Cafe Huntington

Project Description:
Cabell County Public Library would like to bring the Bright Star Touring Theatre to do a performance of “We Can Do It: American Women in History” in mid-September. The play explores the lives and work of notable American women–from Amelia Earhart and Laura Ingalls Wilder to Helen Keller and Susan B. Anthony. The play celebrates the courageous, confident women who have helped shpe our country into the land it is today. The production includes themes of perserverance, integrity, and patriotism as well as covering standards in history, social studies, and arts & humanities. It is geared for children in grades 2 to adults. Bright Star Touring Theatre is a national professional touring theatre company based in Asheville, NC. It will be touring in our area during the week of September 13-17th and it’s a great opportunity to have them perform here. The cost for the show is $495. Bright Star serves more than 650 audiences annually with a variety of programs.

Project Importance:
It is important for the children of Cabell County to learn about notable American women. The theme supports the curriculum in the school and exposes children to live theatre. This play will inform and inspire children who do not get enough opportunities to see live theatre performed by professional actors. Additionally, since the play will take place at the Library, books on the women depicted in the play will be on display, encouraging further reading on the topic.

How Money Will Be Used:
We will use the funds to pay for the performance. The library staff will advertise the performance by sending an artile to the Herald-Dispatch, by publishing an article in the library’s newsletter, “Library Connection,” and by distributing fliers. The performance will also be posted on the library’s web page and on facebook. Local schools will be notified by email. The audience will be asked to evaluate the performance through a short and easy to understand evaluation form that will be handed out.

3 Month Goal:
We will engage Bright Star Touring Theatre for a date in mid-September.

Project Description:
MU International Tuba Euphonium Association Grant

Project Importance:
I would like to present on the behalf of the Marshall University Chapter of the International Tuba Euphonium Association for which I serve as faculty advisor. This group primarily serves as a financial mechanism to promote these musical instruments and promote music education in the region.  We typically sponsor three annual events.  The first is in October, our Octubafest which consists of two concerts: A Solo Night and “Tubaween” featuring our tuba and euphonium ensemble.  In December we host an All-State Clinic to prepare local high school students for upcoming All-State auditions.  Third, we host an annual Tuba & Euphonium Day which features university tuba & euphonium ensembles from the region and guest artist(s) of international prominence.  All events that we host are free of charge to the public.  We also are involved in commissioning new works and fund student trips to musical events and regional concerts.

How Money Will Be Used:
100% of the grant will be used to fund events which are free to the pubilc, new musical compositions, and student travel.

3 Month Goal:
The grant will immediately go to fund Octubafest, our Composition Contest, and student travel.  Our Tuba & Euphonium Day occurs in early April.

Project Description:
My project involves pursuing my love of glass in a safe working environment, increasing my skills as a glass artist and joining art organizations to become involved in the artist community. I would also like to educate the community about this form of art through demonstrations at various community functions and local art festivals.

Project Importance:

This is more than a project to me; it is the beginning of my career. Since my first and only class I took I have become truly passionate about the art of melting glass and being able to create something beautiful over a flame. I am constantly thinking of what I can make next, I see colors and patterns differently, and I think of glass constantly. You can see some of my work on my blog http://beaduniquebykari.blogspot.com/.
My husband and I have invested money into this love of mine hoping to turn it into a business, but as time passed funds started running low. Over the past 5yrs we have lived on a tight budget so that I could stay home with the kids and there isn’t much extra financially. This grant would help me to progress my career as a lampworker and eventually start our own business.

How Money Will Be Used:
Money from the grant will be used in the following ways:

1. Making my home studio safe. Ventilation, fireproof floor and backsplash are needed to make my studio workable. I am currently unable to work for long periods of time due to fumes from the glass itself and the gas used in the torch. I will also be able to teach one on one class once my ventilation is adequate. My husband and I estimate $125.00 will allow us to complete these tasks.
2. Taking advanced lampworking class from Marco Jerman. She was my first instructor and I could learn different advanced techniques and get help in areas I have trouble with. She charges $25/hr but yet she is also very generous with her time, you can see her at http://www.liquidlightcenter.com/glass.html#studio_classes.
3. Paying for fees associated with two different art organizations. First the tri-state art council which would allow me to bring a different art form to the community through a well established group. Secondly, the International Society of Glass Beads (ISGB) http://www.isgb.org/. Being a part of this group would give me free publicity; I could attend glass conferences and receive discounts at certain glass shops and enter juried contests throughout the world. The cost of both is $85.00.

3 Month Goal:
Over the next 3 months the first thing we will do is make my studio a safe place to work. I will keep track of the progress we make on my blog and have pictures to share. I will also teach a few one on one classes to those that have already requested a class. Secondly, I will prepare to submit my items to both the tri-state art council and the ISGB. My items will be sent in by the juried dates they set. I should know the outcome from the ISGB within the 3 months, still unsure of the tri-state art council’s date yet. Finally, I will participate in as many local community and art events possible. I will also prepare and have a show to sell and take custom orders of my handcrafted beads and jewelry in early November.

I have big dreams and look at the glass art world as endless. My husband would like to learn the art of making his own sterling silver components using a relatively new materiel called PMC, precious metal clay. Once again all he needs is proper ventilation. These components would complete a full line of handcrafted jewelry that we would begin our own business with. I would love to learn more and teach more, there are endless possibilities in the glass art world. There are classes that kids could be offered such as mosaics and stained glass. I would love to find others that are interested in glass and by me being able to pursue my career it will help the artist population by bringing something new to the table. It will inspire others to try something new and create their own art with glass. I have a lot of ideas for future plans, but for now a few simple things will help me continue this path of becoming an artist.

pictures to come!

My idea is to bring 2-4 youth (aged 10-12) fencers to the Bluegrass Fencing Club ( http://www.bluegrassfencers.com/ ) in Lexington, KY in October or November to work with a top level coach, Amgad Khazbak who is working with the #1 U-16 fencer in the world, Lee Kiefer.  The children would stay overnight so they would get at least two days worth of group classes and individual instruction.  I have been working with three kids twice a week since last August.  I would continue to do so between now and when the trip takes place (in late October or November) so they will be prepared both physically and psychologically to take the maximum advantage of the instruction provided.  After the trip, the children would give back to the community by showcasing what they learned through a public demonstration at the Cabell County Public Library Monday night story hour.  They may also do demonstrations at their respective schools and elsewhere on request.

First, fencing is excellent training in discipline, balance, coordination and sportsmanship.  I learned to fence beginning at the age of 10 through a program in my public school and it helped me get through a key point in my growth and prepared me for other sports.  Fencing has been called “chess on stimulants” so it also encourages the development of thinking processes.

Second, the ideal time to learn to fence is between the ages of 10-12 as children are the most receptive to instruction during that age span.  I learned to fence at that age, and when I started fencing again five years ago after a 25 year break I quickly became one of the best fencers in the area due to my having learned correct habits the first time.

Third,  learning sports skills from the best teacher available, would teach the youth the correct habits the first time.  This would maximize their chances of developing to the full extent of their abilities and motivations.  I was very fortunate in that my first teacher became one of the top fencing coaches in the U.S., earning the first medals for U.S. fencers.  I would like to give the youth I work with the same opportunity.  Coach Khazbak has been very successful doing so as you can see from the success of his students on the national and world levels of competition: http://www.bluegrassfencers.com/instructors.htm

http://www.fencing.net/1656/featured-video-kiefer-for-gold/

Last, fencing allows the opportunity for self-expression through the local chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism.  It also helps people learn about history when they demonstrate period fencing techniques and explain their historical context.

How Money Will Be Used:
Would use the money first for instruction for the children, $10 floor fee for non members, $15 per student for a 1-2 hour class, $30 for a 20 minute individual lesson with Coach Khazbak.

I would explore the possibility of a group rate/package deal or attending a scheduled camp in order to maximize training for our budget.

Next, the money would go to lodging, which would be $73 a night for two hotel rooms at the Red Roof Inn within two miles of the club, or $135-160 or a two room suite at the Comfort Inn or Homewood Suites within a mile of the club.

Third, money would go to food for the fencers.  While a minimum of two adults (one male and one female) would attend, they would pay their own way as would any younger brothers or sisters who might come along as well.

3 Month Goal:
As the participants already have the required equipment, the money would be used only for training in Lexington.  We would wait to make the trip until late October or November so the youth would be best prepared physically and psychologically to take full advantage of the training provided.

Also, as I coach soccer and at least one of the possible participants plays soccer during the fall, waiting until after the season frees up our weekends.

My name is April Morrison and I’m a Fine/Graphic Artist from Huntington. I’m a graduate from Marshall University and I have worked in practically every conventional medium available to me and a few not so conventional ones. Over the years I have developed a true passion for oil painting, figure drawing and photography. However, I am very low on supplies, models and a suitable space to do anything other than digital photography.
I’m throwing my hat into the ring because I have a vision of a project that I would love to do but I would need more painting supplies to accomplish it. I have a 30 X 40 canvas that is primed and ready for a new painting and if I had the means to do so I would make it a magnificent one.