Art and Soccer Unite (thanks to Covenant)

Above, James Gathings, writer and photographer form Art Works 945, was a big help in setting up our exhibit for Covenant Presbyterian's Alternative Gift Fare. Beverly Cowan and Sam Hunt were other artists in attendance who were a big help. Sam actually graced us all with a baritone "Amazing Grace" rendition to close the evening.


The same evening Covenant honored our soccer team. Nine players and two coaches were introduced to the large crowd. Below goalie Scythe Fewell poses for a phot with a young fan who rocks his same style Gothic-T. Nice skull and crossbones!

Thanks to Covenant for their leadership and support. They raised 200 for the soccer team at the dinner in additon to the support they and their members give us year-round.

Homeless Awareness Month

The above pictures show Pop, an emerging artist and leader at Art Works 945, as well as Amil Livingston, putting in time at night helping to hang other folks paintings for the art show last weekend. Pop lost a $10 bet with me over the show. Pop didn't think he'd sell a paintings. He sold three paintings for around 400 dollars. No fluke, Pop is a sensitive and talented artist, both visually and musically.

Below is Super Hero social worker Megan Coffee at the Candlelght Vigil which took place during the same week as the Art Show and openned Homelessness Awareness Month. We lit candles for those who died on the street in 2006.

Don Luis turns 69!

The latinos at the Uptown Men's shelter call him "Don Luis" out of respect for his service to the community (he is the primary advocate and translator for latino residents at the shelter). They also call him "Don" out of respect for his education. Luis Hernandez can tell you stories of his youth when he sang flamenco songs with his family in Cuba where he grew up in colonial fashion as the son of the ambassador to France. Luis speaks five languages and was in training to become an ambassador himself. At 18 he enlisted in the military, without telling his father, to fight for the Batistas against Castro. Luis might easily have avoided service; indeed he had to hide his name so as not to be plucked from his batallion on account of his pedigree. As everyone knows, Castro's coup was succesfull. Consequently, Luis spent 20 years in prison as a politcal prisoner.

When released Luis came to the states with his wife whom he married while encarcelated. She died shortly after they arrived in the US. She was diabetic and had no idea.

The bright side Luis's story is the gentle warmth, good manner, and faith with which Luis confronts the world. The sad part, or at least the frustating part is his current situation. Luis was robbed and lost his green card. He is owed social security for the many years he worked in the US, but cannot collect without ID. Luis's reapplication has taken every wrong turn possible, and the elderly gentelman is need of an immigration lawyer to help resolve what should be a straight forward case. If you know of someone who can help, please contact Lawrence Cann at 704 926 0618.

The picture here is when I and Art Works 945 artists celebrated Luis's 69th brithday last month at the men's shelter.

YOGA classes start!

On Wednesday, November 8th, we had our first YOGA class at Community Works 945 in the art gallery. Debbi George from Yoga for Life instructed the class. She was assisted by Jessica Tolbert and Cathy Corey. As I tried to set an example for listening and taking Debbie's word to heart , hoping for others to buy into the class, I couldnt help but grin as I looked around. I saw Tony with his biker gloves and pony tail trying to sit indian style and pretend to be serious. Then Cleo pointed out that everyone's pinky toes were popping out of their socks because we all had dirty old socks on. Besides the goofiness, what emerged from the class was everyone's trust in Debbie's calming words. Also the leadership of Cleo and Tammy, two of the center's longest term clients, stood out more than anything in my mind. It truly was an amazing first class to see yoga taken from a typical studio to the floors of the old soup kitchen. The community of volunteers, neighbors, and staff all together relaxing with our bodies weightless was the very image of safety and security--even if that hour was all the saftey and security most of the participants would have until the next class. -ROB
Come join one of our three classes next week. Tuesday at 3, Wednesday at 12:30, and Thursday at 3:30. All classes are in the Community Works Building at 945 N. College Street.