By Interim Director Bart Buch and Artist/Board Member Angela Barrera
A Party Invitation:
We had a hard year last year, in many, many ways. Covid-19, economic hardship, violence, addiction, police brutality, social unrest, and homelessness have all increased the neighborhood’s fear and isolation. One good thing that came out of the emergency of the uprising last year was getting to know new neighbors and looking out for one another during troubling times. We hope and feel better times are coming, Spring is arriving, and we at Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts have an idea, An Invitation! We want to help create better times with new connections, strengthening existing connections, and increasing community trust using art and parties – Art Parties! to celebrate together and continue looking out for one another.Â
In March, Semilla Center started hosting these art parties on the first Wednesday of the month, first online while it was colder outside, then we will meet in person outdoors May – September, and move indoors in person in October or November. The parties are a place to create things, to chat, to eat, to dance, to space out, to smile, to celebrate, to meet neighbors, to share information about where we live together, and to create solutions together for a healthier and safer neighborhood, this year and beyond. We are starting by making simple lanterns at the parties and lighting them in our windows and on our porches every Wednesday night to remind each other we are keeping the lights on for each other, we are here for each other. Anybody in Phillips can attend but we are also focusing outreach on a small area around the Semilla Center, from 26th St. to Lake St. and Bloomington to 14th Ave. S.
Dates for the Art Parties are:
First Wednesday of the Month, 5:30-7:30pm at locations in Midtown Phillips TBD soon.
May 5, June 9, July 7, August 3*, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1
*The party on August 3 will be on a Tuesday night for National Night Out.
Semilla Center will provide funding for Party Hosts, Artists, and Musicians for these Art Parties:
-Hosts will be Midtown Phillips neighbors that provide food and drinks, and coordinate with Semilla staff and artists to host the Art Party in a designated space. Hosts will receive $333 for each party.
-Artists will design and create a lantern-making art activity with Phillips neighbors at the Art Party in coordination with Semilla staff. Artists will receive $333 for each party.
-Musicians will play music or DJ for the Art Parties in coordination with the Semilla staff. Musicians will receive $333 for each party.
If you would like to be an Artist, Host or Musician or if have any questions you can write to us at semillacenter@gmail.com. Please put Art Parties in the email subject line and propose what you would like to do as a Host, Artist, or Musician. To stay updated on the parties, check out our website at semillacenter.org or at Semilla Center on Facebook.
Thank you!
Hope to see you at the parties!
Bart Buch and Angie Barerra
Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts
