he has gotten the most interest in the collection from groups in Alabama and Michigan. Both the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Troy University, home to the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in Montgomery, would like to house it or go in on it together, he said.

Other logical places the collection could go would be The Henry Ford, a Dearborn museum that features the bus Parks was on when she refused to give up her seat, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

Communications chief Tony Spearman-Leach said the Wright Museum, which held the public viewing of Parks before her funeral, would love to get the collection but doesn't have the money. Wendy Metros, public relations director for The Henry Ford, declined comment.

Much of the collection could be of interest to historians. Among the hundreds of handwritten documents and letters is a note written in 1956 on the reverse side of NAACP stationary, in which Parks recounts being told by a white boy when she was 10 years old that he was going to hit her.

"He made a threatening gesture with his fist. I picked up a small piece of brick and drew back to strike him if he should hit me. I was angry. He went his way without further comment," she wrote.

Parks also wrote instructions for Montgomery's black citizens telling them how to comport themselves during the bus boycott; her impressions of the man who wanted her to give up her seat; and her thoughts on Emmett Till, a 14-year-old from Chicago who was abducted from a relative's home in Mississippi and was tortured and killed, purportedly for whistling at a white woman.

"Anyone who views Rosa Parks as a mild, meek woman who for a brief instant stepped out of the shadows, took action and then went back in, this would debunk that in a minute," Ettinger said.

___

ESTATE OF JAMES BROWN TO BE AUCTIONED, AT CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE IN NYC, VIEWING JULY 11-16, AUCTION JULY 17, 2008

THE OTHER DAY I GOT A E-MAIL FROM MY AFRICAN DANCING FRIEND MALAIKA ADERO, SHE IS A EDITOR AT SIMON & SCHUSTER PUBLISHERS, HER OFFICE IS AROUND THE CORNER FROM CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE. THE E-MAIL READ.

NEWS FLASH!!!...

Starting July 16th the effects of James Brown will be on display and on auction at Christie’s auction house (which happens to be on 49th Street next to my S&S building where I work. I have to check this out…maybe there’s an item I’d want to bid on (a cape, a photo). Anyway, it will be fun just to SEE what’s in the collection. So, if you’re in the city, check it out.

Malaika

I PLAN TO GO DOWN TO CHRISTIE'S AND VIEW THE ITEMS, AT THE MOST, I WILL PURCHASE THE CATALOGUE OF THE JAMES BROWN ESTATE. HOPEFULLY A MUSEUM OR SERIOUS COLLECTORS WILL PURCHASE MAJOR ITEMS FROM THE ESTATE.

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/searchresults.aspx?intSaleID=22007

BARACK OBAMA: A CHAMPION FOR ARTIST, THE ARTS, CULTURE, ARTS EDUCATION, COMMUNITY AND A PROGRESSIVE NATION

"THIS NATION WOULD SPIN INTO A 21st CENTURY LAND OF WONDER, IF CUSTODIANSHIP OF THIS PLANET, AND THE COSMOS WERE A PRIORITY, AND CREATIVITY FOR THE ENHANCEMENT & ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANITY, WAS A MAJOR PART OF OUR LIFE'S MISSION"

XENOBIA BAILEY

"THEM" IS MY WORDS ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF CREATIVITY.... LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF JOY & HAPPINESS IN THIS COUNTRY GOOD FOLKS!!!...... AS FAR AS I SEE IT,... IT'S ALL ABOUT OPENING UP A HEALTHY FLOW OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION OF THE PEOPLE,... FOR THE PEOPLE..... WE'VE BEEN DAMNED SO LONG,... IT SEEMS LIKE A LIFESTYLE CHOICE.

A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS FROM PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BARACK OBAMA

Our nation’s creativity has filled the world’s libraries, museums, recital halls, movie houses, and marketplaces
with works of genius. The arts embody the American spirit of self-definition. As the author of two best-selling
books – Dreams from My Father and The Audacity of Hope – Barack Obama uniquely appreciates the role and
value of creative expression.
A PLATFORM IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
Reinvest in Arts Education: To remain competitive in the global economy, America needs to reinvigorate the
kind of creativity and innovation that has made this country great. To do so, we must nourish our children’s
creative skills. In addition to giving our children the science and math skills they need to compete in the new
global context, we should also encourage the ability to think creatively that comes from a meaningful arts
education. Unfortunately, many school districts are cutting instructional time for art and music education.
Barack Obama believes that the arts should be a central part of effective teaching and learning. The Chairman
of the National Endowment for the Arts recently said “The purpose of arts education is not to produce more
artists, though that is a byproduct. The real purpose of arts education is to create complete human beings
capable of leading successful and productive lives in a free society.” To support greater arts education, Obama
will:
􀂾 Expand Public/Private Partnerships Between Schools and Arts Organizations: Barack Obama will
increase resources for the U.S. Department of Education’s Arts Education Model Development and
Dissemination Grants, which develop public/private partnerships between schools and arts
organizations. Obama will also engage the foundation and corporate community to increase support for
public/private partnerships.
􀂾 Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama supports the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artists
trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstrated
that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across the
curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.
􀂾 Publicly Champion the Importance of Arts Education: As president, Barack Obama will use the
bully pulpit and the example he will set in the White House to promote the importance of arts and arts
education in America. Not only is arts education indispensable for success in a rapidly changing, high
skill, information economy, but studies show that arts education raises test scores in other subject areas
as well.
Support Increased Funding for the NEA: Over the last 15 years, government funding for the National
Endowment for the Arts has been slashed from $175 million annually in 1992 to $125 million today. Barack
Obama supports increased funding for the NEA, the support of which enriches schools and neighborhoods all
across the nation and helps to promote the economic development of countless communities.

by Obama for America
Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers – representing our values and ideals
– can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States
Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic
ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists
can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources
for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama will work to reverse this trend and
improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.
Attract Foreign Talent: The flipside to promoting American arts and culture abroad is welcoming members of
the foreign arts community to America. Opening America’s doors to students and professional artists provides
the kind of two-way cultural understanding that can break down the barriers that feed hatred and fear. As
America tightened visa restrictions after 9/11, the world’s most talented students and artists, who used to come
here, went elsewhere. Barack Obama will streamline the visa process to return America to its rightful place as
the world’s top destination for artists and art students.
Provide Health Care to Artists: Finding affordable health coverage has often been one of the most vexing
obstacles for artists and those in the creative community. Since many artists work independently or have nontraditional
employment relationships, employer-based coverage is unavailable and individual policies are
financially out of reach. Barack Obama’s plan will provide all Americans with quality, affordable health care.
His plan includes the creation of a new public program that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy
affordable health care similar to that available to federal employees. His plan also creates a National Health
Insurance Exchange to reform the private insurance market and allow Americans to enroll in participating
private plans, which would have to provide comprehensive benefits, issue every applicant a policy, and charge
fair and stable premiums. For those who still cannot afford coverage, the government will provide a subsidy.
His health plan will lower costs for the typical American family by up to $2,500 per year.
Ensure Tax Fairness for Artists: Barack Obama supports the Artist-Museum Partnership Act, introduced by
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). The Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow artists to deduct the fair
market value of their work, rather than just the costs of the materials, when they make charitable contributions.

ANNIE LEIBOVITZ: A PHOTOGRAPHER'S "(sure-nuf-real)" LIFE 1990-2005 BROOKLYN MUSEUM ARTIST TALK / ARTIST MOTHER & CHILD (The real job!..)

SORRY THAT IT HAS TAKEN ME SO LONG TO POST THIS ARTIST TALK OF ANNIE LEIBOVITZ AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM IN 2006,.. BUT... YOU KNOW HOW PROJECTS CAN GET LOST IN THE SHUFFLE OF EVERYDAY LIFE....

I WENT TO HEAR ANNIE LEIBOVITZ BE INTERVIEWED BY THE MUSEUMS DIRECTOR AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM DURING HER EXHIBIT, A PHOTOGRAPHER'S LIFE 1990-2005..... I REALLY ENJOYED HEARING ANNIE LEIBOVITZ SPEAK ABOUT HER LIFE, WORK AND EXPERIENCES... BUT...WHAT I REALLY REALLY ENJOYED WAS SEEING ANNIE LEIBOVITZ THE PHOTOGRAPHERS LIFE WITH HER FAMILY AND ONE OF HER THREE CHILDREN.... THIS WAS A REAL ARTIST/MOTHER & CHILD MOMENT FOR ME....

MOTHERSHIP... IS A "MOTHA"... "YOU GO" ANNIE LEIBOVITZ!!!.....MY HAT'S OFF TO YOU....