An Exhibition of Art Made by the Women of Ashé

FEATURING:
Danielle Miles, Valentine Pierce, Dollie Rivas, and Karel Sloane-Boekbinder

March 31- April 14th, 2008

Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA


For more information call: (504) 569-9070

Danielle Miles
Raised in the Heights in Houston, TX, Danielle Miles is an old soul articulating the truth
of art through a child's eyes. Always drawn by the arts, from dance to piano, drama to
music, visual art became her vigilant companion as she has progressed into a phenomenal
artisan sought after for her unique creative perception.

Often dreaming of the shapes and hues in her work before it reaches the medium, Danielle
does more than simply paint pictures or craft graphic designs. She seeks the soul in the
silhouette, the music in the mélange of life's collage, and to rescue the color from the
flatness of mere photographed memories. Her work leaves a lucid legacy of interpretation
that obligates the observer to remember that art is a freedom and depth of life that manifests
when truth is fearlessly embraced.

She infuses reverence of her ancestors into her creations continuously, being conscious
of their presence, influence, and importance in her life; generations of her family's women
speak through every curve and color of her works. Often known as an introverted, highly
focused work-a-holic, Danielle loses herself in what she does because to her, this "work" is
her joy, her passion, her bridge to her past, and her flight into her future.

Valentine Pierce
Is a poet and performance artist. Her creative and journalistic writing has been published
throughout the U.S. and she has been featured on radio programs and cable television
programs. Recent publications include Callaloo and Yawp: a journal of poetry and art.

Pierce has frequently produced her own shows, including “It’s Personal,” for which she
received a grant from the NOJHF. In its review of the “From a Bend In the River" anthology,
which included Pierce's, "Rivers of My Soul," the Times-Picayune called her one of the
stalwarts of the New Orleans poetry scene. The poem was also choreographed by the
Newcomb College for Women dance department for the inauguration of Tulane University’s
president. She is a member of the collective, Uprooted: The Katrina Project. Pierce’s
collection of poetry, “Geometry of the Heart,” is available from PortalsPress.com

Dollie Rivas
Is presently a Dance Educator at Audubon Charter School, where she has taught now for
20 years. She is Audubon Charter Schools 2007-2008 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Rivas was
also Teacher of the Year at Audubon Charter School in 1998-99. In addition, Ms. Rivas
teaches Seminar in Movement and Advance Movement for Theater students at the University
of New Orleans and presents Arts Integrated workshops for Teachers at Ashé Cultural Arts
Center. She is currently directing The Origin of Life on Earth/An African Creation Myth which
is produced by Ashé Cultural Arts Center/Efforts of Grace, Inc.

Ms. Dollie Rivas received her B. F. A. in Choreographic Design/Dance Education a minor
in Art at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She earned an M.A. from the University of
Houston/clear Lake City. She has traveled throughout the United States and Europe as a
teacher, performer, and choreographer. Ms. Rivas is also a member of the National Dance
Education Organization.

Karel Sloane-Boekbinder
Karel, Assistant Producer for the Ashé Cultural Arts Center, is a playwright, author, actor,
filmmaker and painter. At Ashé CAC, Karel assists with stage management, all aspects of
assistant producing, and, arts instruction. Karel has been acting professionally for over
21 years. Current performance work can be seen in the upcoming Spike Lee film "Miracle
at St. Anna" (as "Herb's Wife") and the thriller by the Swider Brothers "Girls Gone Gangsta"
(as "Teeth.")

Karel was employed for almost 10 years as a designer and potter’s apprentice by Gail
Markiewicz Studios, a nationally recognized Connecticut based artist.
http://www.gmceramicart.com/

An Abstract Expressionist, Karel is inspired by her surroundings and her studies of
mythology; she draws her inspiration from her environment-what she hears and sees,
both natural and human-made, city to countryside. Karel has exhibited art-work in
Connecticut, Louisiana, Nebraska, Georgia, Tennessee, Maine and California. Karel
perceives the earth as a great inter-connected garden. She desires to use art to preserve
all the beauty she encounters in this garden. Beauty can be found everywhere. Each of
us has a personal connection to nature, and it is through our personal connections to nature
that we will be able to beautify the planet. Karel’s goal is to use her assembled inspirations
to alter how we perceive nature, our connection to it, and the impact our actions have on it.

Changing the Story of Women
Begins by Sharing Our Stories!

This is the call of the Red Tent.

Inspired by Anita Diamant’s novel, The Red Tent is a major
feature of V-Day to the Xth’s SuperLOVE in the Superdome
on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th. The Red
Tent is a space and time to honor our stories and promote
healing.


Every 90 minutes, story-sharing events will take place in V-Day’s Red Tent
grounded in the stories of women from the Gulf South.

V-Day’s Red Tent is the collaboration of the creative energies of Paulette Cole of ABC Carpet &
Home, V-Day, NOLA Playback Theatre, and Ashé Cultural Arts Center. The design of the Red
Tent events borrows most strongly from the Story Circle Process as developed by Junebug
Productions, New Orleans, and Playback Theatre (http://www.playbacknet.org/). The
Story-sharing events have been shaped especially for V-day by Red Tent facilitators including
Anne-Liese Juge Fox of NOLA Playback Theatre (Red Tent Curator/Organizer), Kathy Randels
of Art Spot Productions, Stephanie McKee of the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center, Nan Crawford
of Nan Crawford & Co., and Adella Gaultier.

The Red Tent Calls You! Volunteers are needed to help lead story circles of 8-10 people for each
event. The more leaders present in V-Day’s Red Tent familiar with Story Circle Process, the
more fluid and meaningful this experience will be. Story Circle Process is a valuable tool for
many educational, artistic, and community activities. Come learn this process in a free training
and be part of this exciting event in the Superdome!

What: Red Tent volunteer training

When: Sunday, March 30th 3:15-5:30 (please be on time)

Where: Ashé Cultural Arts Center (http://www.ashecac.org)
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
(between Euterpe and Felicity)----ample street parking

who: All those familiar and new to Story Circle Process who are interested
in volunteering in the Red Tent for V-Day to the Xth April 11th and 12th in
the Superdome

For Questions: Please contact Anne-Liese Juge Fox
504-258-0335
anneliese.fox@gmail.com

Be part of the solution
and not the problem!

March 28 - April 4, 2008

Day 1 - Promote Respect & Tolerance
Day 2 - Manage Your Anger
Day 3 - Resolve Conflicts Peacefully
Day 4 - Support Safety
Day 5 - Unite in Action

Event sponsorships, volunteers and donations are welcome. Join us and become part of the solution.

contact High Voltage at:
info@highvoltageyouthcamp.org


High Voltage Youth Camp
Post Office Box 4224
New Orleans, LA 70185
highvoltageyouthcamp.org

Please join us for a Central City Partnership Meeting
As we explore how to bringing CENTRAL CITY Back to Life!

FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2008 at 1:00 PM

At 2020 JACKSON AVENUE
IN THE FIRST FLOOR AUDITORIUM
(ENTER ON SIDE OR REAR)

For more information contact:
Audrey M. Browder, Chair
Central City Partnership
2020 Jackson Ave.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
(504) 875-5140

The Institute Of Women & Ethnic Studies Invites You To
An Evening For Women & Girls by Women & Girls

Inspirational Speakers, Stress Relief Session

Learn about HIV/AIDS, Breakout Sessions
Child Care Available!


Thursday March 20, 2008
6:00 - 9 PM

Children's Defense Fund
1452 N. Broad Ave.
New Orleans, LA

Between Esplanade and Bayou Roads

Dinner will be provided
Info/RSVP: Jennifer Glick, Institute Of Women & Ethnic Studies
jglick@iwesnola.org or call 504 301 3690
www.iwesnola.org

For more information contact:
Deanne DePass Feaster
Founder & Visionary
Liberation Spirit Wellness
www.liberationspiritwellness.com

When: Monday, March 17, 2008, at 10:00am

Where: Ashe' Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

Who should attend? The community, especially
providers, agencies and grassroots organizations
who closely support or extend direct services to sexual
assault and domestic violence survivors and women and
children at risk.

Sponsored by Hands on New Orleans, Richhans Consultants
and Ashé Cultural Arts Center

"Inspiring the world, living dreams and growing community" Featuring Mama Charlotte O'Neal

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm

Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113

ADMISSION FREE





Mama Charlotte O'Neal at UAACC Imbaseni Village, in Tanzania
Photo by Dr. G. Faraj

Please join us for a discussion about the United African Alliance Community Center
(UAACC), it's mission and youth outreach programs in East Africa and America. This
multi-media discussion, lead by Mama Charlotte O'Neal, will include spoken word
selections from her latest album "My Life…Already Full," and her new poetry book
"Warrior Woman of Peace." Mama Charlotte O'Neal will also have several films and
music videos available to screen by young East African filmmakers that will comprise
an exciting and informative film festival.

Films include:
Hip Hop Colony, by Russell Kenya and Michael Wanguhu
The Power of Poetry by ClanTash
Dada, by Wanori
Ghetto Radio, by Buddah Blaze
Spittin' Truth through Music, by Mama C
Ni Wakati, by Russell Kenya and Michael Wanguhu

Music videos includes:
United States of Africa
Mr. Politician
Rasta Cool

Additional films and videos will be announced.
For more information please visit:
www.uaacc.habari.co.tz or google the United African Alliance Community Center.

Volunteer tax preparation services will be available:

Friday, March 14, 2008
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
New Orleans, 70113

(504) 569-9070



IRS employees will be helping people whose incomes are $40,000 or less to prepare and
electronically file their federal and state tax returns.

Taxpayers must have valid photo identification and Social Security Cards (or Individual
Taxpayer Identification Numbers) for themselves, spouses and dependents. They should
also bring this year’s tax package (if available), wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2),
interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099), a copy of last year’s return, and any other
information concerning their income and expenses for tax year 2007. For joint, e-filed
returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Taxpayers should ensure their Form W-2, Wage Statement, will be mailed on time to the
correct address by their employers. If in doubt, their employer should be contacted. If the
employer is no longer in business or is unreachable, taxpayers should collect the employer’s
name, last known or current address (including zip code) and tax identification number and
call the IRS Help line at 1-800-829-1040 for assistance.

The IRS also reminds taxpayers that Social Security cards for every person shown on the tax
return will be required in order to receive tax help at a volunteer assistance site. They should
contact their local Social Security office for more information regarding Social Security Numbers.

Ashé / Side by Side - “Recrafting Our Lives and Our City Together.”

To confirm attendance contact: Gwen at (504) 569-9070 or ashecac@gmail.com

Saturday March 8, 2008
12:00 PM

START: Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. @ Felicity Street
END: Louis Armstrong Park

Music by: New Birth and Free Agents Brass Bands

The Katrina Warriors Network, a network of community activist dedicated to helping
women and girls living in New Orleans and the Gulf South, or returning there, rebuild their
lives. The Katrina Warriors Network is working collaboratively with V-Day to unite, activate,
involve, and transform the women the of the New Orleans and Gulf South community, forming
a structure that will last through the rebuilding and beyond. Our “Jumping in the Pink” Parade
will celebrate this effort and launch the Katrina Warriors Network community Festival leading
up to V To The Tenth.

V-Day will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary and honor the women of the Gulf South on Friday
to Saturday, April 11-12 with performances, art, speakers, and more at the New Orleans
Arena and LA Superdome including Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Common,
Rosario Dawson, Jane Fonda, and thousands of women and men from around the world.
Visit vday.org for info and tickets.

For additional parade information contact:
Barbara Lacen-Keller Cultural Outreach Coordinator (504) 253-1364

PARADE ROUTE

Start: Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center
Disband: Armstrong Park

Start at Felicity St. & Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., to M.L.K Blvd., make left and go
to Simon Bolivar, make right. Street becomes Loyola Ave. Proceed to Canal St. Make
right onto Canal St. for one block to Rampart St. Make left onto Rampart St. to and go
to St. Ann St. Make left into park.

For Oretha Castle Haley Merchants & Business Association Members,
O C Haley Main Street & Surrounding Area Businesses

Businesses Starting as Low as $50

For More Information Call
(504) 606-5353 or (504) 528-1806 or Visit Us at:

O. C. Haley Merchants & Business Association
Venus Gardens Condominiums Bldg
1712 O. C. Haley Blvd; Unit 302
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 528-1806

Located Behind Ashé Cultural Arts Center

IRON LADIES OF LIBERIA
by Daniel Junge, Siatta Scott-Johnson,
Henry Ansbacher and Jonathan Stack

SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2008
5:00 PM

Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70113
FREE Admission

With unprecedented access, this intimate documentary goes behind the scenes with
Africa's first freely elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, president of Liberia.
The film explores the challenges facing the new president and the extraordinary women
surrounding her as they develop and implement policy to rebuild their ravaged country
and prevent a descent back into civil war. (60 minutes) A short discussion will follow the
screening.

Invited Speakers:
GRETA GLADNEY, Executive Director of The Renaissance Project
DEB COTTON, Author of "Notes from New Orleans"

Hosted by the CHARITABLE FILM NETWORK, Ashé Cultural Arts Center, Public Broadcasting Service, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Independent Television Service.